What is Honeymoon Israel?
Honeymoon Israel (HMI), in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ, helps young couples with at least one Jewish partner bring Jewish life into their homes in a personal, meaningful way. What begins with a nine day trip to Israel becomes a community that lasts a lifetime. It’s exhilarating, romantic, and memorable as you explore Israel in luxury. You’ll experience Israel’s culture, beauty, and society in a way you could never do on your own and return home with a new community and friends who feel like family. The journey continues in your city through local HMI and alumni events and programs.
I'm Interested!Who is eligible?
- At least one partner must be Jewish. We define that broadly, such as one Jewish parent or grandparent.
- Participants must be residents of Greater MetroWest NJ. Trips are organized locally, so you’ll be traveling with other couples from your community.
- Couples should be committed and/or married life partners between the ages of 25-45.
- If married, couples must be within the first 7 years of marriage or very close to it.
- At least one partner must have no prior organized Israel travel experience on a post high school Jewish peer trip. (i.e. if both partners have been on Birthright or a MASA program, the the couple is ineligible.)
What does the trip cost for the couples?
$2500 per couple, all inclusive
How do you apply?
We are planning another trip in 2025. Let us know you’re interested and you’ll be the first to know when registration opens.
Questions? Contact Yaffa Karp at [email protected].
GMW's First Honeymoon Israel Cohort - March 2022
Twelve couples participated in the first Honeymoon Israel trip from Greater MetroWest NJ from March 3 through March 13. The goal of the program is to make young couples of all backgrounds feel welcome in the Jewish community and to inspire them to incorporate Jewish values and traditions into their lives in their own way.
Over the course of the ten days together, the GMW cohort experienced Israel, spending Shabbat in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, climbing Masada, swimming in the Dead Sea, shopping at Mahane Yehuda market, and praying at the Western Wall. Our group also visited Ramat Eliyahu, a neighborhood in the city of Rishon LeZion. They learned about the history and experience of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel and the work our Federation is doing in this neighborhood to support and integrate the Ethiopian community into Israeli society.
The couples deepened their relationships with their partners and formed friendships with the other participants. Since their return to NJ, the couples have continued to stay in touch, sharing Shabbat meals and have joined us for community events.