About Us
Vision Statement
Shorashim is a nonprofit educational organization devoted to building bridges between Israeli and American Jews. “Mifgash” (encounter between Americans and Israelis) is the foundation of Shorashim. Americans and Israelis travel, live and learn side by side as they explore Israel. By the end of the ten-day Taglit-Birthright Israel program, participants are forever changed. North American participants have a deeper understanding of Judaism and Israel - not only because of what they did, but as a result of the people they met.
Israeli participants are dynamic, warm, enthusiastic students and young adults. They are excited and ready to show the Americans the beauty and complexity of their country. In addition, they look forward to learning about Jewish life in America.
Shorashim is committed to a pluralistic Jewish experience and reaches out to American youth who are unaffiliated and from all Jewish denominations and to Israelis from all backgrounds.
More About Us
Shorashim is a nonprofit educational organization devoted to building bridges between Israeli and American Jews. We are an unaffiliated organization committed to a pluralistic Jewish experience and reach out to young adults from all Jewish walks of life. In addition to offering programs for participants around the country, Shorashim is the community provider for: Chicago, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Boston.
Shorashim is the only Taglit-Birthright Israel program where Americans and Israelis travel, live and learn side by side as they explore Israel for the full 10 days of the program. By the end of the program, participants are forever changed - not only because of what they did, but as a result of the people they met.
Participants will live “contemporary Israel” as they travel with Israeli peers discussing current events, listening to Israeli music, and learning about the issues that are important to Israelis your age.
Participants will join in a festive Shabbat in Jerusalem with singing, stories, and some study. Optional worship opportunities will include experiencing the diverse prayer styles in Jerusalem synagogues.
On your trip, you can expect to: hike challenging trails in remote areas of Israel confronting Israel’s environmental challenges, visit Yad VaShem to understand how Holocaust memory is preserved in Israel, swim in the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, discuss peace and security with important Israeli figures and everyday Israelis, experience Bedouin hospitality in the desert, participate in a meaningful community service project, make lifelong Israeli and American friends, and have lots of fun!
The uniqueness of the Shorashim experience is that you live the awesome adventure of Israel from the inside - through the eyes and hearts of Israeli peers, who will share the beauty of the land, and the excitement and complexities of life in their country. From the liveliness of Tel Aviv, to the diversity and spirituality of Jerusalem, witness the history, the vibrancy, and the challenges of Modern Israel.
On all Shorashim trips, you will travel with Israeli peers regardless of whether you choose our Israel with Israelis program, one of our community programs, or our Russian Reunion program.
All of Shorashim’s Taglit-Birthright Israel groups are divided by age into college and graduate/professional groups.
Affiliation
Non- Denominational
