home -> Taglit-Birthright Israel -> why shorashim?

What makes Shorashim so unique?
You live and experience Israel through the eyes of Israeli peers. Shorashim is the only Taglit-Birthright Israel program where groups travel for 10-days with Israeli friends. Leave the tour bus behind, experience Israel the Israeli way!

How do I experience Israel through the eyes of Israelis?
Along with Israelis, you travel, live, and learn side by side. With Shorashim, learning and understanding is a two-way process, and you are as much a part of the educational experience as they are. By the end of the program, you have experienced Israel not as a tourist, but as a part of the Shorashim family.

Who are the Israeli participants?
Israeli participants are the brightest and most engaged people your age, who are interested both in introducing you to their country and learning more about you.

How are the groups divided?
Groups are divided generally by age and region so that you return home with new friends who are also attached to Israel and a group of Israelis. You can request to be with another person who is an approved applicant.

Who are Shorashim staff?
Shorashim staff members are some of the brightest, most passionate and fun-loving people you will ever meet. They have many years of experience. Because the staff are program alumni, they have lived the mifgash or "encounter"experience and are well-equipped to guide your journey.

Is the Shorashim program religious?
Shorashim is committed to a pluralistic Jewish experience. Shorashim reaches out to Jewish youth from all major denominations. Participants teach each other about Jewish life and culture in Israel and America.

How can I apply?
You can register now online. After you are accepted by Taglit-Birthright Israel, you can download our forms and return them to our office.

This trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel and covers round-trip airfare plus ten days of educational programming in Israel. Any Jewish youth, 18-26 (post high-school), who has never been to Israel on a peer-group program is eligible to apply.

Taglit-Birthright Israel is a unique partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations through the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod, and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and the birthright israel Foundation, generously supported by the following Jewish philanthropic partners: S. Daniel Abraham, The Abramson Family Foundation, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson, The AVI CHAI Foundation, The Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, Edgar M. Bronfman, Circle of Service Foundation, Susie and Michael Gelman, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Foundation, David and Ruth Gottesman, The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Hadassah - The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Susan and Roger Hertog, Ronald S. Lauder, The Marcus Foundation - Bernie Marcus, Jane and Daniel Och, The Samberg Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, Judy and Michael Steinhardt, The Wasserman Foundation, Leslie and Abigail Wexner and The Wexner Foundation, Karen and Gary Winnick in North America; Marc Rich in Europe.