UJA-Federation of New York helps others around the world. Come see for yourself. From trips to Israel to journeys through Cuba, Ethiopia, India, Argentina, and Morocco, we plan exciting adventures. Learn, work, and enjoy exclusive access to the world through UJA-Federation.

Taglit-Birthright Winter Israel Trips

Taglit-Birthright Israel, supported by UJA-Federation of New York, is offering opportunities to visit Israel for free this winter. Through this trip, you'll get an insider's view of the Jewish homeland, enjoy visits to vibrant cities and historical sites, explore diverse and beautiful landscapes, and learn about Israel's culture.

You'll also have the chance to travel with other emerging leaders and explore the special relationship between New York and Israel. This trip will allow you the opportunity to remain connected to your Jewish identity, your fellow travelers, and the crucial work of UJA-Federation after you return home.

• Zankel Leadership Bus – For those ages 22 to 26 who work, live, or study in New York, this special program allows participants to see firsthand the impact of UJA-Federation of New York's work in Israel. This trip will take place from Sunday, December 25, 2011 to Thursday, January 5, 2012.

• UJA-Federation of New York and Jewish Community Center in Manhattan LGBTQ Bus – This trip is designed for New Yorkers ages 22 to 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning, as well as their families and allies. It aims to provide participants with a richer understanding about their Jewish and LGBTQ identities. The trip includes all the classic Israel tour highlights, but will also delve into the world of LGBTQ Israel: Israeli gay rights, a visit to the Open House, and much more. The trip will take place from Wednesday, January 4 to Sunday, January 15, 2012.

Online registration begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at 12:00 noon EST for general applicants, and Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. EST for returning applicants. To learn more and to register, visit www.taglit.israelexperts.com.

If you have any questions about these trips, please contact Ezra Shanken at 1.212.836.1129 or .

Taglit-Birthright Israel funds first-time peer-group educational trips to Israel for young Jewish adults ages 18 to 26 who have not previously traveled to Israel on a peer educational trip or study program, nor lived in Israel past the age of 12. The gift covers round-trip airfare (from designated cities), hotels, transportation, most meals, and other associated land costs for the trip. Gratuities, personal purchases, and travel medical insurance are not included.

This trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel.

National Young Leadership Trip to Israel

Your Israeli peers and leaders from the political, cultural, and business worlds will introduce you to their country in a new way. You don’t just see Israel through the windows of a bus — you travel to Masada before dawn, ride all-terrain vehicles near the border, get a security briefing on an army base, and meet with young Israelis who are working for social change. And as you deepen your connection with Israel and its people, you’ll develop a personal understanding of how UJA-Federation of New York unites and cares for Jews in New York, in Israel, and all over the world. The National Young Professionals Summer Mission to Israel, taking place from Sunday, June 26, to Wednesday, July 5, 2011, includes hundreds of young professionals ages 22 to 45 from all across North America, from many backgrounds, and involved in myriad professions and volunteer activities.

This mission is run nationally by the Jewish Federations of North America. To join fellow New Yorkers on our bus, please contact UJA-Federation’s Missions Department at  . The land cost for the trip is $2,626 per participant double occupancy, with a single supplement of $920. Registration details and itinerary coming soon. View the 2011 itinerary, and please fill out the application.

This trip is intended for donors of $500 or more to UJA-Federation of New York’s 2012 Annual Campaign.

Taglit-Birthright Israel Summer Trips

Taglit-Birthright Israel, supported by UJA-Federation of New York, is offering opportunities to visit Israel for free this summer.

Through this trip, you'll get an insider's view of the Jewish homeland, enjoy visits to vibrant cities and historical sites, explore diverse and beautiful landscapes, and learn about Israel's culture.

You'll also have the chance to travel with other emerging leaders and explore the special relationship between New York and Israel. This trip will allow you the opportunity to remain connected to your Jewish identity, your fellow travelers, and the crucial work of UJA-Federation after you return home.

Visit Israel for free this summer:

• Zankel Leadership Bus – For those ages 22 to 26 who work, live, or study in New York, this special program allows participants to see firsthand the impact of UJA-Federation's work in Israel. This trip will take place from Sunday, July 3, to Thursday, July 14, 2011.

• Ed Kasner and Solelim New York Community Bus – This trip is designed for those ages 18 to 22 who currently live in or are from New York to come together on a special Israel Experts program. Dates to be announced.

• UJA-Federation of New York and Jewish Community Center in Manhattan LGBTQ Bus – This trip is designed for participants ages 22 to 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning, as well as their friends and supporters. This unique program will explore the LGBTQ community in Israel. Dates to be announced.
• Long Island Community Bus – This trip is designed for those ages 18 to 22 who currently live in or are from Long Island to come together on a special Israel Experts program. Dates to be announced.

Online registration begins on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. EST for general applicants, and on Monday, February 14, 2011, at 12:00 noon EST for returning applicants. To learn more and to register, visit www.taglit.israelexperts.com.

If you have any questions about these trips, please contact Ezra Shanken at 1.212.836.1129 or .

Taglit-Birthright Israel funds first-time peer-group educational trips to Israel for young Jewish adults ages 18 to 26 who have not previously traveled to Israel on a peer educational trip or study program, nor lived in Israel past the age of 12. The gift covers round-trip airfare (from designated cities), hotels, transportation, most meals, and other associated land costs for the trip. Gratuities, personal purchases, and travel medical insurance are not included.

This trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel.

Missions to Cuba

Explore Cuba with others in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Meet representatives of Cuba's 1,500-member Jewish community. Walk through Havana’s old Jewish quarter and see its traditional synagogue, Adath Israel. Visit the Sephardic Hebrew Center — the only Sephardic synagogue in Havana City, founded in 1954. Tour the Holocaust Memorial, Patronato Synagogue, and the Jewish cemetery, and enjoy Shabbat services with the local community.

Regardless of which trip you chose, your experience is guaranteed to be memorable and rewarding. More information about UJA-Federation's Missions programs.

National Conferences

The Jewish Federations of North America and UJA-Federation of New York will present TribeFest 2012: Las Vegas, from March 25 - March 27, 2012. More than 1,800 Jewish young adults will come together to explore why it matters to be Jewish, discuss how they connect to Judaism and the larger community, and have an amazing time.

TribeFest offers inspiring programs, music, food, and arts and entertainment — all celebrating the richness of our Jewish culture and heritage. Attendees have the opportunity to create deep and meaningful connections with new friends and peers, engage in hands-on community service activities, and develop a deep understanding of the value of giving back to the community and themselves.

For more information about the 2012 conference, please contact Ezra Shanken at 1.212.836.1129 or visit www.tribefest.org, and follow @TribeFest on Twitter.