Exclusively for NYC-based couples, join Togethering in The Catskills for a restorative autumn weekend away. We’ll be staying at a private luxury boutique hotel, with gourmet meals prepared by an award-winning culinary team, and tranquil views of the surrounding woodlands with golden foliage. Enjoy private trails, strolls through wildflower-filled meadows, and encounters with friendly goats during your hikes. This getaway blends the natural beauty of the Catskills with luxury and comfort.
Questions About Togethering
What does participation in Togethering’s program include?
Togethering’s 3- or 4-day trip for diverse couples includes pre-trip support, a long-weekend away at an awe-inspiring destination, local activities, cuisine, culture, meaningful Jewish content and experiences, and opportunities to continue building a local community post-trip.
This sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?
No catch! We understand that many young couples don’t know where to find entry points into Jewish life or feel uncomfortable in traditional Jewish spaces. If this sounds like you, Togethering is here to help you and your partner figure out your connection to Jewish life and community with no expectations about your religious beliefs or level of involvement with Jewish life.
Our goal is to support you on your journey of figuring this out on your own terms and in community with others navigating a similar pursuit. We invite you to learn, ask questions, take risks, and have fun along the way; we provide the container and the catalyst, and the rest is up to you
Questions About Application Process
Are we eligible for Togethering?
Togethering is open to couples of all cultural, racial, religious, gender, and sexual identities, and you should be committed and/or married life partners, who are starting to build their lives together. To be eligible for a Togethering trip, at least one partner must be Jewish. We think of this broadly, such as having one Jewish parent or grandparent, choosing to be Jewish, and more. Couples should be between the ages of 25-40, and at least one partner must be between 25-40 at the time of the trip. Neither partner must be over 45 years old. If married, couples must be within the first five years of marriage or very close to it. Couples cannot have participated in a Honeymoon Israel (HMI) trip. If you applied to an HMI trip but didn’t travel, you are eligible to apply for Togethering. Finally, all Togethering experiences are based on city-specific cohorts, and you must reside in that city (or have concrete plans to move there in the next three months).
I’m Jewish but I don’t practice. Is this ok?
Yes! Togethering is designed for couples like you who are exploring ways you might want to incorporate Jewish life and community into your relationship, family, home, and beyond.
Do we have to identify as an interfaith couple?
You do not! We look forward to meeting couples who are both Jewish, using a broad interpretation of what it means to be Jewish (see “Are we eligible for Togethering?”). We know that some couples who share different faiths may not feel the term ‘interfaith’ describes them or their family. Identity is multifaceted and complex, and we understand that. Our goal is to curate cohorts that are reflective and inclusive of the great diversity that makes up the modern family.
What if we have children? Can we bring them?
Togethering trips are adult-only. To ensure you get the most out of your Togethering experience, children are not permitted to join; the same goes for any family member(s). We want you to fully enjoy your experience and soak up every opportunity that comes your way on your getaway!
If we don’t have children yet, do we need to want to have children to be eligible?
Absolutely not. All families look different for a variety of reasons, and we think your partnership is enough.
What if I’m pregnant?
If you are currently pregnant or become pregnant before your Togethering trip, we ask that you include this on your registration or notify us directly. We will also need you to submit a doctor’s note clearing you for travel at least two weeks prior to departure.
What is the Togethering application and selection process?
Because we have limited spaces per trip, we do have an application and selection process to determine who can join us on each trip. We invite you to submit an application and appreciate the time it will take to answer all the questions. We do ask that both partners answer the questions and we also ask you to upload a photo of you together.
After submitting the form and uploading your photo, you will receive an automated confirmation email. We will carefully review your application and invite a certain number of applicants to an interview over Zoom.
We’re looking at a variety of factors and will do our best to get to know you to understand whether Togethering might be a good fit for you. If you are accepted on the trip, we will ask you to secure your spot by paying a nonrefundable deposit within a few days.
Here are some tips as you prepare for your online application:
Questions About Where You Live
Why is Togethering only leading trips from a few cities?
Togethering is currently in a pilot phase, with our first four trips planned for 2024. We expect that we will be coming to many more cities across the United States in 2025. Sign up for our mailing list to stay tuned for future city launches!
Another city’s trip dates work better for us. Can we apply with another city?
Building friendships with other couples from your local community is core to the magic of Togethering. And the only way to make sure you can keep building your community when you get home is to ensure that all trip participants are full-time residents of the same city (as defined by neighborhood or zip code). Email us at togethering@jfna.org if you’re unsure whether you live within the catchment area for our trips.
What if we are planning to move or have recently moved?
You must be a permanent resident in the city from which the trip departs to ensure you’re available for pre-trip events and preparation. Being a resident of the departure city will also allow you to benefit fully from the community-building opportunities that will be offered after the trip.
Questions About the Trip
What does the participation fee include?
Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we are able to offer 2024 experiences for $360 per person – a special gift as you embark on building your lives together. The total value of the trip is approximately $2,500 per person but you will only pay $360 per person.
What’s included in this experience:
What’s not included:
What is the departure time of the group flights? And do I have to take them?
Yes, participants are required to fly as part of the group reservation which was secured at a preferred rate, or for the NYC group, join the group bus that we will offer. If accepted for the program, you will receive the specific flight details for your group. When you arrive at your destination we will welcome you there and transportation will be waiting for you.
What’s expected of us on the trip?
Our trip itinerary will be full, from morning until evening, and will include a rich variety of experiences and programming. You will need to participate fully in the Togethering itinerary, which means attending all organized components of the weekend, but don’t worry – we promise you will also have free time to enjoy your surroundings and relax!
Who will we travel with? Where will we stay?
Along with up to 19 other couples from your city, you will be joined by a small team of Togethering staff and facilitators. We will stay at unique upscale venues, with beautiful accommodations, natural beauty, excellent food and amenities. The venue name and information will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
Why do you have a rabbi join the trip? Are you trying to get me or my partner to convert to Judaism?
No! We welcome you exactly as you are and have no agenda around conversion or affiliation with any particular form of Judaism. Rabbis and Jewish educators join trips to bring Jewish meaning to experiences, such as looking at nature through a Jewish lens on a hike or celebrating Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) together. They are also there to answer questions as they arise. Think of it as your four-day “ask me anything” opportunity.
What if I can only attend part of the weekend?
We require full participation for the duration of the program. If you have a personal emergency or are asked to leave the trip due to inappropriate conduct, costs associated with leaving early (flight changes, transportation, etc.) will be your sole responsibility.
Can I still participate in Togethering if I have a disability or health/dietary/accessibility needs?
Togethering is committed to finding ways to accommodate all individuals who are selected for our trips. Please let us know how we can ensure your accessibility needs are met during the application process. In addition, we can accommodate dietary allergies and preferences.
What should I pack?
We will provide you with a detailed list in advance of your trip.
What is the cancellation policy?
The $360 per person fee is non-refundable. However, if prior to the trip you are facing a personal or medical emergency that prevents your participation, please reach out to the Togethering team so that we can find a solution.
How do you keep everybody healthy in a group environment and what happens if I test positive for COVID-19 while on the trip?
Out of concern for everybody’s health and safety, we will ask you to stay in your hotel rooms if you’re not feeling well or are presenting symptoms that could indicate a contagious illness. We will provide masks and COVID-19 antigen (rapid) tests for anyone presenting with symptoms or anyone who would like a test. We will also coordinate access to additional medical attention if needed. Togethering does provide international medical insurance for the Baja experience, however any costs for medical attention not covered by this plan are the responsibility of the participant. If you have accessibility needs that put you at higher risk to infectious diseases, please let us know so that we can provide accommodations.
What are the current requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccinations to travel with Togethering?
Participants are encouraged to be up to date on all COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, as recommended by the CDC.
What happens if I get sick or injured?
Your health and safety is our top priority. Our team will support you and your partner throughout your illness or injury. If an individual requires medical attention for any reason, Togethering staff will transport individuals to nearby medical facilities, if needed, based on the severity of illness. We can also arrange to bring doctors to the hotel.
Do I need a passport?
For our Baja 2024 trip you will need a valid passport to travel and for the duration of the trip. Please be sure to check the expiration date of your passport as soon as you apply for the Baja trip. If you don’t hold a U.S. passport, you may need a visa or face other entry requirements. You’ll be required to provide us with your passport number and a photocopy before we can issue your flight ticket. For other trips you will need a valid, government-approved ID (appropriate for air travel).
