Everything You Wanted To Know About Mayanot—But Were Too Afraid To Ask

A trip to Israel with Taglit-Birthright: Israel sounds like fun under the sun, complete with camels galore and Tel Aviv nightlife. Why not go on a trip? However, for many youngsters, there are questions that still remain, from just how exactly to apply to why bother. Here, we hunt down the answers to your top 10 questions and report back.

1. Is it really free?

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Absolutely! You don’t pay a penny out of your pocket. Your $250 deposit is completely refunded after the trip, or refundable at any time once registration closes. Just ask for it, and ye' shall receive!

2. This looks… intense… Is there tons of paperwork I need to do?

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Definitely not! The entire process to sign up takes 10 minutes, and you are guided step-by-step.

3. I heard it's really hard to get on a trip and that most people get wait-listed.

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While nothing is guaranteed, there are more spots open this season so your chances of getting on a trip are much higher. Just be sure to do everything on your end as soon as possible: sign up, pay your security deposit and schedule an interview.

4. I keep getting rejected! When will it be my turn to go?

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Good news: no one is actually rejected from a trip. If you are eligible, you would have been wait-listed. More good news: people who have been wait-listed are offered several benefits, including a chance to priority register a day or two early each season. At Mayanot, we make a serious effort to accommodate returning applicants!

5. Who is actually eligible for the free trip?

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In a nutshell, anyone who is Jewish between 18-26 years old that hasn't been on an organized peer trip since they turned 18. Some specialty trips even have eligibility up to 29!

6. Will I get to travel with my friends?

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We want you to enjoy your trip! At Mayanot, we go out of the way to accommodate friend requests (Mayanot’s application even includes a friend request section). Just be sure you all complete your applications and request the same dates!

7. How do I choose a trip provider?

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Think about what type of trip you are looking for. Do you want a focus on spirituality, on hiking, on culture or a little bit of everything? Each trip provider has its own niche. For more help, check out this guide.

8. Why do strangers want to give me a free trip to Israel?

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According to their website, Taglit-Birthright: Israel aims to “ensure the continuity of the Jewish people by strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish communities, and solidarity with Israel.” In other words, you get an amazing free trip because people you have never met want you to keep being you—a Jew!

9. HELP PLEASE! I am still confused about the registration process!

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Just take a deep breath and go to your computer and visit Mayanot Israel on the web just follow the instructions! We promise, it’s not that hard ☺

10. But still, is it worth it?

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Definitely! This is the chance of a lifetime! Even if you have never been particularly interested in Israel or Judaism, this is an amazing, life-changing and FUN experience! When else are you going to get the chance to go on a 10-day, all-expenses paid trip around an amazing, historic, cultural, innovative, exciting country with 40+ new best friends?

There is only more question: What are you waiting for?

Sign up on February 3rd at www.mayanotisrael.com to begin your free adventure this summer!