Making Jewish Life Affordable

When it comes to developing a positive Jewish identity, many experiences have high returns. According to various studies, overnight Jewish camping, Jewish day school education, and travel to Israel in one’s teens or twenties stand out among other rites of passage. The Alliance’s Department of Jewish Living prioritizes the task of making these experiences more affordable.

Over the past couple of months, readers of The Jewish Voice may have noticed various articles mentioning some of these initiatives. The purpose of this one is to clarify how these programs apply to them or their families because each initiative has different requirements.

One important measure to encourage children’s involvement in Jewish community is known as One Happy Camper. To support overnight Jewish camping, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Jewish Alliance partner, offers one-time $1,000 grants to first-time campers. This financial assistance is unique because it is not need-based.

Besides supporting Jewish camp and school attendance, The Alliance has a few initiatives that encourage travel to Israel. One program is known as the Gift of Israel. When a child enters third grade, the initiative allows the family to start setting aside $150 per year towards a trip to Israel and receive matching grants of $250 from their synagogue and from the Jewish Federation Foundation. This is equivalent to a 266% return on each year’s investment. Unused family contributions are completely refundable.

The Alliance also offers grants and scholarships to Jews younger than 26 who wish to travel to Israel. Moreover, the Alliance provides a substantial allocation to Birthright, an education organization that grants complimentary ten-day trips to Israel. Beginning with the summer 2014 registration, opening on Feb. 19, applicants between the ages of 18-26 who had made a prior visit to Israel on an organized peer trip before they reached the age of 18 may not apply.

Readers looking to find guidance on which program might best fit their child’s interests can turn to the Alliance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Elanah Chassen at echassen@jewishallianceri.org or 421-4111, ext. 140.

One Happy Camper Registration is ongoing; less than 25 spots available

Gift of Israel Registration is ongoing, enrollment begins

in grade 3

Taglit-Birthright Registration for summer 2014 opens Wednesday, February 19 at 10 a.m.

Israel Travel Grants and Scholarships Applications for summer, fall, and year-long programs are due by March 14, 2014.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Elanah Chassen at echassen@jewishallianceri.org or call 421-4111, ext. 140