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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Kohelet's Lessons For A New Year

October 21, 2019

Kohelet's Lessons For A New Year

by Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman Graf

How do we address our challenging world through a Jewish lens? As we live in a complicated world, we look to the ancient wisdom of Jewish texts for inspiration. Preparing for the Yamim Noraim—the upcoming Days of Awe—I opened my favorite Jewish text, Kohelet (Ecclesiastes). We read this text each year during Sukkot. It reminds us of the fragility of...

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Birthright Israel: A Modern Day Miracle

October 21, 2019

Birthright Israel: A Modern Day Miracle

by David-Seth Kirshner

Every once in awhile I am reminded of the power of miracles in the world. I have yet to witness a miracle as described in lore, like streams changing their currents for example, but every time I am in Israel and see a bus-load of young adults of all backgrounds and Jewish upbringings, wearing the easily recognizable Birthright Israel nametag,...

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Reflections from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

October 16, 2019

Reflections from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Increasingly, and disturbingly, antisemitism and anti-Zionism can be found online and in particular, on university campuses around the world. That is what makes the work of Birthright Israel so important and inspiring. It is only by strengthening young Jews pride in, and connection to, their faith and ancient homeland that we will be able to defeat those who seek to...

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Birthright Israel: Transforming "Jews by Birth" to "Jews by Worth"

October 3, 2019

Birthright Israel: Transforming "Jews by Birth" to "Jews by Worth"

by Dr. Zohar Raviv , International VP of Educational Strategy, Birthright Israel

As we enter this year’s High Holidays season, I am delighted to share a few thoughts with you all --- our extended Birthright Israel family. It is hard to believe, but Birthright Israel embarks on celebrating two decades of operation; and while we are surely gratified by this project’s unprecedented achievements on behalf of world Jewry and the State of...

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A High Holiday Message from Birthright Israel Foundation's CEO

September 26, 2019

A High Holiday Message from Birthright Israel Foundation's CEO

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Dear Friends, The High Holidays are a special time for the Jewish people. Deep rooted in religious practices and tradition, these days are synonymous with community. It is during these holy days that the Jewish people unite together in many shapes and forms to welcome the New Year as one. As we sit in our respective synagogues, we can take...

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Birthright Israel and Becoming a Rabbi: The Lasting Impact

September 26, 2019

Birthright Israel and Becoming a Rabbi: The Lasting Impact

by Rabbi Levy

Birthright Israel is an experience that strives to maximize every minute of those magical ten days. So it’s no surprise that 18 years ago, on my Birthright Israel trip, I woke up in a Bedouin tent cold, frustrated and exhausted. I staggered onto the bus and promptly fell asleep. Shortly thereafter, we had reached our destination, the base of the...

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Regional Roundup: The Midwest

September 12, 2019

Regional Roundup: The Midwest

by Birthright Israel Foundation

Birthright Israel Foundation is so very fortunate to have more than 35,000 annual supporters. Our donors care deeply about Israel and the Jewish future and they are proud to be part of the Birthright Israel Foundation Family. Get to know some of our friends from the Midwest. Barbara & Rick Silverman, Chicago, IL "A Birthright Israel trip provides young people...

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Event Highlights: 2019 Atlanta Leadership Celebration

August 21, 2019

Event Highlights: 2019 Atlanta Leadership Celebration

by Birthright Israel Foundation

We gathered with over 140 supporters at Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs, GA on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 to celebrate seven years of Birthright Israel Foundation in the Atlanta community. Thank you to our amazing Atlanta leadership for your vision and dedication! During the festive evening, we had the pleasure of hearing from Birthright Israel alumni from Atlanta...

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What are parents saying about Birthright Israel this summer?

August 1, 2019

What are parents saying about Birthright Israel this summer?

by Birthright Israel Foundation

"My daughter loved every minute of the Israeli people, places, food, information and experiences. She went in convinced that while the trip would offer exposure to valuable historical and cultural insights, she'd be bored. Instead, she returned in awe. The group explored from sunup to sundown daily, and my daughter felt like no sightseeing stone was left unturned. The education...

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The Real Birthright: Inheriting Our Jewish Story

June 20, 2019

The Real Birthright: Inheriting Our Jewish Story

by Gil Troy , Chairman, International Education Committee, Birthright Israel

These sleights of hands and oversights rest on a bigger distortion – the barrage of claims that young American Jews are abandoning Israel. At this year’s Independence Day ceremonies, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein identified Israel’s – and the Jewish people’s – greatest natural resource, which is pollution-free and ever renewable. “The people of Israel have a story,” Edelstein said, “a...

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