According to BirthrightIsrael.com there have been over 120,000 people from around the world who have taken their “birthright� to Israel.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I almost feel embarrassed explaining to my non-Jewish friends the thinking behind the organization. It’s hard to look at them, and proclaim that a bunch of wealthy philanthropists believe that because I’m Jewish I have a right in my blood for a free 10-day expense paid educational vacation to Israel. Sorry folks, if you’re Muslim or Christian, you don’t have this right.

I don’t want to condemn Birthright’s success rate, but in many ways it feels like the quick and easy answer to a 21st century youth disconnection from their Judaism. Instead of investing money and time into synagogues, Jewish day schools or Hebrew Schools, Jewish summer programs,

community organizing or something of the sort—we ship ‘em off on a vacation to the Holy land.

Post by Ross

Ketubot Haggadah Pesach Artscroll Purim Kosher Travel Jewish Portal Monorah Hanukkah Talitot Enlightenment Antisemitism Bat Mitzvah Shofar Jewish Links Passover Judaism Torah Binders Haggadahs Talit Talmud Shul Kashrut Guide Shuls Mezuzot Jewish Law Torah Orthodox Jewish Youth Torah Mantles Jewish Social Jewish Rituals Yom Kippur Synagogue Items Jewish Women Chanukkah Hebrew Yemenite Chapel Caps Government Menorah Mezuzah Jewish News Beth Din Hanukah Synagogue Menorot Kosher Wedding Jerusalem Anti-Semitism