July 17, 2025
Big News: Expanding Opportunities and Enriching Journeys for Young Jewish Couples
For nearly a decade, Honeymoon Israel (HMI) has connected diverse young couples to Jewish life through immersive group trips to Israel. Our mission has always been to bring together locally-based cohorts—each with at least one Jewish partner—early in their committed relationships and help them build lasting community through meaningful connections to Jewish life and the Jewish people.
Since launching, HMI has operated in 23 cities across North America and brought nearly 3,000 couples on transformative journeys. With more than 12,000 couples having applied, the demand for these experiences is clear—and growing. It’s a powerful reminder of how many couples are seeking meaningful connection to Jewish life, and how much more we can do to support them.
We’re now thrilled to share what’s next.
Starting September 1, 2025, HMI and the fast-growing initiative Togethering will come together as one organization—united by a shared commitment to supporting couples on their Jewish journeys.
With aligned missions and complementary strengths, this integration allows us to expand our reach, enrich our offerings, and better serve couples at a formative stage of life.
Togethering, conceived by the One8 Foundation in 2023, offers immersive domestic travel experiences that help couples explore how Jewish wisdom and tradition can add meaning to their lives—on their own terms and in their own time. The program welcomed 75 couples across four pilot trips in 2024 and is scaling up with nine trips planned this year. HMI has served as a thought partner and recently provided staff support as the initiative has grown.
Bringing HMI and Togethering under one roof allows us to grow intentionally while preserving what makes each program special. Though we’ll operate under a single organizational umbrella (name to be announced), HMI and Togethering will continue as distinct offerings—each with its own identity, approach, and tone.
Couples will now have access to a broader range of transformational experiences—and will be able to choose the journey that’s right for them. Whether it’s traveling to Israel or diving into a meaningful experience closer to home, this new chapter offers more ways to explore Jewish life with authenticity, relevance, and joy.
We’re deeply grateful to the funders and partners across the Jewish community who believe in this work and make it possible. This next chapter is all about growth, connection, and deep sense of belonging—and we’re so glad to be on the journey with you.
Got questions? Feel free to reach out to Laura Sherr, Director of Marketing and Communications—we’d love to hear from you.
Honeymoon Israel is made possible thanks to the generosity and partnership of our supporters.
If you’d like to give to ensure more couples can participate in the Honeymoon Israel experience, you can make a donation.
