Ask any Tucson Hebrew Academy (THA) 8th grade graduate about their Jewish capstone trip, and you’ll hear their experience was awe-inspiring, magical, and indescribable. The THA 8th grade Jewish capstone trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The trip deeply connects students with their Jewish heritage by connecting
classroom teachings and at-home traditions with holy and historical sites in Israel and countries where Jewish community roots are deep.
THA Jewish capstone trips are educational and inspiring experiences for graduating students. One of the most defining moments for students and chaperones in years past has been the visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Hadlie Polonski, class of 2017, shared at the time about celebrating Shabbat at the Western Wall, “It was a different experience than anything we’ve had in Tucson. We were split up, but on the girls’ side, we were dancing and singing and praying. It was a lot of fun.”
In partnership with four other Jewish day schools, the 2024 graduating class visited Spain. Highlights of this past year’s 12-day trip were visiting Toledo’s historic Jewish Quarter to learn about the story of Spain’s Golden Age for Jews, the Jewish history museum of Cordoba, where Rambam was born, and of course, a Via Ferrata
zipline adventure!
Miguel Montemayor, THA Middle School math teacher and trip chaperone reflected, “Our Jewish capstone trip to Spain was an unforgettable experience that connected us with our heritage in ways we never expected. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was meeting other students from Jewish academies. Gathering together, we found that although we came from different places, we shared a deep connection to Jewish roots. We exchanged stories about our communities and discussed family traditions, realizing how much our Jewish identity binds us.
This shared experience brought new friendships, and together, we felt a collective responsibility to honor and preserve Jewish heritage. The trip was not just about visiting historic sites; it was a powerful journey of learning, growth, and unity among young people determined to keep the spirit of Sephardic Jewry alive.”
The majority of fundraising for THA’s Jewish capstone trips is done by that year’s 8th grade families. This #GivingTuesday, December 3, consider donating to the THA 8th grade Jewish capstone trip here.
