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Israel Programs

Study after study has proven that Jewish people who have opportunities to experience Israel in their teens or young adult years form more substantial ties to the Jewish community than those who have never visited Israel. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is committed to building a strong Jewish future by providing a variety of Israel opportunities for those interested. Read more about major initiatives below.

For more information, contact the Israel Programs Coordinator at [email protected] or 786.866.8458.

MASA

MASA is the culmination of dream expressed by Ariel Sharon that all Jews should spend a semester to a year in Israel. Officially established by the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel in 2003, MASA is your gateway to over 160 long-term programs in Israel.

Greater Miami Jewish Federation support helps make MASA-affiliated Israel experiences possible for hundreds of young Miamians between the ages of 18 to 30 to spend a semester or a year in Israel where they can build a life-long relationship with Israel and a firm commitment to Jewish life.

Since 2003, MASA has been a catalyst in the developing new and exciting quality programs which express the multi-faceted experience of Israel, providing young Jewish adults with connections to programs, grants and scholarships towards program fees, as well as support, activities, workshops and resources while here in Israel. Read more about it.

Taglit-Birthright Israel

Thanks to this popular program, young Jews between the ages of 18 and 26 are given the gift of a free first-time educational trip to Israel with their peers. Upon their return, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers Miami participants many opportunities to remain connected and get involved in the Jewish community. Read more here.

AMHSI, Alexander Muss High School in Israel

AMHSI is a study abroad program in Israel for high school students. The program offers 6-week summer sessions, 8-week year-round sessions, as well as a full semester program. This is a high school unlike any other, where education is imparted through experience and history is infused into everything you do. While keeping up with classes from your home school and gaining important college preparatory skills, you will also be learning about Israel through first-hand experience. In Israel, your "classroom" is the land itself as you travel to the places where history was made - the curriculum is conducted in chronological historical order, with on-site learning at the actual places where history took place! You’ll hike where King Saul battled the Philistines…follow in the footsteps of the pioneer settlers…be welcomed at the home of Ben Gurion. Your next class may be at the beach, atop a mountain, or inside an ancient fortress. Learning in an ordered timeline on-site makes it so much more understandable, interesting, and more importantly- more enjoyable and memorable too. Read more.



Israel Opportunities

We know that an Israel experience goes a long way in shaping Jewish identity and values in our children and young adults. But we also know that for many families and individuals, the cost of an Israel experience can be prohibitive. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is helping in many ways.

Gift of Israel

Created by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation in partnership with area synagogues, Gift of Israel is a unique savings incentive program that has made it possible for hundreds of families to provide inspiring, educational Israel experiences for their children. Invest in your child's Jewish future by participating in Gift of Israel, a plan to help you save for his or her educational experience in Israel. This is an opportunity to cover a significant portion of Israel program costs by accumulating annual matching $100 contributions from your family, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and participating synagogues. The Gift of Israel Savings Program is formerly known as Passport to Israel.
 
The Gift of Israel account may be used for a peer-based Israel travel program with Jewish educational content. In order to be eligible to receive matching funds for travel on an Israel program, a child must be enrolled in Gift of Israel for at least three years.

See more here: Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Need-Based Scholarship Assistance

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers need-based assistance for Miami-Dade County residents, ages 15 to 26. Funding is one-time only, and awards are based on need and length of an approved Israel program, which must be a minimum of three weeks in duration. Applicants must complete and return an application, along with their family’s financial information (1040), and a letter of acceptance or invoice from the program.

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 786.866.8498.

Jewish Miami Offers Kever Avot

Jewish Miami Offers Kever Avot

Offered at a variety of cemeteries and virtually on Zoom, participants will join together in memory and prayer and light a yahrzeit candle for those who brought light into this world. Following the short program, you can visit the graves of loved ones with relevant materials provided.

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Limited Number of High Holidays Services Seats Available

Limited Number of High Holidays Services Seats Available

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami are once again partnering with local synagogues to make High Holiday services accessible to all.

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All Are Welcome to Worship in Jewish Miami

All Are Welcome to Worship in Jewish Miami

As we approach the High Holidays, it’s important to remember that all people — those with disabilities and those without — want to participate in community prayer. That is why Federation’s Miami Jewish Abilities Alliance (MJAA) is sharing valuable resources to elevate worship and celebrate Judaism.

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Women’s Philanthropy Installs New Board

Women’s Philanthropy Installs New Board

Hundreds of people from across Jewish Miami gathered recently at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens to thank the outgoing Federation Women’s Philanthropy Board of Directors for their outstanding service and to install new leadership for the coming year.

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