Applications are now open for The Rubin Israel Experience, an all-expense-paid trip for young adults who have never been to Israel. Ten spots are available for potential community leaders who want to see Israel in a fun and meaningful way.

The trip, which is offered and staffed by Jewish Federation of St. Louis and underwritten by philanthropists Ron and Pam Rubin, will be held October 11 through 21 this year and is open to St. Louisans who are 27 to 45 years old. Applications are available at RubinIsrael.org  through March 19.

Federation will hold two information sessions for those interested in the trip, on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at Jewish Federation Koplow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive.  

The trip was created to bring the Jewish experience full circle, inspiring a deeper connection to the St. Louis community and cultivating leadership. When they return from Israel, participants, who are known as “Rubinites,” welcome the opportunity to share their experience and get involved in their Jewish community as leaders.

“Now in its eighth year, we believe this incredible Israel experience ignites a passion for a strong Jewish community within the potential leaders who participate,” says Pam Rubin. “More than 70 young adults have been on this trip since its inception, and most of them are currently involved in meaningful and substantial leadership positions in our Jewish community.”

The 10-day trip brings together a diverse group of young adults for a life-changing journey, packing in activities that help them experience Israeli culture, food, nightlife, innovation, nature and history.

“The Rubin Israel Experience was a life changing opportunity that provided me with personal growth and understanding of myself and my Jewish identity” says Julie Stern, who went on the trip in 2014. “It gave me the desire for a lifetime of learning and education for Israel’s history, culture, diverse people and place in our world.”

For more information, contact Mindee Fredman at [email protected].