NEW: The Gesher 2021 application is live!
Spaces are limited - click here to apply today!

welcome

What is Gesher?

Gesher is an exciting, three and a half week summer Israel trip for 11th graders at one amazing cost. You'll see all the top sites and much more while you spend time in Israel’s most famous places as well as those off the beaten path, learning about their historical and modern significance and discovering amazing new places.

The total cost of Gesher Israel, including airfare, is $3,000. We are proud to be part of the RootOne initiative, seeded by a generous gift from The Marcus Foundation and powered by The Jewish Education Project, in helping more Jewish American teens than ever have an amazing Israel experience.

This year, we've made it easier than ever for participants from Young Judaea summer camps to join in the Israel experience while still doing camp. Gesher is really the best of both worlds!

Yalla, we'll see you in Israel!

the experience

One Amazing Summer -
Anyway You Choose!

the classic summer Israel experience

Gesher Israel

Dates: July 6 - July 29, 2021
Cost: $3,000 including airfare

Discover the places, sites, and people that make Israel one of the most incredible countries in the world. You'll connect with friends new and old, engage with Israeli peers, all the while having the adventure of a lifetime.
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Explore Israel's breathtaking nature from north to south as you experience heritage and history in ancient Jerusalem, modern innovation and non-stop culture in Tel Aviv, and so much more for three and a half eye-opening weeks. Gesher is so much more than a trip to Israel - it's the opportunity to truly connect with the country and create lifelong memories. Whether at the top of Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, navigating through the Negev desert, or strolling the colorful marketplaces, you'll find lots of things to love about Israel!

Click here for the full Gesher Israel Itinerary
Tel yehudah + Israel

Gesher Complete

Dates
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Camp Tel Yehudah: June 23 - July 06, 2021
Israel: July 06 - July 29, 2021
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Cost
$5,000 including Gesher Israel
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Start your summer with two incredible weeks at Camp Tel Yehudah, Young Judaea's national teen leadership camp, on Gesher TY. Have all the traditional camp experiences like activities with your bunk, rikud (Israeli dance), special days in camp, time to just chill with your old and new friends, and camp-wide events before heading off on Gesher Israel!

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Hendersonville and israel

Gesher Israel & MIT at CJ

Dates
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CJ MIT First Session: June 11 - July 05, 2021
Israel: July 06 - July 29, 2021
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Cost
$3,000 including Gesher Israel
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Shadow the in-bunk counselors and learn what a position of a full-time counselor looks like. Make irreversible bonds and unforgettable memories with chanichim and the staff members all while learning what it means to be a junior counselor, leader, and role model.

Then, it's off to Israel on Gesher!

Click here for more information on Camp Judaea MIT
wimberley and israel

Gesher Israel & CIT at Texas

Dates
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CYJ-Texas CIT First Session: June 11 - July 05, 2021
Israel: July 06 - July 29, 2021
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Cost
$4,800 including Gesher Israel

Start your summer at CYJ-Texas as a Counselor in Training (CIT), available to campers entering 12th grade. Participants will get to enjoy camp as campers, exploring activities designed just for them. At the same time, they’ll get a hearty introduction to the life of a counselor, apprenticing with seasoned pros to see what the madrich/a life is all about.

Then, it's off to Israel on Gesher!

Click here for more information on CYJ-Texas CIT
barryville

Gesher Tel Yehudah

Dates: June 23 - July 07, 2021

Cost: $3,000
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Built for rising high school seniors, Gesher TY gives you the best of camp in a short time. Whether you have been to Tel Yehudah before or not, our “build-your-own” summer options, like Tracks and Z’man Bechira, will give you the opportunity to design your day with multiple focuses in mind. Tracks like arts, sports, peer leadership and more allow you to find an area of interestfor you to dive deeper with. We will also explore pillars of Tel Yehudah such as Israel, social action and peer leadership. And, of course, we can’t forget the BEST traditional camp experiences like activities with your bunk, rikud (Israeli dance), special days in camp, time to just chill with you rold and new friends, and camp-wide events! Oh and did we mention the chance to be a Maccabia CAPTAIN?! 

Click here for more information on Camp Tel Yehudah
the details

Important Information

Who is Eligible for Gesher Israel?

Current 11th graders who are 16-17 years old, regardless of Jewish denomination, youth group or movement affiliation, are eligible to register for Gesher Israel.

Are There a Limited Number of RootOne Vouchers?

Young Judaea's goal is to bring as many participants as possible to Israel in Summer 2021, but vouchers are limited. We encourage you to register early to secure your spot on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I don't go to Young Judaea camp. Can I do Gesher Israel?

Absolutely! We welcome participants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy your trip to Israel. We are looking forward to a diverse group of participants this coming summer.

What is RootOne?

RootOne is seeded through the generosity of The Marcus Foundation, and is powered by The Jewish Education Project. Please visit www.RootOne.org for more information.

How is Gesher Israel different than Machon?

We've replaced Special Interest Week with more time spent out touring around the entire country, in order to allow participants to enjoy and discover more in Israel.

Can You Guarantee Gesher Israel Will Run This Summer?

No Israel program can make that promise 100%, but we're using our experience in running Israel programs in the current climate to plan for a successful summer trip to Israel in 2021.

More Questions? Check Out Our FAQ!
testimonials

What Our Alumni Say

Mitchell Susswein
Summer Programs 2019

"The trip was amazing! I really got to explore Israel in a way I hadn't before and saw so much of the country. I had dozens of amazing experiences I'll never forget. Going to Israel with Young Judaea also gave me the opportunity to make friends that I know will last my entire life."

Lyndsey Lipson
Summer Programs 2018

"Traveling to Israel with Young Judaea was the perfect way to explore my Judaism and connect with other teens doing the same!"

Jereme Weiner
Summer Programs 2018

"Israel was amazing, but the Young Judaea staff really made the experience. I had so much fun exploring the country with my friends and learning from guides, educators, and Israeli peers who opened their lives to us and showed us so much awesome stuff!"

Ari Kantorowitz
Summer Programs 2019

"My trip to Israel with Young Judaea was action-packed and fun every single day. I experienced so much Israeli culture and found new perspectives along the way."

Gesher Starts Here!

Ready to plan the summer of a lifetime with Young Judaea? Our enrollment team is waiting to hear from you.

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