If you are a Jewish young adult and have never had the chance to travel to Israel before, now is the time to get your plane ticket ready and spend a rewarding and memorable 10 days in another country. As a person who has not left the country often, I was afraid of the idea of traveling all the way to Israel, but it ended up being one of the greatest moments in my college experience. Rutgers Hillel plans a whole itinerary prior to the trip with each of the 10 days being jam packed with sightseeing, adventure, meal suggestions and some time for self exploration. Here are all the reasons why you should book your birthright trip as soon as possible:
1. There are not many opportunities when you can travel to another country for relatively free.
The only costs you have to pay for are your eating expenses, hotel arrangements and any shopping you do during the trip. Birthright Israel covers the rest of the costs.
2. Riding a camel for the first time is thrilling.
It is challenging initially getting on the camel since they are so tall; but once they sink down and you are on them, you will not regret it. If it is not on your bucket-list already, it should be.
3. Meeting Israeli soldiers and finding out about their lives in Israel is eye-opening.
From learning about all the intense training they have to endure to hearing how much they love their country is guaranteed to make this trip worthwhile.
4. How many times in your life are you able to cover your whole body in mud and then float in the Dead Sea?
In addition to having extremely soft skin afterwards, the experience of floating in the sea with a bunch of other people is bound to make you happy and bring out your inner sense of adventure. I personally was in shock that, as hard as you try, you will not sink.
5. Traveling to Jerusalem is going to make the whole birthright trip worthwhile once you see first-hand the love and appreciation everyone has for Israel.
Sightseeing and looking at all the historical buildings will give you a greater understanding for Judaism and its history.
6. Going to the Western Wall might cause you to become teary-eyed and bring out some unwanted emotions, but it will be so gratifying to see people of all different races and ethnicities gathered together to pray.
7. You are missing out if you have not tasted hummus in Israel before.
Even if you are a picky eater and are cautious about trying foods outside your comfort zone, I highly recommend you have some hummus during your birthright trip.
8. Celebrating shabbat in the home of the Jewish people is a beautiful experience.
You are able to spend the whole day truly resting and praying, and then have a delicious meal at night with your friends.
9. Tel-Aviv is one of the most beautiful beaches I have gone to.
On birthright, you are allowed time to relax, sun yourself and take in the sight of this beach and what it has to offer.
10. If you are like me and love shopping, Ben Yehuda Street will be heaven for you with all of the jewelry, clothing and accessory shops.
When you are in Jerusalem and are given time to explore on your own, this stop should be on your list. It is the perfect place to buy gifts for your family and friends, and experience downtown Jerusalem.
After the 10 days of this trip are over and you have to head back home, you will have a different outlook on life, and be proud of the wonderful people you met and places you saw. When you return to the United States, you will end up quickly missing all the sights you saw in Israel and in no time be scheduling a flight for a return trip.
