ISRAEL 2016

OK, a lot of people have indicated that they would like to make another trip to Israel.  So Bob and I talked about this, floated a few ideas, and are now ready to see if we have enough interest to make this work.

DATES – APPROXIMATELY  Aug 10-21, 2016 – this might change due to who is able to go.  

ITINERARY – something very different.  See below:

APPROXIMATE COST – depends on interest, but generally we will try to stick with previous costs at about $2500 per person (double occupancy)

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:  If you have already indicated that you are interested and you were in Missouri recently to tell me, then I have you on the list.  If you were not at the Missouri conference, then you need to E MAIL ME to tell me you are interested in this.

If we have enough people, then we will move forward and inform all who respond to this.

THIS IS TIME SENSITIVE.  It takes a long time to arrange all this, so we need to know if you are interested.  Just email me and let me know.

Here’s the plan:

Going deeper into the Land – 12 days tour of Israel

2 nights in Tel-Aviv, 3 nights in Galilee, 1 night at a Bedouin Tent, 5 nights in Jerusalem

Day 1:   Flying over the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, or Africa, we will reach the shores of Israel, to a journey that will allow us to get better acquainted with the land we have come to love. We will walk, see, feel and touch the roots of our faith in a dipper way. After formalities at Ben Gurion airport, we will make our way to our hotel in Tel-Aviv, the first Modern city and the cultural and business center of Israel, to meet with the rest of the group and rest before our journey begins.

Day 2:   ESTABLISHING THE STATE OF ISRAEL

Today we will trace the young State of Israel in its early days. We will start the day at Machon Ayalon. Here we will learn about the secret ways ammunition was manufactured by the Jewish underground underneath the grounds of an active kibbutz during the British Mandate rule. Our next stop will be the Palmach Museum for an interactive experience that will tell us the story of the early fighting for Israel’s survival. Driving through Tel-Aviv we will pass by the cultural center of the Habimah Theatre, Dizingof Street and City Hall, where Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin was assassinated. We will also view Neve Tzedek and Nachalat Binyamin, two typical historic neighborhoods of the city. We will also visit the Hall of Independence, where the establishment of the State of Israel was declared in 1948. At the end of the day we will go to Joppa, stroll through its beautiful streets, galleries and cafes, view the beautiful ancient port and enjoy one of the most impressive panoramic views of Tel-Aviv.

Day 3:   THE COASTAL PLAIN

Before leaving Tel-Aviv we will visit the Diaspora Museum, telling the story of the Jewish People throughout the world and throughout the generations. We will dedicate the rest of the day to traveling along the coastal plain of Israel. We will make our first stop at Zichron Ya’akov, a colorful little town that is one of the earliest pioneers’ settlements, founded by Rothschild. It is known for its beautiful restored houses, many coffee shops, little shops and wineries. We will visit the Tishbi or Shshana Winery and taste some of their fine wine. Then, a fun experience awaits us as we go Horseback riding on the Carmel with its magnificent view of the entire area, and the cool breeze from the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 4:   WESTERN GALILEE

We will begin our day at Beit Shearim, an important first century town and the largest Necropolis in the land, where beautiful tombs from the Talmudic period have been found. We will continue to the city of Akko, recently declared a World Heritage site. We will visit the underground remains from the Crusaders period and walk through the colorful market and the old fisherman’s harbor to get a feeling of a typical Mediterranean city. Our final stop will be at Rosh Hanikra, the narrowest point in Israel, where a breathtaking overlook of the mountains and the Mediterranean awaits us, as well as beautiful grottoes. We will end the day crossing through some beautiful forests as we make our way to our hotel.

Day 5:   THE GLORIOUS TOWNS OF GALILEE

We will begin the day visiting Gamla, a city conquered by the Romans and known as “Masada of the Galilee”. After a breathtaking view of the area, we will walk through the city’s synagogue, Mikveh and Oil press and hear the story of this unique town. We will continue to the famous Ramat Hagolan Wineries to visit the Winery and taste some of its world famous wines. We will continue to the city of Safed, a spiritual center of the Kabalah. We will walk through the old streets, the artists’ quarter and visit the Joseph Caro or the Ari synagogue.

Day 6:   STEPPING INTO THE WILDERNESS

Before leaving the beautiful Galilee area behind us we will make a final stop at the impressive Belvoir, a crusader castle still standing at its full glory and offering a beautiful view of the area surrounding it. Then, driving down the Jordan Valley we will leave the lush area behind us and step into the desert, as we make our way towards the Dead Sea and the area of Sodom and Gomorrah. We will reflect on the story as we explore the area by Jeeps. Right before the sunset we will arrive at Nokdim, where we will spend the night, experiencing Bedouin life at first hand, as we sleep at a Bedouin Tent.

Day 7:   PHILISTINE COUNTRY

Early in the morning we will visit the impressive Nahl Zin, the southern border of the land of Canaan (Numbers 34) and the largest wadi in the Negev. We will walk to its beautiful water fall and enjoy some quiet time for reflection. At noon time we will visit the Yatir Winery, known for its unique wines, made of grapes growing in the desert. Before leaving the area we will view the impressive Ramon Crater and the development town of Mizpeh Ramon overlooking it. Towards the end of the day we will start ascending to the Golden City of the Mighty King: JERUSALEM. A unique experience awaits us for dinner tonight, as we spend the evening celebrating Shabbat with a local Israeli family.

Day 8:   JERUSALEM THROUGHOUT THE GENERATIONS

We will begin the day with a visit to Herodion, site of King Herod’s palace and burial place. In the site are found remains of a magnificent palace, a luxurious swimming pool, a private theater and above all Herod’s Mausoleum. Our next destination will be the Israel Museum. We will visit the Wing for Jewish Art and Life, presenting the most impressive collection of religious and secular material culture of Jewish communities worldwide. Then we will take a walk at Yemin Moshe, the first neighborhood built outside of the old city walls and a beautiful artist’s village today.

Day 9:   SOCIETY IN JERUSALEM

We will begin the day with a visit of the impressive Israeli Supreme Court with its symbolic architecture, and learn about its important role in designing Israel’s identity. We will also visit The Knesset (Israeli Parliament). We will then visit the synagogue at Hadassah hospital to see the famous Chagall Windows. In the afternoon at Yad Vashem, the museum of the Holocaust, we will better understand the miracle of Israel’s revival and return to the Land.

Day 10:   THE HISTORY OF JERUSALEM

This morning we will get a chance to participate in the sifting project of reveling the past, as we assist archeologists in the removal and sorting of rubble taken from the Temple Mount, and learn how archeology and the Bible interact in understanding the past. The rest of the afternoon will be free. You may want to use the time to walk around the Old City’s Walls, bargain for deals in the Arab Market, walk around the Jewish Quarter, or just enjoy some quiet time resting at the hotel. At night a memorable event awaits us, as we view the spectacular light and sound show at the Tower of David, telling the story of Jerusalem through the centuries.

Day 11:   THE LAND  

We will spend the morning at the Biblical gardens of Neot Kedumin, where you can see and experience the Land of the Bible as it was during the time of the Bible. Here we will see the seven fruits of the land, as well as hundreds of biblical and Talmudic plants and animals and learn about biblical agriculture. Then, will get a chance to leave our mark in Israel, as we plant a tree in one of the beautiful forests around Jerusalem. We will end the day at the impressive Avshalom Cave, unique for its dense concentration of stalactites.

Day 12:   Arrival back home, Israel will have become our second home, as it will remain alive before eyes and in our hearts forever.