ASK
ANYTHING.

The total participant payment is $499. It includes a $299 base trip price and a mandatory $200 fee covering program medical health insurance while in Israel and gratuities.

The full $499 is due at registration. Installment payments are not available.

No. The $499 participant payment is nonrefundable.

No scholarship is available for the $499 participant payment. The experience is described as having an approximate value of $4,999.

The payment includes the round trip group flight to and from Israel, lodging, ground transportation, food, and scheduled trip activities. Vegetarian meals are included when requested before the trip and reconfirmed on the first day.

General travel insurance, personal purchases, gifts, souvenirs, and optional extension costs are not included unless the participant qualifies for the yeshiva or seminary exception.

Approximately $200 to $300 is suggested for personal spending. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Akiva is for young Jewish adults interested in learning about Judaism and exploring their Jewish heritage. Most participants are approximately 20 to 25 years old, and the trip is mixed gender.

The current Akiva age range is 17 to 30. Applicants must be at least 17 and no older than 30.

No single answer about Jewish background decides eligibility by itself. The Akiva team considers several factors and reviews complicated situations personally before making a final decision.

Birthright by itself does not usually prevent eligibility. Applicants age 17 to 30 who have not joined another organized Israel trip are most likely eligible, subject to review of the full application.

Any organized Israel trip besides Birthright needs review by the Akiva team. It does not automatically decide eligibility because the program details and other factors matter.

There is no fixed deadline stated. Applications remain open until the trip is fully booked, and places are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Yes. A previously unsuccessful applicant may reapply if still eligible.

Registration and payment are handled at goinspire.com/akiva-dec/.

The winter trip runs from December 14 through December 30, 2026.

On December 14, the group departs New York JFK at 5:00 PM on El Al flight LY 002 and arrives at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) at 10:05 AM.

On December 30, the group departs Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) at 1:00 AM on El Al flight LY 027 and arrives at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 6:00 AM.

Participants are responsible for reaching the designated group departure airport. Participants outside the country should contact the program to discuss arrangements.

You may need to arrange and pay for separate airfare.

Contact Cindy, the GoInspire travel coordinator, at cindy@goinspire.com.

Extensions are usually possible when requested. They generally involve a set ticket change fee plus any difference between the original and new airfare.

The program can cover extension costs when a participant stays to learn in a yeshiva or seminary for at least two weeks. Other extensions are paid by the participant.

A valid passport is required, and you should carry a copy of your e ticket. The exact passport validity period is not confirmed here, so verify current requirements for your situation.

General travel insurance is not included. The mandatory program medical health insurance in Israel cannot be declined.

A typical day includes approximately two and a half hours of morning learning, followed by afternoon trips and activities. Many evenings include free time or scheduled programming.

No. It is a past example only. Activities and schedules can change because of conditions in Israel, and the final itinerary is shared closer to departure.

No. Participants may not leave the group for a weekend or Shabbat. Shabbat is a required part of the program.

Yes, during designated evening free time, if the visit is in the same city as the group and fits the group schedule.

Only when the group is already in Tel Aviv and during designated free time.

Rooms are hostel style with bunk beds. Approximately four to six participants share each room. The lodging is not the King David Hotel.

No. The hostel does not have WiFi.

There are no onsite laundry facilities. The program plans to arrange laundry pickup and drop off at least once during the trip.

No. Participants may buy their own SIM card online, at the airport, or in Israel.

Yes. Food is included in the trip fee.

Yes. Request vegetarian meals before the trip and reconfirm the request on the first day. Other dietary accommodations are not confirmed here.

Keep your passport, e ticket copy, credit or debit card, modest cash, prescription medications, chosen valuables, and extra glasses or contact supplies in your carry on. Never put medications in checked luggage.

Bring comfortable easy care clothing, walking shoes, water shoes, hiking clothes, a light layer, a brimmed hat, swimsuit, large towel, beach sandals, and modest clothing for holy sites.

Men should bring long pants, long sleeved shirts, and a kippah. Women should bring long skirts and shirts with sleeves. Follow the requirements of each site.

Use the interactive Packing page on this site or visit goinspire.com/travel-tips/#pack for the official travel tips.