About JUF Missions

Whether you are interested in traveling to Israel, the Former Soviet Union, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary or Latin America, you can search the JUF Missions Calendar (PDF) to find a trip to take you there. Destinations change from year to year, but wherever there is Jewish community, there are JUF Missions.

What are JUF Missions all about?

Missions give you the opportunity to travel with other Chicagoans to Jewish communities all over the world and see your JUF dollars at work. You will visit with people who live in Israel and other countries, make new friends, explore your roots and learn about worldwide Jewish culture. Missions give participants the opportunity to see first-hand what can be accomplished by the Jewish people when our energy and resources are operating at full capacity.

Why is it important to go on a JUF Mission?

JUF is constantly improving quality of life for Jewish people all around the world. Going on a Mission gives you the opportunity to come face to face with the complexity and scope of the challenges facing the worldwide Jewish community, and to meet those challenges head on. For example, Mission participants traveling to Israel might visit Chicago's Partnership 2000 region of Kiryat Gat, Lachish, and Shafir, and learn how JUF promotes projects to enhance the region's development, improve the quality of life for its residents and forge a connection between Chicago and Israel.

What happens on a JUF Mission?

Your day-to-day activities, travel logistics, housing accommodations, and meals will be taken care of by our experienced and dedicated JUF Mission staff. While on your Mission, you can expect to visit historical and culturally significant sites, meet with new immigrants, share a meal on a kibbutz or a local home, and hear in-depth briefings from top scholars and regional officials. Visit our photo gallery to experience past Missions.

Travel resources

As you get ready for your JUF Mission, visit our travel resources page. If you're 26-years-old or younger, visit birthright israel, and learn how you can travel to Israel for a 10-day all-expenses paid trip.