Muss Matters

Episodes

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!