Israel & Jewish Experience Desk
Welcome to our new Israel and Jewish Experience Desk! Connect to Jewish resources and explore options of travel to Israel for all ages, as well as opportunities for Jewish experiences for youth at summer camps and during the year. You can also visit our new Desk on the second floor of the JCC offices, Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-2pm. Open to the community.
To discuss program options, schedule an appointment with Debbie Meline (949)435-3400 x. 271.
Israel
Hebrew school
Jewish day schools
JCC day camps
California-based Jewish sleep away camp
Regional youth movement offices
Adult Education
Local Jewish resources
Local Jewish organizations
Israel
Summer programs:
BBYO (Bnai Brith Youth Organization), a Pluralistic youth organization
- Israel (and European) Travel http://www.bbyopassport.org/
- March of the Living- http://www.bbyopassport.org/Trips/March-Of-The-Living
NFTY ( North American Federation of Temple Youth), a Reform youth movement - https://nftyisrael.org/north-american-trips/
- Adventure- https://nftyisrael.org/north-american-trips/adventure/- A unique and challenging journey through Israel.
- L’Dor V’Dor- https://nftyisrael.org/north-american-trips/ldor-vdor/ Tour Eastern Europe and Israel, discovering your personal connection to our people and our history before embarking on a four week NFTY Adventure in Israel.
- Mitzvah Corps- https://nftyisrael.org/north-american-trips/mitzvah-corps/ 3 weeks in Israel through the lens of social justice.
- Sci-Tech Israel- https://nftyisrael.org/scitech/ Experience hands-on learning in Israel—a living laboratory where science and technology meet the Jewish past, present, and future.
Machaneh Bonim Israel- http://www.hdnaisrael.org/mbi Through the progressive labor Zionist youth movement HaBonim Dror, this is a 5 weeks program for 15 and 16 year olds.
USY (United Synagogue Youth), a Conservative youth movement- http://usy.org/escape/
- Israel Pilgrimage Poland Seminar- http://usy.org/escape/israel/israel-pilgrimagepoland-seminar/ For grades 10-12.
- Israel Pilgrimage Eastern Europe Seminar- http://usy.org/escape/na/eastern-europeisrael-pilgrimage/ For grades 10-12.
- Israel Adventure- http://usy.org/escape/israel/usy-israel-adventure/ For grades 10-12.
Young Judaea, a Zionist youth movement- http://www.youngjudaea.org/home/programs-in-israel/
- Discovery- http://www.youngjudaea.org/home/programs-in-israel/teen-summer-programs/young-judaea-discovery For grades 10 -12.
- Machon- http://www.youngjudaea.org/home/programs-in-israel/teen-summer-programs/young-judaea-machon-experience/ For grades 11-12.
- Israel Brushstrokes- http://www.youngjudaea.org/home/programs-in-israel/teen-summer-programs/israel-brushstrokes/ For grades 10-12.
NCSY, a modern orthodox youth movement- https://summer.ncsy.org/
- BILT- https://bilt.ncsy.org/ For boys in grades 9-12
- GIVE- https://give.ncsy.org/ For girls in grades 9-12
- Israel in Depth- https://israelid.ncsy.org/ For all teens in grades 9-12
- JOLT Israel- https://joltisrael.ncsy.org/ For teens in grades 10-11
- Kollel- https://kollel.ncsy.org/ For boys in grades 9-12
- Michlelet- https://michlelet.ncsy.org/ For girls in grades 9-12
- Next Step- https://nextstep.ncsy.org/ For teens in grades 11-12
- Start Up Fellowship- https://startup.ncsy.org/ For teens in grades 10-12
- TJJ- https://tjj.ncsy.org/ For teens in grades 9-12
- TJJ Ambassadors- https://tjja.ncsy.org/ Forteens in grades 10-12
Ramah: http://seminar.ramah.org.il/seminar/ 6 weeks in Israel for Ramah Ojai participants the summer before entering 11th grade.
March of the Living- https://motl.org/programs/high-school/
Israel Experience- http://www.israelexperience.org/ Find the program that best meets your needs.
Gap Year:
- BBYO Beyond- http://www.bbyopassport.org/Trips/Beyond-Gap-Year BBYO is a Reform youth movement.
- USY Nativ- http://www.nativ.org/ USY is a Conservative youth movement.
- Young Judaea Year Course- http://www.youngjudaea.org/home/programs-in-israel/gap-year/young-judaea-year-course-experience Young Judaea is a Zionist youth movement
- HaBonim Dror Workshop- http://www.hdnaisrael.org/workshop
- NFTY/Netzer Olami - http://www.netzerolami.org/Eng/Shnat/ShnatNetzer.asp
- NCSY Shalhevet- http://www.worldbneiakiva.org/shalhevet
- Aardvark Israel- https://aardvarkisrael.com/tuition
- Go Overseas- https://www.gooverseas.com/gap-year/israel
- Kivunim- http://www.kivunim.org/
High School Study:
- Alexander Muss High School- http://amhsi.org/ academic and experiential study of Israel and Jewish history at the high school level.
- JCC Global Teen Fellows- http://www.jccoc.org/jewishjourneys/jcc-global-teen-fellows/ offers teens in Orange County an opportunity to explore their family trees, engage in community service, enrich Jewish identities, and discover connections to Israel.
- Naale Elite Academy- http://naale-elite-academy.com/ Do high school in Israel
- NFTY- EIE High School in Israel- https://nftyisrael.org/north-american-trips/eie/ six and a half week program designed especially for highly motivated teens looking for deeper insight into Israel, Jewish Identity and themselves.
- Ramah Institute: http://try.ramah.org.il/ Spend a semester in Jerusalem. For 10-12 graders.
Adult Trips:
- March of the Living- https://motl.org/programs/adults/
- Sar-El- http://www.sar-el.org/ Volunteer for the Israeli army
- Authentic Israel: http://www.authenticisrael.com/adults-families/my-turn-in-israel/program-overview/
- Ultimate Israel: http://ultimateisrael.com/programs/adult-tours-2/
- Israel Discovery Tours: http://israeldiscoverytours.com/israel-tour-packages/adult-tours-to-israel
- Melton Seminars: http://www.meltonseminars.org/
- Margaret Morse Tours: http://www.margaretmorsetours.com/israel-tours/adults-only/
- Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project: http://www.jwrp.org/momentum
- Arza World: http://www.arzaworld.com/israel-tours.aspx
- Jewish National Fund: http://www.jnf.org/travel/missions/
- Mayonot Legacy: http://www.mayanotlegacy.com/
- Daat Travel: http://www.daattravel.com/israel-tours.aspx
- Israel Travel Advisory Tours: http://www.itastours.com/israel-tours/adult-only-israel-tour/
- Ramah Israel Institute: http://rii.ramah.org.il/ramah-adult-trip-israel-2/
- Hadassah: http://www.hadassah.org/connecting-to-israel/missions.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
- United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: http://www.uscj.org/JewishLivingandLearning/Hazak55_Adults.aspx
- Schusterman: https://www.schusterman.org/opportunities/honeymoon-israel-trips
Family Trips:
- BBYO Passport Family Trips- http://www.bbyopassport.org/Trips/Israel-Family-Journey BBYO is a Reform youth movement. Check out this website if you are interested in a family trip to Israel.
- Arza World: http://www.arzaworld.com/israel-tours.aspx
- Israel Outdoors: http://www.israeloutdoors.com/send-your-family-to-israel/
- Authentic Israel: http://www.authenticisrael.com/adults-families/
- Shalom Israel Tours: http://shalomisraeltours.com/
- Margaret Morse Tours: http://www.margaretmorsetours.com/
- Ayelet: http://ayelet.com/
- Ramah Israel Institute: http://rii.ramah.org.il/adult-and-family-trips/ramah-israel-family-experience/
- Routes Travel: http://routestravel.com/barbatmitzvah/
- Israel Maven: http://www.israelmaven.com/
- Tova Gilead: http://www.tovagilead.com/
- Keshet Israel: https://www.keshetisrael.co.il/home
- Jewish Family Tours: http://www.jewishfamilytours.com/
College:
- Young Judaea- http://www.youngjudaea.org/home/programs-in-israel/college-beyond/
- CELTA- ccienglish.com Become certified to teach English as a second language in other countries.
- Onward Israel- http://www.onwardisrael.com/category/los-angeles transformative resume building experience in Israel, featuring opportunities such as internships, service learning, academic courses and fellowships.
- Project TEN- http://www.tenprogram.org/Harduf%2C-Israel Volunteer at Kibbutz Harduf located in the Galilee.
MASA: http://www.masaisrael.org/ Masa Israel is home to the widest variety of immersive, international experiences for Jewish young adults (18-30). Find the right study abroad, internship, service learning, or Jewish studies program to help you grow—as a person, a professional, and a leader— while also developing a robust global professional network that includes Israelis and Jews from around the world.
Birthright:
- JFFS OC: https://jewishorangecounty.org/birthrightisrael
- Free Israel trip: http://www.freeisraeltrip.org/
- Birthright Israel: http://www.birthrightisrael.com/countries
- Go Ezra: http://goezra.org/
- Israel Experts: http://www.israelexperts.com/trips-and-programs/taglit-birthright
- Free Journey to Israel: http://www.freejourneytoisrael.org/
- Israel with Israelis: http://www.israelwithisraelis.com/
- Amazing Israel: http://www.amazingisrael.com/
Israel news sources
- Times of Israel: www.timesofisrael.com
- Ha’aretz in English www.haaretz.com
- Jerusalem Post www.jpost.com
- Ynet News www.ynetnews.com
- Honest Reporting www.honestreporting.com
Hebrew Schools
Reform:
- Congregation B'nai Tzedek: http://www.cbtfv.org
- Congregation Shir HaMaalot: http://www.shmtemple.org
- Temple Beth David: http://www.templebethdavid.org
- Temple Beth Sholom: https://www.tbsoc.com
- Temple Beth Ohr: http://templebethohr.com
- Temple Beth Tikvah: http://www.tbtoc.org
- Temple Beth El: http://tbesoc.org
Conservative:
- Congregation B’nai Israel: https://www.cbi18.org
- Temple Beth Emet: http://www.tbe-oc.org/
- Temple Judea: http://www.templejudea.com
- Surf City Synagogue/Temple Isaiah: http://www.surfcitysynagogue.com
Reconstructionist:
- University Synagogue: http://www.universitysynagogue.org
Orthodox:
- Beth Jacob: http://www.bethjacobirvine.org
- Chabad of West OC: http://www.chabadhb.org
- Chabad of Irvine: http://www.chabadoflaguna.com
- Chabad of Laguna Beach: http://www.chabadoflaguna.com
- Chabad of Laguna Niguel: http://www.chabadlagunaniguel.com
- Chabad of Mission Viejo: http://www.chabadofmv.com
- Chabad of Newport Beach: http://www.jewishnewport.com
- Chabad of Rancho Santa Margarita: http://www.jewishrsm.com
- Chabad of San Clemente: http://www.jewishsc.com
- Chabad of Tustin: http://www.chabadtustin.com
- Chabad of North County: http: www.ocjewish.com
Jewish Day Schools
California-based Jewish sleep away camps
- Camp Alonim- http://alonim.com/
- Camp Hess Kramer- https://www.wbtcamps.org/camp-pages/about-camp-hess-kramer
- Gindling Hilltop- https://www.wbtcamps.org/camp-pages/about-gindling-hilltop-camp
- Camp JCA Shalom- https://www.campjcashalom.com/
- Camp Mountain Chai- http://www.campmountainchai.com/
- Camp Ramah- http://ramah.org/
- Camp Tawonga- https://tawonga.org/
- Cam Max Strauss- https://campbobwaldorf.org/
- Camp Gilboa- http://campgilboa.org/
- JCC Maccabi Sports Camp- http://www.maccabisportscamp.org/
- Moshava Malibu- https://moshavamalibu.org/
- URJ 6 Points Sports Academy- https://6pointssports.org/california
- Camp Newman- https://campnewman.org/
- Gan Yisroel West- http://www.ganyisroelwest.com/
Regional youth movement offices:
-
BBYO- Bnai Brith Youth Movement http://bbyo.org/region/pwr/
Senior Regional Director, Leah Newman at [email protected]. -
NFTY- North American Federation of Temple Youth https://southerncalifornia.nfty.org/
Fullerton: Temple Beth Tikvah - (714) 871-3535
Irvine: Congregation Shir HaMa’a lot - (949) 857-2226
La Mirada: Temple Beth Ohr - (714) 521-6765
Newport Beach: Temple Bat Yahm - (949) 644-1999
Westminster: Temple Beth David - (714) 892-6623 -
USY- United Synagogue Youth http://www.fwusy.net/
Tustin: Congregation Bnai Israel (CBI)- (714)730-9693; [email protected] -
NCSY- National Conference of Synagogue Youth https://westcoast.ncsy.org/
Irvine: Beth Jacob of Irvine – (949)381-9242 – [email protected] -
Bnai Akiva- https://bneiakivala.org/
Los Angeles: 310-248-2450 - [email protected] -
HaBonim Dror- http://campgilboa.org/content/local-activities
Los Angeles: 323-653-6772
Tsofim- Shevet Tapuz- http://www.shevettapuz.org/
Doron Almog - Rosh Shevet – 949-228-5218 Merakez Shevet – Troop Leader – 949-235-6050
Adult Education
Reform:
- Congregation B’nai Tzedek: http://www.cbtfv.org
- Congregation Shir HaMaalot: http://www.shmtemple.org
- Temple Bat Yahm: http://www.tby.org
- Temple Beth David: http://www.tbesoc.org/adulteducation.htm
- Temple Beth Sholom: https://www.tbsoc.com
Conservative:
- Congregation B’nai Israel: https://www.cbi18.org
- Temple Beth Emet: http://www.tbe-oc.org
- Temple Judaea: http://www.templejudea.com
Reconstructionist:
- University Synagogue: http://www.universitysynagogue.org
Orthodox:
- Beth Jacob: http://www.bethjacobirvine.org
- Chabad of Irvine: http://www.chabadirvine.org
- Chabad of Newport: http://www.jewishnewport.com
JCC's Center for Jewish Life
Local Jewish resources
Social services
- Jewish Federation and Family Services: www.jewishoc.org; 949-435-3484
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services: www.bettzedek.org; 323-939-0506
- Jewish Free Loan Association: www.jfla.org; 323-761-8830
- Sharsheret: www.sharsheret.org; 866-474-2774
- Jewish Addiction Awareness Network: www.jaanetwork.org; 949-424-5226; [email protected]
- Beit T’Shuva: www.beittshuvah.org; 310-204-5200
- Friendship Circle: www.FriendshipCircleOC.org; 949-721-9800
- Family Autism Network: www.faninfo.org; 714-573-1500
Newborn
- Find a mohel at www.mohelusa.com or www.beritmiloa.org
- Register at: www.JewishOC.org/ShalomBaby to receive a special gift bag!
Senior living
- Bubbe & Zayde’s Place: www.bubbeandzaydesplace.com; 714-928-5030
- Heritage Pointe: www.heritagepointe.org; 949-364-9685
Death and bereavement
- Chevra Kadisha-Jewish Burial Society: www.chevrakadisha.com; 323-654-8415
- Malinow & Silverman Mortuary: www.malinowsilverman.com; 800-710-7100
- Pacific View Memorial Park: www.pacificview.us; 949-644-2700
- Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park: www.harborlawn.com; 714-540-5554
- South Coast Family Funeral Services: www.southcoastfunerals.com; 888-607-0772
Mikvah
- Orange County Mikvah: 19045 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda 92886; 714-693-0770
- Irvine Community Mikvah: 3900 Michelson Drive, Irvine 92612; 949-207-7177
Rabbis for hire
- Rabbi Larry Seidman, Ph.D: www.rationalrabbi.com; 714-248-5771
- Rabbi Linda Seidman: www.rationalrabbi.com; 949-294-1872
- Rabbi Corie Yutkin: www.rabbicorie.com; 310-948-2818
Kosher
- OC Kosher: www.ockosher.com; 714-838-3108
- Sun Flour Bakery: 714-424-0176
- Trader Joe’s: www.traderjoes.com; fresh kosher chickens and glatt kosher meat available.
- Café @ The J: www.jccoc.org/about/cafe-at-the-j; 949-435-3400
- Blueberry Hill Catering: www.blueberryhillcatering.net; 562-981-8300
- Catering by Nina: 949-633-3628
- Hotz Stuff Personal Chef Service: 949-651-0866
Shopping
Golden Dreidle: https://goldendreidle.com; 949-955-0900
Local Jewish organizations
- Jewish National Fund (JNF): www.jnf.org; 949-260-0400
- Anti-Defamation League (ADL): www.orangecounty.adl.org; 949-679-3737
- IAC Orange County: www.israeliamerican.org/orange-county
- Orange County Community Scholar Program: www.occsp.org; 949-682-4040
- Orange County Jewish Bar Assoc.: www.ocjba.org; 949-440-6700 ext. 257
- Orange County Jewish Genealogical Society: www.ocjgs.org; 949-423-3746
- Hillel: www.ochillel.org; 949-435-3444
- JFFS Jewish Historical Society: 949.435.3484 ext.167; [email protected]
- Shevet Tapuz: Israeli Scouts of Orange County: www.ocshevet.org
- Moishe House: www.moishehouse.org/houses/orangecounty
Center for Jewish Life is operated in collaboration with Jewish Federation & Family Services.
For more information about the Israel & Jewish Experience Desk and the Center for Jewish Life, please contact Debbie Meline at (949)435-3400, x.271.