Designed for ages 18 and up, The Community Trip 2027 brings the San Diego Jewish community together to explore Israel and beyond. Deepen your bonds with community and with Israel, enjoy exclusive Federation access, and connect with our sister region of Sha'ar HaNegev.
Extend your journey with an optional post-trip to Budapest, exploring Jewish heritage, resilience, and renewal in one of Europe's most vibrant Jewish cities.
Build your experience across three components — a first-timers pre-trip, the main journey to Israel, and an optional Budapest extension.
A deeper introduction to Jerusalem and Israel's foundational story before joining the main group in Tel Aviv. Details coming soon; subject to availability.
Eight days across Israel with the San Diego community — Tel Aviv, the North, Jerusalem, the Negev, and our partnership region of Sha'ar HaNegev.
A four-night extension exploring Budapest's synagogues, Jewish Quarter, memorials, and living community — stories of resilience and renewal.
Join us online to learn more and ask questions. Registration required for each session.
Eight days of connection, discovery, and shared Jewish joy. Itinerary subject to change.
Arrive and settle in, explore local culture, and celebrate a seaside kickoff at Jaffa Port with live music and cuisine.
Innovation, creativity, and culture. Choose your track — tech, culinary, or art — and come together for a Guru Zuzu celebration.
From soldiers to artists: visit a JDC/JAFI project and an IDF base celebration, with optional Haifa, Caesarea, and Mt. Carmel tours.
Tradition meets modernity. Choose among the Museum of Tolerance, Mount Herzl, the National Library, City of David, or the Supreme Court, then Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel.
Rest, reflect, and reconnect with optional tours, museum visits, Shabbat University learning sessions, and a closing Havdalah ceremony.
Choose your track: hear survivor stories in the Gaza Envelope, adventure in the desert with hiking, biking and 4×4 expeditions, or a Jerusalem deep dive including Yad Vashem.
Spend the day in our partnership region with a Kululam singalong, festive dinner, and a Lag Ba'Omer bonfire celebration.
A closing ceremony reflecting on our shared experiences, followed by a Lag Ba'Omer-inspired farewell dinner.
Itinerary subject to change.
Volunteer leaders who help build community on every bus.
Bus Captain Chair: Kira Finkenberg
A four-night extension in one of Europe's most vibrant Jewish cities — exploring historic synagogues, the Jewish Quarter, memorials, and narratives of resilience, with time to connect with the local community.
View Full Itinerary (PDF)Our 2023 CommUNITY Trip created lasting community bonds. This journey offers curated experiences and exclusive access unavailable to independent travelers, meaningful moments together, and strengthened connections back home in San Diego.
Adults 18 and up in the San Diego Jewish community — first-timers, return visitors, and prior 2023 participants are all welcome. We welcome participants of all abilities; please note the trip includes full days and a significant amount of walking, often on uneven ground, as is typical for travel in Israel. Contact us with any accessibility questions.
Approximately 250 participants on the core trip, traveling in 6–7 buses of about 35 people each. Every bus has a dedicated Israeli guide, security personnel, Federation staff, and a volunteer Bus Captain.
You can request a specific bus; a bus request form will be available later in registration. To express interest in becoming a Bus Captain, contact Dana Koenig at (858) 221-5110.
Core trip cost: $5,400 per person (double occupancy). Single room supplement: $1,700 additional.
Payment plan:
Subsidy availability exists for Jewish professionals and a limited number of young adults on the Budapest extension.
No minimum gift to the Federation annual campaign is required. The trip is open to everyone with no obligations, though participants are invited to make a personally meaningful contribution at their comfort level.
Participants are grouped by bus within hotels. Hotel assignments are made after bus placements.
Double or single occupancy is available with pricing adjustments. Participants without a confirmed roommate can request matching assistance; if a roommate is not confirmed by the deadline, the $1,700 single supplement applies.
Participants book their own flights (not included in the trip cost). Recommended LAX flights will be shared about 11 months before travel. An optional charter bus from San Diego to LAX is available (limited space), and group airport transfers are arranged for recommended flight arrivals. Participants on alternative flights are responsible for their own U.S. and Israeli airport transportation.
We recommend waiting to book flights until you have decided on pre- and post-trip extensions, as they affect your dates. The Budapest flight is included in the extension cost.
First Timers Pre-Trip: A deeper introduction to Jerusalem before joining the Tel Aviv group — Old City ramparts walk, Western Wall Tunnels and excavations, time at the Western Wall, Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, and Mahane Yehuda Market, focused on Israel's historical and foundational narrative.
Budapest Post-Trip: Jewish history and contemporary community — the Dohány, Frankel, and Rumbach Street Synagogues; meetings with local Jewish leaders; Shabbat services; a Havdalah Danube River cruise; memorial visits; and optional cultural experiences, led by a local Jewish guide.
Pricing and additional details are forthcoming.
Yes — you are welcome to travel independently before or after, as long as you are present for the official program start and end. Pre-trip and Budapest extension options are also available.
All group meals are kosher, and free time offers access to kosher dining throughout Israel. Dietary accommodations are available with advance notice. Shabbat includes built-in free time for service attendance, with optional activities available for those who prefer flexible engagement.
A thoughtfully structured, primarily guided experience with access unavailable to independent travelers. You will spend most of your time with your assigned bus community, fostering strong connections. Interest-based track selection shapes certain experiences. Free time is limited by design, with rest and recharge opportunities built in.
Yes — a full day in our sister region of Sha'ar HaNegev with local residents, a firsthand view of Federation's post-October 7 support, and additional opportunities to meet Israeli leaders and community members nationwide.
Safety is our top priority. Each bus has a trained security professional, and a Jewish Federations of North America Security Director travels with the group. We maintain constant communication with Israeli security authorities and government partners for real-time monitoring and adjustments.
We strongly recommend supplemental, comprehensive coverage. Coverage needs vary, so select a provider and policy that match your circumstances. Note that Israel travel cancellation coverage may be limited, but policies often cover medical emergencies, evacuation, flight delays and cancellations, and lost luggage. Many providers require purchase within 10–30 days of your initial booking for certain benefits; insurance premiums are non-reimbursable.
For registration questions: Hailey Pryce-Shidler, Events and Missions Manager — (858) 737-7136.
For programmatic questions: Dana Koenig, Director of Global Experiences — (858) 221-5110.
Secure your spot on this transformative journey of connection, community, and shared Jewish joy.
