Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Partnership (SKIP)

The Send-a-Kid-to-Israel Partnership (SKIP) savings incentive program was created to anticipate and save for our children's Jewish education. SKIP allows families, their congregations and JUF/JF to become partners in planning for a young person's future Israel Experience.

How SKIP Works

Contributions can be made for students whose families belong to participating congregations. Students in 3rd through 6th grade are eligible to enroll in SKIP; families are eligible to contribute to their children's SKIP account for a maximum of 7 years (3rd through 9th grade). Each year that a student is eligible to participate, a total of $255 is added to his or her savings account. This money includes an annual contribution of $85 from JUF/JF and a combined contribution of $170 from the family and participating congregation. The congregation must donate a minimum of $25 per year.

Again, in order to enroll your child in SKIP you need to belong to one of the participating congregations in the list below. You may enroll your child in SKIP during the annual enrollment process (done each fall) by contacting your synagogue directly. 

SKIP Benefits

Students enrolled in SKIP can use their SKIP funds toward any approved Israel Experience program of their choice any time between the end of 9th grade* and age 26. A full refund of your family portion (contributions plus interest) is available upon completion (and submission) of the withdrawal form at any time.

*Under certain circumstances, families may be able to use a portion of their Israel Experience Savings & Incentive program funds (SKIP, Gift of Israel, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Experience Certificates and Walk with Israel vouchers) for 8th grade Israel Experience programs, such as Ta'am Yisrael or day school trips.  Please contact our office at israelexperience@juf.org to make sure that your trip is eligible and then use the 8th grade Israel Experience Savings Request form to redeem your funds.   

Cost of Programs

SKIP savings will not cover the full cost of most Israel Experience programs. SKIP families can also use other Jewish Federation Israel Experience savings, including Gift of Israel funds, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Certificates and Walk with Israel Vouchers. In addition, SKIP families are encouraged to apply for scholarships from other sources, including the program sponsor, congregation, and JUF/JF's Chicago Community Israel Program (CCIP).

Use SKIP Savings

When you are ready to use your Israel Experience savings for an approved program in Israel, please visit our website for more information on how to redeem your funds. 

Participating Congregations