Resilience & Reflection
September 24, 2026
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 experienced each of these places together.
On Sunday, the group arrived at a hotel in the heart of Jerusalem for Erev Yom Kippur. After their last meal before the fast, students headed to their chosen synagogues for Kol Nidrei. The next morning was also spent at their synagogues for Musaf prayers before going back to the hotel to rest. After some reflection, the group walked through the beautiful streets of the Old City and gathered at the Western Wall for a powerful Neilah prayer to bring Yom Kippur to a meaningful end.
Tuesday brought a regular day of classes on campus, followed by a visit from Liav Maor. Liav is the sister of fallen soldier, Captain Itai Maor z”l, and generously shared her story with the students in preparation for this week’s upcoming visit to the October 7 memorials.
On Wednesday, the group traveled to the Israel envelope to learn about what life was like in the region before October 7, and how life had changed since. They visited Sderot, saw the Tkuma Car Memorial, and walked through the Nova festival site. There, they met survivor Sean Burnes, who shared his experience. This heavy day ended with the students traveling to stay overnight near Masada.
Thursday started early with a climb up Masada’s Snake Path. After strenuous hiking, the group reached the top just in time to watch the sun rise over the Dead Sea. They took photos, toured the site, and then headed back down to the Dead Sea for a chance to float, eat lunch, and relax before returning to campus.
It was a week that asked the students to listen closely and reflect deeply. From Yom Kippur prayers in Jerusalem to the stories they heard from Nova, and the sunrise they shared on Masada, each day offered a different way to connect with Israel and with one another.
