Israel under Roman Rule

This week was filled with meaningful experiences and special tiyulim (trips) that helped students deepen their connection to Israel and to one another.

We began the week on Sunday with a fun Valentine’s Day activity together with all the students. The evening was full of cute themed snacks and a great atmosphere. It was followed by a lip-sync activity that brought lots of energy and laughter and gave students the chance to connect across programs in a relaxed, joyful setting.

On Tuesday, our mini-mester students spent the day in Tel Aviv for an immersive experience. After an early departure, the students toured the city and explored its vibrant atmosphere. We visited Levinsky Market and experienced the culture and energy firsthand.

Concurrently, our spring students travelled to the ruins of the ancient Jewish city of Bet Shearim, a center of Jewish life and learning after the destruction. We explored the burial caves, adorned with stone carvings, and discussed the fateful decision to commit the Jewish oral tradition, the Mishna, to writing.

We also toured Tsippori, an opulent Roman-era city with a thriving Jewish community, beautiful mosaic art, and an ancient synagogue. We used art and architecture to explore questions about Jewish tradition and the balance between Jewish education and lifestyle and values, and integration and success in the cultures we live in.

On Thursday, the spring students studied the last futile Jewish rebellion for freedom, the Bar Kochba revolt, crawling through the rebels' caves and hideouts and visiting a gladiator arena, a symbol of Roman oppression and conquest.

For our mini-mester kids, Thursday was a powerful and meaningful day in Jerusalem. We visited Yad Vashem, where students toured the museum as part of the Edut program. The experience was impactful and reflective, and our group approached the day with maturity and respect. In the evening, students had dinner with participants of a Jewish National Fund-USA mission before returning to campus.

We are very proud of how the students continue to show openness, thoughtfulness, and care for one another while fully engaging in each experience.