Joyce Zeff Israel Study Tour (IST)

Use this link to register for IST 2026. When registering, ensure that you select the 2026 season. To secure your spot, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required

The safety and security of our participants and staff is our top priority. 

We work closely with Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Secure Community Network (SCN), FBI in Israel, Situation Room, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Authentic Israel, and others to ensure the safety of our participants and staff. In addition, there is also at least one guard/medic with us at all times.

Yes! We host programs prior to the trip and send the dates to each registered participant. Pre-trip programming happens prior to departure starting in November. Pre-trip programs build our IST community and are part of the requirement to receive your $3000 RootOne voucher.

*Participants Only*

November 13th, 2025* (Open to non-registered and registered participants)
December 4th, 2025*
January 22nd, 2026*
February 19th, 2026*
March 12th, 2026*
April 16th, 2026*
May 8th, 2026 – Family Shabbat Dinner for participants and parents
May 28th, 2026*

Additional programs will be added as opportunities arise.

Exact time and location of programs will be sent via email to registered participants.

JEWISHcolorado’s Joyce Zeff Endowment Fund provides $1000 per participant.

RootOne

As an IST 2026 participant, you will be able to apply for the RootOne Voucher to receive $3,000 towards your overall trip cost. Voucher recipients are required to complete pre- and post-trip educational programs. See below for our pre-trip program dates. Learn more about RootOne. *Note, funds will be deducted from your invoice prior to first payments. If you do not meet RootOne requirements by May 1st for the voucher, you will need to pay JEWISHcolorado the remaining $3000 balance by May 2nd.

Synagogue Scholarships

To receive this money, you will contact your Synagogue directly to see eligibility. The money will then be sent directly to JEWISHcolorado. Upon receipt of payment, the scholarship will be credited to your IST tuition.

Apply for our new need-based scholarship. To be considered for additional funding for IST, you must submit this application by December 1st, 2025.

Additional scholarships may be available from local Synagogues, JCC, etc. To receive this money, reach out to other local organizations and see if they have additional funds for Israel trips

**We want to ensure everyone can attend IST regardless of financial ability. Please reach out to ist@jewishcolorado.org or 303-321-1371 if you have questions about grants/scholarships**

IST 2026 pricing (before eligible scholarships and grants):

• Register before November 1st: $9,950
• Register between November 2nd and February 1st: $10,550
• Register after February 2nd: $10,950
• IST 2026 senior make-up trip (Israel only) pricing (before eligible scholarships and grants) is $7,850

Payment Details:

• A $500 non-refundable deposit is required at registration to guarantee your spot
• Outstanding balances must be paid in full on or before April 5th, 2026

• Flights
• Land costs (i.e., accommodation, activities, buses)
• Health and medical insurance while on the trip
• Three meals per day
• Staff, including tour guides, Israeli counselors, American counselors, bus drivers, security guards, etc.
• A full array of daily programming and activities

Upon registering for IST through the CampMinder application, you will pick your payment options. All payments must be made electronically through the system.

Upon registration, you will be required to pay a $500 deposit. All remaining payments will be made via the payment plan you select in the registration process.

Payments can be made via credit card (3% fee), eCheck (1% fee), or debit card (0% fee).

Yes. The CampMinder application will offer you a choice of payment plan and type. Payments must be paid in full on or before April 5, 2026.

Payment with Registration: $500 deposit

Final payment due by April 5: Must be paid in full**

**$100 fee will be incurred for past due payment

Program costs are subject to change and are not guaranteed until registration is complete and the deposit is received.

You will not be fully enrolled in IST until the deposit is received by JEWISHcolorado.

February 1, 2026 is the last day to cancel and receive a full refund, less the $500 non-refundable registration fee.

From February 2 – April 5, 2026 families may cancel their registration, but will not be refunded any fees already paid for IST.

Beginning April 5, 2026, all funds must be paid in full and are non-refundable. Participants are welcome to purchase a travel insurance policy. Insurance policies must be purchased prior to final payment and will be completely dealt with through the third-party insurance company.

We recommend but do not require travel insurance. Your CampMinder account contains more information on the type of travel insurance recommended by our travel provider (under Forms). Travel insurance is through a third-party organizer, please see their terms and conditions for any information. If you purchase travel insurance, it must be purchased to cover the whole cost of the trip ($9950). Travel insurance is billed directly from and managed by the travel insurance provider. Travel insurance must be purchased within 15 days of initial deposit.

You can view the packing list here.

We advise teens to allot $75-$100 for each week of travel. We recommend teens come with $100 in US dollars for exchange and a debit or credit card for the rest of their money.

Teens are required to have cell phone service during our time in Israel. We will send information about various ways to purchase a SIM Card prior to departure. For a SIM card to work, your phone must be unlocked by your cell phone provider.

IST teens do a variety of programs in Poland and Israel, focusing mainly on peoplehood and culture. Refer to the sample itinerary to see previous trips highlights and accommodations.

We send laundry out three times during the trip. Teens receive a plastic bag for dirty laundry; clothing is returned clean and folded. Items can be shrunk or lost, so we recommend you leave your favorites at home. JEWISHcolorado and its tour provider partners are not responsible for any clothing lost or damaged by the laundry service.

IST teens have an opportunity to see friends or family in Israel during designated times within our itinerary. We will let families know prior to departure when these times will occur.