Tiferet Fellowship
A hike up to Masada, a rugged fortress overlooking the Dead Sea, a breathtaking view of a sunrise, and a prayer at the Kotel (The Wailing Wall). These are just some the activities that sophomores at Milken experience as part of an amazing once in a lifetime semester in Israel that Tiferet Fellows experience.
Lily Spar ’19 remarked, “When people say that Tiferet is an experience of a lifetime, they are telling the truth. This program cultivated and molded my now strong and intimate relationship with Israel.” As she explored many ancient locations, Spar felt a deep connection to the people that had passed through Israel before her. It was an experience that helped her grow personally and spiritually.
Combining classroom studies at Alexander Muss High School, located in Hod HaSharon, and with experiential learning tiyulims that take students outside of the classroom, the Fellows journey back in time traveling across the country. They venture out on trips each week to historical sites, bringing Jewish history alive as it unfolds before them. Students explore the ancient city of Tzfat, one of Judaism’s four holy cities, and sample delicious treats in Jaffa square.
For many students, highlights of the trip include hiking Yam Leyam, a four-day sea to sea hike on one of the most popular hiking trails in Israel. Stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), it climbs from sea level to 1200 meters, and then descends to 215 meters below sea level. Students “rough it” with hiking, cooking out, and camping outdoors.
A challenging four-day Israeli Army Boot camp, held at Sde Boker Gadna military base, teaches students discipline and leadership skills, and insight into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF.)
Eliana Robin ’19, noted, “Tiferet changed me as a Jew, as a person, and as a friend. I learned more than I could have imagined about Jewish history and about my identity.”
The Tiferet program doesn't end once students return from Israel. In their junior and senior years, back at Milken, the Fellows refine their leadership skills as they continue on their journey to becoming advocates for Israel and for the American Jewish community. They participate in the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) High School Summit, the AIPAC Policy Conference, and Milken’s own Israel Ambassador Workshop to facilitate conversations between young people in hopes of shaping their ideas while enhancing their speaking and communication skills.
An opportunity to strengthen their Jewish identities, cement their commitment to Israel and develop new skills makes Tiferet an invaluable experience to prepare Fellows to be the next generation of Jewish leaders. Spar offered advice to the new Tiferet Fellows, “Appreciate every core class, evening in the dorm, and tiyul because the time really slips away from you. Make sure to make your time in Israel is one of personal, communal, and spiritual growth … get to know new people, including your madrichim and core teachers. These new relationships with yourself, the people around you, and the land of Israel will impact you in unexplainable ways.”
Tiferet Kickoff
The Tiferet kickoff was held on Monday, September 25 at the Upper School. Head of School Gary Weisserman emphasized the power of the program and its impact, explaining that Tiferet is a major bonding experience for students and wished them well. Tiferet alumni from 2017 and 2016 were on hand and eager to answer questions, such as how to manage your school work—you form study groups—and what a madrichim is—a counselor who is there to take care of students and make sure they are safe. All agreed it was a life changing experience they will never forget. As the kickoff came to a close, everyone received a warm Milken blanket that they can wrap themselves up in during the plane ride to Israel and use in their dorm rooms.
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