create a strong connection with
their heritage."
Who goes: A mixed group of
young, career-oriented profession-
als. While they are Jewish, "most
people are not strongly identified
with any specific movement or reli-
gious ideology," he says. "We always
see a number of teacher's who can
only take a vacation mid-summer."
YJLC has two separate tours de-
parting on June 26 — one for 21-
35, another for 35-49.
One tour guide per 20 people;
YJLC also sends an escort with
larger groups.
The cost begins at $3,449 for the
18-day program; $2,849 base price
for 14 days. The 18-day trip visits
Eilat. Traveling peak-season, the
June tour charges an additional
$235. hi December, tourists receive
$285 back as an off-season deduc-
tion.
With five departures each year,
YJLC has sent smaller groups to
the Jewish state over the last few
years. "It's been really difficult for
any organization doing Israel trips
— we've sent as few as six people,
also had groups of 20," Balcher says.
The largest group had 38.

Left: The annual UJA Singles Mission
includes a stop in the mud at the Dead
Sea.

But which singles trip to Israel is the
best bang for your buck?

LYNNE MEREDITH COHN AND JULIE WIENER STAFF WRITERS

T HE DE T RO

Very summer, singles in their check, consider the following cost-
20s, 30s and 40s throw shorts and-quality comparison.
land light-weight sundresses,
Israel Encounter
:bathing suits for the Dead Sea
National young professionals tour
comfortable sandals into a suit-
case, along with hopes of meeting Mr. by Young JeWish Leadership Concepts
(YJLC).
or Ms. Wonderful.
Dates of travel: June 26-July 13;
Their destination is Israel (and per-
haps true love). Several guided tours, Aug. 14-31; Oct. 30-Nov. 16; Dec. 18,
specifically for Jewish singles, depart 1997-Jan. 4, 1998.
Cost: $3,449 base price, includ-
throughout the summer months. And
sometimes, you get what you pay for: ing round-trip airfare from New
fun, friendship, a dash of romance — York.
Age range: 21-40. Reality: a mix of
oh, and something Jewish.
Or maybe it's the other way around: 20s and 30s.
Highlights: Masada, Dead Sea,
Pay hard-earned money and take off
the only vacation time you can muster, Jerusalem, Jaffa, three nights in a Kib-
to visit Israel on a dynamic trip with butz guest house, archeological tours,
tree-planting at the Jewish National
dozens of peers.
There appear to be two kinds of Is- Fund forest. Includes breakfasts, some
rael tours for singles and young dinners.
For information, call (800) 223-
adults: the fun-in-the-sun, meet-an-
„other-Jew excursion, and the devel- YJLC.
"The purpose of the program is to
*0 Op-new-leaders tours with
provide quality touring and interac-
e4ylcy-specific agendas.
Those attached to a fund-raising en- tive experience for Jewish young pro-
- Israel Bonds, United fessionals,” says Lou Balcher, YJLC
Jewish, Appeal, New Israel Fund — director.
- The roots of the program go back
aretsuall
; ' y hoping to groom future lay
two decades, to the time when Balch-
ledders and down-the-road donors.
Whichever description fits, singles er was a student at Hebrew Universi-
trips to Israel cost a pretty penny. ty. 'The program was put together to
Are young adults getting what they build a bridge between the United
pay fir? Before you send in your States and Israel, for young adults to

54

rkirrAhl

Israel
Encounter's
singles trips to
Israel are mostly
social, with a
dose of history.

Israel Bonds visitors
schmoozed with Utrar PArh!
leader Shimon Per during
their trip to Israel.