Go to Israel for FREE
It's your BIRTHRIGHT
Apply here www.MayanotIsrael.com

Sign up for the Winter Trip

 Do not miss this awesome, once in a lifetime opportunity!

In conjunction with birthright israel and Mayanot, Chabad is proud to offer free & fun 10-day tours of Israel this Winter. The goal of our exciting tours is to inspire in our participants, a stronger connection to the Jewish people, Jewish life and to the Jewish State of Israel while having a great time!

This amazing gift is available to Jewish young adults, ages 18 through 26 who have never been to Israel before on a previous peer/educational tour.  

DATES: We are aiming to leave as soon as school is over for winter break. This will give you a chance to extend your trip and tour Israel!  Can't go then, get in line for a summer trip. 

RECRUITING: If you are not eligible to go on Birthright (you have been on a peer trip to Israel after the age of 16) but would still like to join us it IS possible. All you need to do is recruit 10 Jews to come on our trip and you’re in! Click here for more info.

SIGN –UP: Registration starts on September 14th.  You need to pay attention or Birthright will open and fill-up before your eyes. Also if you are late signing up you will be wait-listed till the summer.  But if you tell me you would like to go with me I will personally do everything in my power for you and your friends end up on our bus. And I’m not shy.

PARENTS:  Students often tell us their parents won’t let them go for fear of safety reasons. Let me assure you the trip is SO safe. We have 1-2 armed guards with us at ALL times and the buses are tracked with GPS locators.  If you would like us to speak with any of your parents please let us know and I will gladly do so nicely.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US    Let us know if you are interested and even if you are NOT interested in the trip.  Also let us know when in the future you want to go. 

  Israel... You're not home without it!
www.MayanotIsrael.com

Although there are many providers for the free birthright trip to Israel, there are several reasons that you should consider selecting Mayanot to provide your trip to Israel.

1) The Mayanot/Chabad trip provides the best quality accommodations in terms of hotels and food. Unlike some other providers, Mayanot is a non-profit provider, and spends all of the funds allocated by birthright israel on improving the quality of the experience. 

2) The Mayanot trip is the only trip that provides an experience of Friday night at the Western Wall, which is a huge part of the overall Israel experience for almost every student that participates on the trip. 

3) The Mayanot trip is usually staffed by people that are intimately familiar with the Jewish traditions that are deeply connected to the land of Israel. This makes the entire trip both extremely meaningful and very enjoyable, at the same time.
After all, you only get one chance to learn all about Israel and Judaism on the best trip of your life! Why not make sure that it will be as meaningful as possible?! 

4) A lot of people that have never participated in a Mayanot birthright trip are afraid that it will be "too religious." This is because it is run by Chabad. However, everyone that goes on the trip comes back saying how amazing the experience was, and how they felt that their level of Jewish observance was completely respected, and that they had the most fun, enjoyable time, while at the same time learning so much about Judaism and Israel.

FAQ's

Q:  Do I have to be religious/will I forced to be if I go on the trip with Chabad House and Mayanot Israel?

A: No. Jews from all backgrounds are welcome and no one is forced to observe any level of observance they are not comfortable with. No dress code (except as required by birthright israel when we are in religious areas of Jerusalem).

Q: What is the difference between Mayanot and other birthright providers?

A: Mayanot has consistently been rated as one of the top providers of the birthright experience.  In addition, Mayanot is one of the only providers with a spiritual guide (a Rabbi or Rebbetzin) on the bus traveling with you all the time. They are there to answer many of the questions both spiritual and emotional that come up during the trip. Some of them might be: Why is there a mikvah on top of Masada? Why are Jews walking backwards from the Western Wall? Why is it important to marry someone Jewish? What is the biblical significance of city of Jerusalem? And don't worry your spiritual guide is not there to quash your fun time. There will be plenty of wild and crazy times. Just come and see for yourself!

Q: Can my friends from other schools sign up?

A: Yes please invite your friends from other schools to sign up. Just make sure you put on your application that you want them to come of the UofC trip.

How much does it cost to go on birthright Israel?
The trip to Israel itself is free. You do have to pay whatever it will cost you to get to New York, which is where the trip will be leaving. The expenses that are paid for include a round trip plane ride from New York to Israel, all transportation in Israel, all entrance fees for the attractions and sites visited, all hotels, and almost all meals. There are a couple meals where students buy their own food. The value of the all expenses paid gift is about $10,000.

Who is eligible for the free trip?
Birthright israel is open to all Jews between the ages of 18-26, that have never been on a peer group trip to Israel. If you have visited Israel with your family, you are eligible. But, if you studied in Israel, or took a group trip like March of the Living, you are not eligible.

Is there a UofC birthright Israel trip?
Yes, we are hoping to take a large number of UofC students on one trip.  Please encourage your friends to sign up.  You will not see "UofC when you sign up, however, we will arrange for UofC students to be on one trip.

How religious do you have to be to go on this trip?
Birthright Israel is open to every Jew, regardless of level of religious observance. There is no forced religious observance on birthright Israel. The birthright experience does encourage students to learn more about their Jewish heritage through their Israel experience.

I want to visit friends or family in Israel.  Can I do that on this trip?
While you are on the birthright Israel trip, you must remain with the group. However, trip participants are given the option of extending their stay, in order to enjoy Israel in a more individual way.

Why is it free?
Birthright Israel is an organization that believes that every young Jew should have an Israel experience at least once. The Israeli government, private philanthropists and the United Jewish Communities have teamed up to provide this experience, for free. Enjoy it!

Security Note:
At Chabad & Mayanot we understand that applicants may be concerned about the security situation in Israel. The safety and security of our participants is Mayanot and birthright israel's number one priority. We would never take on this endeavor if we felt we were unable to adequately provide an absolutely safe and secure trip. Click for more...