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From the desk of Birthright Israel Foundation

My Birthright Israel Story Is Still Alive, 13 Years Later

by Rachel Barnehama • Great Neck, NY June 18, 2020 at 8:35 am

My Birthright Israel Story Is Still Alive, 13 Years Later

by Rachel Barnehama • Great Neck, NY June 18, 2020 at 8:35 am

No matter how many times I have heard the flight attendant announce “Baruch Habayim L’yisrael (Welcome to Israel),” over the loudspeaker, a chill radiates throughout my body. Each Birthright Israel trip I have had the opportunity to partake in, whether it be as a participant or as a Madricha (staff), brings me an overwhelming sense of excitement and adventure. Read More

A Kiddush Sprinkle Cookie Recipe You’ll Absolutely Love

by Birthright Israel Foundation June 15, 2020 at 8:00 am

A Kiddush Sprinkle Cookie Recipe You’ll Absolutely Love

by Birthright Israel Foundation June 15, 2020 at 8:00 am

It’s the cookie any American Jew knows and absolutely loves – the Kiddush cookie. Sometimes known as a sprinkle or confetti cookie too. This light-colored mound of goodness is complete with colorful sprinkles. You may even find them dipped in chocolate and then covered in sprinkles! They are showcased in synagogues around America on Saturday mornings post-Shabbat services. You’ll Read More

7 Facts About Birthright Israel, and the Foundation That Keeps It Going

by Birthright Israel Foundation June 12, 2020 at 8:00 am

7 Facts About Birthright Israel, and the Foundation That Keeps It Going

by Birthright Israel Foundation June 12, 2020 at 8:00 am

Did you recently learn that your child or grandchild is interested in a group trip to Israel? You’re likely thrilled that someone you love is eager to embrace their heritage, but you may also wonder if they’re in safe and suitable hands. When the trip is organized through Birthright Israel, there’s no need to worry. Read More

Out of the Strong, Sweetness Shall Come Forth

by Gidi Mark, International CEO, Birthright Israel June 11, 2020 at 6:34 pm

Out of the Strong, Sweetness Shall Come Forth

by Gidi Mark, International CEO, Birthright Israel June 11, 2020 at 6:34 pm

The Covid19 period has forced Jewish organizations worldwide to reassess and reimagine their mission and operational strategies. While Birthright Israel is no exception, it is nonetheless important to clarify the nature of such reassessments and situate them in an appropriate, chiefly positive, context. Research has conclusively shown the tremendous impact of Israel educational tourism in general, let alone that of the Birthright Israel model. Read More

How A Free Trip to Israel Saved My Mental Health

by Connor Jacobson • Washington, DC June 9, 2020 at 8:00 am

Connor after his Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall

How A Free Trip to Israel Saved My Mental Health

by Connor Jacobson • Washington, DC June 9, 2020 at 8:00 am

There are many different reasons to go on Birthright Israel. However, to me, they are all secondary to the honest answer: it’s a free trip to Israel! My father always told me nothing in this world comes completely free, so I figured there was a sales pitch coming my way. I was a half-Jewish free agent of the religious world. Read More

Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Meet Adi

by Adi Wegrzyn June 4, 2020 at 8:00 am

Adi Vigrazin on his 2019 Birthright Israel trip as an Israeli participant

Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Meet Adi

by Adi Wegrzyn June 4, 2020 at 8:00 am

I participated in Birthright Israel one year ago. I remember there was something special about our group, in the connections that were created, especially in the sense of “togetherness.” So, it’s been a year now, but the magic of the tour and those special memories accompany me to this day, and I’m sure they will in the future too. The best way I can describe the feeling is through a special and slightly spontaneous activity we did a few weeks ago when we were all still stuck inside because of coronavirus. One Read More

Birthright Israel Helped Me Find My Place at Hillel

by Samantha Payab • Los Angeles, CA June 1, 2020 at 8:00 am

Samantha at Masada during Birthright Israel

Birthright Israel Helped Me Find My Place at Hillel

by Samantha Payab • Los Angeles, CA June 1, 2020 at 8:00 am

Growing up in a Jewish community, I had heard many stories from older family, friends, and acquaintances about how amazing their Birthright Israel experiences were. I always knew that this was something I wanted to do. I just was not sure whether I wanted to wait until I was done with college or go during. By my sophomore year at the University of Oregon, I still had not found a substantial group of friends. Read More

Gene Hoffman’s Story: A Passion for Learning and Educating the Next Generation

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 31, 2020 at 8:00 am

Gene Hoffman at his Gratz College Graduation

Gene Hoffman’s Story: A Passion for Learning and Educating the Next Generation

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 31, 2020 at 8:00 am

When Gene Hoffman was growing up in Connecticut he was only a little boy, barely finished with kindergarten when he first faced discrimination for being Jewish. Prior to the 1940s and 1950s, Jews in America faced harsh realities of antisemitism. As our people began breaking into industries like entertainment and law, the antisemitism only worsened. From universities, hotels, country clubs, and medical professions – Jews faced restrictions. Hoffman can recall getting into a fistfight at the age of four because he was Jewish. Read More

Celebrate the Season with Sweet and Savory Shavuot Recipes

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 27, 2020 at 8:00 am

Celebrate the Season with Sweet and Savory Shavuot Recipes

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 27, 2020 at 8:00 am

Whether you haven’t pulled an all-nighter since studying for your college exams or you stay up studying Torah every year, the Jewish festival of Shavuot is a smorgasbord of delicious food. The holiday is known, after all, as the Feast of Weeks. While blintzes and cheesecake are often the stars of the show, they’re far from the only Shavuot recipes worth making. Read More

Meet Max Seidel, a Birthright Israel Alumnus Protecting Those on the Frontlines

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 26, 2020 at 8:00 am

Max Seidel working on building face shields

Meet Max Seidel, a Birthright Israel Alumnus Protecting Those on the Frontlines

by Birthright Israel Foundation May 26, 2020 at 8:00 am

If you live in the Atlanta area then you may have already heard of Max Seidel. He’s a recent Birthright Israel alumnus who has put his engineering skills to use and founded Atlanta Face Shields. The company was set up to manufacture face shields for Atlanta hospitals but soon found itself meeting needs everywhere. Read More

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