Birthright Israel for College Kids

If you missed the opportunity to go on your confirmation trip to Israel or the NFTY in Israel summer program, NOW is your chance to go to Israel for an unforgettable 10 days for FREE. While this trip is sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism, it is open to anyone who wants to explore the values of Reform Judaism while in Israel, even if you aren’t affiliated with a URJ congregation.

Read all of the information below and make a note in your calendar that the next KESHER trips to Israel are in the winter (Dec-Jan) and registration opens on September 5th at www.keshercollege.org/birthright. It is important to register early!

For important e mail updates, email kesherisraeltrip@urj.org NOW!

Taglit-birthright Israel: KESHER Israel Connection

What: The Taglit birthright Israel: KESHER Israel Connection trip is a FREE 10 day trip to Israel. Examining issues such as social justice, a commitment to pluralism in Israel and the Diaspora, and our personal connection with historical and modern Israel through hands-on activity and discussion, participants will find a variety of ways to explore their own Jewish identity. Trips include substantial time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, a hike up Masada, a swim in the Dead Sea, a visit to the Golan Heights, and MUCH MORE!

For Whom: In order to be eligible for this FREE trip, you must be: Jewish, between the ages of 18-26 at the time of the trip’s departure, and never have been on a peer trip to Israel before. This means that one can have gone to Israel with family or on their own. They are NOT eligible if they went on some other teen group program. KESHER offers to put buses together based on interest groups (URJ Camp groups, college or post-college aged groups, etc):

How: Taglit-birthright Israel is the foundation which raises and disseminates the money for this free trip, and there are approximately 25 different trip providers, all with a different vision, who actually plan the trip and bring the participants to Israel. Taglit-birthright israel is a unique partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations through the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod, and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and the birthright israel Foundation, generously supported by private Jewish philanthropic partners. The trip is planned by the KESHER College Department of the Union for Reform Judaism, along with the URJ Israel Education Department to give participants a uniquely Reform experience in Israel.

When: Trips occur twice per year; in the spring/summer months (May-July) and in the winter months (December-February). Registration for the spring/summer trips opens in early February and registration for the winter trips opens in early September. The trips are 10 days long, with an option to extend in Israel.

Please be in touch if you have any questions, The Union for Reform Judaism KESHER staff team: www.keshercollege.org/birthright, kesherisraeltrip@urj.org, 212.650.4070