Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

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… Read More 

Many of the names below may surprise you, but with 800,000+ trip participants, several of them have risen to fame, and a podcast comes with fame. The Birthright Israel alumni below cover various topics from entrepreneurship to art and comedy. We also have a roundup of the best Jewish and Israel-themed podcasts on the planet if you're looking for even… Read More 

While Jewish Americans and Israelis are kindred spirits, you were likely in for a culture shock the first time you visited the holy land. Americans, for instance, tend to sugarcoat things. Israelis tell it like it is. As one Birthright Israel trip provider puts it, “If you want the hard truth (or even if you don’t), Israelis are more than… Read More 

Noodle kugel recipes are staples in most Ashkenazi Jewish households around the holidays. Kugels are served sweet or savory and to this day most Jews still aren't sure if noodle kugel is an entree or dessert. Needless to say, they are always delicious whether it's on Rosh Hashanah or Shavuot. This is why we're excited to feature Birthright Israel alumna,… Read More 

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 

Are you a fan of the hit reality TV show 90 Day Fiancé? Well, if you are, then you're probably familiar with the most famous Birthright Israel love story ever - Loren and Alexei Brovarnik. In 2013, when Loren (Goldstone) Brovarnik, a Birthright Israel alumna, volunteered to be a madricha (trip staff) and boarded a plane bound for Israel, she… 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 

Do you know what a spiel is? Or the name of the largest desert in Israel? Or how about what delicious fried treat is eaten on Hanukkah? Not quite sure? Well, then it's time to take our pop quiz and test your Jewish knowledge! We can't wait to see how you score! When you're done with the quiz, be sure… Read More 

Luis Burgos is a 2019 Birthright Israel alumnus who grew up in New York City, spent time in Los Angeles, where he converted to Judaism and then made his way back to the Big Apple. Like so many of our alumni, Luis' Jewish identity is unique and, most of all, inspiring. Through the photos below, you'll get a sense of… Read More 

Every year Jews in Israel and around the world celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Yom Haatzmaut marks the establishment of the modern State of Israel. Today, in Western Jewish communities, Yom Haatzmaut is incorporated into Jewish calendars and a public celebration follows. This all marks and of course remembers the original date when Israel's Declaration of Independence was signed… Read More