Israel mission replies exceed expectations

The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County announced that as of May 23 — the deadline for early registration discounts — 170 people are registered for a nine-day “mega-mission” to Israel.

The Central Jersey Journey to Israel, scheduled from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, is being conducted by the Jewish federations of Monmouth, Middlesex, and Ocean counties.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the community,” said Monmouth federation president Sheryl Grutman. “This was well over our original goal, and we hope to reach 200 by the time we leave for Israel.”

Grutman added there is still time to book a trip with new value pricing, saying, “It is still an amazing deal.”

There are two versions of the tour — a Highlights trip designed for people who are either first-timers or have not been to Israel in recent years, and a newly renamed Maven’s Tour, formerly known as The Finer Things in Culture and Cuisine.

With value pricing rates in effect through July 31, the Highlights trip costs $1,749 per person, the Maven’s Tour $2,099. Air travel is additional.

Bradley and Sari Rubin of Marlboro are eagerly anticipating what will be their first visit to Israel.

Their older son, Corey, 21, a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, went on a Birthright trip this past winter. And their younger son, Jason, 18, about to enter his sophomore year at Ohio State University, is considering his own Birthright participation.

“Frankly, we’re jealous,” said their mother.

Bradley told NJJN that he and his wife chose the federation tour because of its experience in running such trips.

The couple plans to climb to the top of Masada. “That would be something,” said Bradley. “There is so much history associated with the place.”