NCSY Subsidized TJJ Announces Last Call for Summer Trip

11 May 2012

TRIP LEAVES JULY 4: NCSY ANNOUNCES LAST CALL FOR TEENS TO RESERVE A SPOT FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER ON THE JERUSALEM JOURNEY

A small number of life-changing opportunities are still available to participate in NCSY’s most popular summer program “The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ)” – a month-long co-ed experience for Jewish public high school students to explore all of the exciting sites that Israel has to offer, while building a connection with their heritage and their homeland. The program is for Jewish teens in grades 9-12, of all backgrounds.

NCSY | Jewish Youth Leadership is the international youth movement of the Orthodox Union.

The program runs Wednesday, July 4-Wednesday, August 1. At a heavily NCSY-subsidized $3,199 for the full month, TJJ is the most affordable all-inclusive Israel summer experience for Jewish teens.

David Cutler, Director of NCSY Summer Programs, declared, “Whether a teen has been to Israel before or not, they have never experienced the country the way NCSY experiences Israel. The NCSY subsidy is an investment in the Jewish identity of teenagers that will stay with them forever. Last summer alone, 350 teens had the summer of their lives on TJJ.”

Teens travel around the country to gain an appreciation for all the historical and modern sites of Israel from the Western Wall to Tel Aviv; float in the Dead Sea; tour the old city of Jerusalem and mystical city of Tzfat; snorkel in the Mediterranean and kayak down the Jordan River; jeep through the Judean Desert; and experience what Israel was like in biblical times during an overnight stay in a Bedouin tent.

“TJJ participants also engage in social action activities such as running programs for underprivileged kids and volunteering in a soup kitchen. These experiences broaden their minds and deepen their perspective on themselves, as well as the people and land of Israel. These diverse cultural experiences are sure to stand out on any college application,” Mr. Cutler also emphasized.

TJJ past participant Josh from Creuve Coeur, MO, shared, “I had the time of my life this summer. From water sports in Eilat, to meeting with distinguished Knesset members in Jerusalem, to talking with Kabbalists in Tzfat – it was a trip to remember and a trip to learn from. Not only did I learn so much about my homeland, I learned about what being a Jewish advocate for Israel is really about. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share this extremely life-changing experience with so many amazing Jewish teens and advisors. You have truly touched the lives of so many people this summer and I want to thank you for that.”

TJJ has a staff to teen ratio at 1:5 to best connect with the participants on an individual level. The hand-picked staff is made up of a licensed Israeli tour guide, experienced youth professionals and NCSY advisors who share a passion for Israel and bring extensive background in informal Jewish education.
Every bus is equipped with a medic and security guard who travels with the group at all times. During the program, the NCSY Summer Programs staff is available 24/7 and maintains constant updates for parents through blogs, emails, photo galleries and phone calls.

Jackie, a parent from San Diego expressed, “Words cannot describe the glow on Carly’s face from this trip! You know’ I was apprehensive in the beginning, and I am so happy that I sent her. Aside from the wonderful friendships that she made, she experienced such joy in prayer and a deeper understanding of Judaism. She loved learning with you and the advisors. Thank you so much!”

To reserve a spot for the best summer ever, go to www.ncsysummer.com/trips/tjj, email {encode=”mailto:tjj@ncsy.org” title=”tjj@ncsy.org”}, or call 212-613-8145.

OU | Enhancing Jewish Life