October 28, 2019
Birthright Israel consecrated an unrealized dream that seemed intangible for so long. I grew up as a reform Jew, a fourth-generation American, in a predominantly Irish Catholic community. Looking back, I think we were culturally Jewish out of respect for my grandmother. Both my sisters and I went to Hebrew school on Sundays and Wednesdays, which concluded with our B’nai...
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October 23, 2019
In Israel, an outdoor market is referred to as a shuk. The two most popular shvakim (plural for shuk in Hebrew) in Israel are Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv and Machne Yehuda in Jerusalem. Whether you visit the shuk in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem you will be amazed at the vibrancy and friendliness of the shop owners. Almost anything can...
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October 21, 2019
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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October 16, 2019
Since today is October 16, 2019, David Ben-Gurion's birthday, we thought it only right to speak of how his visions for the Negev and Zionism impacts participants of Birthright Israel and how it plays out in our educational framework. To begin, Birthright Israel is an opportunity to discover one's Jewish roots in a place that has been the root of...
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October 16, 2019
Dear Mr. Charles Bronfman: Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a participant in the Birthright Israel 2000 experience. The trip has left an impression on me, which will last a lifetime. How can I summarize this experience to you in just a few short paragraphs? This challenge is impossible. However, I...
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October 7, 2019
I will always have a passion for traveling. I've lived in Philadelphia all my life and have always enjoyed exploring other states and countries. A few years ago, my parents and I discussed the possibility that I would go on Birthright Israel. I was mildly anxious as we took the idea and started to finalize it. It would have been...
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October 3, 2019
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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October 2, 2019
When I was in my late twenties, I considered going to Birthright Israel but unfortunately did not have the time to make the trip. When representatives from the organization told me earlier this year that the age limit had increased to 32, I decided to sign up for a trip in July, not wanting to miss another chance. Growing up...
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September 26, 2019
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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September 25, 2019
Natalie Leinbach is a 2019 Birthright Israel Alumna currently studying Communications and Economics at the University of Maryland, College Park. Below is a personal video she made to remember her Birthright Israel trip and showcase her favorite moments. You can scroll down to read our interview with Natalie as well! What type of Birthright Israel trip did you choose to...
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