OK, it’s not even Halloween yet, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start making summer plans—especially if those plans involve a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel. Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) has three unique ways to make such a meaningful, identity-building summer of connection a financial reality, and some of the deadlines for enrollment are coming up soon.

Option One: The Myra and Robert Kraft Passport to Israel helps parents save for a trip to Israel for kids beginning in third grade or seventh grade.

When You Go: Teenagers can travel after 10th grade and before college. The Passport includes a contribution from your synagogue, plus a gift from CJP and the Kraft family, plus a family contribution.

The Fine Print: The passport savings program launched in 1989 and has sent nearly 2,000 teenagers to Israel in 51 congregations. It’s available for any child in third or seventh grade enrolled in a Jewish education program and whose family is a member of a participating congregation.

Financial 411: Families and congregations contribute $200 jointly per year for seven years, or $400 jointly per year for three years. CJP contributes $700. The fund is typically worth $2,200 or $2,000 by the end of 10th grade, depending on whether you contribute for seven or three years.

Get more info here.

Option Two: The Teens to Israel travel incentive grants assist eligible families in paying for up to a third of the cost of an eligible Israel summer program. CJP has now boosted funding for its Israel Summer Teen Travel Scholarship program in partnership with the Jim Joseph Foundation.

The Fine Print: Teens are asked to share their experience with the community when they return, through photographs and brief written summaries of their Israel experiences right here on JewishBoston.com. Applications open on Oct. 24.

Financial 411: These scholarships subsidize up to one-third of program participation costs. Programs lasting a minimum of 12 days in Israel may be eligible, and scholarship applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Get more info here.

Option Three: Last but not least, The Lappin Foundation Youth to Israel Adventure is a 14-day trip supported by CJP and open to high-school sophomores and juniors who live in—or are members of—a temple in any of the foundation’s North Shore service area.

The Fine Print: Y2I was created in 1971 by philanthropist Robert Israel Lappin as a cost-effective way to build Jewish pride, connect young people to Israel and imbue in them love of and responsibility for our Jewish family. Y2I is open to all, regardless of level of Jewish observance, education, affiliation or abilities.

The 2018 trip happens from July 1-15. The Lappin Foundation welcomes teens with disabilities to 2018 Y2I, thanks to a grant from the Ruderman Family Foundation.

Financial 411: The Morton and Lillian Waldfogel Charitable Foundation provides funds for families in need to cover costs for Y2I, including program fees, travel and medical insurance and the deposit.

Get more info here.

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