The Rubin Israel Experience opens applications for its fifth year of first-time Israel trips.
This fall 10 St. Louis young adults will make their first journey to Israel on the ‘Rubin Israel Experience.’ The all-expense-paid trip is offered and staffed by Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is underwritten by philanthropists Ron and Pam Rubin, giving a group of 27-40 year olds the opportunity to see Israel in a fun and meaningful way. An information session will be held on Monday, March 12 at 7pm at Jewish Federation of St. Louis. The group will travel October 21-31, 2012. Applications are now available.
The unique trip was created to bring the Jewish experience full circle, inspiring a deeper connection to the St. Louis community and cultivating leadership. Upon returning from Israel, the Rubinites (alumni) are expected to share their Israel experience with their community and peers.
“We created this trip after meeting so many young people who said they missed out on other Israel experiences when they were younger. This trip has allowed 40 St. Louis emerging leaders (ages 27-40) thus far to experience Israel for the first time,” said Pam Rubin.
The 10-day trip is organized to accommodate busy professionals and those with children. It brings together a diverse group of St. Louis young adults for a life-changing journey, experiencing Israeli culture, food, nightlife, innovation, nature and history.
Doug Snyder, a 2011 participant, was determined to take advantage of the opportunity. “When I heard about the trip I thought to myself, ‘I just have to do this. It’s a great opportunity that may not come around again.’” Realizing that it can be difficult to set 10 days aside for the trip, especially for those with children, he was reassured to find that he could stay in touch from Israel. “Once we got there, we realized that we weren’t completely disconnected. We were able to call and check in with our families.”
Jewish Federation staff member, Margo Newman, has watched the Rubinites transform their Israel experiences into Jewish leadership since the first trip in 2008. “I am so thrilled that a majority of Rubin alum are currently involved in very meaningful and substantial leadership positions in our Jewish community. I’m looking forward to another incredible year and a new group of young leaders looking to step up in their community and pay it forward,” Margo said.
Space on the Rubin Israel Experience is limited. Applications are due by April 16, 2012. Those who have previously applied are encouraged to apply again. For more information contact Margo Newman at mnewman@jfedstl.org or (314) 442-3865.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the Jewish community’s central philanthropic, planning and community-building organization. Founded in 1901, it is one of the region’s most respected and effective nonprofit organizations. Federation is committed to the ongoing development and enhancement of a thriving Jewish community through a family of more than 50 local, national and international agencies, programs, services and innovative projects. Federation’s annual Community Campaign and ongoing Planned Giving opportunities raise funds necessary to provide services to engage both young families with children and young adults, support Jewish learning, educate and advocate for a strong Israel and safe Jewish world, and provide a safety net for vulnerable Jews. Jewish Federation is a proud member of the United Way.