To express interest, please fill out the form below. By submitting this interest form, you will receive the private CJA Volunteer in Israel application link by email. Space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up early for priority consideration.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Schedule:

• Depart from Chicago: October 11
• Arrive in Israel: October 12
• Return to Chicago: October 19

Allowed participants include:

• Open to ages 18+ and designed for adults 50–75
• Jewish participants
• Non-Jewish spouses/partners
• Staff of Jewish organizations, even if not Jewish

Total participant cost: $1,275

Breakdown:

• $25 non-refundable application fee
• $250 program fee
• $700 flight stipend
• $300 enhancement fee

The enhancement fee helps cover:

• Upgraded programming
• Shabbat dinners
• Merchandise
• Added experiences

Volunteer Work:

Participants will spend roughly 4–5 hours daily volunteering.

Potential activities include:

• Farming/agriculture
• Rebuilding projects
• Painting
• Food packaging
• Cooking/support work

The trip may include:

• Tel Aviv
• Jerusalem
• Southern Israel
• Nova site visit
• Kibbutzim
• Dimona
• Possibly northern Israel, if conditions allow

Free Time:

• Some free time will be built in.
• Full itineraries are usually not finalized until about 5 days before departure due to changing security and logistical conditions.

Hotels:

• Volunteer in Israel standard three-star kosher hotels
• Typically three-person rooms
• Shared bathrooms are unlikely but possible in some locations
• Participants can pay extra for room upgrades or single rooms

Food Included:

• Kosher breakfast at the hotel every day
• Sometimes lunch and sometimes dinner

Security:

• Security is handled by Volunteer in Israel throughout the trip.
• Security escorts are included in sensitive regions.
• Evacuation protocols exist if conditions change.

Insurance:

• Medical insurance is included up to approximately age 59/60.
• Older participants will need to purchase their own travel insurance.

Please Note:

• Photos and videos may be taken by CJA during the trip for marketing and promotional use.
• A joint initiative of Birthright Israel and the Jewish Federations of North America.