Birthright Israel — the basics

Birthright Israel (Taglit-Birthright) is a 10-day, fully-funded trip to Israel for young Jewish adults aged 18–32 who have not been on a peer educational trip to Israel before. Founded in 1999, it has sent over 800,000 young Jews to Israel.

Cost to participant: $0. Funded by the Israeli government, Jewish Federations of North America, and private philanthropists like Sheldon Adelson and Charles Bronfman.

Eligibility

  • Aged 18–32
  • Jewish — at least one Jewish parent, OR completed conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination
  • Not previously visited Israel on a peer-educational trip after age 18 (a family trip or non-peer-educational visit doesn't disqualify)
  • Identifies as Jewish

What's included

  • Round-trip airfare from major US airports
  • Accommodations (hotels, kibbutz guesthouses, Bedouin tents one night)
  • Most meals
  • Tour bus, professional Israeli guide, security
  • 10-day itinerary covering Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Galilee, the Dead Sea, Masada, the Golan

How to apply

  1. Choose a trip organizer — popular ones: Mayanot (Chabad-affiliated), Israel Outdoors (most popular), Birthright Excel (career-focused), Amazing Israel (religious), Sachlav, Israel Free Spirit (Orthodox Union)
  2. Apply at birthrightisrael.com for your preferred organizer + season (winter Dec–Feb, summer May–Aug)
  3. Phone interview with trip organizer
  4. Acceptance + pay refundable deposit (~$250, returned at trip end)
  5. Pre-trip orientation calls

For Orthodox / observant participants

Several trip operators run fully Shomer Shabbat / kosher trips:

  • Mayanot — Chabad-run, Shabbos in Crown Heights-style farbrengen, separate buses for men and women
  • Israel Free Spirit — Orthodox Union's program, fully kosher, Shabbat-observant itinerary
  • Aish HaTorah Birthright — Aish-affiliated, fully observant
  • Amazing Israel — Modern Orthodox/Conservative leaning

Beyond Birthright — longer programs

Masa Israel

Masa offers 5–10 month programs in Israel for ages 18–35 — career internships, Jewish studies, Hebrew immersion. Costs $5,000–$15,000 with significant grants and need-based scholarships available. masaisrael.org

Onward Israel

Onward is a 6–10 week paid internship program in Israel for Birthright alumni aged 19–27. Apply through your trip organizer or the Onward website. Highly subsidized.

Gap year yeshivot & midrashot

For high school graduates (often Modern Orthodox), spending a year in Israel between high school and college is common. Top programs:

  • Sha'alvim, Hakotel, Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush), KBY, Reishit — for men
  • Migdal Oz, Midreshet Lindenbaum, Migdal Hatorah, Nishmat, MMY — for women

Cost runs $25k–$45k/year, with significant scholarships available through MASA and individual yeshivot.

Summer programs for teens

  • NCSY Kollel / TJJ (Orthodox Union)
  • Bnei Akiva summer programs
  • JOLT (Jewish Outdoor Leadership Training)
  • USY Israel Pilgrimage (Conservative)
  • Alexander Muss High School in Israel (semester or summer)

Practical tips for any Israel program

  • Travel insurance — Birthright includes basic medical coverage but you may want supplemental. World Nomads and Allianz offer Israel-friendly policies.
  • Pack light — most programs include luggage transport but you'll be on your feet a lot
  • Bring a refillable water bottle — Israeli summer is brutal
  • Adapter — Israel uses Type C/H plugs; bring a universal adapter
  • SIM card — buy one at Ben Gurion airport ($30 for 10 days, unlimited data) or use eSIM via Airalo before you fly

What to do after

Stay engaged: join your local Hillel, Chabad on Campus, or Olami chapter. Subscribe to Israel news feeds. Visit our directory of synagogues and kosher restaurants in your city. And when you're ready to date, check out our Religious Jewish Dating waitlist.