About Us

Vision Statement

The Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel trips will connect Jewish students to their Jewish journey and identities, to Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, and, upon return, to their Jewish communities. All Hillel trips will provide a variety of meaningful Jewish experiences for students from all Jewish backgrounds to explore their tradition. Hillel will focus on follow-through after the trip with all campus-based participants, enabling and empowering them to continue examining their relationship to Israel and to the Jewish people both on campus and in their communities.

More About Us

Hillel was established in 1923 and now serves students on five continents.  We work with many Jewish campus and community organizations to build and support Jewish life on campus. Campus programs often include: alternative spring breaks, community service, leadership development, Shabbat and Jewish holidays, intramural sports, Israel education, and Jewish food, art and music.

Hillel is committed to pluralism, student leadership, social justice and engaging Jewish students.

Trips are staffed by Hillel campus professionals who get to know participants before the trip, and return to campus with them after their Israel experience.  Our Israeli tour educators are the best in their profession. They all speak English fluently and will make Israel come alive for participants.

Participants can expect to learn about Israel from their peers Israelis on their trip, their Israeli tour educator, and through their own eyes seeing Israel as she is.  They will see the cities, industries and nightlife that aren’t covered on network news.

On Shabbat, we focus on taking a break from the fast-paced regular itinerary. Shabbat is celebrated in a pluralistic manner, allowing for many opportunities and experiences.  In addition to Reform, Conservative, Orthodox services, we also offer non-prayer alternatives such as meditation, discussions, and/or yoga.  Shabbat is also the time where students may choose to take on a Hebrew name or have a Bar/Bat Mitvah.

In addition to the major sites of Israel Masada, the Dead Sea, and the Western Wall, we’ll take you to amazing places you didn’t even know existed.  Ride a camel at the Bedouin tent, go Jeeping in the Golan, have lunch in a Druze village, and meet Ethiopian children at an absorption center.  And of course, in addition to your campus peers, you will be traveling with new Israeli friends and getting to know the real Israel.

Affiliation

Non-Denominational