Birthright Israel Foundation Blog

Every year, tens of thousands* of Jewish young adults are gifted with a life-changing journey to Israel. Before their enlightening Birthright Israel expedition, they tend to take Israel for granted. Like the generation before them and the generations to come, these individuals have little concept of a world without a Jewish homeland. Everything changes, however, once they accept their birthright.… 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 

Jennalyn Samson grew up not knowing much about her Jewish heritage and was inspired to go on Birthright Israel when a long lost sibling reached out. Her brother Matt, who she only found out about a few years before her trip, mentioned "this thing called Birthright." Through the trip, Jennalyn and her brother Matt had an opportunity to spend more… Read More 

It’s been over 21 years since Birthright Israel alumnus Daniel Samoohi was gifted with a trip to Israel, and he still remembers every moment. Not only was he able to feel “the mystique and history of Israel,” but he also felt close to his grandfather, an Israeli citizen who had passed away. “As I prayed on the Kotel, I could… 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 

What made me love Birthright Israel is probably precisely why everyone loves it – it's life-changing. I signed up during my sophomore year at the University of Miami, and I thought it was a dream to go to Israel on an all-inclusive trip. Little did I know how much these 10 days would influence my life in the years to… Read More 

Growing up in Kiev, Ukraine, I knew absolutely nothing about Israel, Jewish culture, and I definitely had no sense of belonging to the Jewish people. As a post-Soviet Jewish girl, you can imagine all of these were things my family never spoke about. So, when I signed up for Birthright Israel, I never dreamed I’d meet my husband. Of course,… Read More 

Growing up around Holocaust deniers and anti-Semites, Cole Keister often felt different because he was Jewish. The kids at his rural Oregon school called him a “kike” or a “dirty Jew.” One even gave him a bible and invited him to church to be “saved.” Upon returning from Birthright Israel in college, Keister no longer felt different. Instead, he said… Read More 

If you would have told me that seeing a rodent in Israel on my Birthright Israel trip would change my life, I would have thought you were out of your mind.But it did. But first, let me tell you about the events that lead up to that fateful Hedgehog moment on my trip. I grew up in Boise, Idaho, and… Read More 

No matter how many times I have heard the flight attendant announce “Baruch Habayim L’yisrael (Welcome to Israel)," over the loudspeaker, a chill radiates throughout my body. Each Birthright Israel trip I have had the opportunity to partake in, whether it be as a participant or as a Madricha (staff), brings me an overwhelming sense of excitement and adventure. Every visit to… 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