THE BIRTHRIGHT EXPERIENCE By Lauren

Mennen

What is Birthright?

A free trip to Israel for Jewish young adults Funded by Jewish philanthropists and

Israeli Government Must be between the ages of 18 and 26 Must have at least one Jewish parent Walk away from this trip with new friends,

a newfound appreciation of Judaism, knowledge of their religion’s history and ancestors, and a priceless experience

Do you have to be religious to participate? NO; two types of Jewish people:

practicing and non-practicing Those who practice are religious,

those who don’t, aren’t BOTH types are encouraged to

participate It will help non-practicing Jews

appreciate their religion and inform them more about Judaism

Goals of Birthright

To diminish the division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world

To strengthen participants' personal Jewish identity and connection to Jewish history and culture Over 230,000 have participated from 52 countries

Reaches its goals by: Taking them on a 10 day journey( with helpful tour

guides) around Israel visiting historical landmarks, touristy spots, clubs and restaurants, etc.

Israel is about the size of New Jersey, but there are infinite amounts of sites to see

Destinations

Tel Aviv-Jaffa Historical sites and famous sea

promenade World’s oldest port, and city from which

Jonah left Rabin Square

the site where Yitzhak Rabin (the Prime Minister) was assassinated in 1995

Israeli Independence Hall sometimes they are asked to read the

Proclamation of Independence while visiting

The Jaffa Port

Israeli Independence Hall

Jerusalem The capital of Israel The Old City

Southern Wall Walkways underneath the Temple Mount

Western Wall The center of Judaism’s spiritual existence

The Temple Mount- where the world expanded into its present form and where God created Adam

The Western Wall-constructed around 19 BCE by Herod the Great

Northern Coast Ancient Roman structures City of Haifa

Haifa, Israel

Southern Coast Camel rides in the desert Swimming in the Dead Sea

One of the world’s saltiest bodies of water Because it is so salty, it is impossible to

sink

How can you be selected for this trip? Must fill out an application online on a

specific registration day For Winter sessions, you register in the

Summer, and vice versa Far in advance because thousands apply at a

time Questions about why you’re interested, what

Judaism means to you, etc. After the application, only some are chosen for

interviews After an interview, it is still possible to be

waitlisted

“This is a great opportunity for all young Jews, and I strongly encourage all to apply. We want everyone to be proud to be Jewish.”

“We look for individuals who are religious, but at the same time we encourage those that aren’t to apply for this trip. It is very important that they have a decent background of their religion.”

–One of the trip leaders and a rabbi, Steven Weinberg

Birthright Alumni

Liz Mennen Went with the University of Michigan in December 2009 Describes her experience as “unreal” Never religious or a practicing Jew, but now feels more

connected to Judaism Favorite part was going to Israel’s Holocaust museum,

Yad Vashem “It was my favorite part because it really helped me to

solidify a personal connection to the land of Israel, more so than some of the other parts of the trip. The stories and testimonies we heard I could connect to, because I undoubtedly have ancestors with similar experiences. I really enjoyed the design of the Museum, and all of the symbolism and wisdom in the structure,” Mennen said.

She was able to get Batmitzvah-ed on the trip The normal age for getting Batmitzvah-ed

is 12 or 13, and you have to go through years of Hebrew School “I just had to learn to recite the Hebrew

prayer you say when the Rabbi is about to take out the Torah. I also had to write a short speech about why I wanted to get Bat Mitzvah-ed in Israel.”

Riding a camel

In front of the Western Wall

Eric Solomon Went with Rutgers University in

December 2009 Describes his experience as “amazing” Feels that he “came back more cultured

as a world traveler and a Jew” He isn’t a practicing Jew, but feels more

connected to Judaism now “I feel that I somewhat fulfilled a cultural

duty and I now understand the importance of Israel to the Jewish people.”

His picture of Temple Mount

Touching the Western Wall

Swimming in the Dead Sea

Another benefit of Birthright… Opens up appreciation for our own country

“It made me realize how lucky we are to live in a country like America. One of the soldiers showed me videos on his phone that he took himself of bombs going off in Gaza, and he thought it was no more uncommon to see such a thing than something like a deer crossing the road. Another soldier, a female who I grew to love, told me that when she was growing up in Jerusalem there were bombs at her elementary school and some of her friends were injured. Things like that make you realize what you take for granted,” Liz Mennen said.

Closing Statements about Birthright Widens young Jews’ perceptions of

Judaism and the real world An opportunity to meet Israeli

residents, soldiers, and students like themselves

All young Jews should strive to go on this trip before they reach the age limit

An unexplainable experience that will enlighten those who aren’t that religious