Local Jewish middle and high school students came together to learn about Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School (Muss) program.
This event, held on Sept. 6, was hosted by Congregation Beth Shalom; The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; Congregation Beth Torah, and New Reform Temple and was attended by 50 teens.
“It was such a pleasure to collaborate with local colleagues and our sponsors from Jewish National Fund-USA on this ‘Israel Kick-Off Bash,’” said Ben Novorr, Beth Shalom’s director of youth and family programming, who helped coordinate the program.
Muss describes itself as the “only pluralist, college prep, fully accredited program where high school students from the United States and across the globe study abroad together.” Students in the program study Israeli and Jewish history in Israel while continuing their general studies from their high schools at home.
Students who participate live either on Muss’s main campus in Hod HaSharon (only 20 minutes from Tel Aviv) or its southern campus in Be’er Sheva. The campus’ proximity to major Israeli cities helps students experience daily Israeli life.
At the local event, attendees heard from two local Muss alumni, Emma Sandler and Kennan Segal, on a panel moderated by Leah Snitz, an upcoming Muss participant.
“I went because my dad went in the 1980s,” Segal said. “I thought it was time for me to take the next step in my Jewish journey, and it was the best experience of my life.”
During the academic year, Muss offers both a two-month “mini-mester” and a full semester study abroad option. During the summer, the program offers a traditional six-week program, an “Explore Israel” option focusing on the land and people of Israel, a “Roots Israel” option that focuses on tikkun olam (repairing the world) and community service opportunities, and an “Entrepreneurship” option that introduces teens to Israel as a startup nation.
Sunny Cohen, Muss’s Israel Program admissions director for the Midwest, and Sierra Debrow, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s community planning associate, also shared financial assistance opportunities that may make the program more affordable for students to attend. Among these options are two local opportunities – Passport to Israel and the Rabbi Gershon Hadas Guardian Society for Jewish Children (Guardian Society).
Passport to Israel is a savings incentive program designed to help families plan for their children’s high school trips. For every $200 invested from 3rd to 8th grade, the Flo Harris Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation will match $100. Many local congregations also will provide matching funds during these years.
The Guardian Society provides need-based assistance to individuals participating in summer or long-term (three-month or longer) Israel programs. Those interested in more information about these programs should contact Andi Milens, chief planning officer of the Jewish Federation, at .
In addition, Jewish National Fund-USA’s Boruchin Center recently launched its Dream Israel Teen Travel Initiative, which enables students to earn up to $7,500 in grant money for Israeli study abroad programs by fundraising for projects that support the land and people of Israel. More information about the initiative is available at jnf.org/dreamisrael.
More information about Alexander Muss High School In Israel programs is available at amhsi.org or contact Sunny Cohen at .
