Transformative, Birthright chessed-based trip was led by the OU’s Emerging Career Professionals and Israel Free Spirit Departments, in partnership with singles advocate Tzipora Grodko
In a first-of-its-kind initiative launched by the Orthodox Union’s Emerging Career Professionals (ECP) department, 34 singles from the yeshiva community, ages 30 to 35, recently participated in a unique Birthright chessed-based trip to Israel. Organized by the OU’s Israel Free Spirit -– a Birthright Israel trip provider known for creating thoughtful and transformative itineraries and programming — the trip was conceived and led by Tzipora Grodko, host of Meaningful Minute’s “Stories of Hope” podcast.
Grodko, whose podcast attracts 30,000 to 40,000 monthly views per episode, is a motivational speaker and the founder of Live Better Academy, a program dedicated to empowering young women through life’s transitions. She is also an advocate for the dignified treatment of singles within the Orthodox community, and had long dreamed of creating co-ed trips that foster genuine connections in a relaxed, meaningful environment.
“In the yeshiva world, dating often feels formal,” Grodko explains. “I wondered: what if we eliminated those formalities and created a platform rooted in ruchniyus, where marriage-minded people could connect naturally? I envisioned mornings of chessed, afternoons of Torah, and evenings to relax and explore.”
Grodko found an ideal partner in the OU’s Emerging Career Professionals (ECP), a new department serving Orthodox singles, couples, and young parents in their 20s and 30s through chessed, learning, and social and professional networking opportunities. Grodko was invited by ECP Director Rebbitzen Sarah Proops to speak at the department’s inaugural event in April. Following the evening, the two continued to brainstorm programming ideas and realized they shared the same vision.
“Tzipora, through her “Stories of Hope” podcast, is such a light and powerful voice for those who are not yet married,” Rebbitzen Proops says. “It was an absolute honor and privilege to collaborate with her to create new opportunities for people to get to know each other through values-driven experiences.”
To ensure the group represented the target demographic, the 160 applicants from around the world were carefully vetted via their resumes, photos, and a questionnaire.
“We brought together a group of marriage-minded ECPS, who really wanted to utilize this opportunity to potentially meet their significant other,” she reflects.
Aryeh Weinberger, a forensic engineer from Toronto, was one of 34 participants selected from 160 applicants.
“The OU’s ECP created a unique opportunity to spend quality time in Israel, with people of similar age and career stage,” he says. “The program enabled us to volunteer and give back to the people of Israel, and to be part of a pioneering group building a community for emerging professionals who share the same religious orientation and a passion for chessed.”
Grodko emphasizes that the trip would not have been possible without her partnership with ECP, the OU’s Israel Free Spirit, and the generous support and initiative of Birthright Israel.
“Thanks to their resources, logistical and financial support, the idea became a reality, and the OU’s global reputation added credibility with participants,” she says.
The trip’s itinerary blended hands-on volunteering with opportunities for learning and exploration. Director of Israel Free Spirit Yael Tamari relays that through its volunteer and classic tourism tracks, Birthright Israel seeks to immerse participants in memorable experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for the people and land of Israel.
“Whether pruning fields, sorting large quantities of food, or packing boxes, participants meet and bond with Israelis from diverse backgrounds,” she says. “We want participants to emerge with a feeling of connection to the people they encounter, a sense of ownership of the places they visit, and a strong awareness and commitment of the mutual responsibility we all have towards each other. Since our volunteer group came from the OU, there was also an added element of Kiddush Hashem in partnering with other organizations.”
Participants worked at agricultural farms, including a vineyard, a tomato field, and a clementine orchard, as well as at Leket Israel, the country’s leading food-rescue organization, and Chasdei Enosh, which provides employment opportunities for individuals living with mental health challenges.
“There were zero formalities,” Grodko reflects. “We woke up at five and worked in the fields. No heels, no fancy clothes — just our best selves. I am humbled that feedback was unanimous: participants felt dignified and hopeful, and appreciated the chance to connect organically through chessed.”
Other trip highlights included inspiring daily shiurim, a personalized visit to Aish HaTorah, an address by Gil Hoffman, the executive director and editor of the pro-Israel media watchdog HonestReporting, a visit to the Car Wall of burnt and destroyed vehicles in the Gaza Envelope memorializing victims of October 7, and an engaging Shabbos program moderated by Grodko.
“Shabbos was extraordinary,” she says. “At our Friday night workshop, men and women shared honest insights on dating. The discussion was eye-opening, and fostered deeper understanding.”
For Weinberger, the most powerful part of the trip wasn’t one event, but the bonds formed within the group.
“In just 10 days we went from being strangers to what really felt like a family,” he says. “From spending Shabbos together, to sitting in a bomb shelter at 5:30 am, we experienced moments that truly bonded us. We laughed, we cried, and we could just be ourselves. The dynamic that developed was fascinating; everyone brought their own unique background and personality, yet we all came in positive, and open-minded.”
While Weinberger credits that atmosphere to Grodko’s leadership and knack for making everyone feel at ease, Grodko says that the participants themselves shaped the experience.
“Everyone had beautiful middos,” she notes. “That created a true sense of community, camaraderie, dignity, and hope. Participants came willing to try something new, engaged fully, suspended judgment, and opened their hearts. Together, we built, gave back, and grew.”
ECP Missions Coordinator Joseph Piroozian shared that working with Israel Free Spirit was both rewarding and impactful.
“From engaging Torah classes and geopolitical speakers, to volunteering and hearing firsthand stories from people on the ground, the itinerary gave our group a genuine understanding of what Jews in Israel are experiencing in this post–October 7 reality,” he says. “Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and the organizers were exceptionally accommodating. ECP looks forward to strengthening and expanding this partnership in the future.”
Looking ahead, Rebbitzen Proops shares that another trip for marriage-minded singles ages 26 to 33 will take place in December, building on the success of this program.
Since the trip, Weinberger has already met up with fellow participants on a couple of occasions. He is looking forward to ECP’s Israel Volunteer Trip Reunion Shabbaton scheduled for October 17, in Liberty New York, where participants have been invited to bring friends to introduce them to the group.
“The greatest gift I walked away with from the ECP trip was the realization that we’re not alone,” says Weinberger. “Sometimes at our age and life stage, it can feel like we’re a minority. Being with this group reminded me that there are so many genuine people out there with similar values, solid characters, and shared experiences. It also challenged the stereotype that ‘older’ singles are unconventional — everyone on the trip was grounded, relatable, and genuinely impressive. I came home with a renewed sense of belonging, hope, and excitement for the future, both personally and as part of the OU ECP community.”
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About the Emerging Career Professionals Department
Emerging Career Professionals (ECP) is a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting and empowering young Jewish adults in their 20’s and 30’s during their most transformative life stages. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by emerging professionals, ECP creates a personalized, nurturing community that bridges individual experiences with broader Jewish identity.
About Israel Free Spirit
Israel Free Spirit is the OU’s Birthright Israel trip provider. Our goal is to impact and strengthen the Jewish future of young Jews across North America by providing them with tools to explore and strengthen their Jewish identity, their sense of belonging to Jewish communities and their relationship with Israel. Our vision is to bring thousands of young Jewish adults from every background and interest on a trip to Israel, to share the magic of Israel with them and to motivate them to take active steps to nurture their Jewish growth and their relationship with Israel, with each other and with their families.
About the Orthodox Union
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.