On this page we will keep track of trips to Israel
planned by congregations in the region.

We encourage individuals to visit Eretz Yisrael. If your own congregation is not planning a trip, ask any other trip's contact person for more information or to sign on.

Visit the USY website for high-school programs and for the post high-school Nativ program.

Friends,

On January 22, I led the a Tu b'Shvat Seder for our religious school. This very Zionist Seder got me thinking of the blooming almond trees and the beauty of Israel. Its been three years for me - and I ache to be back there!

As many of you know, my family and I are leading a trip this summer to Israel. It is an active trip, with lots of adventures, including a visit to a nature preserve, hiking, and kayaking! It will also offer opportunities to meet special people, including the only Masorti Ethiopian rabbi. We will get to learn with Rabbi David Golinkin, President of Machon Schecter, the Conservative Movement's rabbinical school in Jerusalem. The trip departs on June 15th, returning to California the 26th. We currently have over 30 people signed up - and we can only take 15 more people. If you have been thinking of going - now is the time. If you have been considering this trip, don't wait any longer.

My whole family is tremendously excited about this trip. I hope you will join us!

Looking forward to being in Israel,

David

Rabbi David Booth
Congregation Kol Emeth
RabbiBooth@KolEmeth.org

Friends,

I'm pleased to send you the information about the Hanukkah Family Israel trip. It will be an exciting trip and an opportunity to connect with the people and land of Israel. We will be celebrating eight days of Hanukkah and two Shabbatot: one in Jerusalem and one in Tzfat. Our trip will start in Jerusalem; we will then head north, and then go south to the Negev. We will have options for experienced travelers and first-timers. This is a family trip; there will be options for all age groups including kids.

The trip leaves on Wednesday, December 17th and returns on January 2nd. Since sundown comes early that time of year, we need to leave on Wednesday to be sure of reaching Jerusalem before Shabbat starts on Friday. However, if you can't leave on Wednesday, we can make arrangements for you to meet us in Jerusalem when you arrive.

We want this to be a community experience. We are very excited that congregants from Peninsula Sinai Congregation, in Foster City, may join us. We are welcoming congregants from other synagogues as well.

Please contact either Bill Futornick or myself if you have any questions. It should be a fun, exciting and meaningful trip. I hope you can join us.

Best regards,
Greg

USY ISRAEL PILGRIMAGE

Have an incredibly exciting and stimulating summer in Israel with USY. For six weeks, you'll be exposed to the history and contemporary realities of Judaism and Israel. You'll climb the fortress of Masada, explore the stalactite caves of Netifin, swim in the waters of the Kinneret, pray at the Kotel and drink tea in a Bedouin tent on the sands of the Negev deserts. You'll experience the sights and sounds of the Jewish homeland with new friends -- friends who will share your love of Israel.

---

NATIV is a unique nine-month experience that combines exploration of Israel with Conservative Jewish living, academic studies and leadership training. It is the perfect way to spend your first year after high school. Nativ has the security of a carefully structured program as well as the freedom for personal discovery. Through living in Jerusalem and on a kibbutz, intensive Hebrew instruction, special hikes, seminars and volunteer work, you are immersed in the rich variety of Israeli society. The semester at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem is an excellent opportunity not only to learn new and exciting subjects, but to get used to the challenges of college-level academic work. With the program's emphasis on Conservative Jewish observance and leadership training, you will be prepared to take on an active role in the Jewish community. Most of all, Nativ is an intense group experience, giving you the chance to mature and form life-long friendships with fellow participants.

---

KOACH Taglit-birthright israel is one of a kind! A free trip to Israel for young adults who have not here on a peer educational program. Please share this message and help spread the word about this great opportunity! Registration is open NOW! Here are the details:

Free first-time travel to Israel for those who are Jewish, post-high school, 18-26, and have never been on a peer educational program in Israel of more than six days.

Only Taglit-birthright israel program to provide a spiritual and educational context with the vision of the Conservative Movement.

Ten-day tour provides an in-depth look at contemporary and ancient Israel, through touring, community service and experiential learning.

Trips scheduled in December and January.

Registration is now open at KOACH – early registration is recommended.

---

Project Reconnect, the alumni association for USY, Nativ, KOACH and Atid, continues to grow and expand its activities. Israel has always been a major passion of the Project Reconnect alumni. Other projects now under way include Leadership Training and Synagogue Outreach programs. Alumni reunions have taken place in several regions and more are planned.

Click here for news about the Conservative Movement's center in Israel -- the Fuchsberg Center -- or the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem.