INSIDE JEWISH INDIA JDC Entwine Insider Trip for Russian-Speaking Jewish (RSJ) Young Professionals February 1-9, 2016 This is a uniquely crafted global Jewish program tailored specifically for young professionals from a Russian-speaking Jewish (RSJ) background. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with other passionate RSJ individuals from across North America and engage personally with issues facing Jewish communities abroad. Through a combination of educational tours, reflection sessions, and conversations with local leadership, participants will learn about India s Jewish history and modern community first-hand. They will also explore their own Jewish identify, from networking with RSJ peers from across North America and local Indian peers to exploring the breadth of JDC s work. This is an exceptional opportunity for young RSJ leaders interested in foreign affairs, global Jewish culture, and community development. About JDC in India: India has a rich history of religious tolerance, and Jews have been able to freely practice their faith there for over 2,000 years. Nonetheless, India s huge population, significant poverty, and limited government-run social services have created significant social challenges, leading the Jewish community to create together with JDC a community-based social welfare system. During Inside Jewish India, the group will travel throughout the Mumbai region to gain a firsthand understanding of the community's history and current challenges, and take an active role in the programs initiated by JDC with the community to address various community needs. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange with and learn about the Jewish community in India, including the Bene Israel community, a geographically isolated, ancient Jewish community primarily based in Mumbai, which traces its roots back to 586 B.C.E. Itinerary Highlights: Gain an inside perspective on the unique role that JDC, the world s largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization, plays in India Travel with a diverse group of Russian-speaking Jewish young professionals from across North America throughout the Mumbai region to gain a first-hand understanding of the community's history and current challenges through meaningful site visits and briefings with JDC professionals and local community leaders Network and exchange with Indian-Jewish peers to learn about life in India, while exploring issues of RSJ identity Connect with the Bene Israel, a geographically isolated and ancient Jewish community Experience Shabbat Indian style! Engage in group discussions, experience authentic local cuisine and enjoy shopping excursions in India s markets Trip Dates: February (exact dates TBD) Trip Chair: Lizzy Solovey (Baltimore) Cost to participant: $3,200* (additional subsidies available; see JDC Global Leadership Grants section below) Actual value of trip: $3,600
The trip cost includes: Round-trip airfare from New York* to Mumbai Local transportation within India Meals Hotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double rooms; participants may elect to stay in a single room for an additional fee) Briefings, tours, and leisure activities Medical and emergency evacuation insurance *Participants coming from locations in the United States other than New York are expected to meet the group at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. Participants are responsible for booking and the cost of these arrangements. Participants will be expected to submit a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 upon notification of selection. Final payments (which may vary based on individual stipends) will be due two months before departure. JDC Global Leadership Grants: JDC does not want the cost of the trip to prevent your participation. If you are unable to contribute the full participation fee, we encourage you to apply for a JDC Global Leadership Grant (see JDC Global Leadership Grant section of the application). JDC will award JDC Global Leadership Grants to a select number of participants on an as-needed basis. Your decision to apply for a JDC Global Leadership Grant will not impact selection decisions. Note that no full subsidies are available. Beyond applying for a JDC Global Leadership Grant, we also encourage you to fundraise to cover the cost of your participation. We are happy to provide guidance as you reach out to friends and family to seek donations for this worthwhile experience. Flight Details: The group flight will depart from a New York area airport. Exact flight details will be shared upon notification of acceptance. Genesis Philanthropy Group is committed to supporting and launching projects, programming, and institutions that are focused on ensuring that Jewish culture, heritage, and values are preserved in Russian-speaking Jewish communities across the globe. Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. We do this by offering service experiences in Jewish communities around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Entwine is an initiative of JDC, the largest Jewish humanitarian organization in the world. JDC works in 70 countries, specializing in humanitarian aid, Jewish community renewal and disaster relief. Learn more: www.jdcentwine.org About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC): For over 95 years, JDC has provided rescue, relief, and renewal for Jewish communities outside of North America, helped Israel meet the needs of its most vulnerable citizens, and offered a Jewish response to natural and man-made disasters and non-sectarian development needs around the world. JDC s work in over 70 countries is inspired by Jewish values of mutual responsibility, that kol yisrael areivim zeh l zeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another), and tikkun olam, that Jews have an obligation to repair the world. Learn more: www.jdc.org
JDC Entwine Inside Jewish India Frequently Asked Questions Who is the appropriate candidate for JDC Entwine Insider Trips for Young Professionals? This program is being developed specifically for North American Jewish young professionals from a Russian-speaking background with at least one parent from the former Soviet Union. JDC Entwine looks to put together a diverse group of young professionals ranging in age, background, profession, and interests. There is no one profile that is appropriate. What is the age range of the group? JDC Entwine Insider Trips for Young Professionals are open to post-college age individuals from across the US. Participants generally range in age from early twenties through late thirties. Why a RSJ Trip to India? India, the world s fastest growing economy and most populous democracy, is a colorful mosaic of coexisting cultures and faiths. India s Jews who trace their roots as far as 2,000 years back openly practice in large communities in Mumbai and Thane as well as much smaller ones in cities including Pune, Gujarat (Ahmedabad), Kerala (Cochin), Delhi, Kolkata and the Konkan Villages. RSJ young professionals are uniquely positioned to experience India s ancient Jewish community, drawing from collective experiences as a diaspora community to forge meaningful cultural ties between Jews of India and the former Soviet Union. Do I have to be fluent in Russian to be eligible? No. JDC Entwine s RSJ initiative brings together first and second-generation Jewish Americans with family ties to the former Soviet Union. You do not have to read, write, or speak fluent Russian to qualify. The trip will be conducted in English. What is involved in the application process & what information should I have handy? The application asks for information about your education and activities/volunteer experience, current employment, as well as a few short essay questions. You will also need to upload a copy of your resume. A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview within one month following the application deadline. Trip interviews are conducted via Skype with JDC Entwine staff and last between 15-25 minutes. When will I find out if I am accepted & how long do I have to confirm my participation? All participants will be notified of acceptance about three to four months before the trip departure date. If selected, you will have approximately one week to confirm your participation and pay the trip deposit. What is included in the participation fee? Included in the participation fee is roundtrip airfare from the United States, local transportation, meals, hotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double rooms; participants may elect to stay in a single room for an additional fee), briefings, tours, leisure activities, and medical and emergency evacuation insurance. Not included in the participation fee are items of a personal nature such as souvenirs and extra snacks and drinks. I cannot afford the full cost of the trip. What kinds of subsidies are available? JDC Entwine Global Leadership Grants are provided on an as-need basis and you can apply for a grant when you complete the trip application. Note that no full subsidies are available.
Can I fundraise from other sources to help cover the cost of my participation fee? We encourage participants to fundraise to cover the cost of the trip. Past participants have been extremely successful in raising additional funds to help cover the cost of participation. JDC Entwine Insider Trips are leadership experiences, and many local organizations, synagogues, alumni associations, and employers agree on their value. Is my participation fee refundable if I have to withdraw after confirming my participation? A non-refundable deposit of$1,000, due within one week of notification of acceptance, is required to confirm your participation and reserve your spot on the trip. The remainder of the participation fee is due two months before the trip. Cancellation of participation after the second deadline may result in a loss of the entire payment. No refunds may be made within seven days of departure. Is my payment tax deductible? No. Participation fees are payments, not donations, and do not qualify as tax deductible. Is kosher food available? In general, meals are kosher-style. Should participants require strictly kosher food, they should indicate this on their application and participation form and JDC staff will try to accommodate this request as best as possible. In many locations, certified kosher food is available, but in certain locations, such as Cuba or Ethiopia, certified kosher food is not available. What accommodations are made for Shabbat? JDC Entwine Insider Trips are pluralistic and designed for all levels of Jewish observance; travel is not required on Shabbat. When possible, Shabbat is spent with the local Jewish community and local traditions/practices are observed. Options are given for Shabbat morning (for example, attending synagogue, free time, walking tour, etc.). Can I book my own flights? All US-based participants must travel to the trip location on the group flight. Depending on airline rules, participants may receive frequent flyer miles for these flights and, if desired, may be able to upgrade their tickets for an additional cost. Can I extend my stay after the group trip? Participants may extend their trip after the group experience. Extensions are subject to availability and any difference in fare/change fees. Participants interested in extending will be given contact information for JDC s travel agent only once the deposit for the trip is submitted. Can JDC staff assist with post-trip accommodations? JDC Entwine staff are not available to assist with any post-trip travel plans, recommendations, or accommodations. What accommodations are made for the security and safety of participants? The safety and security of trip participants and staff is JDC s number one priority. JDC s Global Security team monitors security situations around the world in all locations in which JDC works, and all security measures deemed necessary are put in place in preparation for any JDC trip. Security guidelines will be shared with confirmed participants and participants will receive a security briefing by local staff upon arrival to the trip location. In case of emergency, participants are required to share emergency contact information and will be given information for who their loved ones should contact in case of emergency.
When will I find out who else is in the group? Will there be an opportunity to connect prior to the trip itself? Shortly after confirming your participation for the trip, you will receive a formal Welcome E- mail with participation forms, logistics, group briefing information, and dates to mark on your calendar. You will also be introduced to the rest of the group and will receive everyone s bios and contact information. There will be two group briefings via webinar and by phone within the two months before takeoff. Additionally, if there are a few participants in a given city, these participants may organize an informal get together, which JDC Entwine staff and trip co-chairs are happy to help facilitate. What is a Trip Chair? A Trip Chair is a trip participant who takes on certain leadership roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the trip. Trip Chairs work very closely with JDC staff throughout the program development process, and are essential members of the team who plans and leads the trip. Typically, there are two Trip Chairs on every Entwine trip, in addition to one JDC Entwine staff member (the JDC Entwine Group Leader ). Does participation in one trip preclude my participation in future trips? Not at all! Many alumni participate in multiple trips. Alumni are encouraged to get involved in their local Entwine Learning Networks and pursue other leadership opportunities through Entwine. For more information about Entwine s Learning Networks, visit our website: http://jdcentwine.org/events.