Birthright Israel is excited to announce their first group arrived in Israel on May 24, 2021,…
Ricki Spielman is a Birthright Israel alumna and 2018 madricha (trip staff) from Aventura, FL. After her trip, Ricki wanted to give back and help her peers take advantage of this gift. As a nurse practitioner, she used her skills to help those with disabilities have the same meaningful Birthright Israel experience.
Ricki’s Birthright Israel Experience
What inspired you to staff a Birthright Israel trip?
Ricki: “I went on a Birthright trip myself as a participant; I had such a deep and meaningful experience. I left with a feeling that words can’t describe. After that trip, I volunteered as a nurse and became a trip staffer on an accessibility Birthright Israel bus. I wanted them to feel and experience exactly what I felt and experienced while on Birthright.”
What do you believe is the most important role for Birthright Israel staff?
Ricki: “To ensure that every participant, regardless of their disabilities, has the same opportunities as their peers.”
As a staffer, do you feel you can learn just as much as the participants even though you’re in different roles?
Ricki: “Absolutely! I think we as staff learn to be better role models and better humans as we experience Israel through the eyes of our participant.”
What do you think are the participants’ biggest takeaways?
Ricki: “The deep connection to Judaism — the feeling where the soul and spirit are elevated and connected.”
How do you think young Jews benefit from the Birthright Israel experience?
Ricki: “They benefit from the trip in many ways. Firstly, to be proud that they are Jewish, to connect the rich culture and history of Judaism. More so, participants connect both emotionally and spiritually to the source of our heritage — Israel. Most of them have these feelings for years following their trip and pass them on to their children
More About Birthright Israel’s Accessibility Trips
Birthright Israel Foundation believes that all eligible young adults should be able to visit Israel and claim their birthright. With the help of donors, we’ve given the gift of Birthright Israel to more than 2,000 young Jewish adults with disabilities since 2001. The trip experience enables young Jewish adults with disabilities to discover a profound connection to the land and people of Israel, Jewish life, and one another. Groups have formed for disabilities such as American Sign Language (ASL), Asperger’s syndrome, cognitive and developmental disorders, physical and medical disabilities, and 12-step recovery.
How to Sign Up for Birthright Israel’s Accessibility Trips
Are you or someone you know ready for the educational adventure of a lifetime? Birthright Israel is open to all young Jewish adults who meet the eligibility requirements. A variety of accessibility and inclusion trips are offered throughout the year — all you need to do is start an application!
