Community Founation For Jwish Education (CFJE) Ta’am Yisrael: A Taste Of Israel

In Chicago, more than 50% of students drop-out of formal Jewish education programs between the 7th and 9th grades.  By senior year, that number has increased to 90%.  Sadly, students who leave the Jewish educational system rarely return.

This stark reality remains the impetus for CFJE’s Ta’am Yisrael, which provides eighth grade students with a powerful “taste” of their Jewish heritage through a seven-day, hands-on journey to Israel designed to strengthen their Jewish identity. 

Since the program was founded in 1998, more than 550 students have participated in this life-changing program. In February 2007, 185 Chicago-area students went to Israel—the largest cohort ever. 

The program is clearly working: statistical data indicates extremely high rates of engagement in Jewish life among Ta’am participants—years after their participation in the program. 

Ta’am Yisrael is staffed by adults who are role models for active and meaningful involvement in the Jewish community, each of whom is actively engaged in Jewish communal life and cares deeply about the growth and development of Jewish youth in our community.  A large percentage of program staff returns every year, ensuring continuity of experience.

The program’s per student cost is covered through a partnership between families and CFJE.  We are seeking an endowment gift through The Centennial Campaign to expand the number of Ta’am Yisrael participants to 500 students per year.