An authentic, meaningful experience with the Jewish community in New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

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Encounter is a short-term, introductory level training program that provides Christians (high-school age and up) with the opportunity to engage in a biblically-based ministry experience of loving and serving Israel and the Jewish community. Travel to Philadephia area required.

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Encounter Program


HIGHLIGHTS
➝ Take a Hasidic Jewish tour of Brooklyn

➝ Visit the famous Katz's Deli

➝ See an Orthodox Sabbath service

➝ Visit a Holocaust Museum

➝ Tour The Friends of Israel Headquarters

➝ Make Jewish friends

➝ Assist in a Jewish community service project

Enjoy an authentic experience that opens your eyes to the Jewish community in New York City, Philadelphia and New Jersey, engage with Jewish people, honor their past, and learn more about the hope that awaits them.


2025 ENCOUNTER DATES:

June 25—29, 2025
Apply by May 22, 2025

July 23—27, 2025
Apply by June 19, 2025

August 20—24, 2025
Apply by July 17, 2025

$500 USD per person

Pastors and Christian leaders (those in full-time vocational ministry) may join any of our Encounter dates at the discounted rate of $300 per person.

APPLY TODAY!

Other Opportunities

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FREE ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCE
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FREE, 9-WEEK ONLINE TRAINING WITH MENTORS
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A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG ADULTS AGES 18-28
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AN EXCITING, CHRISTIAN ADULT-VOLUNTEER PROGRAM TO ISRAEL

Looking for more information about what The Friends of Israel does and how to get involved? Join us on Zoom for one of our Get Involved with FOI Interest Meetings!

June 17 • September 9 • November 18

7:30 PM ET

Register Now
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CLASSES

Each FOI Equip classes air on Thursdays at 7:30 pm EDT (GMT -4)
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The Search: FOI Evangelism Training

TEACHER: LORNA SIMCOX
JUNE 16, 23, 30

 Join Lorna Simcox, Editor-in-Chief of Israel My Glory magazine, and author of the Search, as she shares her personal testimony as a Jewish believer and lessons on how to be a witness for Christ.

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Jewish Food

TEACHER: PAULA KOREN
AUGUST 11 & 18

 Join Friends of Israel Field Ministries Representative Paula Koren to learn about preparing traditional Jewish food. More details coming soon!

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Watch on demand

If you miss a class or want to get caught up, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! All past FOI Equip classes are posted online for you to watch on demand on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

 

Check out the FOI Equip YouTube Playlist →

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FOI Equip Podcasts

The Jew & The Gentile Podcast

Listen weekly to Chris Katulka (the Gentile dude) and Steve Herzig (the Jewish sage) as they unpack the Scriptures, comment on current events related to Israel and the Jewish people, tell stories about ministry, and explain some fun Jewish culture and customs. You’ll even learn some Yiddish words along the way! Oy!

The Gesher Podcast with Ty Perry

The Gesher Podcast is the place where the Evangelical and Jewish communities come together for intelligent conversation about the things that matter; where we discuss history, theology, culture, and a shared Judeo-Christian heritage.

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Get Trained to Serve!


Level up with FOI Equip! Our expert training staff will prepare you to serve or volunteer with The Friends of Israel in your community. Find out ways you can get involved.

Fill out the form below and indicate your interest in serving.

 

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Say Shalom!

Got a question or comment that needs to be answered? Want to learn more about serving with us? Fill out the form below!

REGISTRATION

LET’S GET SOCIAL!

 

Join the FOI Equip Facebook Page!

 

     

The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry