I returned to the JCC Maccabi ArtsFest program this year not knowing what to expect. I had a lot of fun at last year’s ArtsFest, but I was still unsure of how this year’s would compare. Generally speaking, ArtsFest is a combination of workshops, performances, exhibitions and social activities for creative-minded teens.

I sit here thinking about the past week—one of the most interesting, engaging and fun weeks of my summer. It almost feels weird since it ended so soon. I feel like the car ride down to Monmouth County, N.J., was just a few minutes ago, and yet the week felt like a year. I'm also thinking of all my friends from home, artists of many kinds, and how much they would have enjoyed this outstanding program. I'm thinking, of course, about JCC Maccabi ArtsFest.