Muss Matters
Muss Voices Bringing Israel to Life

Hosted by Muss students & educators.
Welcome to Muss Matters, the official podcast of Alexander Muss High School in Israel!
How to Subscribe:
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3. Hit Subscribe!
If you love what you hear, leave us a rating and review to help more people discover the magic of Muss. Happy listening!
Episodes
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.
Episode 7: 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.
Episodes
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.
Episode 3: A key question for Jewish educators is: Where does the Jewish story begin? While opinions
may differ on the historical starting point, at Muss the discussion goes beyond ancient origins—it’s
about where the Jewish journey begins for each student.
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.
This episode features Muss Educators, Yossi Silverman, Aubrey Isaacs, and Director of Israel Studies
Curriculum, Lisa Biton.
Episode 2: In this episode, our students explore the fascinating world of prophecy and
holiness—what does it truly mean to be a holy person? How did the figures of the Tanach shape our
understanding of divine messages? Then, we take you into the field as our students grapple with the Jewish Revolts
against the Romans. What drove these uprisings? What difficult moral and historical questions arise when studying
them?
This episode features Adam Vinokur, Kochav Grembek, Noa Gottdenker, and Netta Magnus
Trigger
Warning: Students discuss difficult subjects such as suicide.
Episode 1: In this inaugural episode of Muss Matters, join Muss educator Yossi Silverman as he sits down with fellow educators Lisa Biton, Tom Bar Dov, and Jon Duker. Together, they delve into the ongoing journey to uncover the deeper questions of Jewish history. Drawing from diverse backgrounds and practices within Jewish life, they offer unique perspectives on what it means to engage with history in a meaningful way.
Coming this month... Muss Voices Bringing Israel to Life!
Discover Muss Matters, our new podcast diving into all
things Israel! With episodes featuring students and educators released regularly, we bring Israel to life—no
matter where you are. Stay tuned for our first educator episode, coming soon!