Electives

Are you a thrill-seeker, or just someone who wants a chance to stretch their limbs after a long day on the bus? Join us for the adventurous side of Israel! Whether you want to open your heart with a yoga session on the beaches of Tel Aviv, get your steps in, or try the road less taken with rappelling or off-road biking in the desert, there’s an adventure out there waiting for you.

Never been to Israel before? Want to make sure you don’t miss the most popular sites? This elective is perfect for you. From climbing Masada (or taking the cable car) to floating in the Dead Sea, we’ll make sure you experience all the must-see sights of Israel. We guarantee you’ll make amazing memories that will last a lifetime!

Imagine this: it’s April 2023, and you’re standing in the middle of a lively market in Tel Aviv, eating a pita full of falafel dripping with hummus. What better—and more delicious—way to learn about Israel than through its incredible food and culinary scene? Savor flavorful food at restaurants, sample delicacies at lively markets, quality wineries, inventive cheese makers, and boutique farms. You’ll try your own hand at creating Israeli cuisine with hands-on culinary experiences in kitchens, restaurants, or homes, guided by key players of Israel’s dynamic food scene. If you’re hungry for delicious food and eye-opening knowledge, this track will satisfy your cravings with the best of Israel’s constantly evolving, rich, and delicious culinary landscape.

Discover the culture of Israel with this enlightening elective option. If you’re looking for exposure into the history, sights, architecture, and arts of Israel, this option is for you! You’ll spend time basking in all that Israel has to offer, from the significance of the 2,000-year-old Nabatean Spice Route at Avdat to the modern innovation of our sister city, Rehovot, to rule breaking Israeli fashion, and everything in between—you’ll come away transformed, inspired, and filled with new knowledge.

Want to gain a deeper understanding of the challenging landscape of Israel? The Geopolitical and Security elective will dive into Israel’s past, present, and future and take you behind-the-scenes for a glimpse at Israel’s place on the international stage. If you’re looking for insight into the political scene or to unravel the complicated relationship between Israel and Palestine, the Geopolitical and Security elective will give you a fascinating and important glimpse at Israel that most tourists don’t get a chance to see.

Israeli society is unique and diverse, made up of communities of many different ethnic and geographical backgrounds. The Shared Citizenship elective invites participants to learn more about the many groups that make up Israel, from the Druze and the Bedouin communities to Beta Israel and beyond. Choose this elective if you’re looking to more deeply understand the diversity that makes Israel so special.

How is Israel meeting the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century? Learn why Israel has earned the reputation as a global leader in innovation and global collaboration. With this elective, you’ll get a glimpse into how Israel is making sustainable choices for the future—if you’re interested in green living and the health of the planet, you’ll be amazed and inspired by all our Israeli partners are doing to make the world a better, greener place for generations to come.

This elective is perfect for you if you’re a volunteer, a big thinker, or simply a passionate member of your Jewish community; we know that you treasure every opportunity to make the world a better place. The tikkun olam elective will showcase some amazing individuals in Israel striving to repair the world. Learn about their incredible efforts, the organizations they work with, the communities they serve, and get inspired to bring a little tikkun olam home to your own beloved Minnesotan Jewish community.