Give Your Child the Gift of Israel l About SKIP l What's it All About? l The Plan l Eligibilty l Suspension or Withdrawal of Contributions l Frequently Asked Questions l How to Enroll
Give Your Child the Gift of Israel
The Send-A-Kid-To-Israel Program is part of the Jewish Education of El Paso youngsters. Through joint partnership in a savings plan, students who participate in the program for the full seven years (grandes 3 through 9) will have $4,200 available, plus interest, to meet the cost of an Israel trip during high school.
About the Send-A-Kid-To-Israel Program
Research indicates that the Israel Experience over the years is one of the most powerful resources that we have to face the challenge of adult Jewish identity and involvement. While it is not a substitute for other forms of Jewish education, it is a valuable partner and complement.
An Israel Experience enables young Jews to spend a summer together with like-minded Jewish peers. They are part of a teen group that enjoys and that reinforces their sense of self-identity.
They spend time with Israeli peers who they find to be like them in many ways and who at the same time express great Jewish self-esteem. They spend time in close proximity with staff - Israeli and North American - who are a few years older than them and who have chosen to be positively Jewish and pro-Israel. They learn about Jewish life by experiencing it rather than by reading books or hearing lectures. They live and travel in a very modern Jewish society which has video stores, popular music and modern cars, along with biblical sites, Hebrew newspapers and holy places.
Each participating student and congregation contributes a combined total of $450 per year ($300 family contribution, $150 congregation). The Jewish Federation will contribute $150 per year per student and will administer the program. At the time of participating in the Israel program, the Federation will release the funds it has earmarked for the student to the Israel program selected. Participants will receive annual reports on the status of their accounts and investments will be guided by established principles related to the investment of trust fund dollars.
This savings plan may not cover the entire cost of the trip. If families and congregation are not able to make up the difference, students may apply for scholarships from the Federation.
Students in grades 3 - 9 who meet the participation requirements of their congregation are eligible to enroll in SKIP. Contributions will continue through the 9th grade.
Suspension or Withdrawal of Contributions
Student's families may either suspend or withdraw their contributions at any time. If payments are merely suspended, all monies in the student's account will remain and continue to accumulate interest. These funds continue to be available for an approved Israel program. Family contributions may be suspended in any one year with only the loss of matching institutional funds for that year, according to their policies.
Participating students may also withdraw their contributions permanently at any time on a 30-day notice to the congregation. If withdrawal occurs, the family forfeits its rights to the contributions of the congregation and Federation. Contributions made by the family will be returned without interest.
Q: My child is only eight years old. How can we know he'll want to go to Israel when he's in high school?
A: Most youngsters who have attended religious school from elementary through junior high and high school welcome the opportunity to go to Israel when in high school. However, if your teenager decides not to participate in an Israel program, your contributions, less interest, are fully refundable to you provided you give us 30-day notice.
Q: My child is in fifth grade. Is it possible to enroll her now and pay for third and fourth grades, so that he/she can participate for the full seven years?
A: SKIP Participants can enroll only for the current school year. Catch-up payments are not accepted, so the total amount accumulated will be less.
Q: Can I enroll my grandchildren in SKIP?
A: If your grandchildren are otherwise eligible, you can enroll them in SKIP. You cannot enroll a child whose parents are not members of a participating congregation.
Q: Must my child go on a specific Federation program trip?
A: SKIP Participants can use their SKIP funds on any Israel program approved by your congregation and the Federation.
Q: SKIP sounds too good to be true. Am I really getting funding from my congregation and the Federation with no 'strings' attached?
A: There are no 'strings' attached to SKIP. Your contributions can be returned to you in full, less interest, at any time with a 30-day notice. Congregation and Federation funds are made available to SKIP to encourage more youngsters to participate in high school programs in Israel as part of their Jeiwsh education. SKIP is a very special program because everyone benefits from it; your congregation, the Federation, the Jewish community, Israel, your family, and, most of all, your child.
Further information may be obtained from the Jewish Federation of El Paso (547-4437), or your congregation office. Enrollments are arranged through B'Nai Zion, Temple Mr. Sinai and Chabad Lubavitch.
