B'nei Mitzvah Trip to Israel
December 22–30, 2024
Join Rabbi Zuckerman and Rabbi Solmsen along with co-chairs Lauren Erbst and Glen Kopp and other members of the PAS community for a family Bnei Mitzvah trip to Israel this December 22-30, 2024. This program is geared toward PAS families with children ages 11–14 and their siblings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Overview
When is the trip?
The trip will begin in Israel on Sunday December 22. The trip will conclude on Monday night December 30.
For whom is the trip appropriate?
The trip is geared toward PAS members with children ages 11–14 (either preceding or following their Bnei Mitzvah experience), their siblings, and parents. First-timers and returning travelers are welcome.
Will there be a Bnei Mitzvah Service?
Yes! The service is a very special part of our trip. All children ages 12–14 will be invited to participate.
Logistics
Who is our travel partner?
PAS will be partnering with J2 Adventures.
What is the cost of the trip?
The land costs for this trip are $6,700 per person based on double occupancy. Other pricing options, including single occupancy and the discount if there is a child sharing a room with two adults, can be found here. This price does NOT include airfare.
When will the itineraries be available?
Click here to access a preliminary itinerary.
Will we be flying together and if not, what flights does PAS recommend?
We will not be flying as a group together. Everyone should plan to arrive by early afternoon on Monday December 22.
What do I need to know about passports?
Now is the time to make sure your passports are up to date. Remember to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the final day of the trip, June 30, 2025, to ensure smooth and easy travel.
May we arrive early?
You are welcome to fly to Israel at any time, as long as you arrange to meet the group at our hotel in Tel Aviv in the afternoon on December 22.
What is the weather like in Israel in December?
Temperatures will range from moderate to cold, and the winter is Israel’s rainy season. We encourage you to bring layers.
Will PAS provide a “suggested” packing list?
Yes, a recommended packing list will be provided closer to departure. Plan on bringing layers for warmth and easy-to-tote rain gear.
What if a family member has food allergies?
We have experience dealing with food allergies on PAS trips. Please note any allergies on your registration form. J2 Adventures will do their very best to accommodate your dietary needs. Please note that many foods in Israel include nuts and sesame. Again, we will work with every family and participant to create the best possible experience for you.
What if a family member has special needs?
Inclusion is an important value of PAS. Please note any accommodation requests on your registration form. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and will be in touch if there are any issues. We will begin working with families and participants as soon as possible to create the best experience for everyone. To discuss your concerns, please contact Rabbi Neil Zuckerman at nzuckerman@pasyn.org or 212-369-2600 x124.
Will there be any free time for shopping and seeing family or friends?
The itinerary is chock-full of important sites and experiences, and there is also some free time built in. While there are some opportunities to shop, grab a coffee, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Israel, if you would like extended time with family and friends, we encourage you to come ahead or stay after the trip.
Will I be able to meet other people who are going on the trip before we leave?
PAS gives as much attention to gatherings, education, and community-building before the trip as it does to the journey itself. A pillar of our PAS travel philosophy is that a trip is just one part of our larger communal learning experience. Our trips are preceded by pre-trip gatherings and followed up with gatherings and reunions to continue the conversation long after we have returned home, and to share our experiences and learning with the rest of our community.
Registration Information
At this time please complete THIS form to let us know if you are interested.
Is a deposit required upon registration?
When registration opens there will be a $500 deposit per person.
What is the cancelation policy?
Cancelations made 90 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 89 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It is important to note that some insurance programs provide more comprehensive coverage when the policy is purchased in proximity to your initial trip deposit.
Are need-based scholarships available?
Yes. Please register through J2 and then speak with Valerie Russo at vrusso@pasyn.org or 212-369-2600 x106 to be considered for a need-based scholarship.
Trip Leadership
Which members of the clergy and staff are going?
Rabbi Zuckerman and Rabbi Solmsen will be leading the trip and additional PAS staff will be announced shortly. There will be two PAS clergy/staff members per bus.
Who are the lay leaders who have been involved in planning the trip?
Lauren Erbst and Glen Kopp are the trip co-chairs.
More Information
Whom do I contact with questions about the trip?
Please contact Rabbi Solmsen at bsolmsen@pasyn.org or 212-369-2600 x136.