The Orthodox Union (OU) of the United States, and its youth wing, the National Conference for Synagogue Youth (NCSY), is offering different kinds of Birthright Israel trips to cater to the needs of many different young, Jewish students, including for all-male, all-female and co-ed groups. And most recently, OU announced a first-time-ever Birthright trip to Israel for graduating high school seniors who are 18 and older. According to Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, OU National Director of Education and Summer Programs, NCSY is the only program operating a trip for students just graduating from high school. In the past, Birthright Israel was geared and planned only for college-age Jews, to deepen and reinforce the commitment of young Jews to Israel and Judaism, but the NCSY initiative expands the pool of participants.
This past winter, the OU reports, more than 250 college students experienced Birthright Israel through NCSY. "We have had many students receive not only their first exposure to Israel through our Birthright Israel trip, but their first experience with Judaism as well," said New Jersey NCSY Director of Recruitment and National College Services Rabbi Dave Felsenthal, who organizes the NCSY Birthright Israel trips. "Birthright israel is more than fun and games; it is a golden opportunity to grow spiritually and to be challenged intellectually."
The trip is a ‘gift’ from Birthright Israel and covers roundtrip airfare, plus 10 days of unique programs, meals and accommodations in Israel. Any Jewish youth who meets the age requirements and has never been to Israel on a peer-group program is eligible to apply. For application and deadline information, go to http://www.ncsy.org or call Rabbi Felsenthal at 201-862-0914.
This past winter, the OU reports, more than 250 college students experienced Birthright Israel through NCSY. "We have had many students receive not only their first exposure to Israel through our Birthright Israel trip, but their first experience with Judaism as well," said New Jersey NCSY Director of Recruitment and National College Services Rabbi Dave Felsenthal, who organizes the NCSY Birthright Israel trips. "Birthright israel is more than fun and games; it is a golden opportunity to grow spiritually and to be challenged intellectually."
The trip is a ‘gift’ from Birthright Israel and covers roundtrip airfare, plus 10 days of unique programs, meals and accommodations in Israel. Any Jewish youth who meets the age requirements and has never been to Israel on a peer-group program is eligible to apply. For application and deadline information, go to http://www.ncsy.org or call Rabbi Felsenthal at 201-862-0914.