The savings plan

There are two entry points to the Gift of Israel program: Your child’s third grade and seventh grade years in school.

Once you enter the program, contributions continue through 10th grade, as described below.

The Fine Print

The Gift of Israel operates on a fiscal year running from July 1 to June 30. Annual contributions can be made in installments throughout the year, but must be completed by May 31 of that same year. Each family must meet the minimum yearly contribution ($150 for third-grade enrollment, $250 for seventh-grade enrollment) to be eligible for synagogue and Federation contributions.

Eligibility

Any child enrolled in Sunday school, Hebrew school, day school, or another approved course of Jewish studies through the 10th grade and lives within the area covered by the JCF (San Francisco, Marin County, Sonoma County, and the Peninsula north of Sunnyvale) is eligible to participate in this program.

Participating synagogues

If you do not belong to a participating synagogue but your child is enrolled in a qualified program of Jewish studies, he or she may enroll in this program. You will receive the Federation contribution, but not a synagogue contribution when you make your family contribution.

Using your savings to send your teen to Israel

Synagogue and Federation contributions may be applied towards an approved Israel Experience trip any time between your child’s sophomore year of high school and freshman year of college.

An approved Israel trip must be at least five weeks in length, educational in nature, and for a peer group of young people who travel, learn, and experience together. It must be staffed by qualified personnel and structured with a predetermined itinerary. When a trip is selected, please advise the Gift of Israel office at the Federation. Synagogue and Federation contributions are sent directly to the trip provider upon proof of the student’s intended participation in the trip.

Withdrawal from the program

You and your family are the exclusive owners of all funds deposited in your Gift of Israel Signature Bank account. If your child withdraws from the program without going on an Israel Experience trip, your contributions to the bank account will be refunded to you. You will not receive the synagogue or Federation contributions.

Donation of Federation contribution

If you do not need the Federation’s Gift of Israel contribution in order to send your child to Israel, you may donate those funds to a special Israel Experience scholarship fund for teens who need additional assistance to make this important journey.

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