JFFS missions are travel experiences with a truly unique sense of purpose—guaranteeing a heightened appreciation and connection to Jewish identity. The missions aren’t passive experiences—they’re active adventures, engaging the mind, heart and soul. A chance to visit local communities and learn about their histories while traveling by Jeep, boat, plane, and foot to make up-close and personal contact with the many miracles of Jewish existence. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the impact the Jewish people have had on the world.
Depending on your interests, you can choose to travel with Jews from across the community—JFFS has put together Solomon Society, Leadership, All-Women’s, Interfaith Missions and more! Most people tend to go with the type of group that will make the mission the most meaningful (and fun!)
There is a wide range of activities and attractions designed to immerse you in the Jewish community—from religious landmarks like the Western Wall to hiking Masada at sunrise and dipping in the Dead Sea covered in mud. You have the chance to witness lectures and discussions with leading analysts, spiritual thinkers, scientists and military figures. The most experienced guides in the country and renowned scholars are your traveling companions. Nearly anything can happen on a mission: dancing with Ethiopian Israelis in Tel Aviv; discussing priorities with legislative leaders at the GA in Washington; or helping to paint a wall at a Jewish school. You will see firsthand how JFFS unites and cares for Jews in Israel and around the world.
I recently asked past participants what these mission experiences mean to them and what they learned. Here is what they had to say…
Sam Wyman, currently on the board of JFFS and Community Foundation, and former board member (and Board President) of TVT said, “I have gone on multiple JFFS missions, both on my own and with my family. Traveling on a JFFS mission is a truly unique and extraordinary way to see the Jewish world. We expect JFFS to put together exceptional trips in Israel (which it absolutely does), but it has also put on amazing missions to eastern Europe, Cuba, and London, Spain and Morocco! Every place we go offers a different and insightful view of the Jewish world beyond our borders.”
Frank Ellis, Board member—“Director at Large”, JFFS, “These trips provide the opportunity to create an incredibly bonding experience with a group of like-minded leaders in our community who experience the emotional aspects of everything from Yad Vashem to the Chanukah celebration in Aleh Negev—which only creates a higher degree of connection with many of the guys.
Taking in the political discussions, group dinners, experiencing things you wouldn’t get to do—living large! We had six helicopters in a row flying over Israel landing in the city of Caesarea on the Israeli coastline—where we attended a huge party with local leadership which culminated with a fireworks display just for us!”
I don’t know about you but my bags are packed.
For more information about JFFS Missions please contact Marci Weiss, Email: missions@jffs.org.
Tanya Schwied graduated from New York University, studied abroad in Israel, and currently works for the CEO and President of Jewish Federation & Family Services.
