Author: IsraelNow.Admin

Shaping Jewish Futures Through Early Israel Experiences

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By Samuel Rodin, Chief Programming Officer, IsraelNow Education Foundation  

Between global pandemics and regional wars, too many Jewish teens have missed out on meaningful Israel experiences. However, a period of calm and stability seems to be within reach—and with this renewed feeling of security comes opportunity. One which the stewards of the Jewish future-clergy, educators, youth professionals, and the organized Jewish community, cannot afford to ignore. 

This is the time to recommit and reinvest in sending teens to Israel as early and as often as possible, before we risk losing an entire generation’s chance to form a personal connection to the Jewish homeland.  

We know that experiential trips to Israel are the most effective way to build lifelong connections to Israel. And we know that the earlier these experiences occur, the deeper the impact.  

While programs such as Birthright provide incredible opportunities for young adults to experience Israel, and longer high school trips can have great impact, the special timing of the 8th grade trip is especially meaningful. 

Shorter, more affordable trips, for younger participants offer a critical window of opportunity when young teens are beginning to grapple with complex ideas and to form opinions. For teens on the cusp of transitioning to high school, it is our responsibility to provide a framework for critical thinking and provide opportunities for them to make their own connections, ask their own questions, and create authentic relationships with Israel on their own terms.  

To meet this critical developmental moment, IsraelNow offers a powerful solution: A one-week, community-based national peer trip to Israel that broadens Jewish peer networks, builds Jewish self-confidence, and creates a lasting relationship with the land, people and State of Israel. 

IsraelNow trips are scheduled near the end of 8th grade, at a time when extracurriculars and friend groups are resetting. The program exposes students to broader Jewish peer networks at this transitional moment, as they begin making new choices about academics, extra curriculars, and social engagements in preparation for high school. IsraelNow builds a community of youth who are curious and open minded about how Israel and Judaism fit into their identity. While 30% of Jewish teens engage in a meaningful Jewish activity monthly throughout high school, our data shows that when looking at IsraelNow alumni this number increases to 70%, with no participatory drop off over time, a significant and lasting outcome of this experience*.  

Is one week enough? Of course not.  But for teens who are otherwise unengaged in the Jewish community or conversation about Israel, it is the perfect taste of Israel. Subsidized by more than 50% by the IsraelNow Education Foundation, local Federations, and other supporting foundations, the cost to families is significantly reduced. It is the perfect low barrier, high-impact, and value-driven experience. 

This is an investment in our teens, who will return home with a broader understanding of the complexity and diversity of Israel.  

It’s an investment in future Israel experiences, as IsraelNow alumni return to Israel on peer programs during high school at significantly higher rates.  

And it’s an investment in helping teens build Jewish self-confidence and providing firsthand exposure to Israel, making them more resilient and better able to respond to anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitic encounters. 

But mostly, it is our obligation. We have spent decades building an expectation of connection and shared destiny between North American Jewry and Israel. If we are to ask them to care about Israel, support Israel, and at times defend Israel, we must also give them the opportunity to experience it. We have a responsibility to help them understand what it truly means to share in the destiny of Israel and its people—and to discover for themselves what makes the Jewish homeland so unique, so meaningful, and so worthy of connection. The moment to act is now. Let’s give our teens the chance to form their own relationship with Israel—while their curiosity is alive, their values are still being shaped, and their identities are taking root. 

* Rosov Consulting (2020). Exploring IsraelNow’s Impact: A Study of 2016–2019 Alumni 

First published in Jewish Chicago September 2025

No Better Time Than IsraelNow

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By Sam Rodin

Jewish educators are often tasked with creating magical moments that combine deep educational content, authentic Jewish experiences, and genuine joy. IsraelNow does this each year for scores of 8th graders from across the country. In normal times, participants travel to Israel for a week to build relationships with Israel, gain Jewish self-confidence, and broaden their peer networks. Sadly, we do not live in normal times, and IsraelNow made the heartbreaking decision to cancel travel to Israel for our 2024 trips. The IsraelNow team was left with an important question: In acknowledgment of our mission to bring teens to Israel, should we cancel our program entirely? Or do we strive to create an experience that can achieve our outcomes, at least in part, and provide a meaningful opportunity for this year’s 8th-grade class?  

IsraelNow took a leap of faith and journeyed into the unknown with more questions than answers. We didn’t know where to travel or what content to bring. We didn’t understand the complexities of discussing Israel today. We didn’t know which of our teens might be interested in a domestic IsraelNow trip. But sensing that now, perhaps more than ever before, Jewish teens are looking for safe spaces to experience Judaism, discuss Israel, and simply have fun, we knew we had to try. 

The program we put together — 5 days in Northern California with volunteering and touring, hiking and text study, group bonding, and personal exploration — was nothing short of exceptional. Teens walked away feeling a deep connection to their Jewish identities, to Israel, and to each other. It was truly transformational. This is the power of experiential education.  

Just a few weeks ago, we were sitting at the Seder table celebrating Pesach and singing Dayenu. Had this been all we accomplished, Dayenu, it would have been enough. But what is much rarer in this field is the opportunity to transform the staff along with the teens. Spending this week with over 130 Jewish teens was transformational for me as well. I witnessed teens practicing Judaism in new ways, having deep and profound discussions about the current war in Israel, and being joyful with new friends from across the country. And I was right there with them, finding new meaning in Jewish text, sharing and learning about my own Israel story, and dancing and laughing together.  

There is no replacement for Israel, and I pray IsraelNow can return to trips to the Jewish homeland in the year to come. But for now, I am proud to have been with IsraelNow and feel closer to Israel, my Judaism, and the Jewish people because of having spent time with these 8th graders in California. 

Is IsraelNow right for you?

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Ready to explore the vibrant culture of Tel Aviv? Trek through the Negev Desert? Dig up artifacts from the past? Or make new friends with local Israelis and other eighth graders from your city?

IsraelNow is a chance to do all that and so much more. Our week-long adventures are an immersive, educational and rewarding experience that lets you discover and build a stronger connection to Jewish life. Whether you’re from an interfaith family, have already been to Israel or are just curious, IsraelNow is a once-in-a-lifetime journey you’ll always treasure.

Still not sure if IsraelNow is right for you? Take our quiz below to find out!

Want to know more about IsraelNow? Join us for an informational session in your city or contact your local IsraelNow program!

Why IsraelNow is an experience of a lifetime

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For any student, the transition from eighth grade to high school is a pivotal moment in life. It’s a foundational time when interests, activities and friendships are changing and evolving—shaping how they view the world. It’s also an important time to ensure young Jewish teens build a long-lasting connection to their heritage.

Our mission at IsraelNow is to inspire and nurture that connection for a stronger Jewish future. Whether already rooted in the Jewish community or looking to get more involved, we welcome any Jewish eighth grader on one of our week-long immersive and adventure-filled trips to Israel. But what is the real value of traveling with us? Let’s explore!

Discover the best of Israel

Visiting the Western Wall. Digging up artifacts from the past. Connecting with local Israelis. While no two IsraelNow trips are the same, each one is packed with exciting and rewarding activities that let teens see, hear, taste and experience all that Israel has to offer.

Every IsraelNow itinerary is designed with your eighth grader in mind and includes a special Track Day based on their unique personal interests. We provide different options for them to choose from so that we ensure their adventure is as meaningful as possible.

“I loved everything! The staff, the people, the food and the experiences were amazing. My favorite part was meeting the Israelis during Track Day! I’m still talking to some of them through Instagram!” – IsraelNow participant, 2019

For parents, we know it can be intimidating to send your teen abroad for a week, but our top priority is their safety and wellbeing. From extensive training for trip educators to security staff on our buses, we do everything we can to provide peace of mind.

Make new memories with new friends

Our adventures are an opportunity to broaden your teen’s mind and learn something new. From traveling with other students from their community to meeting local Israeli peers, they’ll be exposed to different backgrounds and perspectives throughout the trip. Together, they will make memories and share a special long-lasting bond as they enter high school.

“My daughter felt a strong connection to the new friendships that were formed. She feels a better connection to her new friends than her current ‘friends’ at her middle school.” – IsraelNow parent, 2019

In fact, many of our past participants are still close to the friends they made on their trip. For some, these friendships have given them a reason—and a way—to become more immersed in their local Jewish community back home.

“Going on the trip really inspired me to continue with Hebrew school and continue going to activities to meet more Jewish kids my age and make new friends.” – IsraelNow participant, 2019

Grow your Jewish identity

Traveling to Israel can be a transformative experience. The lessons they learn, stories they hear, people they meet—it’s all a part of building that connection and reinforcing the value of their Jewish identity. The deeper that connection, the stronger their desire to continue engaging in Jewish activities and being a part of their local community.

“IsraelNow really helped me feel more connected to Israel and the Jewish people. I feel like I now have a better understanding and was really able to find my Jewish identity on the trip.” – IsraelNow participant, 2019

If you’re ready for your eighth grader to join us on the experience of a lifetime, then fill out an application form to register for an upcoming trip. Still have questions or want to know more about IsraelNow? Join us for an informational session in your city or contact your local IsraelNow program!

Top 4 lessons learned on IsraelNow trips

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We often say IsraelNow is a transformative and rewarding experience for Jewish eighth graders. It’s an immersive and guided journey that teaches them as much about themselves as it does about their heritage. And while a deeper bond with Israel and a stronger connection to Judaism are the ultimate goals, we want our travelers to take away so much more.

So, what are the top lessons learned on IsraelNow trips?

1. Curiosity helps us grow

Traveling to a new country can be intimidating, but it can also be an exciting opportunity to see the world and create new memories. We’ve had eighth graders join us who have never left home and others who have been to Israel many times before with their families. In each instance, they set flight with open minds—eager to experience and learn new things.

“IsraelNow gave me the opportunity to experience Israel in a new light. I was never expecting to become as close as I did with the Israelis nor did I think I would feel as fulfilled as I do now. It opened me up to a whole new world.”  – IsraelNow participant, 2019

We believe that to truly understand something, we must experience it. It’s a powerful feeling to watch as rambunctious teens go silent when they see the Western Wall. How they dive into Israeli cuisine and are hungry to learn about the culture. And how they uncover artifacts from the past while discovering new pieces of their future. It’s that curiosity and desire to learn that helps them grow, both as a person and as a Jew.

2. The little things bring us together

Being able to see different lives and hear different perspectives is beyond impactful during this pivotal moment in your eighth grader’s life. What’s even more valuable is seeing how these differences can actually bring us all together and unite us.

“IsraelNow was such a wonderful experience! It helped me to understand that Jews share a connection no matter where they’re from.” – IsraelNow participant, 2019

One of our favorite parts of IsraelNow trips is Track Days, where your teen can choose from a group of activities to find what best suits their unique personal interests. Perhaps they want to engage in a social justice project? Spend more time exploring local sports? Experience local cuisine? Whatever they choose, the idea is for them to get a chance to encounter Israel in their own way. These activities also help them form stronger connections with new friends and the land.

3. Our history can strengthen our future

Every IsraelNow trip includes a mix of historical and prominent destinations with modern activities and sights. From hiking Masada to swimming in the Dead Sea to exploring Tel Aviv, each day of our week-long journey is filled with chances to strengthen the ties to your teen’s heritage—and form bonds that will last long after they return home.

In fact, many of our alumni have continued to explore their heritage and get more involved in their Jewish community back home. 9 out of 10 travelers are likely to take up Jewish activities in high school after their trip.

“[IsraelNow] made me love Israel so much more and got me interested in Hebrew, Judaism, Israeli culture, etc. I’m going to take Hebrew as a class in high school and possibly spend a semester in Israel.” – IsraelNow participant, 2019

4. Always be true to who you are

Teens can be easily influenced by their peers at this age. That is why it’s so important to give them a safe space and the independence to nurture their Jewish identity and grow their Jewish roots.

“Going to Israel made me re-think my Jewish identity. Before Israel, I was ‘unsure’ about being Jewish. I thought it meant prayers and going to a synagogue a lot. After visiting Israel, I feel a different way toward Judaism. I believe it means looking after and caring for other people. It also means being true to who you are and to fight for it.” – IsraelNow participant, 2019

If you’re ready for your eighth grader to join us on the experience of a lifetime, then fill out an application form to register for an upcoming trip. Still have questions or want to know more about IsraelNow? Join us for an informational session in your city or contact your local IsraelNow program!