The next generation of Jewish leaders aren’t just learning about their heritage—they’re sharing it with the world. On the second episode of “Muss Matters,” Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s new podcast, students took creative control, discussing everything from Jewish history to their life-changing experiences in Israel.
The recently launched podcast reflects the school’s dedication to providing students with innovative academic enrichment opportunities. It empowers students to explore new communication tools while allowing them to reflect on their life-changing semester abroad.
While the podcast will typically feature a mix of Muss students and educators, this episode was entirely hosted and led by students. Hosted by Adam Vinokur, a student from Ontario, Canada, the discussion started with a thought-provoking question: Who is the holiest person you know?
Vinokur’s answer was deeply personal. “He was not a rabbi, but he was one of the strongest people I knew,” he said of his late grandfather. “He beat cancer four times, and through it all, he had nothing but a smile on his face, always trying to pass down his wisdom.”
Noa Gottdenker, from Los Altos, Calif., also chose someone close to home. “To me, holy means selfless or pure, so I would pick my mom,” she said. “She just does everything for everyone in my family, and she never thinks about herself.”
Beyond these heartfelt reflections, students talked about their action-packed time at Muss. The program is known for blending a rigorous accredited academic program with a unique experiential Israel-studies curriculum that uses the land of Israel as a living classroom, enabling students to keep up with their American coursework while creating a lifelong connection with their heritage and homeland.
The trips mentioned included climbing Masada and crawling through Bar Kochba caves to a spending special Shabbat in Jerusalem. Lindsey Deshur, from Highland Park, Ill., recalled her experience in the caves. “It was a lot of fun,” she said. “I liked the fact that we were all in it together.”
Netta Magnus from New Orleans discussed her Shabbat in Jerusalem with her peers. “I thought it was really meaningful to be there together. For some in our group, it was their first time in Jerusalem. And even as someone who had been before, it was very special to be with the people we’re living with for four months.”
With several months left in the semester, future podcast episodes are sure to feature even more thoughtful discussions of Judaism and tales of adventure at Muss.
Episodes are available on Spotify and Apple podcasts, as well as at: amhsi.org/mussmatters. To learn more about Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s semester, mini-mester and summer programs, visit: amhsi.org.