As the daughter of a graduate of JNF’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel (High School in Israel)program, Sarah-Anne Seligman always had the option in the back of her mind.
“He had the best time ever,” Seligman explained when asked about her father’s experience in the program in the 1980s, “and still keeps in close touch with his friends who went with him.”
After her bat mitzvah, Seligman was presented with material about the High School in Israel program (which is celebrating its 48thyear) and decided to keep the family tradition alive.
“I decided to apply to Muss,” she said, “because I always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and I figured that religion was bigger than myself and I chose to be a part of it here.”
Applying in October of 1919, Seligman was invited to attend in the Fall of 2020.
Though she admittedly entered with low expectations, Seligman has found the program to be challenging and inspiring and already feels that is has prepared her well for her future.
“I feel challenged and prepared for college,” she said, noting how much time management skills are encouraged in the program.
“There is always something going on in the dorms and sometimes I have to sacrifice socializing for homework.”
Seligman has also grown closer to her faith and to other members of the Jewish community while in Israel.
“I…never felt anything like this before,” she said. “I think this program definitely helps prepare for…different cultures.”
Though the pandemic has limited Seligman’s access to much of the country (though not to much of the program which is available online at amhsi.org), she was adamant that the program and the country are perfectly safe.
“I have NEVER felt unsafe or threatened here. Case closed,” she said. “I would tell anyone who is wary about going to Israel to come because you have never seen or done anything like it before and you feel so connected to something so much bigger than yourself.”
Seligman also credited the program staff with helping her transition and her general feeling of ease.
“The Muss team made everything such an easy transition,” she said. “I have had no worries besides the occasional homesickness.”
And while she may miss her home, Seligman also credited the High School in Israel program with offering her a new home in the Jewish State.
“I feel [a stronger tie] to Jewish people and to G-d,” she concluded. “I came with an open mind and everything here has worked itself out in such a meaningful way. I would definitely recommend this program because, not only do you make so many good lifelong friends, you also become closer with yourself and your religion and challenge your opinions and beliefs.”
This piece was written for Jewish National Fund (https://www.jnf.org/menu-3/news-media/jnf-wire/jnf-wire-stories/high-school-in-israel-prepared-me-for-college)
