Senior Capstone Trip Blog

April 27, 2025: Beita Yisrael 

After a long week in the south, we started our way back to Hod HaSharon. Before arriving, we stopped at Beita Yisrael, an Ethiopian village in Kiryat Gat. There, we were immersed in Ethiopean culture and food while simultaneously learning about the history of Ethiopians in Israel. We visited a memorial site for fallen Ethiopian soldiers from Beita Yisrael, contributed to building huts for the village, and tasted Ethiopian cuisine such as Injera. After returning to campus, we had sign-out time and prepared for the hard day to follow. 

April 28, 2025: Yad Vashem 

On Monday, we toured Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial museum. Although we weren’t able to view the whole museum, we saw new artifacts and learned new pieces of information that added to our knowledge from our Poland trip.

After our museum tour, we had the privilege of listening to the testimony of Yaffa Silberberg, a Holocaust survivor. After our time at Yad Vashem, we stopped to eat lunch in the museum cafe, then drove over to Aish Hatorah - the Yeshiva that JDS alumni Oliver Ferber (class of ‘23) currently attends. There, we spoke with Rabbi Ephy Greene and learned words of Torah from Rabbi Motty Berger. Later that night, we had free time to walk around Machane Yehuda. There we shopped, watched the Beitar Jerusalem versus Maccabi Haifa soccer game, and ate dinner before heading back to campus.   

April 29, 2025: Tel Aviv and Yom Hazikaron at Latrun 

After our day in Jerusalem, we dedicated a day to learning all about the history of Tel Aviv. From visiting sites such as Shuk HaCarmel and the Dizingoff Mall, to seeing where the Declaration of Independence was signed, we covered both cultural and historical spots in the city. We also had the opportunity to visit the former home of Israeli animator, Joseph Bau, a Holocaust survivor whose living space was turned into a museum by his two daughters. After a long day of touring the city, we made our way to Latrun for a very meaningful Yom Hazikaron tekes, where we heard from families and friends of fallen soldiers and the stories of victims of terror attacks.

April 30, 2025: Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha-atzma-ut

On Wednesday, Yom Hazikaron, we stayed on campus where we learned, discussed, and took part in a tekes organized by the different groups of students. 

We started the day by sitting in our different groups, reading testimonies from the loved ones of fallen IDF soldiers. We watched videos, read stories, and discussed for a few hours. After, we sat with our madrichim/counselors and teachers, who spoke to us about each of their different positions in the IDF. We heard about their experiences, the different units they served in, and they educated us about the IDF overall. 

Following this discussion, we gathered on the campus lawn, where we either watched or helped lead the Alexander Muss Campus Yom Hazikaron Tekes. Some students from the Class of 2025 spoke about Omer Balva z”l, while others laid down wreaths in honor of the American groups on campus. 

We had free time in the afternoon to process. Heading toward evening, unfortunately, wildfires had spread throughout central Israel (mainly in Jerusalem and the tank site - Latrun). Due to these unfortunate circumstances, our evening Yom Ha-atzma-ut celebrations were cancelled, but luckily, our campus staff worked hard to throw a party for us. We had a DJ, enjoyed a traditional falafel dinner, ate snacks and drinks, and had plenty of Israeli swag to dress up in. Although it wasn’t the celebration we’d hoped for, we all still made the best of the situation and danced all night long.

May 1, 2025: Yom Ha-atzma-ut

Thankfully, the unfortunate fires in central Israel did not affect our celebrations. We loaded the buses and made our way to the beaches of Herzeliyah, where we were able to relax on the beach together as a grade. The day was spent yelling “Over!” or “Under!” as the waves only grew in size, and came to a close with a delicious dinner of chicken and couscous.

Before we all turned in for the night, we had a grade-wide watch party of the JDS Zimriyah, where we cheered on the grades below us and secretly chose our favorites. Getting to see our well-loved tradition passed down to younger grades bonded us even closer together.

May 2/3, 2025: Free Weekend

On Friday and Saturday, we were given the option to leave campus for our final free weekend. We woke up late, and some of us went to visit family for the last time before leaving Israel, while others visited friends they hadn’t seen in years. Although it was somewhat emotional as it signaled the last weeks of the trip nearing, it was a wonderful opportunity to relax, reset, and refresh ourselves before the exciting, but nerve-wracking Yam el Yam that lies ahead.

Tuesday, April 22

Upon returning from Pesah break, we spent the night on campus in Hod HaSharon. The next morning, we packed for a five-day trip and set off toward the Negev in southern Israel. Our first stop was Ein Avdat, a national nature reserve, where we admired the stunning canyon and its layers of stone formed over thousands of years.

After lunch, we visited David Ben-Gurion’s kibbutz in Sde Boker, where everything was preserved just as he had left it. There, we learned a powerful lesson about the importance of leading by example. We ended the day at Ben-Gurion’s grave, reflecting on the legacy he had left behind. We finished the day with a BBQ and pool party at Kibbutz Keturah.

Wednesday, April 23

After waking up, we immediately departed for a place called Red Canyon near Eilat, where we did a short hike through the striking red rock formations. Midway through, we paused for a rock-stacking competition. (Joseph’s team won, of course.)

After the hike, we headed to Chai Bar, a drive-through safari just north of Eilat. There, we learned about the region’s wildlife and spotted animals like the Asian wild donkey, African wild donkey, Arabian oryx, gazelles, addax (white antelope), ostriches, and raptors.

Next, we visited a kibbutz known for its delicious ice cream and dairy products before returning to Keturah for some relaxing pool time. We ended the night with a ceremony commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, giving us a powerful glimpse into how Yom Ha-Sho-ah is observed in Israel.

Thursday, April 24

On Yom Ha-Sho-ah, we woke up early and made the 45-minute drive to Eilat. There, we hiked up Har Tzfahot, a mountain where, at the summit, you can see four different countries: Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

It was a beautiful and meaningful hike—at one point, we were asked to hike alone to reflect on how our ancestors may have felt walking through the desert.

After descending, we headed to the beaches of Eilat, where we had the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear water. We saw countless species of colorful fish and even a sea turtle. After snorkeling, we had free time to explore Eilat, including a visit to the famous Ice Mall. To end the night, half the grade embarked on an adventure to a viral shawarma spot, “Shawarma Momi,” where we enjoyed crispy fried pita stuffed with flavorful meat—it definitely lived up to the hype.

Friday, April 25

On Friday, an optional bike ride was offered at the kibbutz early in the morning at 5:00 AM. We had the chance to ride around the kibbutz, even getting close to the Jordanian border.

Afterward, we were driven to the sand dunes, where we had time to run around, jump, and play games like king of the hill.

From there, we headed to Mitzpe Ramon to visit the Ilan Ramon Museum. We ended the day at a hostel situated right next to the breathtaking Ramon Crater. That evening, we had the honor of welcoming Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat on the cliffs overlooking the crater—a sight none of us will ever forget. We then shared a Shabbat dinner and headed to bed.

Saturday, April 26

Shabbat was a much-needed day of rest and relaxation—the first time all week we were able to sleep in. The atmosphere was peaceful and slow-paced, giving us time to recharge both physically and mentally. Most of the day was spent enjoying simple pleasures: eating meals together, taking short walks along the edge of the canyon, and soaking in the quiet beauty of our surroundings. There was something special about being disconnected from our usual routines and just being present in the moment. 

As the sun set, we gathered for a moving Havdalah ceremony, marking the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week. Afterward, we departed into the heart of the crater for a night of stargazing. With no light pollution in sight, the sky was unbelievably clear. We lay on our backs, wrapped in blankets, gazing up at a sky overflowing with stars. We even had the opportunity to look through telescopes and learn about constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.

 

Hag Pesah Samei-ah! The arrival of spring and Passover means spring break for the seniors in Israel. During spring break, students did many different things. Some returned to the US to see their families. Others met family or friends in Israel to continue their exploration of the country. Still others traveled to other countries while already abroad.

This blog contains entries from Isabel Jacobs, Aviva Stern, Elisheva Babitz, Zev Mendelson, and Noa Grumet - all of whom spent their break in Israel.

Friday, April 11
My family came to visit me in Israel. We went to Ben Yehuda Street and the shuk in the morning. We bought tons of food in preparation for Passover as well as some souvenirs and Judiaca. We ran into many other JDS families also staying in Jerusalem which was a very nice surprise.

Saturday, April 12
I got to sleep in before having hamburgers with my family as our last meal before Passover began. The rest of the day consisted of relaxing and lounging around before the time came to get ready for our seder. My family and I went to my mom’s childhood friend’s house for seder. We got to hear countless stories from her and her parents about what making aliyah fifty years ago was like for them. 

Sunday, April 13
In the morning, my family and I went to the conservative synagogue and then walked to the Kotel in the afternoon even though it was raining. Shortly after getting back to our Airbnb, we all experienced our first sirens in Israel. We rushed to the stairwell and waited it out for a few minutes. It was alarming but also gave real insight into the reality of what living in Israel is like.

 
Monday, April 14
On Monday, we joined the Friedrichs, Zimmets, and Grumets and ventured to Shiloh (the location of the second temple before it was destroyed).

We saw life-sized models of the elements of the temple such as the alter, menorah, and cherubs. We also saw red heifers brought to Israel from a man in Texas. He had purposefully bred these red heifers so the tradition of using them to purify oneself after being in the presence of death from the second temple times may once again resume. 

At our next stop, we each decorated slabs of glass with smaller glass pieces that would be made into various plates and dishes. The woman who taught us how to decorate the glass using special tools and techniques ran the business out of her house after taking a risk by moving to Shiloh to follow her passion of art decoration. She explained the complexities of living in such a small community such as how the electricity didn’t always work and their water would sometimes shut off. 

For lunch we stopped at a vineyard where around half a million bottles of wine are produced every year.

In the afternoon, we did a jeep tour and had an excellent time on our very bumpy rides off-roading through the Judean valley. 

Tuesday, April 15
In the morning, we visited the old city of Tzfat and walked around learning about the passion and dedication people who live there have to the city and to learning Kabbalah. We saw two different shuls and spent time shopping on the street where merchants sell beautiful artwork, jewelry, etc. 

After lunch, we drove to Akko and visited the underground world of the Hospitaliers, a group of knights similar to the crusaders. 

Wednesday April 16
I went on a day trip from my hotel in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. There, I did a tour of the tunnels in the City of David. I then went to the Christian quarter and learned about Jesus and the origins of Christianity. This gave me insight into a part of Jerusalem’s rich history that I hadn’t previously studied. To finish off my day in Jerusalem, I visited an ancient cistern that still had live fish swimming in it. 

Thursday, April 17
I spent the day in Herzliya where my sister lives. We started off at the beach which was so beautiful! Later, we walked along the marina by the beach. There had been a children’s festival at the beach in honor of Passover - so it was very crowded - but it was meaningful to see such a big crowd come together to celebrate a Jewish holiday. 

Later, we went to a restaurant in Herzliya that had a Kosher for Passover dinner menu. We got wraps and were completely blown away by how delicious they were despite being kosher for passover! We explored the streets of Herzliya before heading back to my sister’s apartment to make a cheesecake together for dessert. I had an amazing time getting to visit my sister and the beautiful city she lives in. 

Friday, April 18
Today, I went to a Poel Tel Aviv basketball game. It was the team’s first game since winning the Euro cup, so the fans were extremely spirited. I loved being able to be alongside so many Israeli basketball fans who love the sport as much as I do!

Saturday, April 19

I spent Shabbat with my great aunt and uncle who live in Moshav Hemed, which is located near the airport. Throughout our meals together, I had meaningful conversations with them about my family’s history. With Yom HaShoa (Israel’s Holocaust remembrance day) approaching, I learned the story of how my great grandfather (z”l) survived the Lodz Ghetto and emigrated to Israel in detail I hadn’t heard before. My great-grandfather’s story was especially powerful coming from his son and daughter-in-law who knew him much better than I ever did. Living in the United States, I don’t get to have discussions with my family in Israel so often. As a result, I deeply treasure the moments and conversations we do get to have together.

Sunday, April 20

I spent the day at Dig for a Day in Beit Guvrin National Park, where I was able to explore underground caves from the time of the Maccabees. Then I toured the caves and learned the history of the artifacts found there. Later, I went to the Stalactites Cave located in the Judaean Hills. The caves are filled with icicle-type formations made from water that had been dripping through the caves for years. The stalactites gave the caves a magical feel. Throughout the day, I explored multiple underground caves in Israel and learned about their origins and applications. 

Monday, April 21

On Monday, I took the Israel Lightrail train from Giv’at Shmuel to Shuk HaCarmel (Carmel Market) in Tel Aviv. I explored the shuk’s variety of jewelry, food, Judaica, clothing, and more. I ended up purchasing some beautiful jewelry, and even negotiated a lower price. Later, I returned to Hod Hasharon where I could reunite with all my friends who I had not seen over the break. We also had a Mimouna celebration, which is a Moroccan Jewish tradition that marks the return to eating Hametz. We got to eat Muffuletta and Sfinge, Moroccan desserts often served during Mimouna. I had a vibrant day to close out the break! 

 

Sunday, March 30: 

Week six on the Irene and Daniel Simpkins Israel Capstone Trip started off with a beach day in Atlit doing team bonding exercises. Following that, we visited Akko Prison, where we learned about early migration to Israel. We then returned to campus and prepared for Haderech. 

Haderech is a ten day long community service program, where each of us were given the opportunity to choose between three different tracks: agriculture, IDF training, or volunteering with children who have special needs (Adi Negev Program). The three of us chose to participate in the agriculture program.  

Monday, March 31: 

The agriculture Hadarech track began with a bang, and on our first day we worked in a vineyard. There, we were able to clean an abandoned section of the vineyard that was not taken care of following October 7th, as well as rake sticks to make the vineyard cleaner. We also got to meet the owner of the farm who told us about his work and how volunteers like us were helping him maintain his farm during the war. Afterwards, we arrived at AMHSI’s Beer Sheva campus, where we will be staying for the rest of Haderech.

Meanwhile, the IDF Haderech track began by touring the IDF base where students would be staying and volunteering. The base is called Ovda, in a city called Shitim. At the end of the day, students were each fitted for their own uniforms.  

Additionally, the Adi Negev Haderech group was divided into two groups in which they were able to either work with rehabilitation animals on a field, or volunteer in the special education school as an assistant teacher.   

Tuesday, April 1: 

On Tuesday, the agriculture track headed to a cabbage farm where we helped plant hundreds of cabbage sprouts. Afterwards, we returned to AMHSI’s Beer Sheva campus where we participated in a group bonding activity. 

As for the other tracks, The Adi Negev group was also able to help assist on a farm, where they also spent time with rehabilitation animals. 

The IDF training track was truly able to learn about the IDF lifestyle, as at each of their meals they had the opportunity to meet and talk to IDF soldiers. They were also split into two volunteering groups for the day; half of them were responsible for cleaning IDF equipment, while the others organized food supplies. 

Wednesday, April 2:

On Wednesday, the agriculture group went to an abandoned tomato farm, where we cleared out the greenhouse. We split into three different groups: one to cut the abandoned plants, one to uproot the leaves and sticks, and the last to move all the bushes into a pile.

 

The Adi Negev group continued to work farming, working with animals, and serving as assistant teachers in classrooms.

The IDF track continued their volunteer work, as they assisted the base by cleaning equipment and helping to organize. They also continued to immerse themselves in the base by getting to know more soldiers. 

After all of our activities, both the agriculture and Adi Negev group had a bonfire where we roasted marshmallows and bonded as a grade. 

Thursday, April 3: 

We returned to the tomato farm on Thursday, however this time we helped re-tie strings onto already hanging strings in order to help re-establish the farm. As a reward for our hard work, we were able to pick fresh tomatoes and bring them with us back to campus!

Adi Negev continued to assist with the animals at a rehabilitation center. 

Thursday was an off day for the IDF group, who joined us at the Beer Sheva campus, reuniting with the rest of the grade who had already been staying there.   

 

FRIDAY, April 4: 

On Friday, all three Hadrech tracks had a more relaxed day at the HSI Beer Sheva campus. Before Shabbat, we participated in a scavenger hunt planned by our madrichim where we went to different locations around Beer Sheva, and ended the activity with ice skating at a mall. We spent Friday night together as a grade celebrating Shabbat. 

Saturday, April 5: 

We had another calm day on Saturday for Shabbat, where we were able to relax as a grade and enjoy Beer Sheva. We were able to visit a local park, and ended our day with a D’var Torah from HSI’s head of spirituality. 

Sunday, April 6: 

On Sunday, the agriculture group helped out at a bean farm. As a group, we were able to fill an entire truck worth of beans. 

As they have been doing, the Adi Negev group continued to build connections with the kids they are working with, and have become integrated into the school’s program. 

The IDF group helped organize an IDF base in central Israel, sorting through supplies like food, weapons, and clothing. 

Monday, April 7: 

The IDF track was based on a warehouse where they helped reorganize materials. Later, they were able to see the inside of an old tank. 

In the agriculture group, we weeded melons near Klahim, ensuring that they receive enough nutrients to grow. There was a competition between who could unroot the most melons, and the winners won ice cream! 

The Adi Negev group continued to work in their classrooms, strengthening their relationships with the kids.

Tuesday, April 8: 

Tuesday was the last day of Haderech, and the agriculture track closed out their volunteering by picking lemons. We even had the opportunity to make lemonade! At the end, we sat together as a group and reflected on how our perspective on the food we eat has changed after volunteering in agriculture. 

The Adi Negev group finished their volunteering with children in classrooms, and said goodbye to the kids they had been working with for the past week. During lunch, they had time to reflect on their volunteering experience. 

The IDF group volunteered on an IDF intelligence and training base. While there, the group helped the base clean and organize their materials in preparation for Passover. 
 

Sunday, March 9

After a nice Shabbat weekend, we left Tzfat early in the morning to visit the Reali School in Haifa. We were divided into small groups, each paired with a few diplomacy students to show us around. We had small group discussions with the students and were given the liberty to discuss any to all topics. Many of the students shared their plans for the next year which ranged from joining the IDF to attending a university. We then had pizza together with the students and were able to continue talking freely with them. In the afternoon, we continued group discussions regarding key differences between the U.S. and Israeli cultures and daily life. We talked about what it means to be a Jew in the U.S. versus Israel. 

Monday, March 10

This was day one of Your Way: a three day long program that allowed us the chance to choose our own “way” to explore contemporary life in Israel. We were able to choose between Outdoor Adventure, Arts and Culture, and Entrepreneurship. 

On day one of the Outdoor track, we hiked up the Judean Mountains and then had the chance to rock climb and repel down cliffs.

For those in the Entrepreneurship track, we went to the Perez Center to learn about what it’s like to be a fighter jet pilot in the IDF and had the chance to try out the flight simulator for ourselves.

Students in the Arts and Culture track had a busy day taking a graffiti tour in Tel Aviv, a food tour in the Carmel Market, and a silent disco dance tour through Tel Aviv. 

Tuesday, March 11

On the second day of the Outdoor program, we went to Beit Yam to take a surfing class and chill on the beach. Then, we went to the forests to do Paratrek, a program that helps wheelchair users go on hikes. It was such a meaningful experience as it helped expand our knowledge of disability. We discussed the importance of communication and how asking for help is one of the best things an individual could do to succeed in life. 

In the Entrepreneurship track, we went to Machane Yehuda, and learned about pickling foods to decrease waste products. We were then able to make our own pickles! 

In the Arts and Culture track, we started off the day with a speaker. Roy Shefi, an author who writes books for people who don’t like to read, spoke to us about his career and life. We then went to a flight simulator in Cinema City. And, finally, we participated in a drum circle with Mayumana, a dance/music group based in Herzliya.  

Wednesday, March 12

On the third day of the Outdoor track, we participated in IDF training. We started the morning with a long trek through the woods, pushing past countless thorn bushes and following unit orders. Then we were taught how to tell direction and create a map of Israel using nature. After, we applied face paint to create a camouflage and ate lunch. The afternoon consisted of weapon training and hand-to-hand combat training in Krav Maga. Afterward we did some fun group activities and headed back home to Hod Hasharon. 

In the Entrepreneurship track, we went to Beit Yam to take a surfing class at the beach. And in the last day of Arts and Culture, we went to Mevo Modi’im to paint a mural. Several years ago, the town experienced a devastating fire. In an attempt to support and beautify the city, we painted a mural on a children’s playground.

Thursday, March 13

We started the day off talking in groups about what to expect for the Eastern Europe trip. Then, we made Mishlo-ah Manot to give to people at a nursing home, where we later went to volunteer. This was a meaningful opportunity to give back to our community. 

In the afternoon, people started to get their costumes ready and prepare for our Disney-themed Purim party later that night. We first read the Megillah then broke the fast of Ta’anit Esther by eating hot dogs, cotton candy, and drinking delicious smoothies. Then there were fun games and stations to get temporary tattoos. We ended the night partying with the other groups on the Alexander Muss Campus and celebrating Purim.  

Friday, March 14

Early in the morning, we had the option to go to Megillah reading and then went to a Purim picnic with the other groups on campus. After the picnic, we separated and signed out for our free weekend. Some of us stayed with family, some with friends, and some stayed on the Muss campus for a break and relaxing weekend.