How a Semester in Israel Shaped One Student’s Jewish Identity

For 16-year-old Gabrielle Bogan, a junior at Denver South High School, Judaism has always been an integral part of her identity. Her childhood includes Friday nights celebrating Shabbat with family and friends, attending synagogue with her grandfather “Ish,” and serving as Vice President of her BBYO chapter and Israeli Relations representative for United Synagogue Youth (USY). But she always longed for a deeper connection to her heritage—one that could only be fulfilled by experiencing Israel firsthand. That dream recently became a reality when she attended Alexander Muss High School in Israel (Muss).

Jewish National Fund-USA’s college-prep, semester abroad in Israel experience, Muss blends traditionally accredited classroom studies with a unique experiential Israel studies curriculum that uses the land and people of Israel as a living classroom, creating lasting connections between Jewish teens and their homeland, giving them a head start on college applications and resumes, and providing them with an unforgettable experience.

As an attendee who spent four months at Muss, Bogan can vouch for how memorable the experience is. “Everyone always says programs abroad are life-changing, and it was hard to believe until I experienced it myself,” she shared. “Muss never felt real, but like one amazing dream. From fun tiyulim (trips) to hanging out in the moadon (lounge), it was always an adventure.”

Bogan initially planned to attend Muss in the spring of 2024, but with the uncertainty of the Israel-Hamas war, her family decided to postpone her journey until the fall. When the time came, even though the war was still ongoing, Bogan decided she couldn’t push it off any further.

“In my opinion, it was the best decision,” she said. “The experience was so memorable.”

As part of its Israel studies curriculum, Muss takes students across the country on educational tiyulim , where participants learn about Israel’s history in the places where it happened.

For Bogan, one of the major highlights was climbing Masada. “Hiking Masada was so pretty, and watching the sun come up from the top of the mountain was incredible,” she said. “I remember watching all of the guys wrapping Tefillin on the top of Masada while the sun was coming up and thinking to myself, this is where I’m meant to be.”

In addition, living on Muss’ Hod Hasharon campus taught Bogan independence, resilience, and the ability to navigate new challenges. It was her first time on her own, and in a foreign country too. Yet, Israel quickly felt like a second home to her.

“I was surprised by how quickly I felt comfortable in Israel,” Bogan noted. “The teachers at Muss and all my friends that I made throughout the semester felt like family so rapidly. I’ve always loved being surrounded by Jews, and being in Israel just filled my kiddush cup of joy to the brim!”

Now back in Denver, Bogan recognizes that Muss was more than a semester abroad—it was a family, an adventure, and a homecoming. She also notes that Muss not only deepened her connection to her Jewish identity but also strengthened her voice.

“I am more passionate about being Jewish and standing up to hatred,” she said. “Muss helped me find my home, and it can help you find yours too.”

And whenever she gets the chance, she tells her peers that Muss is a must-attend program. “I would 100% recommend it,” said Bogan. “Muss helped me step out of my comfort zone, make lifelong friends, go on unpredictable excursions, and learn more than I ever imagined.”

To learn more about Alexander Muss High School in Israel’s semester and summer programs, visit amhsi.org.