2025-2026 Immersive Teen Trips
The educational value and social experiences which our teens receive by participating in these trips is unparalleled. Temple Emanu-El is committed to ensuring that any teen who wishes to travel has the opportunity to do so. For that reason, the out-of-pocket cost to families is graciously subsidized, and additional scholarships may be available for those who qualify. Financial expense should not be the deciding factor in a family’s decision. Please note: there are two forms that must be submitted in order to be fully registered for our teen immersive experiences. Once the Google form has been submitted an Acceptiva link for payment will be shared with you in a separate email. Reach out to Em Besthoff at ebesthoff@emanuelnyc.org with any questions.
Civil Rights Service Trip
7th-9th graders will travel together with teens from Stephen Wise Free Synagogue & Temple Israel of NYC to Georgia and Alabama to explore the sites of the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of this transformative time. We will depart in the morning of Friday, February 13 and return in the early evening of Monday, February 16.
In Atlanta, we’ll visit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home and burial site, and explore the story of Leo Frank—brought to light by the Broadway musical Parade. In Birmingham, we’ll see Kelly Ingram Park, where peaceful protests met brutal resistance. In Selma, we’ll walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where John Lewis led the historic march for voting rights. And in Montgomery, we’ll visit the lynching memorial, the site of Rosa Parks’ arrest and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Throughout the journey, we’ll examine the Jewish role in the Civil Rights Movement and reflect on its ongoing significance today.
Prague Seminar
10th-12th graders will travel together with teens from Stephen Wise Free Synagogue & Temple Israel of NYC to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and hub of Bohemian culture. The trip will depart in the afternoon of Thursday, February 12 and return in the early evening of Tuesday, February 17.
Prague, one of the few European cities spared major destruction during World War II, offers a unique window into over 1,000 years of Jewish life and culture. We’ll explore its historic synagogues and landmarks, while also confronting the tragic legacy of the Holocaust with a visit to Terezin and the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Our journey concludes with a look at postwar Communism and the remarkable revival of Jewish life and Western culture over the past 35 years.
Prague-Israel Seminar Extension
We are pleased to offer a special five-day seminar extension to Israel as part of our Prague journey. For many teens, this may be their first opportunity to experience Israel alongside peers — a powerful chance to engage with the heart of contemporary Jewish life. We will depart from Prague on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, and return the evening of Sunday, February 22.
Our time in Israel will include walking through the layers of Jewish history in Jerusalem, experiencing the vibrancy of Tel Aviv and the beauty of Haifaand participating in meaningful service learning. A highlight of the trip will be a mifgash, an exchange with Israeli teens, where participants will hear personal stories and explore big questions together.
Throughout the seminar, we’ll also engage with the complexities and contradictions of modern Israeli society, helping teens build the understanding and language needed for thoughtful, nuanced conversations about Israel.
All trip fees are refundable until October 1 for all programs. After that, refunds may be available if your teen’s spot can be filled by another student, though change fees may apply. If your teen will need to miss school to participate in one of our trips, we are happy to provide an absence note upon request.
