URJ Kesher Israel

Summer Trip Registration CLOSED
Registration for all May, June, July and August trips is now closed.

Winter/Spring 2010-11 Trip Sign-Up
Sign-up now for the Winter/Spring 2010-11 Early Update List today and receive the most up-to-date pre-registration instructions for Taglit-Birthright Israel trips with Kesher in December, January, February and March 2011.

There is more than one Taglit-Birthright Israel to choose from because we all know that no two people come to Israel with the same hopes and dreams. Here is what makes the Kesher trip right for you...

1) Making a Deeper Connection in Israel
The word Kesher is Hebrew for "connection." Joining a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip with Kesher is about connecting with Israel on a more meaningful level -- the people, the history and the land itself.

2) Inclusive Group Dynamics
Kesher is under the umbrella of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). As a part of the Reform Movement, the Kesher trip embodies a spirit of inclusiveness, tolerance, and progressive thinking. The program welcomes eligible participants from all Jewish backgrounds as part of a trip community experience that is relaxed and always enjoyable.

3) A Progressive Approach
The Kesher program offers a unique opportunity to experience Israel through a progressive lens. Learn about the challenges of pluralism in Israel, connect with the leaders who embody the spirit of contemporary Zionism, and give something back on a meaningful service project.

4) Bonding with Peer Staff
Each Taglit-Birthright Israel trip is staffed by an Israeli Guide and two North American Peer Staff. On a Kesher Israel trip, we make sure that our Peer Staff are in their mid-20's or 30's. Why? Because we want our participants to connect with their trip staff on a personal level. KESHER has amazing staff, and you can look forward to making lasting friendships with your fellow participants and with your trip staff for years to come.

5) A Focus on Informal Education
A trip with Kesher is also about having a truly enjoyable experience in Israel while learning about Israel's history, culture, and people along the way. Philosophically, Kesher believes in the importance of informal education...or learning by doing, seeing, and feeling. We tend to avoid traditional classroom learning, seminars, etc.

6) A Focus on the Beauty of the Land
Israel is the "Land of Milk & Honey", and on a Kesher trip, you will experience the beauty of Israel with all of your senses. Join us as we explore Israel’s vast desert canyons, the flowering hillsides of the Galilee, and the stunningly blue beaches of the Mediterranean.

7) A Not-For-Profit Organization with a Focus on You
URJ Kesher is a non-profit organization with a proud tradition of serving the Jewish world for over 100 years. As such, our single focus is to provide you with a meaningful and quality Taglit-Birthright Israel experience.

Registration for Summer 2010 Trips is Now Closed

If you have already started an application and need to make changes, please click here.  The next round of registration for Winter 2010-11 trips will be in September. Please check back in August for more details.

Learn More About the Trips

Lots of questions? Learn more about this Trip Organizer by navigating through the pages in the orange box on the left. On these pages you will find their vision, affiliation, a sample itinerary and other pre-trip information.

Still have questions about the trips? Visit the FAQs. Be sure to visit Pre-Trip Central to help you get ready for your trip!