THE FINE PRINT FOR THE WINNERS
Travel Period:
• Valid from January 10, 2025 to December 10, 2025
• Blackout Dates: Not valid for travel from April 7-30, 2024, and October 1-22, 2025
Ticket Booking:
• Tickets must be booked in the H class or lower.
• Option to upgrade: You can opt for a higher booking class by paying a supplemental fee, subject to availability.
• Once your tickets are confirmed and issued, please note that any changes will incur a fee of $350 in addition to any fare difference.
• Booking should be made via email to stuart@taltours.com. Indicate desired travel dates with a second and 3rd choice in each direction, legal names exactly as they appear on your passports, and dates of birth.
Stuart Katz, PsyD, MPH, MBA, is a distinguished leader and mental health advocate with over 35 years of experience in organizing travel experiences, having journeyed to more than 100 countries. Renowned for his quiet yet effective leadership, Stuart has made significant contributions across both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, consistently guiding by example.
Stuart co-founded the Nafshenu Alenu mental health educational initiative, established in 2022, and currently serves on the Board of Visitors at McLean Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He also holds prominent roles as Chairman of the Board for OGEN – Advancement of Mental Health Awareness in Israel, Chairman of Mental Health First Aid Israel, and a partner in the “Deconstructing Stigma” initiative in Israel. Additionally, he is on the Board of Directors of the Religious Conference Management Association and was a co-founder of Yad Chazaka.
With a deep commitment to mental health advocacy, Dr. Katz has counseled over 7,000 individuals and families in crisis across the globe, including in the United States, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Syria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. He has dedicated more than 900 hours to volunteering on the Crisis Text Line and remains actively involved in global peer support networks, with a particular focus on the African continent.
Stuart is a certified instructor in Mental Health First Aid across various specialties, including workplace mental health, older adults, first responders, higher education, and military veterans and their families. His work in Israel has had a significant impact, where he continues to instruct and expand the reach of Mental Health First Aid.
In addition to his mental health work, Stuart has a long history of leadership within Jewish communities. Before moving to Israel in 2010, he served twice as President of the Young Israel of North Woodmere and for six years as President of the Glenwood synagogue in Hashmonaim. His leadership extends to numerous boards, including the JCRC, Limmud FSU, and Bnei Akiva of the United States and Canada.
When not volunteering around the world—whether providing emotional support to families in Sderot, aiding Syrian refugees, assisting Jews from Uganda, or improving ties between Bangladesh and Israel—Stuart serves as CEO of TAL Tours and Deluxe Kosher Tours. His extensive experience in the travel industry includes his previous roles as Managing Director of Israir Airlines in the United States and President of IsraMedica.
As an author and global speaker, Stuart frequently shares his insights on travel and mental health advocacy, bringing his vast experience to audiences worldwide. His leadership, compassion, and dedication continue to significantly impact many lives, both through his professional work and his extensive volunteer efforts.
Stuart Katz
Daniel Rothner is the Founder & Director of Areyvut. Prior to establishing Areyvut, Daniel taught Judaic studies at the HAFTR and Heschel Middle Schools, where he developed and implemented a variety of chesed and tzedakah projects and programs. Daniel earned a BA in Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University, an MA in Modern Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. He received a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University and Principal Certification from the Jewish Educational Leadership Institute in Chicago. Daniel has presented at conferences, in day schools, synagogues and workplaces on ethics, leadership, Jewish values and actively making a difference.
Daniel is active in his community and volunteers for Bikur Cholim of Teaneck and facilitates a group of Mitzvah Clowns that regularly visit senior centers, children with special needs and those in need of a friendly visit. He has served on the Middot Committee at Yeshivat Noam, coached youth baseball, basketball and soccer and has been active in Bergen LEADS, a unique leadership program in Bergen County.
