Taglit-Birthright trip was a learning experience

Lexi Kutemplon-Rayess with one of the Israeli soldiers on her trip.

What would you say if you were offered a free roundtrip ticket to Israel for 10-days? You may ask what the catch is or perhaps immediately answer, “Of course!” More than 400,000 young Jewish people from 66 countries have received the gift of a free trip to Israel. If you’re between the ages of 18 to 26 or know someone who is, this trip may be for you.

One week after completing her freshman year at the University of Rhode Island, Lexi Kutenplon-Rayess, who grew up in Barrington, boarded an El Al flight with 39 other Taglit-Birthright participants, a New York rabbi, and an American leader. Once they landed in Tel Aviv, they met their Israeli tour guide, Israeli leader, and began their 10-day journey.

“We were regularly learning about Israeli history, the people and country as a whole. Even though I visited some of the places on the 2014 March of the Living, I learned something new at each place. I also learned a lot about myself. You connect to your Jewish side and to Israel.”

One of the major highlights for Lexi was having Israelis in the group. Seven Israeli soldiers joined her group in their IDF uniforms, immediately standing out from the Americans. Despite their striking difference in appearance, the Israeli and American participants quickly learned they shared more commonalities than differences. Lexi’s experience was enhanced by forming friendships with the Israelis. She learned about life in Israel from an Israeli perspective and gained a deeper understanding of the country. This also sparked an interest in Middle Eastern studies, the communication major says.

Incorporating Israelis into the group is one of most essential parts of every Birthright trip. This engagement allows the American participants to develop a personal connection to Israel. For the Israelis, this is an opportunity to understand Jewish life outside of Israel. According to Birthright, more than 80 percent of participants feel this engagement is the most important part of their journey.

Some participants on Lexi’s trip were exposed to parts of Judaism that were unfamiliar. Lexi felt comfortable answering her peer’s questions. “For some participants, it was their first time experiencing things like Shabbat services, learning about kosher food and meeting someone who was Orthodox. I explained why our tour guide doesn’t wear pants and why she wears a wig. This is one of the reasons I love Judaism, you make it yours.”

In addition to the educational component, Birthright also gives you the privilege to form friendships with students at different colleges. Lexi looks forward to visiting friends at different schools, including visiting the Israelis next time she is in Israel. Without hesitation and with a smile, Lexi said, “On Birthright, you gain a mishpacha, a family.”

Even if you’ve been to Israel before, you may think Birthright is just another Israel trip, but it’s more than that. This free 10-day trip to Israel is like receiving an enormous gift with a lot of gifts inside. You’re immediately excited to receive the trip. Your excitement amplifies each time you unwrap another gift, another experience. Even after all your gifts are opened, they continue giving you pleasure, enhancing your life and impacting you. Birthright is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

ELANAH CHASSEN, is an Education and Planning Associate at the Jewish Alliance.