Muss Blog

Student stories, staff perspectives, and study-abroad tips from the Muss community.

Latest Posts

Muss Staff & Educators

September 25, 2026

Old Traditions and New Adventures

From meaningful moments and traditions to exciting adventures, beautiful views, water activities, and lots of laughter, this week was full of unforgettable experiences for the Barrack students.

Muss Staff & Educators

September 24, 2026

Resilience & Reflection

This week took our students from the streets of Jerusalem to the communities in the Israel envelope, and finally to a sunrise above the Dead Sea. Along the way, students found moments of reflection, listened to personal stories, and bonded as they

Student

Scarlett Kramer | September 22, 2026

How a Summer in Israel Strengthened My Jewish Identity

By Scarlett Kramer, Alumna, Muss High School Israel Summer 2026

Muss Staff & Educators

September 17, 2026

Yam L’Yam: From Sea to Sea!

The week began spent in classes and settling back into the usual campus routine following last week’s Shabbat experience. But by Tuesday morning, the teens left normal campus life behind as they set off on one of the most transformative and

Muss Staff & Educators

September 10, 2026

From the Classroom to Masada

It’s been another busy week for Barrack, from math tests and history quizzes, to bowling, art, and Rosh Hashanah celebrations. Not to mention meditating in the desert and a 4am wake-up call for Masada!

Muss Staff & Educators

September 10, 2026

A Week of Celebration, Reflection, and Jerusalem

It’s been another very full week for the Muss Fall Semester! With Rosh Hashanah approaching, the week was spent exploring Jewish tradition and celebration. On Monday, students made candlesticks from clay, learning about the significance of lighting

Muss Staff & Educators

September 3, 2026

Starting to Feel Like Muss!

Barrack students have settled in amazingly. This week has been a great combination of being together, acclimating to life on campus, and experiencing what it means to spend a semester living and learning in Israel. Students have officially been

Muss Staff & Educators

September 3, 2026

Finding Their Footing (and Heading North!)

The fall semester is officially underway! After all the introductions, unpacking, and settling into campus life, this week has given our students their first real taste of what life at Muss is going to look like over the next four months—engaging

Student

Einav Garten | August 5, 2026

From Silicon Valley to Israel: A Semester That Changed Everything

By Einav Garten, Muss alumna Spring Semester 2026

Muss Staff & Educators

July 30, 2026

Saying Farewell to Muss Summer

This week, our Muss Summer 2026 story came to a close as we said goodbye to our Classic, Entrepreneurship, and Explore students. After a summer filled with discovery, friendship, growth, and unforgettable moments across Israel, watching our teens

Muss Staff & Educators

July 24, 2026

The Adventure Continues

When Muss Classic and Entrepreneurship weren’t in class, they spent the week together surfing, kayaking, traveling, and experiencing Israel as a living classroom. From Bat Yam to the Golan Heights, the two groups learned about the history of Israel

Muss Staff & Educators

July 16, 2026

Let The Games Begin!

All three summer programs participated in color war this week. The competition consisted of different games and activities, culminating in the ultimate dance battle. Following the games, our summer students attended the Big Tent Event in Rishon

Muss Staff & Educators

July 10, 2026

First Week with Muss Summer

The first full week with Muss summer was packed with incredible experiences and team building activities.

Muss Staff & Educators

May 27, 2026

Missing Muss Spring Semester

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,

Muss Staff & Educators

May 15, 2026

Saying Goodbye to Muss Spring 2026

It was a week of mixed emotions for the Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) Spring 2026 students as they celebrated the last week of classes and wrapped up their last full week on the Muss campus.

Muss Staff & Educators

May 8, 2026

AP Exams, Farming, and Free Time, Oh My!

For many of our students, this week has been about preparing for and taking AP exams, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty of time for trips and fun!

Parent

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe | May 5, 2026

The Semester That Changed My Daughter’s Jewish Identity

Last August, our family of four packed whatever we could fit into our two cars, ready to drop off both of our daughters in a single day. The first stop was JFK airport, and then on to the University of Maryland. But that wasn’t the only gamble we

Muss Staff & Educators

May 1, 2026

Eilat of Adventure: Muss Students Take the South of Israel

Muss students ventured down south this week on a 3-day tiyul (trip) to experience the magic of the desert and Israel's Red Sea! On their way, the group stopped at Beta Israel to learn about the history of the Ethiopian Jewish community and hear

Muss Staff & Educators

April 24, 2026

From Remembrance to Independence

This week, our students experienced the full emotional arc of Israel’s national holidays—moving from remembrance to celebration—while deepening their connection to the land, its people, and its story. In anticipation of Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s

Muss Staff & Educators

April 16, 2026

Connecting to the Past & Looking to the Future

As we marked Yom HaShoah together, this week was one of deep reflection, learning, and connection—giving our students meaningful opportunities to engage with history, honor memory, and strengthen their understanding of the Jewish story.

Muss Staff & Educators

March 26, 2026

Preparing for Passover

Even in the midst of ongoing challenges, our students continue to demonstrate resilience, compassion, and a strong sense of community—balancing their academic responsibilities with meaningful experiences, wellness, and opportunities to give back.

Muss Staff & Educators

March 19, 2026

Stories from an Israeli Intelligence Officer

Even in challenging and uncertain times, our students continue to show remarkable resilience—supporting one another, staying engaged in their studies, and finding moments of joy, connection, and growth each day.

Muss Staff & Educators

March 12, 2026

Staying Active on Campus

The past week has been an eventful one. Even with Israel’s complex situation, our students have shown incredible resilience, continuing their full academic programming, including Israel Studies and General Studies classes, throughout the week, all

Muss Staff & Educators

March 5, 2026

Staying Safe with Pride, Joy, and Resilience

Even amid the difficult and complex situation in Israel at the moment, our students continue to show resilience, unity, and incredible spirit. There is something truly powerful about watching them choose joy, connection, and positivity during

Student

Micah Smith | February 26, 2026

Remembering the Holocaust

On Thursday, we went to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Remembrance Museum. We learned all about the history of the buildup of Nazism and how the Jews were treated during the Holocaust. Reading about the different stories and seeing videos of the bodies

Student

Maya Anavim | February 26, 2026

A Typical Week at Muss

This week at Muss, we had the amazing experience of crawling through Bet Govrin, caves that were used thousands of years ago, followed by staying in the middle of the desert at Kfar Hanokdim and learning about the Bedouin people, the Arab minority

Muss Staff & Educators

February 26, 2026

Heading South in the Winter

It was an exciting week for both our spring and January students, filled with joy and learning.

Student

Zoey Mendez | February 19, 2026

Trekking Up Masada

During this past week, we had many trips filled with memories. Starting on Thursday, we went to Jerusalem and toured a couple of museums. On Friday, we woke up bright and early at 4:15 AM to trek all the way up the snake path to Masada and watch the

Student

Chloe Foster | February 19, 2026

Shabbat in Tzfat

On Friday, we went to the Sea of Galilee and had a quick lesson from our teacher about the history of the area. We then also saw mountain goats! We then spent Shabbat in Tzfat! We first had a challah-making class, and when it was done, it tasted

Muss Staff & Educators

February 19, 2026

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.

Student

Emma Kurzman | February 12, 2026

Beyond the Text: Exploring the Meaning of Tel Aviv's Street Art

Within the past week, our group has traveled to Tel Aviv, expanded our understanding of Jewish history and culture, and had an open weekend during which we experienced Shabbat with many different families, seeing firsthand how each family has its

Student

Daniel Ashar | February 12, 2026

Bearing Witness at Nova

This week at Muss, we visited the Israel Envelope (formerly known as the Gaza Envelope) and saw the murals in Sderot depicting the tragedy of October 7. Afterwards, we went to a site called Tkuma, where we saw hundreds of destroyed cars riddled with

Muss Staff & Educators

February 12, 2026

Experiencing Resilience in Israel's South

It's been a beautiful winter here in Israel. It has been really special to see how comfortable the students are with one another and how strong the group dynamic has become.

Student

Adi Sinay | February 5, 2026

Exploring Southern Israel

This past week was full of educational and relaxing trips, and lots of time to spend with friends. We went to Ir David in Jerusalem and learned about the old city, and the next day went down to the Negev to spend a relaxing Shabbat in the desert. We

Student

Cela Einhorn | February 5, 2026

A Taste of Home

This week on Muss created some core memories for me. We started with a Tiyul on Thursday to Tel Azeka, where we had had a very slippery hike. Lots of my friends got mud all over them and were falling all over the place (me included). We had a yummy

Muss Staff & Educators

February 5, 2026

A Tu BiShvat Feast

As we move into our third week together, it has been really special to see how comfortable and engaged the students have become. They are settling into a routine and showing real curiosity and openness in everything they do. This week, we continued

Student

Abigail Martin | January 29, 2026

An Impactful Start

During my six days in Israel on Muss, each day brought something new and meaningful. On the first day, we arrived, unpacked, and shared dinner together as we settled in. Day two was orientation, where we toured the area before traveling to Jerusalem

Student

Ely Waxman | January 29, 2026

An Action-Packed First Week

This week was an action-packed and unforgettable beginning to our adventures in Israel. We started by setting foot on campus, unpacking our belongings, organizing our rooms, and learning the school rules during an opening assembly. Not long after,

Student

Sarah Korff | January 15, 2026

Lessons from a Nursing Home in Israel

My recent summer studying at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) was a truly transformative experience. In addition to the bonds, memories, and souvenirs I gained during my short but memorable time attending the

Alumni Spotlight

Leah Bolotina | December 22, 2025

Why Studying Abroad Changed My Life

Before going to Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), I had never been to Israel. I didn’t have any relatives living there, so most of what I “knew” about Israel came from the news — and unfortunately, much of that was filled with hate,

Student

Hilley Buhnik | December 18, 2025

One Final Hike

This past week at Muss, we had the opportunity to visit the city of Eilat. We spent the weekend surrounded by the Red Sea and dramatic desert mountains, creating memories in a truly special setting. Our trip began on Wednesday with a meaningful day

Muss Staff & Educators

December 18, 2025

A Light in the Darkness

It’s a beautiful winter Chanukah week here in Israel, with rainy nights, sunny days, and windows glowing with menorahs on every street.

Student

Avi Mezistrano | December 11, 2025

Visiting Tel Aviv and Yafo

Last week at Muss, we went on two tiyulim, but my favorite one was our trip to Tel Aviv and Yafo. We began in the Florentin district, which is famous for its graffiti and public artwork. There, we learned about the development and unique character

December 11, 2025

Exploring Israel's South

We began our week with three days on campus continuing our study of modern Israel, focusing on the Oslo Accords and the Second Intifada.

Jeremy Steinhart | December 4, 2025

Jewish Identity in Tel Aviv

This week in Tel Aviv was honestly one of my favorite days so far. We walked all over the city where Rav Kook lived, and it felt like the whole place had a crazy energy.

December 4, 2025

Giving Back to Israel

We are having a beautiful week here in Israel. As we continue our studies, we are delving into the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, the refugees, the PLO, Israeli settlements, and more.

Sydney Press | November 26, 2025

"Nothing Short of Amazing"

Even though our semester is starting to come to an end, our weeks here are still nothing short of amazing.

November 26, 2025

The Blessing of Rain

The climate of the Land of Israel is “Mediterranean,” which means long, hot, and dry summers followed by cool, rainy winters. Each year, we never quite know how much rain will fall, and our ecosystems and agriculture depend deeply on these showers.

Jonah Duitch | November 20, 2025

The Best Experience of My Life

One memorable moment this week was when we were in the middle of Tel Aviv walking around with a note sheet, asking random people on the street questions. One of the questions we asked was, “Would you ever leave Israel to live somewhere else?”

November 20, 2025

The Start of Israeli Independence

Winter is slowly making its way to Israel, bringing cool evenings, crisp nights, sunny days, and our first heavy rainfall of the season.

Layla Youssefnia | November 13, 2025

Walking Through Poland

I first heard about Muss from my older siblings and cousins, who all described it as life-changing. From the moment I arrived, I knew why. I’ve already built friendships that feel like family and discovered new meaning in what it truly means to be

November 13, 2025

Never Forget

We are very happy to be back writing to you from the land of Israel.

Ben L. Hirsch | November 6, 2025

The Best Week Yet

This week was honestly one of my favorites so far. We watched Schindler’s List and had some really powerful lessons about Poland and the Holocaust. On Thursday, we were scheduled to visit Yad Vashem, but the trip was canceled due to a religious

November 6, 2025

Visiting Poland

We are on the road once again — and this time, our journey has taken us much farther from Hod HaSharon. We have arrived in Lublin, Poland.

Student Blog

Tori Langman | October 30, 2025

The Power of the Kinneret

This past week at Muss was truly special. Even though we had a full week of classes, our trip was absolutely unforgettable.

October 30, 2025

Examining the Rise of Nazism

This week, our learning brought us deeper into the complex challenges and profound tragedies of the 20th century. We began by studying the era of the British Mandate in Palestine, the interim period following World War I in the land that is today

Student Blog

Nadav Yosef Ivan | October 23, 2025

Exploring the Center of Kabbalism

This week was such a fun and memorable one! On Thursday, we visited a crusader castle and then headed to Tzfat for Shabbat, where I roomed with three of my friends. We learned all about the rich history of Tzfat and even got to explore a bit of

October 23, 2025

The Rise of Zionism

After a holiday season filled with travel, celebration, and intensity, this week was a (relatively) quiet one.

Goldie Lackman | October 16, 2025

Right Where I Belong

When I came to Muss, I expected a school experience similar to what I knew back home — classes, learning, and the occasional field trip. But what I’ve found here has been so much more.

October 16, 2025

Celebrating the Hostages' Return

As we come to the close of the intense and joyful holiday season, our students have experienced a truly meaningful journey — both spiritual and personal.

Joaquin Reale | October 9, 2025

Fasting in the Holy City

Fully fasting for the first time in Jerusalem is definitely one of my biggest accomplishments of the program. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience to break the fast at the Kotel, surrounded by my friends. Although fasting isn’t exactly

AMHSI Staff & Educators

October 9, 2025

Giving Back on Sukkot

Chag Sameach!

Carmel Weiner | October 1, 2025

Our Morning Climb

This past week at Muss, we hiked Masada and floated in the Dead Sea—an experience I’ll never forget. The day we climbed Masada, we woke up at 4am to begin the difficult ascent in time to catch a breathtaking sunrise. Even though the hike was

October 1, 2025

Balancing History with Modernity

We are now well into this month of holidays and deeply engaged in our studies of Jewish history, Israeli society, and security.

Amaya Lior Hefer | September 25, 2025

A Hike Worth the Effort

Before heading off for Rosh Hashanah break, we had the chance to take on Yam L’Yam, a hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kineret. We started on Tuesday, and we quickly learned that the hardest part was pushing through the heat and the aching

September 25, 2025

Exploring the Second Temple Era

Wishing you all a good and sweet New Year!

Aden Silverman | September 18, 2025

Walking in My Ancestor's Footsteps

This past week will stay with me as one of my most significant moments at Muss. On Tuesday, our first tiyul day of the week, we had “Oct. 7 Day,” when we went to Sderot and the Nova Festival Memorial. Stepping into that space, hearing a survivor’s

September 18, 2025

From Sea to Shining Sea

I’m writing to you here from the peak of Mt. Meron on day 2 of our Yam L'yam- Sea to Sea trek.

September 11, 2025

Learning Tragedy and Experiencing Hope

Our journeys and studies continued this week through history, focusing on the landscape of Israel in 2025. In our semester studies we have divided our learning into four courses: Jewish History, Jewish Thought and Tradition, Israeli Society, and the

Ben Benshoushan | September 11, 2025

A Memorable Week

This past week was a roller coaster of emotions, from praying at the Kotel to hiking in beautiful mountains, then learning about the tragedies that happened on October 7 and bonding over them. While I visit Israel almost every year for two months,

Noa Linder | September 4, 2025

A Stunning Vision

One of the highlights this week was going up to the top of Mount Scopus. We were blindfolded as we ascended the mountain, and what I loved was that although I had been to Jerusalem before, I still felt an excitement about returning and having the

September 4, 2025

Israel’s Ancient History Comes Alive

We are only one week into our Fall Semester, and already the students are traveling the length and breadth of Israel—both physically across the land, and through thousands of years of Jewish history. With so many rich experiences packed into these

Muss Staff & Educators

August 25, 2025

Remembering Stephen Muss: A Dreamer Who Built a Lasting Future for the Jewish People

Stephen Muss (z”l) believed that true greatness lies not in what we build for ourselves, but in the legacy we leave for generations to come. The visionary businessman and philanthropist, who passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the age of

Sophia Mittelman - Summer Connect | August 7, 2025

A Shift in Identity

Traveling with Alexander Muss High School in Israel has transformed my Jewish identity and allowed me to embrace my connection with the homeland. Throughout the last two weeks, the Muss program has expanded our curriculum from classroom content to

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | August 7, 2025

Living Memories: Hearing from a Holocaust Survivor

This past week has been rich with meaningful experiences, powerful learning moments, and unforgettable connections to Jewish history and the modern State of Israel.

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | July 31, 2025

Masada and Jewish Strength

As we move deeper into our summer journey, this past week has been rich with learning, adventure, and meaningful encounters, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Jewish history and the modern State of Israel.

Maya Yacobi - Summer Connect | July 31, 2025

Shalom from Israel!

We started off in Hod HaSharon, settling into dorm life and getting to know everyone. From the moment we landed, it’s been nonstop exploring, learning, and just taking everything in. Our group has been a lot of fun—everyone’s super engaged and

Alumni Spotlight

Ariel Berger - Spring Semester 2025 | July 24, 2025

From New Hampshire to Israel: A Journey I’ll Never Forget

This past spring, I had the life-changing opportunity to attend Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, study abroad experience for American teens. The program allowed me and other teens from New

Nina Leff - Spring Semester 2023 | July 16, 2025

What I Gained From Studying Abroad in Israel

As a kid, you look up to your parents. You want to be just like them. You grow up hearing their stories, especially the ones from when they were young and did all these incredible things. For me, Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss) gave me

Maayan Amsterdamer - Fall Semester 2024 | June 27, 2025

How a Semester in Israel Helped Me Return to My Roots

Last fall, I spent the semester at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss), located in Hod HaSharon, just north of Tel Aviv. Before I arrived, I had heard the phrase “Hod is Home,” but I couldn’t understand how a place

Reuven Arye - Muss Educator | June 13, 2025

Eight Weeks of Magic

We are coming close to the end of this epic journey of exploration through Jewish history and the land of Israel—but we’re not slowing down!

Niko Deyerin - April Mini-Mester 2025 | June 13, 2025

Strength & Resilience in Israel

We started this week in Tel Aviv with a graffiti tour. As we walked through the colorful streets and painted walls, our teacher Reuven explained that many artists use graffiti to express political messages and personal stories. The art was a

Abigail Inglis - April Mini-Mester 2025 | June 5, 2025

Exploring Israel’s Heart and Soul

This week, our group headed to beautiful Tel Aviv for a walking tour of Neve Tzedek. We learned about how secular Zionism evolved in Tel Aviv. It was interesting to see how, in a very Jewish way, two very different sides of Zionism—the secular

Reuven Arye - Muss Educator | June 5, 2025

Shavuot in Jerusalem

We began this week with an unforgettable Jerusalem experience, celebrating the holiday of Shavuot in the heart of the city. As is custom in many Jewish communities—and especially in Jerusalem—we stayed up all night learning Torah and soaking in the

Charlie Friedman - April Mini-Mester 2025 | May 29, 2025

Shabbat to Shared Dreams

Following Yam L’Yam last week, we began with a well-deserved Shabbat in Beit Shemesh, joining our madrich, Nitzan’s, community. Each of us stayed with different Orthodox families and got to experience a full, authentic Shabbat. Personally, my

Reuven Arye - Muss Educator | May 29, 2025

A Powerful Week of Learning in Israel

This week has been full of powerful learning, deep reflection, and inspiring adventures.

Eliana Brizitski Anderson - April Mini-Mester 2025 | May 23, 2025

An Inner Strength

Ending last week and starting this week has been quite the journey. We left campus in Hod HaSharon on Friday afternoon. Once we arrived in Tel Aviv, we explored the pier before returning to the hotel, dressing up, and celebrating Shabbat together.

Reuven Arye - Muss Educator | May 22, 2025

April Mini-Mester on Yam L'Yam

We are writing to you from high in the Galilee Mountains after an amazing week together!

Natalie Farber - Spring Semester 2025 | May 22, 2025

Courage and Passion

This semester has truly been a life-changing experience—one that I know will stay with me in many aspects of my future. The friendships I’ve made, the independence I’ve gained, and everything I’ve learned will always be a part of me.

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | May 22, 2025

This Week: Yam L'Yam

This week was one of the most memorable and physically challenging experiences of the program – the long-awaited Yam L’Yam hike, crossing the country from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee.

Leah Smith – April Mini-Mester 2025 | May 15, 2025

A Day in the South

This week, we spent a day traveling through the south, visiting several places connected to the events of October 7th. It was challenging, emotional, and something we’re all still processing.

Talya Steinberg - Spring Semester 2025 | May 15, 2025

Tiyulim, Tel Aviv, and a Touch of Sun

This week started off strong—literally—with Gadna (army training). Normally a four-day course, it was condensed into just seven hours to fit our packed schedule. Even though some people stayed back to study for their AP tests (and it took me 20

Brady Jenness - April Mini-Mester 2025 | May 8, 2025

Dawn at Masada

I've always had a personal quarrel with Masada—a tension between my nocturnal nature and the site's demand for early risers who alone can witness its true splendor. My previous visits generated beautiful photographs that later inspired wistful

Reuven Arye - Muss Educator | May 8, 2025

Exploring Ancient Roots

The second week of the Mini-Mester has been filled with adventures, learning, and meaningful experiences. Though we are only two weeks into the program, it already feels like we’ve known each other for much longer. Perhaps it’s due to the long days

Cassie Berman - Spring Semester 2025 | May 8, 2025

From Sports to Service

Yesterday, we had our first tiyul (trip) in a while. We began the morning at Kfar Maccabiah, where we visited the World Jewish Sports Museum and learned about the history of Jewish sports over the years. Before coming here, I hadn’t realized how

Justen Bienstock - April Mini-Mester 2025 | May 1, 2025

A Meaningful Start

This week has been deeply meaningful. We’ve had a chance to connect with both the land and its people in a powerful way—from spending a short time working on a local farm (which reminded me a bit of Alaska with all the manual labor) to walking the

Reuven Arye - Muss Educator | May 1, 2025

Getting Started with April Mini-Mester '25

Wishing you a happy Israel Independence Day!

Olivia Schwartz - Spring Semester 2025 | May 1, 2025

Reflections, Remembrance, and Unity

This week in Israel has been incredibly meaningful. It began with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, when we honor the lives lost during one of the darkest periods in history. Exactly one week later, we observe Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial

Dr. Steve Kutno - Head of School | April 29, 2025

Israel’s Independence Day: A Celebration Built on Remembrance

The American teenager experiences national celebrations of remembrance and independence as a day off. They are touchstones in the calendar, Memorial Day marking the unofficial end of school, and Independence Day, the official kickoff of summer. Both

Alana Slade - URJ Fall Semester 2023 | April 28, 2025

How a Few Weeks in Israel Turned into a Lifetime of Activism

I first learned about Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s (Muss) Heller High program during my Hebrew immersion summer at URJ’s OSRUI, and I was immediately hooked. When I came home and told my parents about it, my dad was livid. I don’t remember