Holidays

What is Yom Kippur? 5 Key Facts to Know

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 
Alums Trip Highlights

Birthright Israel’s Impact on Israelis: Yael Fuks

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

Lori Komisar & Morrie Silverman Host an Impactful Night in Chicago

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

Stacy & Greg Siwak Host an Unforgettable Night for St. Louis Donors

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

What Is Rosh Hashanah? 10 Key Facts to Know

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

Meet 2023 Las Vegas Alum Ben Khavkin

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

Take It from an Alum, Birthright Israel Is the Jewish People’s Greatest Asset

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

Birthright Israel Alums Inspire All in Indianapolis

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

Birthright Israel Is My Blessing

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 
Trip Highlights

Tiberias: A Jewel in Jewish History

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

Allison Koffman & Jeff Lipsitz Host Birthright Israel Foundation’s Annual Hamptons Event

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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