What is Panim el Panim?
Panim el Panim (“face to face” in Hebrew) is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend six days in Washington, D.C. exploring public policy, politics and activism through a Jewish lens.  Together with our group, as well as with dozens of Jewish teens from across the United States, you will learn how to make a difference in your home community, this country, and around the world. 

Panim el Panim will change your life!  Whoever thought six days could be a long enough time to inspire, motivate, educate and build friendships?  Join us in Washington, D.C. and become part of a network that includes thousands of Panim el Panim alumni!  

 Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible/how do I sign up?  All Orange County/Long Beach 10th -12th grade Jewish students are eligible for Panim el Panim. A $100 deposit is due by November 1^st to hold your place. We need at least 10 students to attend; the Bureau will refund 100% of your deposit if less than 10 students sign-up by November 1st and we do not go to Washington, D.C.  Applications and other information you need will be available by contacting the Bureau office at 949-435-3450, or by going onto our website at www.bjeoc.org and downloading the application.  

Will I have to miss school?  Our Panim el Panim trip is held from Thursday night, March 16-Wednesday, March 22. Unless this is during a school break, participants will miss a few days of school.  We will provide you with a letter to school officials that describe the educational value of Panim el Panim.   PANIM staff is also available to speak to teachers and offer ideas for makeup work. 

What is the “Shabbat Experience”?  This is a very special part of our trip.  Since we do not travel on Shabbat and the Panim program begins early on Sunday afternoon, we begin our trip on Thursday night, and arrive in the Washington, D.C. area early Friday morning to do some sightseeing.  That afternoon we will take the Metro to Maryland, for a “traditional Shabbat experience” in an Orthodox community, and enjoy Shabbat on Friday and Saturday with our host families. 

Is college credit available?  While you do not receive college credit from PANIM, you will receive a certificate of participation from the George Washington University, which has endorsed Panim el Panim.  Panim el Panim looks great on a college application! 

Is PANIM affiliated with a Jewish denomination or political organization?   PANIM is a "trans-denominational" organization. There are students of all levels of Jewish observance on our seminars.   PANIM is not affiliated with any political party or organization.  We present all sides and viewpoints on a wide range of public policy issues. 

How much does the program cost?    Panim will cost approximately $850 - $1,000 per teen, which covers the cost of airfare, hotel (4 students per room), meals, program fees, transportation during the seminar, and staff fees.   

Is there scholarship money available?   While non-TALIT Jewish students can attend PANIM, only students enrolled in the Bureau’s TALIT program are eligible for subsidies from the Bureau.  In addition, PANIM offers some need-based scholarships for students from families with the greatest hardship.  Please contact Rabbi David Kaye at [email protected]  for more information on PANIM scholarships.  Contact Sheri at [email protected] for Bureau subsidy information.

Where does the term Panim el Panim come from?   The phrase Panim el Panim is from the book of Shmot (Exodus) in the Torah. Panim el Panim means "face to face," and refers to the encounter between G-d and Moses after the Israelites are released from slavery in Egypt. 

Bureau of Jewish Education of Orange County
1 Federation Way, suite 205
Irvine, CA 92603
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.bjeoc.org/