Explore Jewish Life Around the World
While the majority of Jews reside in North America and Israel, there are vibrant communities across Europe, South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia contributing to the rich, global tapestry of Jewish peoplehood. Whether they have long histories or have begun anew after fleeing persecution, each community’s story adds depth to our collective heritage. Our immersive travel programs promise not just a trip, but an invitation to delve deeper into the heart of each location, sparking new questions and inspiring further exploration.
Travel with Federation
Upcoming Missions & Immersive Experiences
More Immersive Travel Programs
Masa Israel Journey
Masa Israel Journey is the leader in immersive international experiences in Israel for young adults (18-30). This diverse portfolio of gap years, study abroad, internship, service learning, or Jewish studies programs help you grow – as a person, a professional, and a leader – while also developing a robust global professional network. Since its founding in 2004 by the Prime Minister's Office of the Government of Israel, together with The Jewish Agency for Israel, over 120,000 young people from more than 60 countries have participated in Masa Israel programs.
Find an immersive experience that is right for you:
- Gap Year
- Study Abroad
- Internship
- Volunteer
- Jewish Studies
Programs run anywhere between 1–12 months. Find your program HERE.
Funding Available from Federation
Federation believes that sending young adults to Israel strengthens both their Jewish identity and their lifelong relationship to Israel. Because of this, we have subsidies to help you get there! Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while availability lasts.
Eligibility*:
- Any 18–30-year-old currently residing in San Diego
- Must already be enrolled and registered for a Masa Israel Program
- May not have previously received funding from Federation for a Masa Israel program
*Please note that it may take several weeks to be approved for funding.
*Funds are allocated to cover program costs directly to the Masa organization and cannot be used for travel or other expenses during the experience.
For questions or to apply, contact Moy Arbitman, Director of Israel & Global Peoplehood.
Honeymoon Israel
Honeymoon Israel, in partnership with Jewish Federation of San Diego, helps young couples bring Jewish life into their homes in a personal, meaningful way. What begins with a trip to Israel becomes a community that lasts a lifetime.
Honeymoon Israel offers a highly subsidized trip to Israel alongside other couples from San Diego. Participants experience Israel’s culture, beauty, and society in a way they might never do on their own, then return home with a new community and friends who feel like family. The journey continues in San Diego through local Honeymoon Israel and alumni events and programs.
To be eligible, couples must have at least one Jewish partner, be between the ages of 25-40, be married or part of a lifelong committed relationship for five years or less, and one partner must not have been to Israel before on a peer trip.
For more information, visit Honeymoon Israel or contact Wendy McCreary, Community Programs Manager at [email protected].
Birthright Israel
Federation provides funding for young Jewish adults ages 18-26 who wish to experience a life-changing trip to Israel alongside other young Jews from all around the world.
Our national partner, Birthright Israel, is the largest educational tourism organization in the world that has provided over 800,000 young Jewish adults with trips to the state of Israel. Trip organizers arrange everything – including flights, accommodations, activities, and more – so all you need to do is pack your bags and be ready to explore!
For more information, visit Birthright Israel or contact: Dana Koenig, Immersive Travel Manager at [email protected].
JDC Entwine
JDC Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs.
