December 24, 2025 to January 2, 2026, in Israel
Back by popular demand! Spend winter break in Israel and participate in meaningful volunteer opportunities all over the country. Participants will take part in 25+ volunteer hours, experience Shabbat in Jerusalem, and much more.
This was not your typical Israel trip: it was about giving back. The trip gave me a real window into Israeli life and what life as an olei would be like. I went from laughing with soldiers (taking photos, and being wished a Hanukkah Sameah) to weeping at Nova, all in the span of a few hours. I saw Israel in a way beyond tourism… it was a lesson, aid project, and experience that I don’t intend to forget.
Chidush: December 24-January 2
Price: Coming Soon
*Rootone Vouchers do not qualify for this trip. They are for our Summer programs only.
All Jewish teens who are current 9th- 12th graders, regardless of prior USY, or Jewish educational experience, who are looking for a journey of a lifetime filled with exploration, community, Zionist and Jewish values, and Jewish experiences and living!
Please note that this is not your normal Israel trip and will not be going to tourist spots. This will focus on post Oct 7th Israel, Volunteering and exploring new and unique things about Israel
✈️ International Flight from NYC
🚌 Land Transportation
🏨 Accommodations
🥙 Kosher Meals & Snacks
🎫 Programming & Entry Fees
Near, Far, or Wherever You Are
All USYers in grades 9-12 are invited to spend winter break with Chidush Yisrael!
Experience Shabbat Like Never Before
From the Western Wall to havdalah under the stars, nothing can compare to davening in Israel. Renew and deepen your connection with your Jewish identity through unforgettable prayer experiences.
Like all USY conventions, we are tech-free during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), meaning you have the rare opportunity focus on connecting, learning, and transforming without the distractions of family, school, or the outside world.
Facilitated by Adults Who Get You
Every USY experience is led by awesome adults with years of experience working with Jewish teens – and most of them are USY Alumni. Our staff are devoted to creating a truly unique and transformative experience for all USYers to be welcomed, be authentic, and find community.
USY is For Everyone
USY is committed to inclusive practices so all of our USYers can participate. Please reach out to Jennifer Fisher at [email protected] if you have any questions.
We also offer scholarships to make USY Immersive Experiences affordable and accessible for all USYers. Scholarship applications are due at the end of Early Bird pricing.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony, Israel Update Lectures, Cultural Event (o/n Jerusalem)
Day 2: Newly opened Old City Excavations Volunteer Session 1 (o/n Jerusalem)
Day 3: Museum of Tolerance, National Library, Machane Yehuda Market (o/n Jerusalem)
Day 4: Shabbat in Jerusalem (o/n Jerusalem)
Day 5: Politics Seminar and Volunteering 2 (o/n Jerusalem)
Day 6: Gaza Envelope Communities (o/n Tel Aviv)
Day 7: Tel Aviv post October 7 Street Art and Volunteering 3 and cultural event (o/n Tel Aviv)
Day 8: ANU museum: Israel Diaspora Seminar, Volunteering 4 and Processing (o/n Tel Aviv)
Day 9: Flight home
*Subject to change
Pricing Coming Soon
This trip includes airfare from JFK, all room and board, transportation in Israel, licensed tour guide, and all activities.
All Jewish teens in 9th – 12th grade are welcome to attend.
Group Flight Information:
Departure: December 24th – Delta #234 departing JFK 3:30pm arriving Israel December 25th 9:10am
USYers should arrange for flights to arrive into JFK airport on December 24th. Flights arriving into JFK must arrive no later than 10:30am. Staff members will be monitoring flights and meeting USYers at the airport. Those who are driving to the airport should meet us at the Delta airline check-in counters, Terminal 4, at 11am.
Please note: Our program begins at JFK airport. If you fly into another NYC area airport, it is your responsibility to meet the group at JFK.
Return: January 2nd – Delta #235 departing Israel 11:25am arriving JFK January 2nd 5:10pm
Outgoing flights can be booked after 8pm on Thursday, January 2nd out of JFK.
Once you have made the appropriate arrangements, please fill out the domestic flight information form below no later than November 15th, 2024. This information is crucial in order for us to meet incoming flights on the day of departure. Please note: We cannot meet the participants unless we have the enclosed form with the requested information.
If you can’t find a time within our travel windows please be in touch directly to our Director of Business Operations, Avram Pachter at [email protected] to discuss travel.
Chidush provides full room and board throughout the trip and three kosher meals a day. Participants will stay in either quad or double rooms. Throughout the program, participants will stay in a variety of accommodations including hotels, hostels, and the Agron Guest House.
We cannot guarantee that there will always be Wifi available throughout the program. If you plan to bring a smart device, we recommend that you either purchase a cell phone plan or SIM card. If you do not intend to purchase a local plan, please review procedures to prevent data roaming in Israel as it can lead to very high costs.
Chidush will make every effort to provide options to those who require special diets. Vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options are provided at every meal for participants who sign up for them. Please provide this information in your medical forms.
Finances should never be a barrier to participation. If you need additional assistance, please reach out to [email protected].
All passports must be valid for six months following your return flight. Obtaining a new passport can take weeks, or sometimes months. Please check your passports now and apply for a new one if necessary to ensure your ability to participate in Chidush.
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