There are three components to The Community Trip, with the pre- and post-trip experiences offered as optional add-ons to the core Israel experience:

• The Israel first timer’s pre-trip: May 16-18, 2027
• The core trip to Israel: May 18-25, 2027
• The post-trip experience to Budapest, Hungary: May 26-30, 2027

The Community Trip is open to adults (18+) in the San Diego Jewish community. Whether this is your first visit to Israel, a return trip, or you joined us on the 2023 CommUNITY Trip, this experience is intentionally designed to be new and distinct, with fresh content, perspectives, and opportunities for connection.

Full pricing details, including what is and is not included, will be shared when registration opens in early February 2026. Make sure to join our interest list to be the first to receive details and trip updates.

We’ll stay in high-end, five-star hotels in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Participants may choose double or single occupancy, with pricing reflecting the rooming selection. Optional room upgrades will be available for an additional cost and shared closer to the trip.

All group meals will be kosher. During free time, participants will have access to a wide range of kosher dining options throughout Israel. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Shabbat will include built-in free time for those who wish to attend services. Optional activities will also be available for participants who do not observe Shabbat, allowing everyone flexibility to engage in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful.

We anticipate approximately 250 participants on the core trip, with smaller groups for the optional pre- and post-trip experiences. Travel will be divided across six to seven buses, each staffed with a local guide, Israeli security, and Jewish Federation of San Diego staff.

Participant safety is our highest priority. Each bus will travel with its own highly trained security professional, and all security efforts will be overseen by Jewish Federation of North America’s Security Director, who will travel with the group. Our teams will remain in constant communication with Israeli security authorities and government partners, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustments as needed. 

Yes. A meaningful highlight of the trip will be a full day in our sister city, Sha’ar HaNegev, where participants will spend time with local residents through shared experiences and open conversation. Participants will also see firsthand how Jewish Federation of San Diego’s support has helped strengthen the community since October 7, alongside additional opportunities to meet Israeli leaders and community members from across the country.

The itinerary will be thoughtfully structured and primarily guided, offering access to people, places, and experiences not typically available to independent travelers. Participants will spend most of their time with their assigned bus community, fostering strong connections throughout the journey.

In advance of the trip, participants will also select an interest-based track that will shape certain experiences. While free time will be limited, the schedule is designed to be immersive, intentional, and balanced, with opportunities to rest and recharge.

Yes. Participants are welcome to travel independently before or after the trip. We are also offering an optional pre-trip experience for first-time visitors and an optional post-trip extension to Budapest. Those who choose not to participate in these options may still arrive early or extend their stay, as long as they are present for the official start and conclusion of the core program.