Ten months and counting, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s “Israel @ 60” Mission already has such high participation, it is expanding in size and scope.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming early response to our Community Mission, which will take place from November 15-23, 2008,” said Co-chair Dale Filhaber. “Everyone is excited to celebrate Israel’s milestone 60th anniversary. This Mission is a major statement of our community’s solidarity with Israel, and people from all over the community, including local Orthodox, Reform and Conservative rabbis have already signed up.”

“This Mission was designed to truly engage the entire community with different tracks that offer something for everyone,” added Co-chair April Leavy. “This opportunity to see Israel in a more personal way has sold out our initial room reservations. Fortunately, we have successfully added another block of rooms, and are also expanding the itinerary to include more sites as well as activities. Our community’s response has been amazing.”

The Mission will now be based in three areas of Israel, beginning at the David Intercontinental Hotel in Tel Aviv, then moving to a kibbutz in the north of the country, and on to the Inbal in Jerusalem. The Federation also responded to many requests by adding a three-day extension tour to Eilat and Petra.

Five Mission itineraries are tailored to different interests: First timers; Business and Technology; Arts and Culture; Adventure Seekers; and a special General Assembly track for those interested in attending the business meetings of the UJCGA. Participants will be able to pursue their own interests while also sharing many activities as a group with their traveling companions.

While “parlor” meetings are generating interest through individual communities in the area, on January 29, Mission co-sponsor Kluger Peretz Kaplan & Berlin (KPKB) will be hosting a community-wide gathering beginning at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to learn about the “Israel @ 60” Mission at KPKB’s Boca Raton offices in Peninsula Executive Center. The Mission is also sponsored by Goldstein Lewin & Co. Certified Public Accountants and Consultants.

To RSVP for the parlor meeting at KPKB, contact Dayle Sternstein at 561-852-3112 or dayles@bocafed.org.

Reservations for Federation’s “Israel @ 60” Mission are made on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, or to confirm your place, visit www.jewishboca.org/israel60 or call the “Israel @ 60” Hotline at (561) 852-3112.

For more information about Federation’s Corporate Partners Program, contact Jacqueline M. Kaplan, Director of Corporate Development, at (561) 852-3152 or jackiek@bocafed.org.

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County serves the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach areas, raising funds to help Jews locally, in Israel and in more than 60 countries. These funds enable the Federation to plan for, and address, the philanthropic, cultural, educational and social service needs of the south County community.