Semester in Israel
Donation protected
Dear Family and Friends,
I have not had many life-changing experiences – I’m not the kind of person that is easily amazed. But my recent excursion to Israel with a Jewish youth group transformed my perspective on what is important to me for my life and the role my religion has in it. Israel was amazing in many ways; it was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen. I’ll never forget the moment I saw the Red sea – it was as blue as vampire blood, or the perfect cloudless sky. And then I see across that beautiful water mountains that are part of Jordan and Egypt, and it is absolutely incredible to be surrounded by so many unique cultures. Since the moment I came from my trip summer I knew I had to return.
The Israel experience I am working towards.
URJ Heller High is a high school located in Israel that offers semester programs for North American Students. This means I will spend about 4 months starting January 28th living in a dorm in Israel attending school there. The academic program is very rigorous, and includes focus on Hebrew & Jewish studies. With this amount of time I will be better able to immerse myself in Israeli culture and experience Israel in a whole new way. Along with the time in Israel there are also many amazing fieldtrips like one to Poland to visit Auschwitz, and learn about the holocaust in a way you just cannot in a class setting.
The cost.
Tuition and boarding for Heller High costs $19,100; with travel fees and other expenses it will be around $21,000 dollars. I have explored multiple scholarship opportunities, and have received generous financial support from my temple and my parents. I’ve applied for financial aid from the school as well. I have taken a part-time job (20 hours a week making pizza!), with all income going towards the trip. Through all these efforts the majority of the trip will be funded. However, I am still $3500 short.
Fundraising goal.
I am asking for you to help me fill in the $3500 gap that is currently hindering me from going to Israel and having the experience of a lifetime. Any amount will be immensely helpful and I greatly appreciate all the support I can get.
Thank you all so much for your consideration,
Caleb Ernst.
I have not had many life-changing experiences – I’m not the kind of person that is easily amazed. But my recent excursion to Israel with a Jewish youth group transformed my perspective on what is important to me for my life and the role my religion has in it. Israel was amazing in many ways; it was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen. I’ll never forget the moment I saw the Red sea – it was as blue as vampire blood, or the perfect cloudless sky. And then I see across that beautiful water mountains that are part of Jordan and Egypt, and it is absolutely incredible to be surrounded by so many unique cultures. Since the moment I came from my trip summer I knew I had to return.
The Israel experience I am working towards.
URJ Heller High is a high school located in Israel that offers semester programs for North American Students. This means I will spend about 4 months starting January 28th living in a dorm in Israel attending school there. The academic program is very rigorous, and includes focus on Hebrew & Jewish studies. With this amount of time I will be better able to immerse myself in Israeli culture and experience Israel in a whole new way. Along with the time in Israel there are also many amazing fieldtrips like one to Poland to visit Auschwitz, and learn about the holocaust in a way you just cannot in a class setting.
The cost.
Tuition and boarding for Heller High costs $19,100; with travel fees and other expenses it will be around $21,000 dollars. I have explored multiple scholarship opportunities, and have received generous financial support from my temple and my parents. I’ve applied for financial aid from the school as well. I have taken a part-time job (20 hours a week making pizza!), with all income going towards the trip. Through all these efforts the majority of the trip will be funded. However, I am still $3500 short.
Fundraising goal.
I am asking for you to help me fill in the $3500 gap that is currently hindering me from going to Israel and having the experience of a lifetime. Any amount will be immensely helpful and I greatly appreciate all the support I can get.
Thank you all so much for your consideration,
Caleb Ernst.
Organizer
Michelle Ernst
Organizer
Cincinnati, OH
