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
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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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 16, 2019
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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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
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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