Chabad @ UCR - Jewish Student Center is proud to offer free & fun 10-day tours of Israel. These trips are a gift of birthright israel and facilitated by Mayanot. Dozens of UC students have chosen Mayanot and with good reason!

Who is eligible?

This amazing gift is available to Jewish young adults, ages 18 through 26 who have never been to Israel on a previous educational tour with their peers.

Mayanot's birthright israel tours are open to all Jews, regardless of background, affiliation or practice. Our welcoming approach and excellent track reputation of attention to detail help ensure that Jews with varying beliefs and observance levels are able enjoy the program together.

Free trips to Israel from birthright israelIs it really free?

Yes, the program is free. This includes airfare on El-Al Airlines, accommodations at quality hotels, and almost all meals. A $250 fully refundable deposit is required, and is returned after the program. Students will need to arrange their own transportation to the city of departure, and are expected to pay for several of their own meals in Israel. That's it!

Free trips to Israel from birthright israelWhat will we do when we are there?

  • tour, hike and jeep throughout Israel
  • climb the ancient fortress of Masada
  • float in the Dead Sea
  • enjoy the culture, and excitement of Jerusalem & Tel Aviv
  • experience a warm and fun-filled traditional Shabbat
  • visit the Western Wall and the Yad Vashem holocaust museum
  • meet Israeli students, soldiers, politicians & business leaders...
    ...and much more!

Check out Mayanot's promotional video to get a glimpse of what the trip is like.

Free trips to Israel from birthright israelWhy are these trips free?

Birthright Israel is a unique partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities and Federations (through the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and leading Jewish philanthropists. The goal of these exciting tours is to inspire in our participants a stronger connection to the Jewish people, Jewish life and to the Jewish State of Israel while having a great time!

What about the situation in Israel?

We understand that applicants may be concerned about the security situation in Israel. Rest assured that the safety and security of our participants is Mayanot's and birthright israel's number one priority. Please click here for more.

Rabbi Hershey Novack has participated on several birthright israel trips and wrote an article about the safety of the program, read it here.

Free trips to Israel from birthright israelWhere do I sign up?

Visit www.israelexpress.org for more information and to sign up! To ensure that you are part of our group, make sure you enter "Chabad @ UCR" in the Referral code box on your application.

What should I do if I have further questions?

Send an email to [email protected] with your question and we will hasten to answer them!