Youth to Israel Adventure (Y2I)
June 30 – July 11, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the 2024 Y2I Trip?

Jewish teens who:

• Are sophomores or juniors in high school as of September 1, 2023.
• Meet one of the following:
  • Reside in Lappin Foundation’s North Shore service area or other communities in our Greater Boston service area.
  • Be a member of a Jewish organization in Lappin Foundation’s North Shore service area

Who is considered a Jewish teen?

• Be Jewish, consider themselves to be Jewish, and be raised exclusively in the Jewish faith (meaning not actively practicing another faith).

Do teens from interfaith families qualify for Y2I?

• Yes! We warmly welcome teens from interfaith families to Y2I. Some years up to 40% or more of Y2I teens are from interfaith families.

What if I don’t live in the service area or belong to a temple in the service area, can I still participate in Y2I?

• Please contact Sharon Wyner at (978) 565-4450 or email  swyner@lappinfoundation.org to discuss.

Can teens who did not go to Hebrew school, who did not have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or who are not religious apply to Y2I? 

• Absolutely! There is no religious expectation, Jewish education requirement or Bar or Bat Mitzvah requirement for 2024 Y2I.

Is everyone who applies to Y2I accepted?

• It may be determined that a teen is not ready for the Y2I experience through the interview and recommendation process. Otherwise, if a teen meets the criteria and is ready for the Y2I experience, we do not limit the number of participants.

When will the trip to Israel take place?

• Sunday, June 30 – Thursday, July 11, 2024

How much does it cost to participate in Y2I?

• The trip to Israel is free! A $500 refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot. When the program requirements are fulfilled, the deposit is refunded. There is a $400 fee for programing, insurance and tips. Financial aid is available should anyone need it. For more information contact Sharon Wyner at (978) 565-4450 or swyner@lappinfoundation.org.

 What if I cannot attend one of the required meetings?

• A make-up assignment will be sent to you.

What is the 2024 Y2I COVID policy?

We encourage teens and staff to be up-to-date with a Covid vaccination, but Covid vaccination is not required to participate in 2024 Y2I.  However, this policy could change if necessary.

Covid Protocol During the Trip

An individual (teen or counselor) will be tested for Covid during the trip when:

1. A fever is present
2. A teen or counselor is feeling ill and presenting with Covid symptoms
3. Testing will be done individually, with expanded testing if recommended by healthcare professionals for roommates, buses, or the entire Y2I group.

 Covid-positive individuals with a fever will isolate until they are fever-free for 24 hours. Masking will be required for five days, with day one being the day of the positive test. Masking may be required if other symptoms are present. Determination will be made on a case-by-case basis upon the recommendation of the health care professional.

Isolation involves staying in a single room or with another Covid-positive teen, with no participation in activities. Meals will be delivered to their room.

What should I do now to be prepared for Y2I?

Make sure you have a valid passport, which is required for travel to Israel.

• If you have a passport check the expiration date. If your passport expires on or before January 11, 2025 it is not valid for travel to Israel on 2024 Y2I.
• If you are thinking of going on the Y2I trip and you do not yet have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible. From the age of 16, passports are valid for 10 years. You can apply at your local post office or get more information here.
• We will need your passport information before an airline ticket is purchased for you. Getting a passport must be a high priority.

We know from past experience that delaying passport application or renewal might result in you not having your passport in time for us to purchase a ticket for the trip.  The passport office can be very slow, and delays are inevitable.

What is the size of the Y2I staff?

• On every bus there will be at least two adult counselors, a tour educator, a bus driver and a security guard who is a medic. A mental health professional travels with the group. Debbie Coltin, Lappin Foundation’s Executive Director and Eugene Schultz, Lappin Foundation’s Director of Teen Engagement, also travel with the group. Counselors have experience with teens and Israel travel.

How do you get to Israel and home from Israel?

• Our plan is to take coach buses on June 30 from the North Shore to Logan International Airport and then fly non-stop to Tel Aviv. We will fly non-stop from Tel Aviv to Newark Liberty International Airport and then take coach buses back to the North Shore arriving on July 11, 2024.

What is the trip itinerary?

• Days and evenings full of activities and touring! Highlights include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea, Golan Heights and more! We will raft on the Jordan river, visit the Western Wall and other ancient sites. We’ll eat authentic Israeli food, spend four days with Israeli teens, and immerse in Israeli culture!

What are the hotels like that Y2I uses in Israel?

• Y2I stays in nice hotels in Israel.

How many teens share a room?

• There will be no more than three teens per room and teens do not share beds.

How do you travel around Israel?

• We travel in air-conditioned coach tour buses.

Do Y2I teens meet Israeli teens?

• Yes! Israeli teens will join Y2I teens for a couple of days. This is called a mifgash.  The mifgash is often the highlight of the Y2I experience for many teens. The mifgash is a priceless opportunity for American and Israeli teens to meet, get to know each other, and make life-long friendships.

How will I get detailed information about the packing list, money exchanging, roommates and group assignments? 

• The trip orientation meeting will take place on Sunday, April 28, 3-4:30 p.m. to provide teens and parents all the details about the trip and to answer questions teens and parents may have.

Who can I contact to get more information about the 2024 Youth to Israel Adventure?

Sharon Wyner
swyner@lappinfoundation.org
978-565-4450