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The Jeffrey R. Solomon
Prize

Nominations

The nomination period for the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize is currently closed. We expect the process to reopen in Summer 2026.

 

Once nominations resume, we welcome them from anyone involved in Jewish communal work, Jewish and Israel Education, or with a professional connection to Birthright Israel. We encourage nominations from people of all denominations and institutional frameworks (including those who consider themselves post-denominational or “Just Jewish”). ​

Nominations (Original)

Anyone involved with Jewish communal work, Jewish and Israel Education, or with a professional connection to Birthright Israel is welcome to nominate someone for the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. We encourage nominations from people of all denominations and institutional frameworks (including those who consider themselves post-denominational or “Just Jewish”).

 

Important: Individuals may nominate only one person per year, and only one nomination will be accepted per candidate. Self-nominations and nominations submitted by a family member (e.g., parent, child, sibling, spouse, etc.) will not be considered.

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To begin the Nomination Process—whether you're nominating a candidate, you were invited to apply as a nominee, or you have been asked to submit a Letter of Support—please visit the relevant section below.​​

Nominate a Candidate

Thank you for your interest in nominating someone for the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. Your role as a nominator is crucial, as it requires you to both advocate for a particular candidate and ensure the nominee is aware of all requirements, deadlines, and commitments.

To initiate the nomination process, please complete the Nomination Form by 5:00pm ET on Thursday, September 4, 2025. As part of this submission, you will need to provide:

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  • Details about the nominee

  • Information about yourself

  • A written statement of up to 1,000 words describing the nominee's exceptional contributions—specifically highlighting their positive impact on the Jewish journeys of young adults in their role as a madrich(a) on Birthright Israel trips, as well as through their broader work as a Jewish professional.
     

After submitting your nomination, the nominee's qualifications will be assessed. Upon successful review, the candidate will be notified via email. This Notice of Nomination will include information about the prize and outline the next steps the nominee must follow. Birthright Israel requires all nominees to submit their completed application materials (i.e., Nominee Application and Letters of Support) by 5:00 PM ET on Monday, September 15, 2025.
 

​Each nominee must have two Letters of Support written on their behalf by individuals who can attest to their qualifications and impact. The nominee is responsible for identifying and contacting these individuals and ensuring that each testimonial is properly submitted. Letters of Support should be requested from people who know the nominee in various contexts. We require one letter from a Birthright Israel participant for whom the nominee served as their trip staff, and another from either a Jewish professional colleague or supervisor, a hiring Trip Organizer staff member, or a community member who has benefited from the nominee's assistance, guidance, teaching, or mentorship.


Selection Process and Notification for Nominators
All submitted nominations will undergo a formal review. During this process, Birthright Israel staff may request additional information from you. Once a final decision is made, the Chair of the Selection Committee will notify all nominators regarding their candidate's status.

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Please click the button below if you are ready to nominate someone.

Nomination Form

Nominate a Candidate (Option 2)

Thank you for your interest in the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. The nomination window for the 2025 prize is now closed.

We appreciate the many thoughtful submissions we received. Your support is crucial in helping us recognize outstanding Jewish communal professionals who have made a significant positive impact on the Jewish journeys of young adults.

 

If you are a nominee who still needs to complete your Nominee Application, or a person providing a Letter of Support on behalf of a candidate, please be aware that all required materials must be submitted by 5:00 PM ET on Monday, September 15, 2025.
 

​Once all submissions have been received, the Selection Committee will begin its formal review process to determine the 2025 prize winner. We will announce the recipient later this year and post updates on the 2026 nomination process as they become available.

Nominee Application

Thank you for your interest in being considered a candidate for the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. This section outlines the application process for nominees. If you've recently received an official email notifying you that you've been nominated, you're in the right place to take the next steps and proceed with your application.

 

Before you begin, please review the Eligibility and Selection Criteria to fully understand The Award, our considerations, and your commitments.

 

To proceed with submitting your Nominee Application, you'll be asked to provide the following:​

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  • Biographical Information and a Current Resume

  • A Written Statement of Purpose

  • A Written Reflection On Your Experience Leading Birthright Israel Trips

  • A Two-Minute Video Essay
     

All information must be submitted by 5:00 PM ET on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Letters of Support
Each nominee also needs two Letters of Support written on their behalf by individuals who can attest to their qualifications and impact. As the nominee, you're responsible for identifying, contacting, and directing these individuals on how to submit their testimonials.

 

Letters of Support must be completed by 5:00 PM ET on Monday, September 15, 2025, and should come from people who fall into the following categories:
 

  • A former Birthright Israel participant for whom you were their trip staff (one is required);

  • A Jewish professional colleague or supervisor (optional);

  • A hiring Trip Organizer staff member (optional);

  • A community member who has benefited from your assistance, guidance, teaching, or mentorship (optional).


Selection Process and Notification for Nominees
All completed applications will undergo a formal review. During this process, Birthright Israel staff may request additional information from you. Once a final decision is made, the Chair of the Selection Committee will notify all nominees of their status, including the 2025 prize recipient.
 

We look forward to considering your candidacy!

Nominee Application Form

Letters of Support

Thank you for your willingness to support a nominee for the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. Your role is crucial as your testimonial will help us get to know the candidate and understand the impact of their work as a Jewish communal professional, leader and educator on Birthright Israel trips, and as a positive Jewish role model.

When providing a Letter of Support, you are responsible for:
 

  • Submitting your testimonial by 5:00 PM ET on Monday, September 15, 2025.

  • Including details about the nominee and yourself.

  • Writing a statement commenting on the nominee's exceptional contributions to the Jewish people by positively impacting Jewish young adults when in the role of madrich(a) on Birthright Israel trips and/or through their Jewish professional work.
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To offer your Letter of Support, your relationship to the nominee should fall into one of the following categories: you are a former Birthright Israel participant for whom the nominee was one of your trip staff; a Jewish professional colleague or supervisor; a hiring Trip Organizer staff member; or a community member who has benefited from the nominee's assistance, guidance, teaching, or mentorship.

Selection Process and Notification for Supporters
All submitted Letters of Support will undergo a formal review. During this process, Birthright Israel staff may request additional information from you. The Chair of the Selection Committee will notify all Letter of Support writers should their candidate be named as the prize recipient.
 

Thank you for taking the time to support a worthy candidate. Please begin submitting your Letter of Support by clicking on the button below.

Letter of Support Form
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