Muss Blog

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

Joy Atkens - Spring Semester 2025 | February 6, 2025

A Powerful Beginning at Muss

My first week at Muss has been nothing short of powerful. I’ve met so many amazing people from all over America (and Canada), and I’ve already made so many meaningful memories. I'm learning a lot about myself and the history of my people in my

Ella Segev - Spring Semester 2025 | January 30, 2025

My First Week at Muss

This first week here at Muss has been nothing but surreal and beyond exciting.

Devorah Simon - Fall Semester 2016 | January 15, 2025

Flash Forward 8 Years...

My name is Devorah and I attended Muss during the fall of 2016 with Gann Academy. As cliche as it may sound, my time at Muss had a profound impact on who I am today and helped shape my Zionist identity. The experiential learning and teachers were

Hannah Shaw - Fall Semester 2024 | December 5, 2024

“The Best Four Months”

As my time here at Muss is coming to an end, I find myself looking back at the past three and a half months in awe of all the amazing things we have done as a group. Just the other day, we were in Tel Aviv, packaging food and delivering the packages

Alumni Spotlight

Hadley Cohen - Spring Semester 2024 | November 18, 2024

My High School Journey to Israel - An Alumna Spotlight

For four years, I counted down the days until I could embark on my journey to Israel with Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss). I’d grown up hearing my mom’s incredible stories from her time there, so I was desperate to experience it.

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | November 15, 2024

Fall 2024: Reflections on Poland & Back in Israel

In the past week, the group returned from a deeply moving trip to Poland, where they explored the history of the Holocaust and the profound strength of the Jewish people during one of the darkest times in our history. Their experiences in Poland

Taylor Michel-Wolf - Fall Semester 2024 | November 14, 2024

Visiting Auschwitz with Muss

My recent trip to Poland was an unforgettable experience, one that showcased both the tragic history of the Jewish people and the enduring strength of the Jewish community as a whole. I had the opportunity to visit Auschwitz, Majdanek, and the

Alumni Spotlight

Maddie Friedman - Spring Semester 2024 | November 11, 2024

How a Semester in Israel Changed My Life - An Alumna Spotlight

In January of 2024, I left everything and everyone I knew for a semester abroad in Israel thousands of miles from home. Little did I know how this experience would change my life and turn me into the person I am today.

AMHSI Staff & Educators

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | November 1, 2024

Fall 2024: Preparing for Poland - A Unique Semester Experience

This past week has been a relaxed blend of studies and fun on campus, highlighted by a meaningful talk with historian, author, and former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. We also look forward to an important journey ahead, as next Monday our

Ruth Nassau - Fall Semester 2024 | October 31, 2024

The Importance of Community

When I first decided to come to Israel for a semester, I never imagined that the most worthwhile thing I’d get out of it would be my friendships. Initially, I was most excited for a new experience abroad. But as we reach the halfway point in our

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | October 10, 2024

Fall 2024: Commemorating October 7 in Israel

This week marked a year since the face of our community was once again changed forever. On Monday, October 7, we gathered at Kibbutz Magen, where we had the privilege of meeting Segui Arad, a member of the security team who defended the kibbutz on

Alexander Muss High School in Israel | September 27, 2024

Fall 2024: Welcoming Rosh Hashanah in Israel

As we prepare to welcome Rosh Hashanah here in Israel, we reflect on the lessons of our past, especially the profound impact of sinat chinam (baseless hatred) on our history, particularly regarding the destruction of the second Bet Hamikdash (Holy