Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It falls on the 10th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish lunar calendar. The holiday is preceded by Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and together they are known as the High Holy Days or, in Hebrew Yamim Noraim. Yom Kippur is a deeply meaningful and… Read More
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Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

In December 1999, as the entire world was preparing for the impending doom of Y2K, I received a phone call that changed my life. A new, innovative idea had just launched with the goal of reversing the decades long trend of young Jews feeling less connected to their Jewish identity…
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September 26, 2023
Dear Donor: As a Person with a Physical Disability, I Never Thought a Trip Like This Was Possible
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Alyssa Shangold • Naples, FL
Dear Birthright Israel Foundation Donor: Growing up, I was raised as a reformed Jew. I went to Sunday school and synagogue, celebrated the different holidays, and had a Bat Mitzvah when I came of age. As a Jewish teen, I knew I wanted to participate in a Birthright Israel trip…
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Alums
Trip Highlights
September 21, 2023
Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Yael Fuks
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Yael Fuks • Jerusalem, Israel
I heard about Birthright Israel from my friends in the army who participated in the program. They said it was their best experience during their military service and that it changed their entire view of the Jewish Diaspora. I thought they must be exaggerating. It's only a few days, how significant can the experience be? Anyway, I decided to try… Read More
Events
Leadership & Supporters
September 15, 2023
Lori Komisar & Morrie Silverman Host an Impactful Night in Chicago
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Birthright Israel Foundation
On Thursday, September 13, 2023, Vice Chair Lori Komisar and Morrie Silverman warmly welcomed guests to a special event at their home dedicated to celebrating and supporting Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF). The gathering brought together generous donors and newcomers eager to learn about the organization's mission. Lori Komisar began the evening with heartfelt remarks, sharing her and Morrie's strong support for Birthright… Read More
Events
Leadership & Supporters
September 14, 2023
Stacy & Greg Siwak Host an Unforgettable Night for St. Louis Donors
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Birthright Israel Foundation
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, St. Louisans Stacy and Greg Siwak hosted a gathering that brought together dedicated Birthright Israel Foundation donors, as well as those enthusiastic about getting involved. Stacy and Greg kicked off the event with heartfelt remarks, expressing their deep commitment to Birthright Israel and highlighting the profound impact these journeys have on young Jewish adults, such… Read More
Holidays
September 10, 2023
What Is Rosh Hashanah? 10 Key Facts to Know
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Birthright Israel Foundation
The Jewish High Holy Days, also known as the 10 Days of Repentance or Awe, are approaching faster than three blasts of a ram’s horn. It’s time for us to let go of the old as we embrace the Jewish New Year. A time of reflection and renewal, the High Holy Days kick off with Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew for “head… Read More
Alums
Trip Highlights
September 7, 2023
Meet 2023 Las Vegas Alum Ben Khavkin
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Birthright Israel Foundation
In the interview below, Birthright Israel alum Ben Khavkin from Las Vegas, NV, shares how his trip impacted his life. The 21-year-old participated in Birthright Israel in the summer of 2023 before starting medical school. Ben is now a student of medicine at Touro University in Nevada; his passions include medicine, science, and service. Q&A with Ben Khavkin What inspired… Read More
Alums
Trip Highlights
August 29, 2023
Take It from an Alum, Birthright Israel Is the Jewish People’s Greatest Asset
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Birthright Israel Foundation
The creation of my Jewish identity has been a rollercoaster of negative and positive experiences. I grew up at a reform temple in Indianapolis and always enjoyed dinner with my parents on Friday or Saturday nights. It wasn't a traditional Shabbat dinner, but it was a family dinner that reinforced the importance of togetherness, which is a critical component of… Read More
Events
Trip Highlights
August 23, 2023
Birthright Israel Alums Inspire All in Indianapolis
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Birthright Israel Foundation
On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Indianapolis supporters joined us for an evening to celebrate and support Birthright Israel Foundation. The evening was hosted by donors Diane & John Abrams, Laura & Matt Burton, Iliana & Irwin Levin, and Autumn Welz-Cook & Bob Schuckit. Midwest Ambassador Council member and host Irwin Levin opened the program by sharing how the trip has… Read More
Alums
Trip Highlights
August 22, 2023
Birthright Israel Is My Blessing
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Alexa Summers • Kansas City, KS
It was March 2020. I had just gotten back from staffing my first Birthright Israel trip. I sat in the four walls of my room following posts on Secret Tel Aviv about the pandemic, wondering if I would ever go back. I had so much love for Israel, and nowhere to go with it. But, what were the odds that… Read More
Located along the Sea of Galilee, the city of Tiberias stands as a living testament to the rich tapestry of Jewish history in Israel. Tiberias' history dates back over two thousand years. It first emerged as a significant city center during the Roman era, with its therapeutic hot springs and breathtaking views. Its importance to Jewish history lies not just… Read More
Alums
Events
Leadership & Supporters
August 14, 2023
Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz Host Birthright Israel Foundation’s Annual Hamptons Event
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Birthright Israel Foundation
On Thursday, August 10, 2023, philanthropists Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz hosted Birthright Israel Foundation's annual Hamptons event at their home. It was a spectacular evening celebrating and supporting Birthright Israel's programs. Guests enjoyed hearing from Jeff Lipsitz, who shared important updates regarding the classic 10-day trip and why his family has made the program a philanthropic priority. Jeff also… Read More
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