You may have signed up for your Birthright Israel trip to have fun but probably quickly realized you were learning more than you’d ever thought. The goal of Birthright Israel is to help young Jews, like you, elicit an inner journey to discover what your Jewish identity and Israel means to you. We hope that when you arrive back in your home country, you continue to seek out resources and opportunities to understand better what you just experienced.

In the meantime, we have partnered with OpenDor Media, and their brand Unpacked to share three videos to get you started.

Why I Am a Zionist

Do you feel a new connection to Israel and are unsure what it means? In “Why I Am a Zionist,” narrated by Professor and Chairman of the Birthright Israel International Education Committee, Gil Troy shares his reasons for being a Zionist and how we all have a hand in fulfilling Theodor Herzl’s timeless belief that “If you will it, it is no dream.” Watch the video →

After watching the video take the quiz and reflect on what you’ve learned.

How Israel Reshaped Jewish Culture

Reimagining how you define your Judaism after your Birthright Israel trip? Many Americans define their Judaism culturally rather than religiously. But with Israeli-Jewish influences becoming increasingly prominent, is there still a role for American-Jewish cultural life in the future. Or, to put it another way, will the falafel win over the bagel in the Jewish cultural stakes? We’re getting to the heart of exactly what Jewish culture means and how the American and Israeli versions have developed in parallel to each other. This video was produced in partnership with the Z3 Project. Watch the video →

More so, Birthright Israel has become a rite of passage for young Jews and, in turn, changed Jewish American culture. Plus, trip participants return home looking to bring Israeli culture stateside and have developed some pretty cool businesses. Alumnus Colin Daly founded Just Hummus and is one of the only hummus makers in New England now. You can also check out podcasts by fellow Birthright Israel alumni, including Hila and Ethan Klein of H3.

Is There a Truly Israeli Food?

Okay, everyone’s favorite: food. There is no doubt the highlight of your trip was eating and maybe the Dead Sea. But, you may be wondering is the hummus, falafel, shawarma, and shakshuka you devoured on Birthright Israel really Israeli? Like the makeup of your Birthright Israel group, Israeli cuisine is just as diverse. The flavors and dishes found throughout Israel are influenced by Jews living in the Diaspora who eventually immigrated to Israel. In Unpacked’s “Is There a Truly Israeli Food?” you’ll get the 411 on this delicious cuisine.

Wait, we have more. Get your bus mates together for Shabbat dinner and cook a few of our favorite Israel-inspired recipes from fellow alumni. We’ve got everything from tahini, noodle kugel, Israeli salad, and of course hummus.

Tell Us About Your Birthright Israel Trip!

Each year, it takes nearly 40,000 generous donors to make a Birthright Israel trip like yours—and thousands of others—possible. You can help pay it forward and ensure this gift is available to all young Jewish adults by sharing a little bit about your trip. Your experience can inspire donors everywhere to continue to support Birthright Israel Foundation. Are you ready to help?

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