The Experience

URJ Kesher is an official provider of 10-day Taglit-Birthright Israel trips. This program is 100% free and is open to anyone who is Jewish, age 18-26, and who has never been to Israel on a peer program. Of course, there is more than one Taglit-Birthright Israel program to choose from because we all know that no two people come to Israel with the same hopes and dreams. Read over our Sample Itinerary, and check out what makes the URJ Kesher trip right for you:

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

Inclusive Group Dynamics
URJ Kesher is under the umbrella of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). As a part of the Reform Movement, the URJ 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.

A Progressive Approach
The URJ 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.

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 guiding focus is to provide you with a meaningful and quality Taglit-Birthright Israel experience.

Bonding with Peer Staff
Each Taglit-Birthright Israel trip is staffed by an Israeli Guide and two North American Peer Staff. On a URJ Kesher 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. URJ 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.

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

A Focus on the Beauty of the Land
Israel is the “Land of Milk & Honey”, and on a URJ 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.

The Highlights & The Road Less Traveled
Travel with URJ Kesher and experience Israel's most famous sites -- the Dead Sea, Masada Jerusalem's Old City, and trendy Tel Aviv. Of course, URJ Kesher is also about experiencing Israel's off the beaten path charm -- bonfires on the beach, a taste of Israeli nightlife, and an evening under the stars in the Negev Desert.