Dad’s a conservative Jew, Mom’s Lutheran, and after a decade of attending Unitarian churches I’m in the process of converting to Judaism. (It’ll probably be a Conservative conversion, but I plan on practicing Reform.) Are there any reduced-cost trips for older people who haven’t been to Israel? NOBODY on my Dad’s side of the family has been there; they came from Latvia and Poland in the 1910s and 1920s, set down roots in Buffalo, and stayed put. I’m 39, which makes me too old to qualify for free Birthright trips.
I live in Cleveland now, and although it seems like a stereotype, the large majority of Jews here are very wealthy, if not upper middle class. I’m just middle-class, like most of Buffalo’s 25,000 Jews. I can’t spare several thousand dollars for a synagogue-sponsored tour. Coughing up $1500-$2000 a year for synagogue membership plus building fund is going to be hard enough as it is.
You might want to contact the UJA / Jewish Federation as they could have programs that would help you get to Israel. Especially if you are willing to work (on a Kibbutz for example) there should be options.
Unfortunately I can’t give you any help getting here from the US… But if you ever do manage to get here, be sure to mail me (in profile) – I’ll be more than happy to lend a hand, show you some sights, and in general try and give you those little tips for getting along and around that the Natives know best.
I’m also looking into living in Israel for a few months, on a kibbutz. Unfortunately, most programs seem to be targeted for younger people (under 27), but you can check the Israel Programs website. Even if they don’t have any programs available for your age-range, they’re very helpful and may be able to point you in the right direction. You can always work on a kibbutz (a friend of mine recommends Yotvata, near Eilat). Other cool programs include:
Magen David Adom Ambulance Corps (ages 18-25), the Israeli version of the Red Cross
OTZMA (ages 20-26), working with social and community programs, including a merkaz klita, or immigrant absorption center
Free University Study, which provides three free years of Bachelor study for a new immigrant to Israel who is under age 27.
Lower costs for airfare are more available if you travel outside of Jewish Holidays seasons and spring-break. Travel during summertime (when kids are out of school) is
My wife works for an airline ticket consolidator and, if you’re flexible, there’s some deals to be had on airfare. Email me and I’ll respond with that consolidator’s phone number.
But if you ever do manage to get here, be sure to mail me (in profile) – I’ll be more than happy to lend a hand, show you some sights, and in general try and give you those little tips for getting along and around that the Natives know best.