Inside the four-day seminar preparing 42 madrichim from France to guide, support, and deepen the Taglit experience in Israel.

Each group traveling on Taglit Birthright Israel’s 10-Day program consists of 40 Jewish young adults, accompanied by a tour educator and two madrichim (counselors) who lead them throughout their journey.

The madrich/a is usually a Taglit alum who returns to the trip as a group leader, accompanying participants day to day. They are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the participants and help make their experience more meaningful and memorable.

Guiding From Within

For many participants on Taglit, the madrich/a is the person who helps them understand what they are seeing, process what they are feeling, and connect the experience in Israel to their own lives.

While tour educators lead the main educational journey of the trip, madrichim guide the group from within. They manage the day-to-day rhythm, practical needs, group experience, and overall wellbeing of the participants.

But their role goes far beyond ensuring operations run smoothly. Madrichim are close in age to the participants, come from the same communities, speak the same language, and understand the realities and cultural references participants bring from home. Since nearly all of them are Taglit alumni themselves, they are relatable, trusted peers who help participants connect the trip’s educational content to their own questions, identity, and sense of belonging.

The Training Seminar

Because the role of a madrich is so vital, Taglit’s education department conducts specialized training once a year. These seminars equip leaders from North America, Latin America, Russia, France, and our international communities with the tools they need, with most seminars taking place on the ground in Israel.

The seminar moves between learning and practice, combining classroom sessions, fieldwork, simulations, and reflection. Starting from the core philosophy of the madrich, the sessions build toward the real moments they will encounter on the trip, giving them tools for group facilitation, educational activities, Shabbat programming, Jewish identity, and Taglit guidelines and “red lines.” The madrichim also practice leadership in the field, so that when participants arrive, they are ready to both manage the trip and help shape the experience.

Among the seminars held in May was a four-day seminar for 42 madrichim from France. The seminar combined educational preparation with the hands-on skills needed to lead a group responsibly. Over four days, the madrichim learned how to guide meaningful conversations, handle complex moments, support participants, and build a strong group dynamic.

Israel as a Living Laboratory

Holding the seminar in Israel is essential to this process. Every site becomes a living laboratory, giving madrichim the opportunity to practice their role in the same places where the Taglit experience unfolds. Throughout the week, the group translated theory into practice through visits to the Gaza border area, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv.

One madrich shared:

“I feel lucky and privileged to have come to Israel for this seminar. I wondered whether it was really necessary, since it could have taken place in France. Now I understand how important it is to experience this training here, in Israel. The conversations within the group were deeply meaningful, and I feel sad to leave.“

Training together in their own language and cultural context allows the madrichim to prepare for the questions and experiences their future participants will bring with them, from their own realities and cultural references to questions about Jewish life, Israel, and belonging. They understand both what participants are seeing in Israel and where they are coming from.

The Impact of Your Support

That connection is what allows madrichim to make the Taglit experience feel relevant, personal, and close to home.

When madrichim are well prepared, they help shape every stage of the trip. Because each madrich supports dozens of participants, investing in their training strengthens the experience of an entire group. Investing in our madrichim means making the gift of Taglit even more meaningful for every participant.