Birthright Israel: the Next Phase JEWISH LIFE NETWORK / Irthright Israel Began As a Dream

CONTACT

SPRING 2001/NISSAN 5761 VOLUME 3, NUMBER 3 THE JOURNAL OF JEWISH LIFE NETWORK /

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KK EE RR WW OO II SS WW HH TT E LL E II FF EE NN contact SPRING 2001 / NISSAN 5761 VOL 3 NO 3 birthright israel: The Next Phase JEWISH LIFE NETWORK / irthright israel began as a dream. In its earliest form, the program envi- Eli Valley sioned a radical change in the Jewish world, one that would plant within Editor beven the most assimilated young Jews the seeds of their heritage. Its David Winter scope was grand and quixotic: the creation of a new Jewish life cycle event, the Administration cementing of the relationship between the Diaspora and Israel, and the rein-

Janet Mann forcement of the selfless communal bonds of the Jewish people. Administration Next came implementation. Visions of a revitalized Jewish community are well and good, but setting up the infrastructure is the real challenge. How to Yakov Wisniewski schedule scores of planes and buses to shepherd thousands of people into and Design Director around Israel? How to divide the financial burden between individuals, federa- tions and Israel itself? How to design a program that balances education and JEWISH LIFE NETWORK leisure in just ten days? At last, birthright israel is a tangible reality involving airplanes, buses and Michael H. Steinhardt even camels shuttling Jews through the archetypical landscape of their heritage. Chairman The popularity of the trips has exceeded even the most fantastic projections of Rabbi Irving Greenberg its founders, with lotteries and wait-lists attesting to the vitality of a new mass President movement. There is a temptation, as we watch the planes landing from all parts Jonathan J. Greenberg of the globe, to congratulate ourselves on a beautifully accomplished mission. Executive Director But to stop now would be to squander birthright israel's greatest potential. The most salient criticism of the program is that ten days alone cannot affect a CONTACT is produced and lasting imprint on one's identity. No matter how exhilarating the Israel experi- distributed by Jewish Life Network, ence can be, there is the risk that as time passes and alumni return to their nor- a Judy and Michael Steinhardt mal lives, the trip will recede into the background like yet another memorable Foundation, 6 East 39th Street, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016. college vacation. For this reason, the larger work of birthright israel has only just begun. We should increasingly place our energies not only on solitary ten- Phone: (212) 279-2288 day trips, but on a sustained educational and cultural experience that begins in Fax: (212) 279-1155 Israel but continues long after participants return home. Granted, it is a greater Email: [email protected] challenge to provide enchanting programs outside the made-to-order Jewish Copyright © 2001 by Jewish Life Network. backdrop of Israel. Nonetheless, our goal is to extend birthright israel by providing original and inspiring post-trip programs that rival the intensity of the K O M L I Y R I S E R trip itself. Indeed, by focusing on the larger scope of the birthright israel dream, V A A

C we can turn an illuminating experience abroad into a lifetime commitment to

J K E R Jewish living. W O I S W H T E L I F E N This issue of Contact will examine the next phase of birthright israel. We will Jewish Life Network is dedicated to study the program's impact from the vantage point of participants themselves, strengthening and transforming American and explore ways of expanding that impact beyond the length of the trip. We Jewry to ensure a flourishing, sustainable will also consider how the philosophy behind the free gift of birthright israel can community in a fully integrated free society. potentially invigorate the Jewish community and inspire those who feel cut off We seek to revitalize Jewish identity from Jewish life. Finally, we will analyze how in the new terrain of Middle East through educational, religious and cultural initiatives that are designed to reach out to unrest, the connection between Israel and the Diaspora — once the founding all Jews, with an emphasis on those who are tenet of the birthright israel dream — is more pertinent today than ever. on the margins of Jewish life.

Cover photograph by David Karp. Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs in this issue by David Karp. Eli Valley

2 CONTACT An Experiment to Strengthen Jewish Identity

by LEONARD SAXE, CHARLES KADUSHIN, and ARCHIE BRODSKY

irthright israel may be the largest-ever attempt to alter Jewish identity. It presents an excellent b opportunity to answer questions about the next generation of Jews. Nearly 100,000 young adults from Diaspora Jewish communities will participate in the first five years of birthright israel. Can such a brief interven- tion — a ten-day, cost-free educational tour of Israel — have much of an impact? As researchers, our role has been to try to understand the impact of this experiment on participants’ Jewish identities and on their relationships to Israel and to the Jewish community. Since the program’s inception, we have followed the groups that went to Israel from North America, survey- ing participants before and after trips, and comparing their attitudes and subsequent involvement with those of individuals on waiting lists. The goal has been to discover who participates, what the nature of the experience is, what impact the trip has, and why and how it works to affect Jewish identities.

Who Participates? The initial year of the program involved a diverse group of young Jews. By dint of denomination, Jewish education and practice, participants were as varied as the communities they represented. Some were Jewishly engaged, but many were at risk of becoming “lost to the Jewish people.” Only a small number had been to Israel before, but almost all were highly motivated by prior exposure and interest. Their readiness was amplified by the gift of an expenses-paid trip. Most participants told us that cost had prevented them from visiting Israel before. Conse- quently, they expressed overwhelming gratitude for the gift. By conveying the message that the community had shared something precious, the gift created a compelling reason to become more closely attached to the community. Even before the trip began, its sponsors had pre- pared a receptive emotional ground.

What They Experienced In the first year, we surveyed participants both one and three months after the trip. At three months post-trip, the evaluations were overwhelmingly positive; the expe-

Leonard Saxe, Charles Kadushin, and Archie Brodsky are faculty members of the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies, Brandeis University.

SPRING 2001 3 rience was seen as both meaningful and edu- nected to Israel, were exploring their Jewish- gram with thousands of other Jews. cational. When asked what part of the trip ness more, and felt a greater connection to the The formation of community during the had been most positive for them, participants Jewish people after the trip than before. Par- trips was both a means and an end. It was a talked mostly about their sense of being part ticipants were considerably more likely than means to create significant personal experi- of a community and interacting and bonding nonparticipants to feel strongly that being ences — insofar as an individual’s feelings with people. They also talked about the Jewish involves caring about Israel and feeling and reactions were confirmed and amplified impact of the sites they visited: the Kotel, a connection to other Jews. After the trip, par- by others. Community was also an end, for Yad Vashem, Masada, and the Golan Heights. ticipants were much more likely to see their the core purpose of birthright israel was to For these mostly unengaged Jews, these sites Jewishness as important to their self-image. bring participants into a closer relationship came to have personal significance. One stu- Participants’ increased cognizance of their with the Jewish community. Its success was dent put it: Jewish identity was reflected in several ways. expressed by various participants in their “At the Western Wall, first just touching They thought about their Israel experience own words: the trip “made me feel that I am it … then hearing the singing … mixed with nearly every day and kept in contact with oth- part of something bigger than just myself.” the sounds of someone really praying seri- ers in their group. Many were spending more It seemed critical that this community ously … and someone crying ... all those time learning about Israel and participating in experience took place in Israel. The people, sounds kind of mixed together and gave me Jewish activities than before. The majority places, and events they encountered were the sense that there was really something said they were likely to return to Israel within reminders of shared traditions and commu- profound happening there.” two years, to study, work, or vacation. nal belonging. For some, being “Jewish” in America meant being set apart by religious What Impact? Why? practices or by a chosen way of life. In a According to a column by Marlene Post, Many participants traveled with students they country where “everyone” was Jewish, how- Chairperson of birthright israel USA, already knew, and would continue to know, ever, one could feel comfortable expressing a Jewishness that fit into society. The initial assessment of birthright israel may seem too positive to be trustworthy. Per- haps it is surprising that the impact of the trip lasted beyond the first weeks and appears to have become generalized for months beyond the program. But the key question is why and how did birthright israel come to have a powerful impact on participants. birthright israel was developed to change young people’s lives. Its impact was to give participants a context to extend or reclaim their identification with the Jewish people and Israel. The educational experience notwithstanding, participants seemed partic- ularly receptive to a community experience. Living in an extraordinarily individualistic society, they lack opportunities for non-com- petitive group experiences. birthright israel was such an experience; as such, it met an unfilled need. The next stage in our research will examine how participants fare over time. Perhaps connectedness will decline as the glow of the experience wears off and as they try, unsuc- cessfully, to recapture the birthright israel The success of birthright israel was expressed by experience in their home communities. But part of the experiment is to find ways contin- various participants in their own words: the trip “made me ually to engage these young adults. If the key feel that I am part of something bigger than just myself.” to birthright israel was the successful creation of community, then the lesson for back- home organizations is clear. birthright israel was designed “to spark inter- through their campus Hillel organizations The organizers of birthright israel are not est, involvement and a thirst for enrich- and JCC’s. They were accompanied by guides merely tour operators bringing young people ment,” so that participants would “appreciate and educators, many from their campus or to Israel. Rather, they are social experi- and remain in the Jewish fold.” (The community. Participants liked the people they menters seeking to strengthen the Jewish Jerusalem Report, December 20, 1999) It will traveled with and recognized in them a same- people and create Jewish community. Our take years to learn how well the program ness as well as diversity. The way they have tradition teaches that one should “say little, achieves this goal. We measured its immedi- kept in contact with their traveling compan- do much.” birthright israel, whatever its ulti- ate impact both by retrospective “before and ions is one measure of the success of this mate impact, has moved beyond rhetoric to after” questions and by comparisons between communal bonding. More globally, three- try to enhance Jewish identity. Our task now participants and those who were wait-listed. quarters of participants experienced a strong is to learn as much as we can about this Participants said that they felt more con- emotional impact from being part of a pro- process.

4 CONTACT Daniel took us to a hill overlooking the brink PHOTOGRAPH BY ERICA WEISS of Tel Aviv, where the city’s crowded streets when I met Daniel. He was British-born, fade into the Mediterranean. As the group always witty, slightly bald, not entirely reli- went around in a circle, reflecting on what avid Ben Gurion once said, “We will gious, and strikingly intelligent. I genuinely we’d found on birthright israel, or what we know we have become a normal did not believe he was to be our Israeli hoped to one day discover, something D country when Jewish thieves and guide. And although I came to love Daniel, became explicitly clear. Among comments Jewish prostitutes conduct their business in as did the entire bus full of 30 other Penn that ranged from “finding a true family in Hebrew.” No doubt, this man had a sense of students, he beautifully failed my stereo- Israel” to “not quite connecting here,” I real- humor. And yet, as I left Israel this past Janu- ary, having visited the country for the very first time, I found his remark to be surpris- ingly poignant. In a sense, it encompassed Tearing My Stereotypes to Shreds what I found to be one of the most unbeliev- by REBECCA SILLS able aspects of the state. Here in Israel, the Jews are a people. They are the people driv- ing the buses and the people writing songs. types. I quickly began to debate between two ized that after a ten-day trip, each of us They are the people in the hospitals and the possible scenarios — either he is Israeli, and understood the Israel of hotels and kibbut- people on the streets. And as I would come the accent’s a gag, or he’s British, and doesn’t zim, friendly soldiers and miscounted to learn, they are the people with charming have a clue what Israel could mean for a Jew- shekels, perfect photographs of new friends British accents, black skin, vanilla blonde ish person. It seems I was eager, if not simply against an ancient backdrop. But understand- dread locks and Hawaiian heritage. They are accustomed, to seeing Jewish people as ing the deeper Israel — the connection, the a motley people, built on history, facing con- either/or. But thankfully, for the next ten history and the people — was just out of our flict, seeking growth and yet remarkably days I would have Daniel there to lead us — reach. And for that I am so very grateful. For walking on the greatest of common grounds. making sharp quips, reviving history, and I believe that to attempt a complete grasp of Before I left for Israel, my mother tearing my stereotypes to shreds. For indeed, Israel in all its entirety would reduce it to informed me that Israeli tour guides are quite with his Monty Python humor and Manches- terms far too simple for such an affecting unlike the “peppy brochure-readers” we ter background, Daniel was as Israeli — as experience. The issues of religion, state, tra- Americans try to pass as tour guides. Indeed, Jewish — as the sabra born in Haifa. dition and family cannot be fully understood she said, Israeli guides are incredible. Did I By trip’s end, under the guidance of before our plane lifts off to bring us home. know that they went to college to become Daniel and in the company of friends, I had Now that the trip has ended, I hope that tour guides? That they studied for two years been exposed to many different facets of we first-timers, some Orthodox, others who just to show me around Israel? Did I? Well Israeli culture. As Daniel commented on doubted their faith, will use the reflection of now I did, and the expectations were set. My what was passing us by in the window or hindsight to begin to understand the essence tour guide would be the most informed what we saw in the colorful neighborhoods of Israel. I hope that the powers of Israel — Israeli. An Oxford student gone tour guide, of Tel Aviv, he did his job: History. Conversa- the state, the people, the nation — will with a love of falafel, a big bold Star of David tion. Humor. But more than that, he pro- remain overwhelming, complex and, at the hanging from his neck, and a head of dark vided each of us with the opportunity to get very least, provocative throughout my life. hair. He would have served in the army, to know Israel through the eyes of an Israeli. May the same concepts that are leading me taught Israeli folk dance and spoken very It is difficult not to look like a tourist when to question Israel in all its depth constantly broken, heavily accented English. roaming the streets of the Old City, camera in leave me in awe. For all of us, birthright Perhaps that is why I was dumbstruck hand, name-tag intact; but as Daniel guided israel was our very first experience in Israel. us throughout the country and we repeatedly Or perhaps, it was just our first. For ulti- Rebecca Sills, a Freshman at the University of Penn- encountered welcoming faces, it was hard to mately, who fully understands those inaugu- sylvania, returned from the birthright israel trip in imagine that we didn’t belong. ral moments of a lifelong journey? Only January 2001. It was on our last evening in Israel that those who have traveled far.

SPRING 2001 5 WeWe areare notnot tryingtrying merelymerely toto showshow thethe exoticismexoticism ofof Thinking Beyond the aa foreignforeign land.land. WeWe areare Mountain-Top tryingtrying toto connectconnect whatwhat isis Experience experiencedexperienced inin IsraelIsrael by SIMON KLARFELD withwith lifelife backback home.home.

he question facing all “mountaintop our program design and communal infra- With the creation of niche trips to Israel, experiences” is how to maintain the structures we must provide a plethora of the notion and themes of follow-up are built T participants’ new enthusiasm and opportunities to engage all types of alumni in into the program. For example, a birthright ideas beyond the time- and place-bound pro- the Jewish community. israel trip for law students – nationally gram. What happens once they go home? Intrinsically, Judaism has multiple path- recruited from law schools across the coun- ways to involvement: spiritual/religious, try – would focus its attention on legal ques- Thinking Anew social, cultural, educational and philanthropic. tions while in Israel (e.g., international law We need to be thinking in a broader way Any one of these spheres can serve as a basis on sovereignty, questions relating to the legal about the birthright israel experience as part for engagement, involvement, and empower- authority of the rabbinate, historical ques- of a larger continuum of Jewish life and as an ment within the Jewish world. In my opinion, tions of Jewish emancipation and rights of opportunity that reaches far beyond a ten- follow-up programs are too narrow in their citizenship). In addition to providing a won- day trip. Israel is a powerful tool for the Jew- scope, focusing on only one or two of these derfully creative approach to an Israel trip, it ish educator not only because of its history, spheres and therefore reducing the possibility also provides an excellent opportunity for traditions and culture, but also because of its of engagement with young adults who are continuing dialogues and engagements once relevance to the lives of Jews living in the “turned on” by other spheres of interest. the students return home. For example, sem- Diaspora. We are not trying merely to show Through recent interviews I conducted inars on halakha and contemporary society the exoticism of a foreign land. We are trying with birthright israel alumni, it is clear that and legal approaches to the peace process to connect what is experienced in Israel with all had been affected by their Israel experi- could be provided on either a local or life back home. Therefore, it is critical that ences, but for each it was meaningful for a national level. Legal internships could be cre- guides, educators, community planners and different reason. For one student, it was ated for these alumni in Jewish advocacy set- Israeli partners continually link experiences about the relationships formed with a couple tings, welfare organizations, and inner city there with experiences here. of Israeli students who had been with him labor organizations. Leading legal authorities birthright israel is a catalyst for greater throughout the ten days; for another, it was and thinkers could be invited to present lec- Jewish involvement. Israel provides a field in the experience of seeing the dynamics tures and discussions online through the use which key Jewish values and concepts can be between secular and Orthodox Jews as they of the internet and video conferencing. sewn. We must plant seeds during the Israel negotiated the streets of Jerusalem; for experience that can be nurtured and grown another, it was the first time that she had Questions for Further Discussion upon the participants’ return to their home experienced life away from home in a new Several key questions need to be addressed: communities. country with a different culture, language Whose responsibility is it to follow up with If one of the aims, if not the primary aim, and traditions. For each, then, the impact of alumni of transformative experiences? How of Jewish educational experiences such as the Israel experience was different. Although can we create meaningful partnerships with birthright israel is to empower people to they all wanted to connect with someone national and local organizations to promote a integrate Jewish values, traditions and peo- when they returned — to talk, to reflect, to smooth transition for alumni back home? plehood into their lives, then we must enable remember and to analyze — their exact How can alumni become integral con- alumni of such mountaintop experiences to interests and needs were clearly unique. stituents in the program? What is the role of take home tools as well as ideas in order to reunions and follow-up programs and con- live an enhanced Jewish life. In addition, we Program Ideas ferences in the lives of alumni? How should must engage them in the planning, imple- We need to educate and train mentors to such endeavors be prioritized within the mentation and leadership of Jewish life in model I-Thou relationships based on the community? How will these initiatives be their home communities. concept of b’tzelem elokim (in the image of funded? How should we use technology to birthright israel participants are not a God). One idea is to establish internships for maintain connectedness among alumni of homogenous population. We need to recog- college credit within Jewish organizations or Israel experiences? If we are to use technol- nize different types of birthright israel social welfare agencies with a parallel men- ogy to its fullest capacity, what are the con- alumni, for example: toring program in which a relationship based straints of the virtual rather than real world 1. the already involved and affiliated who on Jewish values can enrich alum and men- in community building? have never been to Israel on an organized tor alike. Ultimately, if birthright israel and its trip; and Tzedek (justice) as a fundamental Jewish components are integrated into a much 2. the less affiliated who experience Judaism value should be incorporated and inter- broader notion of a Jewish continuum of anew in Israel. This sub-group has less expe- twined throughout the Israel experience and experiences, what impact would that have on rience in connecting with the wider Jewish beyond, not only because it is a key Jewish the Jewish world? community. value but also because of the potential of Our response to and objectives for each involving alumni in tzedek-related activities Simon Klarfeld is the Founding Director of Genesis of these sub-groups are probably different. In in their communities upon their return. at Brandeis University.

6 CONTACT Montreal’s Success: Follow-up, Not Chase-After by GIL TROY

ow that birthright israel is up and clearinghouse more running, it is clear that the magic of than program provider. N Israel trips is a success. Ironically, A weekly internet newsletter, “In the though, the trip itself is the easy part. Fol- Fold,” informs participants about student- low-up is much more complex. oriented Jewish events throughout the city. Young Part of the problem is structural. An Moreover, the follow-up coordinator tries to people bet- Israel trip is self-contained and well-defined, play “matchmaker,” putting returnees in ween the ages whereas follow-up is forever. The Israel trip touch with particular camps, organizations, of 18 and 26 are is mass produced, whereas follow-up must be events, social action projects and activities capable of organizing catered to the individual. Part of the problem that suit them. The coordinator also plays the their own activities and taking is conceptual. The goals are unclear. It is dif- role of cruise director, trying to get a critical charge of their own Jewish lives. ficult to judge success when we have yet to mass of birthright israel returnees to certain We must encourage participants to act define such goals as “a better Jew” and “a events, to build on alumni friendships and to as people in control, not consumers at a more engaged human being.” help overcome the nervousness and unfamil- smorgasbord. Still, follow-up remains an essential part iarity newcomers to the Jewish world often At the same time, we have to recognize of the birthright israel educational process. experience. that all these activities are only one dimension In Montreal, the Federation has recognized In trying to integrate returnees into the of follow-up. The success of birthright israel this and hired a follow-up coordinator. We Jewish world, we have initiated some post- should not be judged by how many students believe this position is the first of its kind in trip programs that open up beyond birthright show up at Federation or at Hillel. Reading North America. Thanks mostly to the energy israel participation. This year I ran Think- Jewish books, thinking Jewish thoughts, cel- and charisma of these young coordinators, ebrating Jewish rituals, making Jewish friends, one who had been a leader and the other a dating Jewish people — all are ways of being participant in birthright israel trips, Montreal The Israel trip is Jewish that do not show up on the organiza- boasts a first-rate follow-up program that has tional radar. We must not forget them. After involved over 80 percent of birthright israel the poetry; follow- a year involved with Montreal’s follow-up, returnees in one program or another. proud as I am of its great strides and exciting In Montreal, we see follow-up operating up is the prose. programs, I also realize that organized fol- on three levels. Level One keeps participants low-up activities can only accomplish so within the birthright israel bubble, and tries much. They are all condemned to pale in to extend the intensity and joy of the Israel tank, a freewheeling, open-ended seminar comparison to the excitement of the trip trip. Most of our madrichim are student about the basics of Jewish identity and Jewish itself, an intense, all-encompassing experi- activists who will serve as peer leaders and history. It met weekly at Hillel and averaged ence for the participants. Is it any wonder, entry guides into the Jewish world back about 60 percent non-birthright israel alumni. especially when alumni return to the very home. Activities are planned before the par- Similarly, on Tuesday nights we initiated the Jewish community that may have failed to ticipants return from Israel and include Late Night Torah Society, a study and singing inspire them before, that almost any follow- “Shabbat in the city,” during which group that once again had a majority of non- up activity will not measure up? madrichim host members of their respective birthright israel alumni. This year, we will The Israel trip is the poetry; follow-up is buses at their homes for dinner, and a city- start Think and Drink, a four-part interactive the prose. We need, of course, to build more wide reunion with prizes, music, dancing lecture series which ends with cocktails, co- — more classes, more Shabbat experiences, and lots of pictures. Last year we featured sponsored by birthright israel and Concordia more holiday celebrations, more social action the Carlebach-style band Inasense. University’s Jewish Studies Program. projects, more web interactions. But we also Level Two recognizes that the goal of In the next step, Level Three, we try have to recognize that everyone’s educa- birthright israel is not to create another self- to encourage returnees to become leaders tional, spiritual and personal Jewish journey perpetuating Jewish organization. As a result, themselves. In that spirit, several returnees is long and winding. Once participants the follow-up coordinator plays the role of joined Montreal’s spunky youth delegation to return to the demands of their daily lives the General Assembly in Chicago; two after the marathon of birthright israel, it is returnees initiated Hillel’s first Jewish student not surprising that a slower pace sets in. The Gil Troy is Professor of History at McGill University movie festival; and two have joined Hillel’s real impact of birthright israel will take years and Chairman of the birthright israel Montreal staff. Follow-up must not be chase-after. Steering Committee. and very subtle barometers to assess.

SPRING 2001 7 THE NEWBORN GIFT: Extending birthright israel and Renewing Community by RABBI YITZ GREENBERG and MICHAEL H. STEINHARDT

irthright israel was con- that successful partnering in one age bracket, will be offered the trip. But Think of the fundamental change we entire community will have to upgrade ceived as an opportunity area would help strengthen the how can we bring the less connected will have accomplished if instead of its outreach efforts tremendously. Feder- b to change the basic infra- other links. families closer so they anticipate and seeking only returns from our fellow ations will have the opportunity to revi- structure of the American Jewish For this reason, we concluded even plan their children’s future involve- Jews, we promote the view that being talize themselves as they appeal to the community. Now that the bulk of that the birthright israel trip must ment in birthright israel trips? A crucial Jewish has its own intrinsic reward. The next generation of Jews. The very net- American Jewry has chosen full be a free and full-hearted gift. answer lies in the birthright israel new- gift is thus more than a mere $180. It working that birthright israel demands integration into American cul- Detractors argue that it is not born gift, which can also provide finan- signifies the appreciation and sensitivity will reinforce the concept of a chain of ture, it is clear that we need to right for the community to pay cial support for a permanent birthright we will show young Jews as they enter Jewish destiny, of am echad as our com- enrich the inner life of American for those participants who can israel program. It is proposed that the the unknown territory of parenthood. munity reorients itself towards service Jews so that they will choose afford to visit Israel. But this line Jewish communities (the logical agency Parents won’t consider their Jewishness and mutual welfare. How do we learn Jewishness as the anchor of their of reasoning fails to appreciate would be the Federation) identify all to be merely an accident of birth. when a new Jewish baby is born? Can identity in a polyphonous society. the purpose of the gift. It is not newly born Jews. The community could Instead, they will gain the necessary we organize effectively to reach out and The key is to provide a chain of merely financial. birthright israel then reach out, by letter or preferably by sense of a peoplehood bound by a com- even make a personal visit to each of Jewish experiences that are so is targeted at less affiliated Jews, personal visit, to the parents of the new- mon destiny and an emotional commit- these families? How do we avoid over- vital in impact and nurturing in because those who are most inte- born. This is a moment when new par- ment to one another. They will marketing in soliciting the families? identity that the recipient makes grated into American life are far ents are extraordinarily aware of being recognize that just as the birth of their How can we keep in touch over the a full-hearted decision to live as a less likely to travel to Israel on part of the chain of life and of history; at child represents a cosmic connection years as families move, change priorities, Jew for life. Ideally this chain their own. Such people typically this time, new parents are open to others between the past and the future, so, too, careers, etc? What new resources are should consist of day school edu- see the Jewish community as self- sharing and deepening their joy. the Jewish people have a profound con- needed to pay for this gift? To realize the cation, Jewish camping, youth centered, external to their lives The community representatives would nection to their collective history and full scope of the newborn gift, we need movements, college programs, and interested in approaching wish the parents Mazel Tov and say that common future. In this way a material increased cooperation from partners on Israel experience, and young them only when raising funds. their newborn child has a birthright israel thing will be invested with the loftiest an individual and organizational level. adult activities. The free gift, by contrast, is a gift of a trip to Israel when they grow up. spiritual implications. The gift becomes The Jewish community must weigh The founders of birthright noble concept that touches souls. They would inform the parents: As we a very real symbol of our love for clal its understanding of birthright israel. Is israel chose this project because The gift communicates to families meet, the community is giving your baby yisrael, our joy in being Jewish, and our this a burdensome success whose finan- Think of the fundamental change there were enough private phi- that we are one people; we care a present. The sum of $180 is being concern that all our brothers and sisters cial cost outweighs its benefits? Or is lanthropists who loved Israel to about you because you are Jew- deposited in a special account in the experience the soaring power of their this the opportunity of a lifetime for new we will have accomplished if initiate the needed alliance of pri- ish; we have a cultural and histor- name of your newborn child. The gift heritage. Suddenly, new parents will be community organizations and the vate philanthropy with commu- ical memory to share with you. will bear interest; while it will be avail- intrigued by what the community has to embrace of whole new cohorts of Jews instead of seeking only returns nity institutions and the Surveys of birthright israel partic- able only to pay for this future trip, the offer, including nursery schools and on a staggering scale? The decision is in Government of Israel. Day ipants indicate that the gift — the family can add gifts or other funds along summer camps. Never underestimate the our hands. A strong effort now can pave from our fellow Jews, we promote schools were still too foreign to love and caring implicit in the the way to enable the child to extend or capacity of Jews to respond to an act of the way for a demographic flowering major givers, camping too mar- generosity — excites them and deepen the trip. This trip is an expression nobility and compassion. over the next decades. the view that being Jewish has its ginal, youth movements too deepens the impact of the trip. of the bonds between our people, one There are a number of administrative modest, intense learning too The ultimate vision of people worldwide, with no expectation in issues to be solved for the newborn gift own intrinsic reward. Rabbi Yitz Greenberg and Michael H. Steinhardt much of a stretch. We started birthright israel is that the entire return and no condition except taking the to work. In order to identify newborn are President and Chairman, respectively, of Jewish with the Israel trips in the belief cohort of young Jews, in every trip itself. Jewish children, not easy at present, the Life Network.

8 CONTACT SPRING 2001 9 age bracket, will be offered the trip. But Think of the fundamental change we entire community will have to upgrade how can we bring the less connected will have accomplished if instead of its outreach efforts tremendously. Feder- families closer so they anticipate and seeking only returns from our fellow ations will have the opportunity to revi- even plan their children’s future involve- Jews, we promote the view that being talize themselves as they appeal to the ment in birthright israel trips? A crucial Jewish has its own intrinsic reward. The next generation of Jews. The very net- answer lies in the birthright israel new- gift is thus more than a mere $180. It working that birthright israel demands born gift, which can also provide finan- signifies the appreciation and sensitivity will reinforce the concept of a chain of cial support for a permanent birthright we will show young Jews as they enter Jewish destiny, of am echad as our com- israel program. It is proposed that the the unknown territory of parenthood. munity reorients itself towards service Jewish communities (the logical agency Parents won’t consider their Jewishness and mutual welfare. How do we learn would be the Federation) identify all to be merely an accident of birth. when a new Jewish baby is born? Can newly born Jews. The community could Instead, they will gain the necessary we organize effectively to reach out and then reach out, by letter or preferably by sense of a peoplehood bound by a com- even make a personal visit to each of personal visit, to the parents of the new- mon destiny and an emotional commit- these families? How do we avoid over- born. This is a moment when new par- ment to one another. They will marketing in soliciting the families? ents are extraordinarily aware of being recognize that just as the birth of their How can we keep in touch over the part of the chain of life and of history; at child represents a cosmic connection years as families move, change priorities, this time, new parents are open to others between the past and the future, so, too, careers, etc? What new resources are sharing and deepening their joy. the Jewish people have a profound con- needed to pay for this gift? To realize the The community representatives would nection to their collective history and full scope of the newborn gift, we need wish the parents Mazel Tov and say that common future. In this way a material increased cooperation from partners on their newborn child has a birthright israel thing will be invested with the loftiest an individual and organizational level. gift of a trip to Israel when they grow up. spiritual implications. The gift becomes The Jewish community must weigh They would inform the parents: As we a very real symbol of our love for clal its understanding of birthright israel. Is meet, the community is giving your baby yisrael, our joy in being Jewish, and our this a burdensome success whose finan- a present. The sum of $180 is being concern that all our brothers and sisters cial cost outweighs its benefits? Or is deposited in a special account in the experience the soaring power of their this the opportunity of a lifetime for new name of your newborn child. The gift heritage. Suddenly, new parents will be community organizations and the will bear interest; while it will be avail- intrigued by what the community has to embrace of whole new cohorts of Jews able only to pay for this future trip, the offer, including nursery schools and on a staggering scale? The decision is in family can add gifts or other funds along summer camps. Never underestimate the our hands. A strong effort now can pave the way to enable the child to extend or capacity of Jews to respond to an act of the way for a demographic flowering deepen the trip. This trip is an expression nobility and compassion. over the next decades. of the bonds between our people, one There are a number of administrative people worldwide, with no expectation in issues to be solved for the newborn gift Rabbi Yitz Greenberg and Michael H. Steinhardt return and no condition except taking the to work. In order to identify newborn are President and Chairman, respectively, of Jewish trip itself. Jewish children, not easy at present, the Life Network.

SPRING 2001 9 Visiting Israel in Times of Crisis We asked two birthright israel trip organizers, one from the Diaspora and one from Israel, to reflect on Israel programs during periods of increased tension in the region.

As Israel confronts this latest stumbling is not a place to come because it is in trou- The View Outside block on its inexorable path to peace, we The View Inside ble, but because it is the Jewish homeland. by DORON KRAKOW have a responsibility, as citizens of the Jew- by ESTHER ABRAMOWITZ The students came on birthright israel to be ish Nation, to stand at her side. Our outspo- a part of our history. That is a very powerful t has been more than six months since ken support and our unwillingness to be eh gam ha ‘birthright’ shelanu. statement.” the advent of the most recent Palestin- intimidated by exaggerated accounts of dan- [It is also our Birthright],” pro- While greeting one of the large Hillel ian riots in Israel. One result is that ger in Israel require that we continue to go, “Z claims Ora Merin, Manager of groups at the airport, a tour educator came I to learn and to send our children. Should Kenes-Tlalim Educational Tours. Mother of up to me with tears in her eyes and thanked Israel’s tourism industry, so heavily dependent on American Jewish visitors, lies in tat- there come a time when our ability to pro- four, born and raised in Israel, Merin me. She had not worked for three months, as ters. With few exceptions, Jewish vide for the safety of young people on our explains that she is now beginning to under- all of her other groups had canceled. My organizations and institutions have called programs is truly compromised, these pro- stand the importance of her connection to “adopted” Israeli family, who generally does off programs, events and activities due to grams will not run. But now is not that the Jewish People. “It is not enough to only not understand my work with American stu- take place in Israel. Young people are opting time. live in Israel. I am now beginning to under- dents and frequently asks me when I am out of programs in Israel in numbers not In December, I spent time in Israel with stand the depth of my Jewishness. This was going to do “real social work,” was over- seen in more than a decade. Among long- the young people on Year Course. They’d missing to us just the same as it was missing whelmed with pride that the students came term programs with young people currently been there since the start of this latest cycle for the American students coming on now. Ben Yehuda Street, desolate for months, in Israel, the impact of the violence has of violence. As a result, they probably had birthright israel.” was suddenly teeming with students in been equally devastating. With few excep- as good an understanding of what was going I have lived in Jerusalem for ten years, bright colors. tions, like those programs run by the Union on as the Israelis with whom they lived and and have worked with thousands of overseas Letters of thanks have been pouring in of American Hebrew Congregations, the worked. Though acutely aware of each day’s students who have spent short and long from the various schools, army bases, and United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism events, their lives continued essentially as periods in Israel. Last Fall, birthright israel institutions that hosted the birthright israel and Hadassah’s Young Judaea, participants planned. So, too, do the lives of almost all struggled for months with the question of students, asking when the next groups are have left programs in alarming numbers. Israelis and of Israel itself. how to deliver a safe and secure trip while coming. After spending three days touring Nonetheless, these past few months Groups of Year Course participants are ensuring a celebratory Jewish journey. In the with one of the buses, Israeli soldiers have witnessed the second successful winter located in a number of cities and towns end, birthright israel was able to maintain pleaded with their commanders to allow season for birthright israel, with almost throughout Israel where, among other ele- strict security while not compromising the them to stay with their newfound friends. At 9,000 young people from around the world ments of their program, they volunteer as complete philosophy, operation, educational Ohel Shalom Elementary School in Rosh (6,000-plus from the United States) visiting teachers, helpers and aides in a variety of content and implementation of the trips. The Ha’ayin, American, Yemenite and Ethiopian Israel on free ten-day missions given to community institutions. At the conclusion impact of the experience was felt not only by students played a spontaneous game of soc- them through the generosity of the Jewish of these volunteer segments, they invite the the American students, but also by the hun- cer. Throughout the encounters, emails and people. These young people made their first Israelis with whom they’ve worked to a dreds of Israelis who participated in Mif- addresses were exchanged. visit to Israel notwithstanding the crisis, party, to thank them for the opportunities gashim (encounters), served as tour At the recent humus and champagne notwithstanding the manner in which it has and for the support and assistance they have educators and guides, and worked behind party opening the spring semester at Hebrew been represented in the media and notwith- been given. We had 30 participants in the scenes to create this powerful experi- University Hillel, a student ran up to me and standing the fact that the overwhelming Tiberias, a town on the Kinneret (Sea of ence. The trips had their impact on the aver- said: “I know you. You taught that niggun on majority were not committed Zionists before Galilee) heavily dependent on tourism, age Israeli as well. People on the streets, Friday night to our group on birthright israel making the trip. At the end of the trip, all which was suffering tremendously as a shop and restaurant owners, even my friends last year. I’m back at Hebrew U. for the participants returned safely to their homes. result of the crisis. When word of the party and relatives not connected with the project semester and so happy to be here!” I gave As the National Director of Young got out, more than 500 local residents, were touched in some way by the birthright her a big hug, welcoming her while holding Judaea, which operates Year Course, a ten- including the town’s Mayor, turned out — israel student presence in the country. This back my tears. As an American-born Israeli, month work-study program for recent high not to be thanked, but to thank the kids, for “side benefit” of birthright israel was not I am inspired with hope that birthright israel school graduates, my foremost responsibility coming and for staying. necessarily anticipated, yet it is of para- students will continue to come to Israel not is the safety and well-being of our more Now, as much as ever, we need to stand mount significance to the future of the only to show solidarity, but to experience a than 200 participants. Careful planning, together as a people. As long as the situa- Israel-Diaspora relationship. rich and important piece of our Jewish her- consultation with Israel’s security authorities tion remains safe, we need to keep bringing Ezra Korman, Educational Director for itage together with Israelis. This has wonder- and responsible guidelines and regulations our young people to Israel, a vital compo- Da’at Travel Services, comments that many ful implications for the future of the Jewish regarding the conduct of our program and nent in their education as Jews. birthright Israeli-born tour educators felt that people as it connects the world Jewish stu- participants have resulted in not one partici- israel, though originally responding to a birthright israel was “like a breath of fresh dent community with Israelis on a very basic pant leaving the program due to security need, has now become the spearhead of an air.” It was an opportunity to encounter Jewish level. concerns on their part or on the part of educational movement. world Jewry in an uncontrived and non-syn- their parents. In fact, we in the Jewish com- thetic manner. The feeling was not that students were coming from America because Esther Abramowitz is Associate Director of Pro- munity are eminently capable of providing Doron Krakow is National Director of Young they felt bad for the “poor” Israelis, but gramming at Hillels in Israel and the Former Soviet safe, secure, outstanding programs for our- Judaea. Union. selves and for our children. because they wanted to be in Israel. Korman continues, “The students showed that Israel

10 CONTACT SPRING 2001 11 Visiting Israel in Times of Crisis We asked two birthright israel trip organizers, one from the Diaspora and one from Israel, to reflect on Israel programs during periods of increased tension in the region.

10 CONTACT SPRING 2001 11 K O L I M Y R I Non-Profit Org. S E R V A U.S. Postage A E Jewish Life Network H

C Paid 6 East 39th Street

J Rockville, MD K E 10th floor R W O Permit No. 800 I S W H T New York, NY 10016 L E I F E N

art of the experiment is

to find ways continually

to engage these young adults.

If the key to birthright israel

was the successful creation

of community, then the lesson

for back-home organizations

is clear. PHOTOGRAPH BY ART TODAY

—SAXE, KADUSHIN AND BRODSKY