This summer, Year 9 students from JFS and Yavneh schools embarked on a memorable journey to Alsace and Basel, facilitated by JRoots. Nearly 200 students, teachers, and madrichim spent a week exploring the rich Jewish history of Eastern France, meeting key figures in the Alsatian Jewish community, and visiting some of the region’s main attractions. The students enjoyed a week filled with activities, combining Jewish learning, cultural engagement, and the exploration of the beautiful nature of the Vosges mountains in Franch.

Under the theme “Jewish Journeys,” students used this trip to reflect on the global movements of Jewish communities, with many expressing hopes for a return to Israel. The journey concluded poignantly in Basel, at the site of the first Zionist Congress led by Theodor Herzl in 1897, symbolizing the aspiration toward Israel.

While France may not be the obvious choice for a Jewish heritage trip, JRoots successfully offered this unique experience by finding suitable and informative alternatives to journeys to Israel. This was particularly important during a period, like now, when parents are uncertain about sending their children to Israel. This Jewish journey provided an exceptionally immersive experience, revealing a lesser-known aspect of Jewish history that has shaped our present and will continue to influence our future.

Book your next Jewish heritage journey in Alsace or elsewhere with JRoots!