There are many opportunities for youth to have a life-changing experience in Israel from a few weeks to a semester. All Mount Zion youth are given a $250 gift certificate toward a Yallah Israel trip.
Please look at the Union for Reform Judaism’s youth Israel programming site: yallahisrael.org for summer trips and high school in Israel.
Several students from Mount Zion have also gone to Israel through Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Contact person is Penny Ziessman (952) 381-3550.
Now is the Time to Save For Your Child’s Future Trip to Israel
Passport to Israel
A trip to Israel during the teenage years is an event that can catalyze Jewish commitment and learning into adulthood. Passport to Israel is an incentive saving program designed to make an educational trip to Israel more affordable. Each academic year parents are encouraged to make a contribution of at least $150 towards the cost of a future trip to Israel. You can begin contributing when a child is 8 years old.
How does it work?
To enroll, contact the St. Paul Jewish Federation at 651-690-1707 for forms. Once your account is set up, either send a check to Mount Zion or pay online and we will send your deposit and the synagogue’s match to The Federation where the community match will be added. In this way, each year your child will have an additional $350 added into their account (plus interest if any).
Yearly Example:
Family deposit: $150
Synagogue match: $50
Federation community match: $150
Total: $350
The funds are held in an interest bearing account with The Federation. Your child is eligible for The Federation match for up to 8 years, for a total of $1,200 from the St. Paul Jewish community. By the end of 8 years, you have saved $2,800, plus interest, if any.
