Muss Blog

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

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!