BZD Israel

BMore Israeli

About Us

A Year of Adventure, Leadership, and Connection!

Are you a 10th or 11th grader in the Baltimore Jewish community looking for an unforgettable experience? Look no further! “BMore Israeli” is a dynamic year-long leadership program designed just for you. Dive into a journey that connects you with your Jewish heritage and Israeli culture and equips you with invaluable leadership skills and a passion for your homeland.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to grow, learn, and have fun. Whether you’re interested in deepening your connection to Judaism, developing leadership skills, or making new friends, “BMore Israeli” has something for everyone.

Our Mission

To create a united and cohesive group of teens who engage in content related to Judaism and Israel, actively participate in the community, and form lifelong connections with each other and peers from Israel.

Why Join "BMore Israeli"?

  1. Exciting Monthly Meetings
    Each month, you’ll participate in engaging meetings covering fascinating topics relating to Israel and Judaism. These aren’t your typical meetings – think interactive lectures, fun activities with youth from Israel, and even trips. Plus, who can say no to delicious food and drinks?
  2. Build Lifelong Friendships
    Forge meaningful bonds with fellow Jewish teens from Baltimore and Israel. Through collaborative projects and shared experiences, you’ll create friendships that last a lifetime.
  3. Hands-On Volunteering
    You’ll give back to your community and make a difference! Our program includes volunteer opportunities that allow you to practice social action and leadership in real-world settings. Plus, the program activities will include 15 hours of community service, helping you fulfill school requirements while making a positive impact.
  4. Unforgettable Three-Week Trip to Israel
    The highlight of “BMore Israeli” is the incredible three-week trip to Israel at the end of the program. You will experience more historic sites, immerse yourself in Israeli culture, and experience the beauty of the land firsthand. This isn’t just a trip—it’s a life-changing adventure! One of the most exhilarating moments of this journey is witnessing the world’s most powerful and meaningful Jewish event, the Maccabiah opening ceremony. Often referred to as the greatest Maccabiah of all, this event showcases the strength and unity of Jewish athletes from around the globe, making it an unforgettable highlight of your time in Israel.
  5. Insightful Content Delivered by an Israeli Shaliach/Shlicha
    Our program features content delivered by an Israeli Shaliach/Shlicha, who brings invaluable insights from Israeli culture. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of Israel through firsthand stories, cultural experiences, and interactive discussions led by someone who lives and breathes Israeli life. This unique perspective enriches the program, making your learning experience authentic and inspiring.
  6. Fun and Engaging Activities
    From cooking traditional Israeli dishes to music, our activities are designed to be fun, interactive, and educational. You’ll never have a dull moment with “BMore Israeli”!
  7. Swag Pack and Certificate of Completion
    As a participant, you’ll receive a swag pack filled with fun and exclusive items, along with a certificate of program completion to celebrate your achievements and commitment.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants must reside in the Baltimore area and be in 10th or 11th-grade. We are looking for applicants who represent the Baltimore community in all of its diversity in regards to Jewish practice, school type, Jewish identity, and family background.

Applicants for the program demonstrate:

  •  Leadership skills or great leadership potential
  • Enthusiasm about community service and empowerment
  • Interest in exploring their Jewish identities and relationship with Israel
  • The desire to fully participate in monthly meetings, BZD programs, Jewish Community events, and the BZD 2025 Israel Summer trip.

We ask that all applicants:

  1. Complete an online application
  2. Attend an in-person interview with BZD staff members
  3. Participate in a group assessment process with other Baltimore area applicants.

    Interview slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to submit your application early in order to secure your desired time slot.

Program Cost

Each participant receives a $8,000 subsidy from both the Baltimore Zionist District and RootOne, which brings the program cost to $1,999.00 per Fellow, not including a program deposit. A payment plan will be available to participants upon acceptance to the program.

Program Cost: $1,999
Non-refundable deposit: $199 (due upon acceptance into the program)

Financial Aid: Parents are encouraged to contact their synagogue or federation to see if additional financial aid is available.

Please note: Unfortunately, at this time, Beth Tfiloh students are not eligible for the RootOne subsidy. Please note that if your child attends BT the cost for the trip will be an additional $3,000. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
**BT students are still eligible for all BZD subsidies.

Questions?

Please email Ido, BZD Israel Shlicha: Shlichut@bzdisrael.org with any questions.

BMore Israeli Teen Trip 2025

What’s Included?​​

  • Roundtrip airfare from Newark, NJ, to Tel Aviv.
  • Roundtrip bus transportation from BZD offices to Newark airport.
  • Accommodations and meals according to the itinerary.
  • Travel by air-conditioned bus each day as per the itinerary.
  • One experienced, English-speaking licensed tour guide with the group.
  • Gratuities for tour guide and bus driver.
  • A logistics coordinator (Madrich) will be available on the ground 24/7 for the entire length of the trip.
  • A medic/ guard for the entire length of the trip.
  • Entrance fees to all sites and activities as per the itinerary. Please note: all outdoor activities are weather permitting!
  • Emergency medical insurance, including corona coverage, as detailed in the insurance policy.
  • Laundry services for participants twice throughout the trip.
  • Printed map of Israel.
  • One group cellular phone with international and local calls and data.
  • Personal public liability insurance of up to $90 million (the highest of its kind in the youth travel market).
  • Full coordination and live monitoring through mobile GPS with the Situation Room of the SPNI, Israeli Police, and the IDF as per their directives.
  • Luggage storage room to keep luggage during free weekends, and GADNA.
  • Tickets to the Maccabiah 2025 Opening Ceremony

Not Included

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended). 
  • Any added costs that may be incurred in the case of positive Covid-19 PCR test results for one or more group members, thereby resulting in mandatory quarantine. Such fees may include, but are not limited to, cancellation fees at hotels, restaurants, transportation, and activities, as well as the costs of accommodations and meals needed while in quarantine.
  • Gratuities for hotel staff, at parents’ discretion.
  • Transportation for surplus luggage should the luggage exceed the amount carried on the bus.
  • Cellular phones or other means of cellular communication for the participants, at parents’ discretion.

FAQs

  • What are the dates of the trip?
    June 23 – July 13, 2025*
  • What does the trip cost?
    Trip cost- $8,500
    Application fee (non-refundable)- $199
    BZD subsidy* for Baltimore teens- $3,300
    RootOne grant for teens entering 10th – $3,000

    *BZD subsidy is available to teens who have previously not been on an organized teen mission to Israel.

    BZD is thrilled to announce we have been accepted as a RootOne grantee for the summer 2025 season!
    RootOne is a new initiative that helps connect thousands of Jewish teens to Israel by lowering the financial barrier to participation in immersive summer trips to Israel and by investing in the educational quality of those experiences. A seamless partner for BZD with shared values, mission, and vision, we can’t wait to work with RootOne to grow the number of teens we send to Israel and enhance the depth of their experiences

  • Who is eligible for this trip?
    Jewish teens in the 10th or 11th grade.
  • Are there additional scholarship funds available?
    1. Explore JNF’s Plant Your Way to Israel Program. Sell trees to be planted in Israel for the Jewish National Fund to friends and family and earn money for the trip.
    2. If you belong to a synagogue, Men’s Club and/or Sisterhood may have funds available; also your Rabbi, through a Discretionary Fund might be able to help.
    3. If you’re a Baltimore teen, you can apply for a needs-based CFIE scholarship through the JES (former Center for Jewish Education).
    4. Hebrew Free Loan Association offers interest-free loans instead of scholarships.
  • Do I need a passport?
    To travel to and from Israel, you need a passport valid for an additional six months after your date of return to the US.  Be sure that your passport does not expire before January 14, 2026; otherwise, you will NOT be allowed to board the plane. You are responsible for getting or renewing your passport.

    Passport applications can be found at the following locations:
    1.) any regional office of the U.S. State Department’s Passport Division;
    2.) your local U.S. Post Office;
    3.) any U.S. District or State Court having naturalization authority.

  • Do I need a visa?
    Passports of US citizens will be stamped with a permit upon arrival in Israel. No action needed in advance.
  • Who will be staffing the trip?
    BZD’s Israel Shlicha, Ido Mizrahi, will lead the trip and join other American and Israeli counselors. In addition, our BZD team includes a licensed Israeli tour guide and a certified security guard/medic. The staff understands their responsibility for the well-being of the teenagers in their care and are knowledgeable about adolescent issues and needs.
    For the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all, BZD provides full-time professional supervision and leadership from the time of departure from Baltimore to return.
    Maccabi World Union is the BZD trip provider. Its Education Department trip coordinators are personally involved in every aspect of the program. They spend quality time with the group and are on call for any problems or emergencies that may arise.
  • What are the rooming arrangements?
    Accommodations and rooming are usually based on three participants per room, and occasionally, four per room. There is an opportunity to rotate room assignments at each new overnight location, which allows trip participants to get to know one another and promotes group bonding.

  • How will we get to the flight?
    BZD organizes group transportation from our offices.
  • Can my special dietary needs be accommodated?
    All program-related meals in Israel, including those aboard the flights to and from Israel, are certified kosher by Israel’s official local rabbinical authorities. If you have special dietary situations (i.e. lactose intolerance, vegetarian, etc.), be sure to note this in advance on the application so we can make proper arrangements for the flight and during the trip.
  • Are cell phones available?
    You can bring your personal cell phones. Note that international plan and data rates for home cell phones can be very expensive. Please note, BZD is not responsible for damage or lost devices; we ask for a record of your personal phone number in advance. At most hostels, hotels, and sometimes on the bus, the teens will have access to free Wi-Fi. Some sites that the teens will visit may not have a strong cell phone connection, particularly during hikes or desert activities.
  • How is the family updated during the trip?
    Since staying in touch is critical, BZD maintains a sophisticated system of communicating with the group and their families. Our group leader carries a cell phone at all times. BZD’s Executive Director stays in touch with the group on a regular basis. Verification of the group’s arrival is sent by email from the BZD office which also provides regular email updates of the group’s progress along with pictures.
  • How much spending money should I bring?
    From our experience, participants spend an average of $200/week for gifts, snacks, and drinks, etc.
    If using a debit/credit card be sure your card is accepted at international bank machines.
    • The shekel (NIS – New Israeli Shekel) is Israel’s legal tender. Staff assists participants in money exchanges upon arrival to Israel based on the official currency exchange offices around Israel.
  • What are the luggage restrictions and recommended luggage types?
    Packing can be a challenge. Since the teens will be carrying their own luggage in/out of hotels, and on/off the bus throughout the program, be sure their duffel or suitcase is made of lightweight but durable material.
    Teens may only bring 1 piece of checked luggage (duffel bags and rolling suitcases work best), and one backpack for daily travel on the road.
    The airline allows only 1 checked bag weighing no more than 50 pounds: It can be no more than a total of 62 inches (length + width + height).
    One carry-on size bag + one personal hand-held item are also allowed.
    Before packing, please review the updated restrictions for checked and carry-on luggage listed on the TSA website.

  • What shall I pack?
    As we get closer to our trip, BZD will send you a Participants’ Packet with a suggested packing list of clothes to bring with you.
  • How do I reserve a spot and pay for my trip?
    Begin by filling out the trip application form and submit with a $199 non-refundable application fee.

    Payments can be mailed to the BZD office:
    Baltimore Zionist District
    104 Church Lane, Suite 130,
    Baltimore, MD 21208

    Or payments can be made online above, by clicking the “Teen Trip Application Fee” button.

  • What if I need to cancel?
    The $199 application fee is non-refundable.
    Other cancelations are subject to change and can be discussed with a BZD staff representative.
  • Can I visit with Israeli family and friends when I am in Israel?
    On our optional Family and Friends Weekend, you will be permitted to spend time with friends and/or relatives. We require that you let us know the name(s), address, and phone number of those with whom you are planning to spend the weekend.
    A release packet will be given to parents a few weeks before the trip’s departure.
    The host family is responsible for pick-up and drop-off at an arranged location with BZD staff. The person picking up must be at least 21 years of age and must carry a form of identification.
  • Do I need medical and travel insurance?
    • BZD’s Israeli supplementary medical insurance program covers all participants for almost everything. The exceptions are pre-existing conditions, mental health problems, eyeglasses, and dental work.
    • If you become ill, you will receive free medical assistance, free medication, and any additional needed care. Hospitalization is included. The plan provides coverage anywhere in Israel and operates 24 hours a day.
    • You must bring a copy of your family’s insurance card, including the plan name and policy number. Please also include a copy of your application. 
    • In the event you must return home due to a medical problem or accident, the staff will send you home, and your family is responsible for the cost. Should a chaperone be needed to accompany you, your family is similarly responsible for the chaperone’s costs (if the insurance does not cover the cost).
    • While BZD does not provide travelers insurance, you might want to consider buying it.

*Please note: Flights and itineraries are subject to modification at the discretion of BZD staff.