Seventh year for the trip for 27- to 45-year-old St. Louisans who have never been to Israel
Applications are now open for the seventh Rubin Israel Experience, an all-expense-paid trip for young adults who have never been to Israel. Ten spots are available for potential community leaders who want to see Israel in a fun and meaningful way.
The trip, which is offered and staffed by Jewish Federation of St. Louis and underwritten by philanthropists Ron and Pam Rubin, will be held September 7 through 17 this year and is open to St. Louisans who are 27 to 45 years old. Applications are available at RubinIsrael.org through April 11.
Federation will hold two information sessions for those interested in the trip, on Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, April 2 at 7 pm in the Jewish Federation Koplow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive.
The unique trip was created to bring the Jewish experience full circle, inspiring a deeper connection to the St. Louis community and cultivating leadership. When they return from Israel, participants, who are known as “Rubinites,” are expected to share their experience and get involved in their Jewish community as leaders.
“We hope that this incredible Israel experience will ignite a passion for a strong Jewish community within the potential leaders who participate,” says Pam Rubin. “More than 60 young adults have been on this trip since its inception, and most of them are currently involved in meaningful and substantial leadership positions in our Jewish community.”
The 10-day trip brings together a diverse group of young adults for a life-changing journey, packing in activities that help them experience Israeli culture, food, nightlife, innovation, nature and history.
“The Rubin Israel Experience is a powerful, life-changing experience that will be with me always,” says Li Zou, who went on the trip in 2013. “I came back with a real understanding of some of the many worlds that are Israel and connected to it in ways that I never imagined. This program is a deeply meaningful way to experience Israel for the first time.”
For additional information about the trip or application process, contact Mindee Fredman at mfredman@jfedstl.org.