The Myra and Robert Kraft Passport to Israel Program

The Myra and Robert Kraft Passport to Israel program is a unique savings plan to help parents send their children on a life-changing teen Israel experience. The program is designed so that the community, the synagogue and CJP, helps families make a trip to Israel during the high school years a reality.

Contact:

passport@cjp.org

Why should your teen go to Israel? Why should you save with the Passport program?

Myra (z"l) and Robert Kraft founded the Passport to Israel program based on their conviction that the next generation deserves a strong connection to Israel.

Studies show that a teen Israel experience cements and strengthens a teen's Jewish identity and establishes lifelong involvement in Jewish life. Friendships forged in Israel during these trips last well into adulthood.

Since 1989, the Passport to Israel Program has helped send nearly 2,000 teens to Israel and the Program has grown from 11 congregations to 51, with more than 2,000 Boston-area youngsters currently enrolled. The Passport program is one of CJP's oldest and most successful initiatives, with a strong record of effectiveness. Children who are enrolled can use the funds to travel to Israel anytime after 10th grade and before college. Let us help YOUR child experience Israel.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
Any child in third or seventh grade who is enrolled in a Jewish education program and whose family is a member of a participating congregation.

How much are the yearly contributions?
The contribution for the regular seven-year program (beginning in 3rd grade) is:
- $200 jointly from your family and congregation each year.
- $700 from CJP, to be contributed at the end of the program.
The contribution of the three-year option (beginning in 7th grade) is:
- $400 jointly from your family and congregation each year.
- $700 from CJP, to be contributed at the end of the program.

How much money will the fund be worth by the end of 10th grade?
Based on current economic conditions, contributions plus interest should total approximately $2,200 for seven-year participants and $2,000 for three-year participants.

When can your child travel on a Passport to Israel-supported trip?
Teens can use their Passport funds anytime after 10th grade and before college.

Will the accumulated amount pay for the entire trip?
No, but it will cover a significant portion of the cost. Closer to the trip, you can also apply for scholarships from the program your child has chosen, your congregation, CJP, and national organizations.

What kind of trips qualify for the Myra and Robert Kraft Passport to Israel funds?
These funds may be used for any post-10th grade educational trip to Israel that lasts at least seven days. The trip must also be approved by your congregation's Passport to Israel Program Committee.

What if my family leaves the congregation, or my child decides not to go on an Israel trip?
You and the congregation will receive a full refund of all contributions. Any interest will remain with the Passport to Israel Program fund. If your child transfers to another participating congregation, he/she may continue in the program.

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