June 22, 2020
If you would have told me that seeing a rodent in Israel on my Birthright Israel trip would change my life, I would have thought you were out of your mind.But it did. But first, let me tell you about the events that lead up to that fateful Hedgehog moment on my trip. I grew up in Boise, Idaho, and...
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June 18, 2020
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. Every...
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June 15, 2020
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 find...
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June 12, 2020
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. You may not know much...
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June 11, 2020
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...
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June 9, 2020
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....
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June 4, 2020
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...
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June 1, 2020
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...
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May 31, 2020
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,...
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May 27, 2020
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...
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