Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Women’s Philanthropy Journey to Mexico City
Feb. 1-5, 2026
Join Women’s Philanthropy for a four-night journey on an exclusive trip that will explore the dynamic, diverse Jewish community of Mexico City, and the city’s historic roots and unique cultural traditions. While connecting with each other and the culture, women will also learn the important philanthropic work being done on the ground by meeting with Jewish Federation supported agencies.
Cost & Payment Information
- Land Cost: $3,550 - $4,245 double occupancy (+$1,000 for single occupancy)
- $500 nonrefundable deposit required at time of registration
Cost may decrease depending on the number of participants. Single occupancy price remains the same regardless.
Payment timeline
- $2,000 due on Oct. 6, 2025
- Balance due on Nov. 10, 2025
- The remaining balance can be paid by mailing a check to the Jewish Federation or by calling to pay with a credit card over the phone.
- Cancellation policy available upon request
The Women’s Philanthropy Journey to Mexico City asks all participants to make a minimum $1,800 contribution (Pomegranate Level and above) to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis’ 2025 Annual Campaign.
Included in the Cost:
- Group airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- 5-star hotel accommodations
- Private coach transportation for all 5 days
- Services of a professional, English-speaking tour guide
- On-trip security support
- Meals, snacks, and beverages will be provided during scheduled activities
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Alcoholic beverages and drinks outside of meals
- Travel and medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and incidentals
Please confirm that your passport is valid for six months from date of return.
Contact Rebecca Schalit-Newman at rschalitnewman@jfgi.org for more information.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Women’s Philanthropy Mission to Mexico City!
This is more than a trip — it’s a journey of connection, culture, and community. Join us as we explore the heart of Mexico through a uniquely Jewish lens, strengthening our global sisterhood while diving into the rich traditions and flavors of this incredible city.
Trip Highlights Include:
- Step into ancient wonder at the awe-inspiring Teotihuacán Pyramids — where gods were said to be born, and history comes alive beneath your feet.
- Connect with purpose as we meet inspiring women from the Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Society of Mexico City — a powerful cross-cultural exchange of passion and philanthropy.
- Wander through the magical Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s iconic home and studio — a vibrant sanctuary of color, creativity, and spirit.
- Discover the depth of Jewish life in Mexico, with exclusive visits to Monte Sinai Synagogue, historic Justo Sierra, and the innovative Colegio Olami Ort.
- Indulge in Mexico’s irresistible flavors — enjoy mezcal tastings, try your hand at traditional tortilla-making, and savor every bite of this culinary adventure.
- Let the rhythm of Mexico City move you — come be inspired, empowered, and transformed!
Mission Itinerary at a Glance: Women’s Philanthropy Journey to Mexico City
Day One: ¡Bienvenidas a México!
Arrive in the vibrant heart of Mexico City and let the adventure begin! Your journey kicks off at Guzina Oaxaca with a festive Welcome Dinner featuring:
- Live Mariachi music
- Mezcal tastings
- A hands-on demo of fresh guacamole, salsas, and handmade tortillas
This is your first taste of Mexico — bold, colorful, and full of connection.
Day Two: Jewish Life Through a Local Lens
Begin the day exploring the strength and vibrancy of Jewish life in Mexico:
- Visit Colegio Olami Ort, a hub of education and community
- Step into the beautiful Monte Sinai Synagogue, rooted in rich Sephardic tradition
- In the afternoon, dive into Mexico’s historic core with a guided walk through the Zócalo (Central Square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ancient Templo Mayor, a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Aztec roots.
- End the day with a meaningful visit to the Katz Jessed Center, a Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)-supported organization making a real difference in addressing food insecurity.
- That evening, enjoy an authentic Mexican dinner alongside leaders and changemakers from the local Jewish community — a time for stories, connection, and shared purpose.
Day Three: Art, Heritage & Impact
- Start with a visit to the Centro Deportivo Israelita (CDI), the vibrant Israelite Sports Center (Mexico City JCC) that plays a central role in Jewish communal life. Learn about the incredible work of the Jewish Agency for Israel in building Jewish identity and global support networks.
- Next, immerse yourself in the artistic soul of Mexico with a tour of Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, her iconic home filled with color, history, and creativity — all set in the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán.
- In the afternoon, visit the Jewish Documentation and Research Center of Mexico, dedicated to preserving the stories and history of the Jewish experience in Mexico.
- In the evening, enjoy a free night to explore the city and have dinner on your own.
Day Four: A Journey Through Time
- Step back into ancient history at the breathtaking Pyramids of Teotihuacán — walk the Avenue of the Dead, climb the pyramids, and feel the magic of a place once believed to be where gods were born.
- Later, unwind in the peaceful beauty of Chapultepec Park and explore the grandeur of Chapultepec Castle. Enjoy some free time to shop, relax, or explore at your own pace.
- That evening, join a private chef for a fun and flavorful Mexican cooking class, followed by a festive final dinner — a time to celebrate everything you’ve experienced, learned, and shared on this powerful journey.
Day Five: Farewell for Now
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading home — filled with inspiration, deep connections, and memories that will stay with you long after your return.
Women’s Philanthropy Journey to Mexico City Co-Chairs
Iris Goldberg, Victoria Shmoel
Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chairs
Marina Grabovsky, Linda Mordoh
Giving Societies
Lion of Judah
The Lion of Judah is a symbol of today’s Jewish Woman’s strength, a symbol of her caring about the organized Jewish world and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $5,000 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis's Annual Campaign.
Created in 1972 in Miami by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland, the Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life in order to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.
Members of Lion of Judah World-Wide
Women are eligible to receive a pin upon becoming a member of the organization. Each year that a woman sustains or increases her minimum $5,000 gift, she is eligible to have a small diamond set into the pin.
Pomegranate
The pomegranate is a symbol of a woman's commitment to the Jewish people, based on the 613 seeds in a pomegranate fruit which symbolize the Torah's 613 mitzvot, and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $1,800 to the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis' Annual Campaign.
The Pomegranate pin was introduced in Lehigh Valley in 1981 by Sybil Baiman and Jeanette Eichenwald. A proven aspirational tool, a woman's pin shines a little brighter each time she increases her pledge. Each step up brings her closer to becoming a Lion of Judah and motivates her to stay with the Federation and complete that journey.
Members of Pomegranate Across North America
Women are eligible to receive a pin upon becoming a Pomegranate. Each year that a woman increases her minimum $1,800 pledge, she is entitled to add a new ruby “seed” to the pin, which is designed to be used for a period of 10 years.
