Joyce Zeff Israel Study Tour (IST)

IST 2027 Trip Dates: June 14 – July 15, 2027

*Dates subject to change based on flight availability*

Registration coming soon

Join Us for an information meeting

  • Thursday, September 17th from 6:00-7:00pm — IN PERSON at JEWISHcolorado
  • Wednesday, September 23rd from 5:30-6:30pm — VIRTUAL

The summer of a lifetime.

For over fifty years, IST continues to help young Jewish Coloradans broaden their knowledge about Israel, its neighbors, and Jewish heritage and history. ISTers have brought home souvenirs and memories. They’ve made lifelong friends and even, in some cases, met the people they would go on to marry. It’s a lifetime of learning in just one summer. Hear firsthand from recent ISTers about what the experience meant to them.

From the Jewish quarter in Krakow to sunrise on Masada to Shabbat at the Western Wall and so much more, IST combines extraordinary adventure, exceptional leaders with years of experience, and a commitment to education and Jewish values. It’s the perfect opportunity for your teenager to become more independent, learn about themselves and Israel, and strengthen their Jewish identity.

Support this or any JEWISHcolorado program or initiative by using our Donation Form and choosing your preferred designation. If you do not see the program you want to support listed, email Jason Oruch, Senior Director of Development, to make your gift.

For More Info

For more information about IST, please contact:

Zachary Zimmermann
Director of Teen Engagement
IST@JEWISHcolorado.org
303-316-6432

For IST Families:

Follow IST

Thank You to Our Sponsor

RootOne

Know Before You Go

How do I sign my child up for IST?

Registration for IST 2027 is coming soon. 

Safety & Security

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,, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Authentic Israel, RootOne, 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.

Prior to departure, SCN hosts a safety & security briefing for participants and parents. 

Is there pre-trip programming?

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 5th, 2026* (Open to non-registered and registered participants)
December 10th, 2026* (Open to non-registered and registered participants)
January 21st, 2027*
February 18th, 2027*
March 11th, 2027*
April 15th, 2027*
May 14th, 2027 – Family Shabbat Dinner for participants and parents
June 3rd, 2027* – Safety & Security Briefing

Additional programs will be added as opportunities arise.

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

What scholarships are available to everyone?

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

RootOne

See above for our pre-trip program dates.

Synagogue Scholarships

To receive this money, you will contact your Synagogue directly to see eligibility. The money will be sent directly to you, and will not be deducted on our end from your tuition

 

What additional scholarships are available?

Apply for JEWISHcolorado’s need-based scholarship. The application will be available soon! To be considered for additional funding for IST, you must submit your application by December 10, 2026.

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 303-316-6432 if you have questions about grants/scholarships**

What is the cost of IST 2027?

IST 2027 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

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, 2027
What is included in the cost of IST 2027?
  • 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

What’s not included:

  • Travel Insurance
  • Snacks & Souvenirs
  • Cellular data plan
How do I pay for IST?

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).

Is there a payment plan?

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, 2027.

Payment with Registration: $500 deposit

Payments can be made in either 3 or 4 increments starting in January 2027 or February 2027 to be paid in full by April 2027. No payment other than deposits will be made prior to January 2027.

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.

What if I need to withdraw from IST?

February 1, 2027 is the last day to cancel and receive a full refund, less the $500 non-refundable registration fee.

From February 2 – April 5, 2027 families may cancel their registration, but will not be refunded any fees paid by JEWISHcolorado for IST.

Beginning April 5, 2027, 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.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

We recommend but do not require travel insurance. For more information about the type of travel insurance recommended by our travel provider, please visit their website. 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. Travel insurance is billed directly from and managed by the travel insurance provider. Travel insurance must be purchased within 15 days of initial deposit.

What should I pack?
How much money should my teen take to Israel? In what form?

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.

Does my teen need cell phone service?

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.

What activities do we do on IST?

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.

What are the laundry services on IST?

We send laundry out two to 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.

Will my IST participant be able to see family while in Israel?

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.

 

Experience IST

IST News

IST travelers reflect on impact of trip to Europe

IST travelers reflect on impact of trip to Europe

In early July, JEWISHcolorado’s Joyce Zeff Israel Study Tour (IST) returned from four weeks in ...
Colorado young people support Israeli small businesses

Colorado young people support Israeli small businesses

When the Prowak family, including eight-year-old Emmett, went to “Latkes and Lights” at the ...
Two new teachers bring Jewish Explorers experience full circle

Two new teachers bring Jewish Explorers experience full circle

It’s a beautiful fall Sunday morning, and by 10:30 a.m., a large open space in the Regis ...
No results found.