I hope students, teachers, and families have enjoyed their spring break.

This week will be a pot pourri of community updates:

Birthright Israel, the 10-day free trip to Israel primarily for those ages 18-26 just celebrated its 25th anniversary. In that time, over 900,000 young adults from around the world have visited Israel, including over 1,000 from Oregon. This is one of the greatest philanthropic ventures ever undertaken by the Jewish people.

Birthright Israel Foundation CEO Elias Saratovsky highlighted a recent study commissioned by the organization that found the effects of the Israel trips extend to participants’ children. He noted that Birthright Israel participants are more likely to invest in their children’s Jewish formal and informal education than their non-participant peers and are more than twice as likely to celebrate their child’s bar or bat mitzvah, which he said showed that the program was not just a builder of Jewish identity but “of Jewish continuity.” Saratovsky added that this was of personal interest to him as a member of the first cohort of Birthright Israel participants and the father of three children.

Beyond the regular trips, Birthright is also proud of the subsidized volunteer trips that began quickly after October 7, 2023. Gidi Mark, president of Birthright Israel said, “One day after October 7 we realized that we cannot disconnect Israel from the world. We decided to bring people immediately. Regular participants continue to come. But within three weeks, the first volunteer came to Israel, and [as of] today, 10,000 volunteers have come to Israel.” Birthright Israel participants in total — 20,000 of them since Oct. 7, 2023 — make up 87% of all the young tourists who have visited Israel since the start of the war with Hamas. You can learn more here.

Last week, Birthright Israel and Jewish Federations of North America announced a new “strategic partnership” to develop and sustain the volunteer program to ensure that at least the same number of volunteers -- 10,000 -- participate in the program this year.

The initiative is open to Jewish adults ages 18-50 (we hope to expand the age cap in the months ahead) who are interested in strengthening Israel through hands-on volunteer work and offers significant assistance to cover costs. The cost to North American volunteers for the one-week program, including flights, is $600. 

For more information and to apply for a 2025 Birthright Israel Volunteer trip experience, please click here.

We are pleased to announce a new resource: "Getting Grounded in Israel & Zionism," a self-paced, asynchronous program that offers historical context and analysis on Israel and Zionism. This analysis is done through short videos, thought-provoking podcasts, and helpful discussion guides. The course is designed to help participants better understand these topics and engage with confidence.

Guided by Rabbi Mike Uram, Chief Jewish Learning Officer for Jewish Federations of North America, the program explores key moments in Israel’s history, the foundations of Zionism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From the origins of the modern state to the wars, peace efforts, and the impact of October 7, this course provides a comprehensive roadmap for learners of all backgrounds. The curriculum features 17 short videos -- also available as a podcast -- as well as upcoming discussion guides to support deeper engagement.

This initiative reflects the Jewish Federation’s commitment to educating and empowering our community to better understand Israel and Zionism. Register and download the program here.

Calling all grandparents -- on Thursday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m., please join David Raphael, co-founder of the Jewish Grandparents Network, who will share the lessons he and his colleagues have learned about the nuances of thoughtfully sharing Jewish traditions.

With Passover quickly approaching, many grandparents are eager to share their Jewish traditions and values with members of their families and feel immense joy and satisfaction when they do so. They think wistfully on the Jewish traditions of their youth and long to share their family stories. However, some grandparents, may feel they do not have a strong enough Jewish background. Others may lack the confidence to share religious and cultural values in ways that are meaningful for grandchildren. Grandparents and grandchildren being raised in multi-faith households recognize that they need to be thoughtful when sharing Jewish traditions. Register here for this worthwhile webinar.

And for those leading their seder this year...whether you are a first-time or seasoned host, join the Jewish Federation’s Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Dr. Yosef Rosen, for an interactive webinar that will empower you to design a memorable and accessible seder experience while gaining the confidence to lead this gathering in your own authentic way. The webinar will take place on Thursday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m.

From symbolic foods to engaging guests of all ages, you will learn everything needed to create a Passover experience that honors tradition while reflecting your personal style. Plus, connect with fellow seder hosts in the Portland area who are creating meaningful Jewish experiences. Register here to secure your spot!

A reminder, David Fuks, former executive at Cedar Sinai Park, has written a new play, Conciliation. The play is focused on two families impacted by the Holocaust – one is a German family, descendants of Nazis, and the other is an American Jewish family, descendants of Holocaust survivors. There will be a staged reading on April 6 at 1:30 p.m. at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. This will be followed by a “talkback” with the audience. Purchase your tickets here.

On a historical note, Wednesday was the 46^th anniversary of the landmark peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. In a ceremony at the White House, Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed a historic peace agreement, ending three decades of hostilities between Egypt and Israel and establishing diplomatic and commercial ties. The peace has held ever since.

Shabbat shalom.