Shliach Sets Touring Record

Mayanot Israel, a leading Taglit-Brithright provider, completed its summer season earlier this week with a celebratory dinner honoring Rabbi Dov Hillel Klein who has brought 25 Mayanot Birthright groups to Israel over the past ten years.

Rabbi Klein, Executive Director at the Tannebaum Chabad House at Northwestern University, thanked Mayanot, Taglit-Birthright and the Jewish Journey for providing the logistical framework through which to bring more than 2,000 students from Northwestern University and across the United States to Israel. In his thank you speech, Rabbi Klein expressed his appreciation at being involved in such a remarkable project.

“Being able to instill in students a passion for Israel, Judaism and pride in the Jewish people is worth more than anything,” said Rabbi Klein.

When first approached by Mayanot more than ten years go about bringing groups to Israel, Rabbi Klein was uncertain about the commitment. However, the onset of the second Intifada, he explained, convinced him of the necessity of such a venture. He encouraged the group’s 40 participants to make the most of the opportunity they were given.

“Israel is your home. You need to protect it and advocate for it. This ‘Birthright’ that you have been given has given you the opportunity to discover who you are and to flourish,” he said.

Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, Dean of the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies, thanked Rabbi Klein and encouraged participants to continue strengthening their connection to Israel and the Jewish people. “Tonight we are celebrating on behalf of Mayanot and on behalf of the 15,000 young adults that we have brought to Israel under the auspices of Taglit- Birthright. Twenty five trips is a true achievement and we look forward with anticipation to many more successful trips with Rabbi Klein and our other facilitators.”

Mr. Gil Hoffman, Political Correspondent at The Jerusalem Post, alumnus of Northwestern University and longtime friend of Rabbi Klein presented Rabbi Klein a plaque acknowledging his commitment.