FAQ

What are the dates of the program?
The trip will depart on July 19, 2011 and return on August 10, 2011.
What do we do on the Shorashim Adventure program?
With Israeli peers at your side, you will explore Israel from top to bottom. You will hike in its nature, see its cities, and learn about its history and culture. Take a look at the itinerary.
Is it safe to travel to Israel right now?
Yes. Safety is the number one concern of the staff and we do everything to ensure your child is safe at all times.  On the bus we have a GPS phone to monitor our location as well as an armed guard/medic.  You can view a detailed description of our safety and security policy or contact us with any questions.
What makes Shorashim unique?
Shorashim is not a "tour" or a "trip", but rather a life-changing experience. Tours and trips go from place to place seeing important sights and hearing about history and culture. Shorashim helps you to live and experience these places through the eyes of Israelis and helps you understand Israel and your relationship to it.
Where do these Israelis come from?
Our Israeli participants come from all over the country.  We have 25 years of Israeli alumni and have a vast network in every major Israeli city. The Israeli participants are some of the brightest and most engaging people your age, who are interested both in introducing you to their country and learning more about you. In Shorashim, learning and understanding is a two-way process, and you are as much a part of the educational experience as they are. By the end of the program, you will have touched each other's lives, and you will have experienced Israel not as a tourist, but as a part of the Shorashim family.
How much do the programs cost?
The 2010 program cost $3950 and includes roundtrip airfare to Israel from New York. There is also a $400 registration fee built into the overall cost.
Are there scholarships available?
It is our goal to ensure that finance is not an obstacle to any Jewish student's Israel experience. Shorashim's programs are subsidized by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Adventure program is the "Chicago Community Project."
There are scholarships available through your local Jewish Federation, and often through your synagogue. Call the Israel Programs desk at your Federation and your Rabbi, and ask them what kinds of scholarships are available. We can help guide you to the right sources. The deadline for applications to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is March 1, 2011 - you must be registered for a program at the time of application.
Participants can also use money in a SKIP account - or any other Israel program fund - for Shorashim. There is a limited amount of need-based scholarship money available from Shorashim. Feel free to contact us with any questions about scholarships.
How old do I have to be?
The Israel Quest program is for ages 15-18 or students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, as well as graduating seniors.
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Your U.S passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the date of entrance into Israel. There is no visa required for US citizens. If you are not a US citizen, you should contact the Israeli consulate in your city well in advance of travel to see what the rules are for your country. This also applies to participants who are hold dual citizenship with Israel and may need to apply for an army service waiver.
What do I bring?
When you register, and as the trip approaches, we will keep you informed of all of the things that you need to prepare yourself for your journey.
I have more questions how can I learn more?
You can request a brochure and/or video for our programs. You can also contact us to discuss any questions that you might have. We are happy to come out to your home and talk with you and your parents about the program.