The Jeffrey R. Solomon
Prize
Eligibility
To be nominated for the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize, candidates must be Jewish communal professionals at any career stage who have made a profound and lasting impact on the Jewish journeys of young adults, evidenced through their Jewish professional work and their time as a Birthright Israel madrich(a) (overseas trip staff).
Key Requirements
All nominees must meet these criteria:
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Live and work in the United States or Canada.
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Have served as a U.S. or Canadian madrich(a) on at least five Classic 10-Day Birthright Israel trips.
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Actively support the broader Jewish community and contribute to advancing the mission of K'lal Yisrael (the unity and solidarity of the Jewish people).
Preferred Qualifications
Preference goes to candidates who:
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Have worked as a Jewish communal professional for at least ten years.
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Continue to regularly staff Birthright Israel trips in the role of madrich(a).
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Exhibit a deep passion for and expertise in Jewish and Israel education.
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Demonstrate a strong connection to their local Jewish community, either in their professional capacity, through volunteer work, or other leadership roles.
Important Notes on Staffing Experience
Only experience as a madrich(a) on Classic 10-Day trips meets the qualifications. Other staffing roles (e.g., rakazim, field coordinators, shadows/aides, interpreters) do not meet this criterion.
Exclusions
Employees of Birthright Israel North America, Birthright Israel Foundation, Birthright Israel Foundation of Canada, or Taglit Birthright Israel's partnering Trip Organizers are not eligible for nomination.
Selection Criteria
To be selected as the recipient of the Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize, a candidate must be an exceptional Jewish professional who profoundly impacts Jewish young adults' connection to the land and people of Israel, makes significant contributions to transmitting Jewish knowledge, values, and identity, serves as a positive Jewish role model, and embodies the ideals, spirit, and vision articulated in Birthright Israel’s mission statement, The Spirit of Birthright Israel.
Consideration is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the following key qualifications, which highlight the depth of impact, leadership, and commitment expected of the recipient:
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Profound Impact on Jewish Young Adults' Connection to Israel
This involves fostering a deeper bond with the land and people of Israel.
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Significant Contributions to Transmitting Jewish Knowledge, Values, and Identity
The candidate effectively educates and inspires young adults in their Jewish learning and growth.
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Proven Track Record of Influence
A history of leadership on Birthright Israel trips that actively fostered participants' desire, curiosity, and commitment to continue on their Jewish journeys. This will be verified by past participant feedback, impressions from Israeli Tour Educators and co-staff, and assessments from their hiring Trip Organizers.
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Strong Communication Skills
Can effectively represent Birthright Israel in a variety of public contexts, including speaking engagements, published articles, and social media posts.