Israel is a young country with a flourishing modern culture. You probably already knew that, but it comes as a surprise to some Birthright Israel participants. Many of these Jewish young adults, aged 18-32, don’t give much thought to life in Israel or Jewish living. After the educational and experiential Birthright Israel journey, they enthusiastically embrace their Jewish roots. “Unless… Read More
For centuries the Jewish people have been dressing up to celebrate Purim and pay tribute to the bravery of Queen Esther. The festivities of the holiday include reading of the Megillah, shaking our groggers, and eating delicious hamantaschen. Are you ready for some Purim fun? Take our quiz below to see how much you know about the Jewish holiday of… Read More
The one thing everybody looks forward to on Purim is eating hamantaschen. This is why we're partnering with Birthright Israel alumna and chef Alexis Sicklick to bring you unique and easy hamantaschen recipes. Keep scrolling for Chef Sicklick's Blackberry Mojito and Delicata Squash hamantaschen recipes. History of Hamantaschen Hamantaschen are known for their unique triangle shape representing the 3-corners of… Read More
Rooted in regional and continental influences with a dash of traditional Mizrahi, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi flavors, Israeli cuisine is a collection of ever-evolving delicacies developed by a long-wandering people who are now living in a young and burgeoning nation. Traditional Israeli food isn’t only tied to Jewish holidays like Passover and Shavuot, or relegated to Israeli BBQ. The Israeli culinary… Read More
After a long week of work or school, Shabbat serves as a prime opportunity to relax, recharge, connect with loved ones, and sit down for a nice meal. The festivities, which begin at sundown on Friday, commemorate the day when G-d rested after creating the entire world, in the Torah. And you thought your week was busy! TGIF—Literally Enjoying Shabbat… Read More
You don’t have to be a seasoned professional to capture the grilling spirit of an Israeli BBQ here in the U.S. this summer. Israelis are known for their delicious charred shashlik (shish kabobs) and steakim (steaks). Our homeland’s Independence Day is commemorated in Spring with massive celebratory barbecues at the national parks (although this year’s celebration was a little different).… Read More
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 them next to… Read More
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… Read More
Let's add a little Israeli flare to Thanksgiving this year and serve a delicious Israeli salad. So many of our participants not only discover the history of Israel but the flavors as well, and we can almost guarantee that after their Birthright Israel trip, they love Israeli salad. What You Need 2 plum tomatoes, seeds removed and diced 1 bell… Read More
Latkes are a staple in Jewish households during Hanukkah, but have you thought of serving them on Thanksgiving? Many of us eat sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving, drizzled with melted marshmallows, in a casserole or in a sweet potato pie, but this year we encourage you to serve our Spiced Sweet Potato Latkes. Why? Because who does not love the goodness of a golden-fried potato pancake with a Turkey-Day twist. For a healthier twist,… Read More
We are excited to share 2012 Birthright Israel alumna, Lindsay Morrison's favorite High Holiday recipe on the blog! Keep scrolling to learn how to make this delicious treat and read more about the impact Birthright Israel had on Lindsay. We promise her interview is just as sweet as the recipe! Ingredients (1) 8-9” pie dishpomegranate seeds, to top For the… Read More
