Since October 7, so many of us have been grappling with what it means to be Jewish – and what we want Judaism and Jewish community to look like in our lives going forward.
I’ve lost count of the conversations I’ve had recently with Jews feeling isolated, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from the people around them. I’ve also heard from countless interfaith and multi-heritage couples trying to navigate complicated conversations around Judaism, Israel, identity, and belonging – often without much support from people who truly understand.
That’s where Honeymoon Israel comes in.
Honeymoon Israel – the nonprofit known for highly subsidized, transformative group trips to Israel – has launched a new Argentina experience where Jewish and Jew-ish couples can connect, build community, and explore one of South America’s most vibrant destinations together.
More Than a Trip
At its heart, Honeymoon Israel (HMI) has always been about connection. Their immersive group experiences bring together Jewish and interfaith couples from the same city for a meaningful shared journey – one filled with thoughtful conversations, unforgettable experiences, and friendships that continue long after the trip ends.
Lots of participants haven’t felt welcomed in traditional Jewish spaces and have struggled to find a place for themselves – and, now more than ever, many are yearning for supportive, accepting, warm Jewish community.
Whatever your level of involvement, religious beliefs, or where you are in your relationship to Israel, you and your partner are welcome on an HMI trip, exactly as you are.
Participants arrive with all kinds of perspectives, and HMI doesn’t ask for alignment with any particular view of Judaism or Israel. What matters is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to listen and learn from each other.
Why Argentina?
While Israel remains deeply woven into HMI’s story, Argentina offers something uniquely special in its own right. Buenos Aires is an exciting and deeply welcoming place – full of incredible food, late-night energy, and beautiful neighborhoods.
It’s also home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in the world today, making it an unforgettable backdrop to explore a broader global Jewish story. Jewish life in Argentina isn’t just historical – you’ll experience it woven into everyday life.
Highlights of the trip include:
- Experiencing the history, culture, and everyday rhythm of Buenos Aires and exploring iconic neighborhoods like San Telmo, Recoleta, and La Boca
- Spending a day on the Pampas experiencing gaucho culture, open landscapes, and a traditional asado
- Connecting with Argentina’s Jewish community through historic sites, cultural spaces, and conversations with local leaders
- Pausing for Shabbat with shared rituals, dinner, and time to slow down and be present
- Deep group discussions about identity, relationships, and Jewish life
How It Works
Once the two of you are accepted, you’ll receive pre-trip support, a 7-day immersive group trip to Argentina, and access to alumni programs and resources – as well as the opportunity to build a lifelong group of friends.
The cost per couple is only $500 (airfare not included). Though the actual value of the Argentina trip is much higher, the generosity of the organization’s funders (including national foundations, local Jewish Federations and foundations, individual donors, and alumni – HMI receives no funding from the Israeli government) enables this highly subsidized rate.
Participants book their own flights to and from Argentina – which means it’s easy to extend your trip (weekend in Iguazu Falls, anyone?) or use miles. All couples arrive within the same window and travel together once in Buenos Aires, and all in-country transportation is arranged by HMI.
Who’s Eligible?
HMI is especially meaningful for people who may not always have felt fully at home in traditional Jewish spaces – including interfaith couples, LGBTQ+ couples, and those still figuring out what Jewish life looks like for them.
To be eligible, couples should:
- Be committed and/or married partners between ages 25-45
- Have at least one Jewish partner (defined broadly and inclusively)
- Live in the geographic catchment area for the city the trip is based in
- Have at least one partner who has not participated in a post-high-school immersive Jewish peer trip to Israel (such as Birthright or MASA)
- If either partner has participated in an HMI Israel program or a Togethering program, you’re not eligible for HMI Argentina (and participants in HMI Argentina will not be eligible for HMI trips to Israel in the future)
Find out more about eligibility here.
Find Your People at a Honeymoon Israel Meet-Up
Want to learn more? HMI is hosting Taste of Argentina info sessions in cities around the US – intimate events featuring Argentine wine, delicious food, real conversations, and the chance to meet other people considering the trip.
You’ll have a chance to hear what the experience is really like, ask questions, meet potential future travel companions, and get a feel for the community HMI creates.
How to Apply
HMI runs trips to Argentina out of many US cities. They are currently accepting applications for couples located in:
- Los Angeles (priority application deadline: June 4)
- San Francisco Bay Area (priority application deadline: June 4)
- Denver/Boulder (priority application deadline: June 11)
- New York City (priority application deadline: June 11)
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