birthright trip to israel for adults

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Ⓒ 2024 Mayanot Israel

Jewish Journal

Connect. inform. inspire., rethinking the ‘birthright’: a trip to the israel for adults.

• By Elyse Glickman
• Published April 15, 2015

Elyse Glickman

Birthright trips to Israel are the ultimate opportunity for young Jewish adults to get face-to-face with the places and history that shape their Jewish identity. But what about more mature adults who never got that chance?

Stacy Wasserman believes she has the answer in her L’Dor V’Dor (From Generation to Generation) program, which provides partially subsidized, 12- to 14-day trips to the Holy Land for people 55 and over, who have either never been to Israel or haven’t been in at least 30 years. The program is financed by a foundation she developed with money willed to her by her father, which she named for him: The Dr. Jesse L. Simon Charitable Foundation.

“We were smart to create the Birthright program for young people, but we haven’t done as good a job with other parts of the community,” said Wasserman, 58, of Thousand Oaks. “As many people realize what they’ve missed by not visiting Israel, going there is definitely on their bucket lists. We’re empowering them to act upon what we all promise ourselves at Passover: ‘Next year in Jerusalem.’ ”

The nonprofit sent its first group to Israel in February 2012, followed by others annually, each accommodating a maximum of 40 people. So far, a total of about 200 people have participated on the trips.

This year, there are two trips: a spring sojourn April 23 to May 4 ($2,350 per person, not including airfare), and another in the fall, Oct. 16-28 ($2,650 per person). There is an application and selection process (available online at ldorvdorisrael.com) involved for inclusion, as well as a hard-set rule that people can only take this trip once. Registration for the fall trip opened April 5. 

Wasserman said she is seeking additional charitable donations to the program, because there is only enough money in the foundation to fund three or four more trips. For this year’s spring trip, for example, the foundation is contributing about $900 per person on top of what participants pay.

Itineraries for each trip vary, but they all include sites that capture Israel’s past, present and future: a kibbutz, the Western Wall, Masada, the Dead Sea, wineries, various marketplaces and a visit to the Knesset.

Although Wasserman describes each journey as the “trip of a lifetime” for her travelers — average age is between 68 and 73 — she stresses that they experience the real Israel rather than a luxury jaunt and do lots of walking. Hotels are generally modest, and there are a few days where the lodgings are tents. In other words, similar to the way things are done on a Birthright trip.  

Wasserman made her first trip to Israel in 1980 at age 22 to live on a kibbutz, and ended up exploring the country for a year. Her big moment of discovery was encountering the Western Wall and pondering the number of generations it had been standing.

She went on to build a career as a preschool teacher and Jewish preschool owner in Canoga Park, but always knew deep down that one’s discovering of what makes Israel “Israel”  changes as one gets older, prompting her to start planning a return trip. The genesis of the L’Dor V’Dor program, in turn, stemmed from trying to convince her hesitant husband, Morrey, to join her.

“I had to think of a way to get him to go to Israel so I could return,” she said. “I [also realized] that it is not enough to just send our children or grandchildren to Israel. … If my husband was hesitant about going, there had to be many others afraid to go for a variety of reasons.” 

And there were other important things to think about, like how such trips offer people “an opportunity for them to show their support for Israel by physically going there.”

San Fernando Valley residents who were on last year’s fall trip had distinctly different reasons for going, but they all reported that the shared experience of exploring Israel was life changing.

Harriet Wasserman (no relation to Stacy), 75, of Tarzana, a former ICM agent, traveled the world extensively. However, Israel was a notable exception, as her husband, Ted, had been afraid to go. When they made the trip with L’Dor V’Dor, both found themselves profoundly transformed.

“My husband was never bar mitzvahed, but on the dinner of our last night, he got up with tears coming down his face and told the group, ‘Now I know what it means to be a Jew,’ ” she said. “The first time I touched the Wall, it really was like coming home.”

Although Tarzana resident Linda Hyman, 73, and her husband traveled to Israel in the 1970s, they found this trip to be particularly affirming of their Jewish identities. 

“Although we could not go to the Mount of Olives, we went to the [Haas] Promenade [in Talpiot] for a blessing. Stacy brought a large challah, grape juice and wine, and we all came together in a circle with the blessing,” Hyman said. “We were overlooking Jerusalem, and when we said the blessing, at that moment I knew that I was Jewish.” 

Steven Young, a lawyer from Tarzana born in 1948 — the same year as Israel — said L’Dor V’Dor’s itinerary made the perfect trip to Israel possible on many levels. 

“My religious connection was deepened by seeing the Wailing Wall and touring the base of the outer walls of the city,” he said. “It is incredible to see firsthand the physical and visual perception of how old and how deep our roots are as a religion. 

“When touring Tel Aviv, I saw [an intriguing mix of] the Old City mixed with the new — high-tech companies, a thriving economy and architecture.”

Although never a fan of men’s jewelry, he was moved to purchase an Israeli-made Star of David, which he has not taken off since the trip.

Like Harriet Wasserman, Marlene Miller, 78, of Woodland Hills had long wanted to see Israel, but had not made the journey because of her husband’s concerns. She ended up going on her own with L’Dor V’Dor, and although she went “in the middle of the last Gaza situation,” she swears she felt safer there than here.

“Unless you see these sites in person, you’re not really seeing them,” Miller said. 

Fred Levine of Oak Park said, “Yad Vashem was emotional for me, while The Museum [of the Diaspora] at Tel Aviv University reflected the reality that no matter where we are in the world, our customs, traditions and values are everlasting and we all originate from a common history. Being at Independence Hall and listening to [David] Ben-Gurion announce the independent State of Israel and then the playing of ‘Hatikvah’ was the prefect conclusion to the trip.”

In an affirmation of what Stacy Wasserman hopes to accomplish with L’Dor V’Dor, Levine said he sent his daughter, Rachel, a picture of himself and his wife, Sue, in front of the Israeli flag at Masada. Two seconds later, Rachel sent them back a photo of herself — at the same spot one year earlier.

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It's YOUR turn to discover the very best of Israel on our signature 8, 10, or 12-day tour designed for active adults – with guaranteed small groups and confirmed tour dates conveniently scheduled year-round.

My Turn brings together active adult travelers to explore Israel’s rich history, modern culture, and stunning landscapes. Experience the highlights of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Haifa, Golan Heights, and the Mediterranean Coast – with plenty of off-the-beaten-path discoveries and delicious meals to cherish along the way.

Choose from an 8-day or 10-day core itinerary with a 12-day Eilat Extension on the Red Sea with the option to explore the wonders of Petra in Jordan. Our fixed tour dates are scheduled throughout the year, and we guarantee no more than 26 travelers in a group.

My Turn is pluralistically Jewish in approach and welcoming to all. The itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a complete first-time Israel experience or returning anew. Because My Turn is organized in-house by our own staff and our own caring guides/educators, we provide a higher level of service, a truly authentic journey, and an excellent value.

Early Registration Savings + Risk-Free Terms = Act Now!

Sign up at least five months in advance to lock in your spot and receive a $100/person savings. All payments are fully refundable up to four months in advance, so your savings are commitment-free.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

For a more detailed view of the program, check out the Program Itinerary

Discover the four quarters of the  Old City , explore millennia of history in the  Western Wall Tunnels,  and experience the quiet of  Shabbat in Jerusalem

Descend to the lowest place on earth to float in the Dead Sea at a local resort and scale the heights of Masada  in the Judean Desert

Navigate the Negev Desert  wilderness the old-fashioned way on  camels  and enjoy a delicious  desert tent dinner feast

Experience Israel’s pioneering heritage along the  Sea of Galilee  shores, and ascend the  Golan Heights  on an  off-road jeep trek

Make a solemn visit to  Yad VaShem  World Holocaust Remembrance Center and celebrate Israel’s revival at  Independence Hall

Soak up the cultural riches, browse colorful  street festivals , and enjoy the always lively beach culture of  Tel Aviv

Travel along the Mediterranean coast to view the Bahà’í Gardens  in Haifa, the Rosh Hanikrah ocean caves, and Caesarea palace ruins

Sample Israel’s diverse cuisine at  gourmet restaurants , in a  Druze village , and in  open-air marketplaces

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Enjoy the Red Sea's tropical beaches and underwater wonders while staying at a resort hotel in  Eilat Included with the 12-day tour

Explore hidden Nabatean Kingdom treasures on a guided  Petra day tour  in neighboring Jordan Add-on to the 12-day tour

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Travel to Israel is unlike any other destination, which is why we strive to offer so much more than expected.

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Enjoy more authentic genuine local flavor and fewer hotel meals

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A focus on creating a sense of community and connection as part of a shared journey

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Guaranteed small group tours with confirmed travel dates – plan with confidence

Program dates are confirmed, however, Authentic Israel reserves the right to consolidate or cancel trip dates in extraordinary circumstances.

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REAL REVIEWS FROM REAL TRAVELERS

We know you’ll cherish the My Turn experience, but don’t just take our word for it. Check out these real reviews from past travelers who have completed the journey.

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7 Day Experience (27-32 Year Olds)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...

Birthright Israel trip is now available for 27-32 year olds!

it's NOW OR NEVER: travel with us on & make sure you don't miss out again!  There are limited spots available for these specific trips, so make sure you don't miss out on this opportunity again!

This journey is customized for 27-32 year olds & you get the chance to explore Israel with local Israelis & young adults from around the US. Discover Israel's history, land, scenery, cities, food, & unbelievable culture on the adventure you thought was forever out of your reach.

Why This is the Shorashim Trip for you

"This was truly a trip of a lifetime. I went into this trip unsure of what was ahead of me and walked away with a true appreciation of a new culture, my family's history, tons of new friends, lots of laughs, an absurd amount of coffee & falafel, endless gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. [Birthright Israel] with [Shorashim] was truly life changing."

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Sponsored by: TAGLIT - Birthright Israel Foundation

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Supported and marketed in the US : EZRA USA & partnering Russian-speaking Jewish communities

Federations' ‘Serve Israel’ to bring at least 1,000 volunteers to Israel

Jewish Federations of North America are thrilled to launch Serve Israel, an initiative to activate and mobilize 1,000 volunteers through service trips to Israel that will support recovery and growth efforts during this time of great need.     Serve Israel provides funding opportunities for Federations and Jewish organizations to organize and lead impactful service trips to Israel in 2024 that address urgent and ongoing needs and deepen the connection between North Americans and Israel. These funds will increase the number of people volunteering in Israel at this pivotal time.    “Over these past 10 difficult months, we have seen the critical role that Israel travel and North American volunteers have played in both helping Israelis confront the deep challenges they face and strengthening the bonds between North Americans and Israel,” said Shira Hutt, Executive Vice President, Jewish Federations of North America.     “These programs represent an essential tool for supporting Israel and Israelis at this critical time, and we are so proud that once again, Jewish Federations' unique position allows us to build strategic partnerships that mobilize across the Jewish community and address Israel's urgent needs,” she added.   

Since October 7, thousands of Jewish people from North America have sought out opportunities to travel to and volunteer in Israel, such as helping on farms whose workforces remain seriously depleted since the attacks.    North American volunteers are critically important to supporting Israel at this time, as tens of thousands of Israelis serve on reserve duty and fewer foreign workers are available.  These volunteers have made meaningful contributions to Israel and have found their experiences transformative, significantly strengthening their connections to Israel while fostering a profound sense of belonging with the Jewish community back home. 

  With the support of the program, at least 1,000 North American volunteers will join a 7-to-10 day or a 4-week volunteer trip experience through January 2025. Participants will include teens, college students, young adults, early career professionals, and midlife adults up to age 65. Participants must be between the ages of 16 and 65, with age guidelines varying depending on the duration of the program.   

Volunteers may be deployed to work on farms in various parts of the country whose workforces are seriously depleted—contributing both to the economy and Israel’s national food security—work in logistics and food packaging centers, assist displaced families and soldiers, tutor students, and more.     In addition to funds, Jewish Federations of North America will provide organizations support in designing their service trip, including educational content to complement the service experience. Participating organizations may also partner with Birthright Israel Onward or Masa Israel Journey to implement trips.     Serve Israel applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Organizations are encouraged to apply no later than October 1st for 7-10 day trips and November 4th for 4-week experiences to allow for sufficient planning time.    Serve Israel is being led by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Israel Educational Travel Alliance, with support from Mosaic United, The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Government of Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, and Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Fund. Serve Israel is also a partner of Birthright Israel Onward and Masa Israel Journey.    Interested Federations and Jewish organizations can learn more and apply online at www.Serveisraelgrants.org.