After applying numerous years to Birthright, an organization which sends Jewish individuals between the ages of 18 and 26 to Israel, I was selected!!! Just remembering the emotions I felt that day makes me want to TYPE IN ALL CAPS, and SCREAM like theres no tomorrow. In a few months, I would be taking in the Israeli sights and even more importantly, in my opinion, eating all the delicious food! Hummus and felafel anyone?

I still remember that day like it was yesterday. I instantly phoned my mom (and my dad, and my sister), and more than elated, told her the fantastic news. I then went into hacked into my boyfriends email account, hoping their was an email waiting for him as well (there was!). MANY thanks to my more-than-awesome Rabbi for generously helping in the process! We had been waiting to go on this trip together for a few years, and this year, being that we had just gotten engaged(!!!), seemed like perfect timing.

It is much more difficult to get selected nowadays, so if you are graciously given the opportunity to participate, just GO! Don’t let anything get in the way. I had originally been selected a few years back, but being that N. wasn’t, we opted for a casino themed trip to Las Vegas instead. Thankfully it all worked out for the best.

A little about Birthright:

The vision of Taglit-Birthright Israel is to strengthen Jewish identity, Jewish communities and solidarity with Israel by providing a 10-day trip to Israel for young Jewish people. They feel the best way to accomplish this is to build lasting bonds between young Jewish people around the world and their peers in Israel.

Since the inaugural Taglit-Birthright Israel flight in the winter of 2000, more than 340,000 young Jewish people from 62 countries have received the gift of a free trip to Israel.

340,000 of us?!?! That’s a lot of Schwarma!

“The gift of a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip is made possible thanks to the generous support from many sources, including parents of trip participants, alumni of the program, the program’s founders and other philanthropists, the State of Israel, the Jewish Federation system and Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and thousands of individuals donors from around the world who believe in our mission.” – Taglit-Birthright Israel

What to Expect:

Each bus is comprised of 40 (happy-go-lucky) participants, 2 group leaders, one Israeli tour guide/educator, an Israeli medic/security guard, and of course the driver. Basically, one big happy family that tours around the country of Israel together.

Three main areas are focused on during the duration of the trip: the Narratives of the Jewish People, Contemporary Israel, and the Formative Values of Judaism. Although this is an educational program, I never felt that I was back in school, being force fed information or sitting in a classroom reading from a book. The trip includes touring, hiking, discussions, social events, camel rides and much more, basically the time of your life.

The trip exceeded my expectations by far, and I can honestly say I had an amazing time with my new Israel/Birthright family. All of whom I will never forget.

Here’s what to do if you want to participate:

Lucky you! Registration is now OPEN! (But it closes TODAY- so I would get on that first thing if you have any interest in participating). First, check out the eligibility requirements before you start packing your bags. More about packing later….