Missing Muss Spring Semester ‘26

On Tuesday, May 26, Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) Spring Semester students boarded their planes and said goodbye to Israel. Saying farewell to the place that had become their home over these last four months was definitely emotional, but the memories and friendships created at Muss will last a lifetime.  

During their final week on campus, students took part in Yam L’Yam (sea to sea), the last major tiyul (trip) of the semester. This multi-day hiking exhibition across the country from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kineret was an amazing example of just how far the group has come both independently, and how they all work together. 

The hike began at Chof Dor, followed by several days hiking across northern Israel, through areas including Maarat HaEtzba, Har Alon, Nahal Tavor, and Menahamia. Over the course of the tiyul, students experienced the landscape of Israel up close and got to know the land personally and physically. 

Yam L'Yam was an incredible and important group experience. During the tiyul, students supported one another, managed long days outdoors, and spent their nights camping in tents. 

Afterward, the group returned to campus for a homecooked dinner and some well-earned rest. 

Students’ last Shabbat and Shavuot celebration was spent in Jerusalem. The city came alive with the holiday, and students enjoyed festive meals, free time explore, and Muss programming specifically designed to give the end of the semester a more reflective and communal feel. 

It was a full and extremely meaningful closing week, reminding all of us of how much the students have grown and experienced together over the course of the entire semester. 

As the students say, Hod is home. Even though we already miss Muss, we know it’s not goodbye forever. It’s only l’hitraot (see you later)!