General Info
What is JAM’s mission statement?
To inspire young collegiates to be passionate about their Judaism. This is accomplished through peer connection, learning about Judaism and trips to Israel.
Where is JAM located?
The JAM office is located in West Los Angeles. JAM has campus centers at UCLA, UCSD, UCSB and SDSU.
How long has JAM been functioning?
JAM began its first programs in 1996.
How is JAM funded?
JAM is funded through private donations and grants from the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and other programs.
What types of programs does JAM run?
JAM provides a wide array of programs, from educational, to social and religious. These include a weekly learning program called Maimonidies, weekly challah baking, Shabbat dinners, field trips, special lectures and more.
What trips does JAM offer?
We currently offer trips to Israel, NY, London and Aipac/Baltimore.
How many students are involved in JAM?
JAM Rabbis are actively involved with approximately 2,000 students yearly.
How many students usually come on a trip?
Between 30 and 60 per trip.
When did JAM start running trips? How many students have gone on JAM trips?
JAM brought its first Israel trip in 1996, with a group of40 students. Since then, 1500 students have gone on JAM’s trips
Do I need a certain level of background in Judaism to attend?
You definitely do not. In fact, most of the students who attend JAM’s programs do not have much religious background.
How can I bring JAM to my campus?
You need 3 students to become a campus club, then JAM will offer an advisor, and begin running programs on your campus.
Israel Trip
How do I apply?
You can apply via our website by clicking on the following link: www.jamoncampus.com
How does the application process work?
After we receive your completed application, we will contact you via phone. If you live in the Southern CA area, we will arrange for a meeting with you and the nearest JAM staff. Being that we are often inundated with applicants, if you have not received an initial call within a week of submitting your application, please contact us again (via the ‘contact us’ button on the homepage)
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible, you must be a Jewish College student (age range approx 18-26). (needs editing)
How do you organize the travel arrangements?
Once you are accepted our office administrator will contact you to arrange your ticket.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes, but depending on the details of your ticket there may be an additional charge.
What is the price, and what does it include?
The total price of JAM’s Israel trip is $3600, but there are many scholarships available, and no one is turned away due to lack of funds. Students work out payment directly with the JAM office.
What if I am unable to go at the last minute?
Depending on the conditions of the ticket you will be charged a penalty fee.
Can I speak with some of the alumni of the program to get a better understanding of what I will get out of attending?
Absolutely, we provide as many names and numbers of alumni as you’d like. The alumni have volunteered for this purpose and are happy to oblige!
Who do I contact for more information about the program?
You can call your local JAM rabbi, or call our office at 323-651-0177
What makes this trip different from other trips out there?
Most trips to Israel are primarily sightseeing trips, while the JAM trip includes sightseeing daily it also includes a Jewish educational aspect to the trip through morning classes. In addition students meet with extraordinary individuals and visit people in their homes in Israel to experience Israel’s greatest resource, its people. These three components, touring, learning and meeting people combine to create a deep, meaningful and exhilerating trip to Israel.
What are the accommodations? What is the food like?
The boys stay at a dorm-style hotel in the Old City, and the girls stay at a dormitory located in Har Nof (an American-Israeli residential neighborhood.) Breakfast is a typical Israeli breakfast, consisting of cereal, bread, spreads, eggs, leben. Lunch is usually the main meal and consists of a protein: soy, meat or fish, a vegetable and a side dish of rice, orzo or noodles, soup and salad. Dinner is either a light meal on the road, or at a restaurant.
Should I be worried about the safety of traveling to Israel?
Absolutely not. JAM avoids routes where there is a slightly increased security risk. We travel on private buses and hire a medic/soldier for all our trips.
Will there be free time?
There is an occasional free night/afternoon to explore the city on your own. However, the schedule is really “JAM” packed, and if you have family in Israel see we strongly recommend extending your stay, as there is not much time for that. Anyone who wishes to miss any activity (barring an illness) must get approval BEFORE the trip.
What do I need to pack?
We will send you a detailed packing list once you are accepted.
How do I arrange a cell phone and money exchanges?
JAM has an arrangement with a cell phone company that you may sign up with if you’d like. They will bring the phones to the airport upon your arrival. We also provide a money changer the first night of the trip. After that, our peer counselors can guide you as to where to change money.
Is there email access there?
Yes, each school has email access. We can also direct you to nearby internet café if you need.
What about laundry?
The girls have laundromat on the premises, the guys have the option of using the Laundromat located in their hotel or sending it away with a laundry service.
What if I get sick or injured, is there health insurance?
Yes, the program provider that JAM works with provides full medical coverage.
Can I speak with some of the alumni of the program to get a better understanding of what I will get out of attending?
Of course! Just let us know and we’ll have one of our many alumni contact you. (We will try to get someone from your school…)
Who do I contact for more information about the program?
You can click the ‘Contact Us’ page on our website.
