Muss Matters

Episode 12: In this episode of Muss Matters, educators Danny Stein and Reuven Arye Weisberg reflect on the unique challenges of teaching and guiding American teens in Israel during times of conflict. They explore the emotional and educational support students need, the power of presence, and the strength that emerges from adversity. Despite the difficult circumstances, the resilience, courage, and maturity of our students shine through, reminding us of the impact that Muss can have on the next generation.

This episode features Muss Educators, Danny Stein & Reuven Arye Weisberg.

Episode 11: On June 13th, Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. In the aftermath, Israeli airspace was closed and the country shifted into emergency routine. In this episode, we hear firsthand from three students on the Camp Stein Big Trip as they reflect on their intense experiences over the past week, including dealing with air raid sirens, staying confined to campus, and grappling with the pluses and minuses of being constantly connected on social media. Their voices offer a powerful glimpse into what it means to be an American teen in Israel during a time of crisis. This episode features students Avery Winston, Michael Simon, & Cassidy Langford. All students are now home in the United States.

Episode 10: In this episode, we chat with students from Mercer Island, Washington, about their time on the eight-week Muss Mini-Mester program. They share what led them to join the program and talk about the powerful impact of the immersive experience, such as visiting the Kotel, studying Torah all night during Shavuot, and meeting Holocaust survivors. Justen and Zachary also reflect on the strong support they received from their Madrichim (counselors), the close-knit community they became a part of, and how the journey helped them grow in maturity, independence, and social confidence.

This episode features Muss students, Justen Bienstock and Zachary Hyman.

Episode 9: In this episode, we hear from four remarkable students from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland. These teens reflect on how their lifelong Jewish and Zionist education shaped their identities and how their experience at Alexander Muss High School in Israel brought it all to life. From hiking to volunteering to deep group connections, and of course unforgettable food, they share the highlights of living and learning in Israel. The episode concludes with a thoughtful look ahead, as they discuss how their experiences have prepared them for Jewish life and advocacy on college campuses around the United States.

This episode features students Adam Bachrach, Lily Rulnick, Joseph Vaisman, and Kaelyn Rashti

Episode 8: Join 3 of our teens as they explore the powerful intersections of community, mindset, and personal growth, reflecting on their time at Muss. From the quiet strength of kibbutz life at Kibbutz Keturah to the deep bonds formed within their kehillah (group) through the challenges they have faced, they share how this journey shaped their perspectives and helped them grow, not just as individuals, but as part of something larger.

This episode features Muss students on the Milken Tiferet program, Hana Rad, Joelle Elias, & Ella Okhovat.

Eliana Shaham and Lucy Shulkind join us on this week's Muss Matters to discuss the Milken Tiferet Program at Muss. They open up about the personal growth and challenges they've faced while living and learning abroad, and offer powerful reflections on what it's like to be in Israel during Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day). Their stories bring to life the emotional depth, community connection, and transformation at the heart of the Muss journey.

This episode features Muss students on the Milken Tiferet program, Eliana Shaham and Lucy Shulkind.

Episode 6: Join Muss Educator Yossi Silverman and Spring '25 student Adam Vinokur as they delve into Adam's personal journey to Poland during his semester abroad in Israel. Together, they explore Adam's unique family connection to Poland and the profound lessons he learned about Jewish life before and during the Holocaust. Discover how this transformative trip offered Adam a deep sense of power, identity, and resilience, reshaping his perspective on his history and heritage. This episode features student voice, Adam Vinokur, a high school sophomore from Toronto, Canada.

Episode 5: In previous episodes, we explored where to begin teaching Jewish history. In this episode, we dive deeper into the significance of teaching Jewish history in Israel. Join us as we examine how geography influences and shapes culture and discover how Muss uses these elements to challenge and engage students in unique and impactful ways.

This episode features Muss Educators, Yossi Silverman & Danny Stein.

Episode 4: Dive into the experiences of our current spring students as they explore the history of Zionism through our intensive Zionism Seminar. Hear how they're connecting with the past, preparing for a transformative journey to Poland—a signature feature of the Muss Semester Experience—and reflecting on the powerful lessons they're gaining along the way.

This episode features students Ella Segev, Eden Rothblum, Netta Magnus, & Jonathan (Yoni) Dadon.

In this episode, Muss educators explore how they approach teaching Jewish history at Muss. A thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of Jewish history, identity, and education.