Tips to register on Feb. 17 (Feb 16 previous applicants) for Taglit-Birthright Israel: Shorashim

When does registration for summer trips begin?  How do I register?

·         Registration begins on February 17 at noon EST. 
·         To register, please go to www.israelwithisraelis.com, click the Registration is Now Open tab.
·         If you have registered for a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip in the past (and did not go) you can take advantage of the special early registration date, February 16, at noon EST. You will need the original email that you signed up with and your password. If you signed up with Shorashim during the last round, email us and we can resend you your password. If you registered with another trip provider, but want to register with Shorashim this time, email information@birthrightisrael.com .
 
What is the Taglit-Birthright Israel registration process?  What information will I be asked to provide?
 
You will be asked to provide personal information including:
 e-mail address (not a university e-mail ending in edu); social security number; birth date; primary and secondary addresses; parents’ names and contact information; and passport information (this can be added later if you still need to apply for or renew your passport).
·         Questions about your Jewish background.
·         Short statement about why you want to go to Israel on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip.
·         Online participant waiver requiring an electronic signature.
·         E-mail confirmation will be sent to you. (CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE IT)
·         $250 refundable security deposit - Once your application has been approved by Taglit-Birthright Israel, if there is space, you’ll be asked to submit the deposit.  You can either pay by credit card or automatic withdrawal from your checking account.
 
Why isn’t everyone asked to submit their deposit?

• Due to high demand for trips there is a cap on the number of deposits accepted.  This creates a greater urgency to apply and complete the application and deposit earlier on the first day of registration; applicants are placed on trips based on the submission of a deposit.

• Every applicant will fill out an application.

Every applicant will be asked to select a trip on the Taglit-Birthright Israel: Shorashim application.

When you select a trip one of two things will happen.
o    You’ll be asked to submit a deposit
o    You’ll be asked to be put on a waitlist for that trip or select another trip option with Shorashim.
o    Stay with Shorashim! If you stay on the waitlist and you might be considered for a trip in the next couple of weeks or later round in which case you’d make your deposit at that point. If you are asked to submit a deposit this round, your chances for placement will increase in a future round.
 
Is that all I have to do?  Are there other forms I need to fill out for Shorashim?
Once you have completed that Taglit-Birthright Israel Application, you will receive an email from Shorashim linking you to your Shorashim Application Status Page. Here is where you will
o    Complete a date and friendship request form
o    Fill out an emergency contact form
o    Submit a medical history form
o    Upload a copy of the picture page of your passport (this step can be completed later if you still need to apply for or renew a passport)
o    Call Shorashim at 312.267.0677 for a brief phone interview (5-10 minutes)
o    Eventually, when you are assigned to a trip, you will need to provide Shorashim with proof of health insurance.
 
How do I give credit to the person that referred me?
To give credit to a recruiter or someone who referred you to Shorashim, check for their name on the date and friendship request form under the heading “I was told about this program by:” when you are logged into your Shorashim Application Status page.
 
By when do I need a passport?  
If you do not have a passport, or do not have a passport that is valid six months after your desired departure date, please apply for a passport as soon as possible. TSA has become more strict about passport numbers matching passenger names, and we will need that information to assign you to a flight.  To learn how to apply for a passport go to this web site: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html 
 
What do I do if I need more help? 
 Contact Shorashim by email, live help (IM) or phone. Remember we get a lot of phone calls on the first couple of days of registration, but don't give up. We want to talk to you and help you.