CULINARY & WINE MISSION

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Jewish National Fund CULINARY & WINE MISSION March 18 26, 2011 Mission Co-Chairs: Mr. Jeffrey Menick and Dr.

After our individual arrivals into Ben Gurion Airport, we will meet the guide and begin the drive north to Rosh Pinah. After checking in, we ll have some time to relax and freshen up.

A special guest speaker will welcome us into Israel and provide us with an overview of Israel s growing food and wine scene.

Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa For those who wish to participate, there will be an optional guided tour through Mitzpe Hayamim s organic farms.

1 Jewish National Fund CULINARY & WINE MISSION March 18 26, 2011 Mission Co-Chairs: Mr. Jeffrey Menick and Dr. Jim Chisum Mission Professional: Diane Scar, JNF Mid-Atlantic Zone Director View from Mitzpe Hayamim FRIDAY MARCH 18 ARRIVAL / UPPER GALILEE Welcome to Israel! After our individual arrivals into Ben Gurion Airport, we will meet the guide and begin the drive north to Rosh Pinah. After checking in, we ll have some time to relax and freshen up. This evening, we ll enjoy Shabbat dinner at the hotel, consisting of organic Israeli food made at Mitzpe Hayamim s own organic farm. A special guest speaker will welcome us into Israel and provide us with an overview of Israel s growing food and wine scene. Overnight, Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa, Rosh Pinah SATURDAY MARCH 19 SHABBAT Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat. Optional Shabbat services will be offered at the hotel. Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa For those who wish to participate, there will be an optional guided tour through Mitzpe Hayamim s organic farms. It will begin at Mitzpe Hayamim s organic vegetable farms, orchards and herb gardens that provide the hotel with all of the organic herbs, fruits and vegetables served at meals. During the tour, a representative will discuss Mitzpe Hayamim s philosophy about food and explain why the hotel s land is particularly suitable for organic farming. Organic farming at Mitzpe Hayamim Continue to Mitzpe Hayamim s organic animal farm to see the cows, goats and sheep that produce all of the hotel s milk and cheese and the free-range chickens that provide all of the eggs used in the hotel s cooking. Next, head to Mitzpe Hayamim s own dairy to learn about the process of cheese making and taste a few of the 25 different dairy products made here! After lunch at the hotel, spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Relax in the hotel s tranquil atmosphere, take a dip in the pool or indulge in an optional spa treatment at the hotel. After Shabbat ends this evening, dinner will be served at the hotel. Spa Treatment Overnight, Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel & Spa, Rosh Pinah 1

Cooking class with Chef Erez Kamarovsky SUNDAY MARCH 20 UPPER GALILEE / TEL AVIV After a delicious Israeli breakfast, we ll check out of the hotel and then proceed to a nearby market.

Afterward, Chef Kamarovsky will welcome us into his home for a special cooking lesson and home hospitality.

Afterward, we ll enjoy the fruits of our labor with lunch outside on his terrace (weather permitting). We ll then begin to make our way to the center of the country.

After a tour the winery, which is located on a basalt plateau nearly 3,000 feet above sea level and situated in the heart of the Nachmias family s pomegranate orchard, we ll enjoy a special wine

2 Cooking class with Chef Erez Kamarovsky SUNDAY MARCH 20 UPPER GALILEE / TEL AVIV After a delicious Israeli breakfast, we ll check out of the hotel and then proceed to a nearby market. Renowned chef, Erez Kamarovsky, will take us on a tour of the market and guide us in choosing some fresh ingredients for today s lunch. Afterward, Chef Kamarovsky will welcome us into his home for a special cooking lesson and home hospitality. Using the ingredients purchased in the market, he will teach us how to cook some authentic Israeli dishes as well as some hamentashen in honor of Purim! Afterward, we ll enjoy the fruits of our labor with lunch outside on his terrace (weather permitting). We ll then begin to make our way to the center of the country. Along the way, we ll stop at Rimon Winery known for being the first winery to produce wine made from 100% pomegranate. After a tour the winery, which is located on a basalt plateau nearly 3,000 feet above sea level and situated in the heart of the Nachmias family s pomegranate orchard, we ll enjoy a special wine tasting. Pomegranate at Rimon Winery Afterward, we ll head to Zichron Ya acov, also known as the Napa Valley of Israel as it is home to several world famous wineries. We will enjoy lunch at the Tishbi Winery s restaurant overlooking part of the Tishbi Estate vineyards. We ll dine on local cuisine including fresh vegetables, homemade bread and fresh cheeses from the nearby Yaakob and Meiri Dairy farms, and taste some of the spectacular wines produced here. Following lunch, we will take a stroll through the Zichron Ya acov s cobblestone streets and learn about the town s rich Zionist history. Upon our arrival into Tel Aviv, head directly to the hotel to check-in. This evening will be at leisure, providing us with an opportunity to celebrate Purim in Tel Aviv with Israeli s! Overnight, Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv Tel Aviv MONDAY MARCH 21 TEL AVIV After breakfast at the hotel, we will spend the morning exploring several Tel Aviv markets where we will be able to experience the true sights, smells and taste of Israel s cuisine. We ll begin at the bustling Carmel Market, Tel Aviv s bustling open-air market and stroll through the stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and local delicacies. Carmel Market Afterward, we ll continue to Levinsky Market, a true-food lover s paradise. We ll walk through the market filled with unique spices, smoked fish, cheeses and pastries, and taste some of the famous marzipan and burekas sold here. 2

Afterward, we ll head to Tel Aviv s Florentine neighborhood for a private cooking lesson and lunch with internationally acclaimed chef, Rima Olvera.

We ll go to the Doro Ice Cream Factory for a special tour and tasting of some of Doro s unique flavors such as Pears and Merlot, Cinnamon or Sesame.

We ll meet several Bedouins and learn about JNF s new Project Wadi Attir, which seeks to develop and demonstrate a model sustainable, self-sufficient community based on enterprise that is sensitive

The project combines Bedouin aspirations, values, experiences, and interest in agriculture with cutting-edge approaches to energy production, waste and water treatment, employment, and land use.

3 Afterward, we ll head to Tel Aviv s Florentine neighborhood for a private cooking lesson and lunch with internationally acclaimed chef, Rima Olvera. Bauhaus architecture on Rothschild Boulevard Later this evening, we ll head to the tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard, known for its excellent examples of Bauhaus architecture. We ll go to the Doro Ice Cream Factory for a special tour and tasting of some of Doro s unique flavors such as Pears and Merlot, Cinnamon or Sesame. Overnight, Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv Project Wadi Attir TUESDAY MARCH 22 NEGEV This morning, we will head south to the Negev. Upon our arrival, we ll head to the Bedouin community of Hura. We ll meet several Bedouins and learn about JNF s new Project Wadi Attir, which seeks to develop and demonstrate a model sustainable, self-sufficient community based on enterprise that is sensitive to Bedouin culture and traditions. The project combines Bedouin aspirations, values, experiences, and interest in agriculture with cutting-edge approaches to energy production, waste and water treatment, employment, and land use. From here, we will continue to Tel Sheva, where we will meet with Miriam Abu Rkik, a Bedouin woman and successful entrepreneur who founded Desert Daughter, a unique line of cosmetic and medicine healing products. Be er Sheva River Project We ll proceed to Be er Sheva, the capital of the Negev. Here, we will see the progress of the Be er Sheva River Park Project, the centerpiece of JNF s efforts to provide a renaissance for the entire city and bring 250,000 new residents to the city. During a tour of the site, Itai Freeman, Director of the Be er Sheva River Project, will provide an update on the project s progress and the impact it has had on the Negev region. Afterward, we ll go to the nearby Bell Park for a delicious lunch prepared by a few female Ofakim residents who, with a passion for cooking, a strong entrepreneurial drive and a pioneering spirit, opened their own restaurant. Built from the ground up, the restaurant has become a successful and well known establishment in the region. Sderot Indoor Recreation Center Following lunch, we will proceed to Sderot, a town plagued by frequent rocket attacks that hold life at a standstill for its residents. We will visit JNF s Indoor Recreation Center, the largest indoor playground in Israel. This fortified facility provides Sderot s youth with a safe, secure place to have fun and simply be children. During the visit meet with several Sderot residents to understand how the indoor playground has enriched their daily lives. 3

Early this evening, we will return to Tel Aviv. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Joining us as a special guest this evening is world renowned wine critic and author, Daniel Rogov.

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv Overnight, Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv WEDNESDAY MARCH 23 TEL AVIV / JERUSALEM This morning we will check out of the hotel and then head to nearby KKL-JNF land where we will have

We ll stop in Beit Shemesh for a tour of one of the more than fifteen wineries located here.

We'll partake in a special wine tasting and drink from Reidel wine-glasses, which are designed to highlight the finest characteristics of particular wines.

4 Early this evening, we will return to Tel Aviv. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Joining us as a special guest this evening is world renowned wine critic and author, Daniel Rogov. Throughout the meal, he will guide us through a selection of wine pairings picked especially for us. He will share his knowledge and experiences and provide us with an opportunity to ask questions. Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv Overnight, Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv WEDNESDAY MARCH 23 TEL AVIV / JERUSALEM This morning we will check out of the hotel and then head to nearby KKL-JNF land where we will have the unique opportunity to pick fresh vegetables and herbs. Vineyards at Tzora Winery We'll then begin to make our way to Jerusalem. We ll stop in Beit Shemesh for a tour of one of the more than fifteen wineries located here. We ll visit the nearby Tzora Winery, located on Kibbutz Tzora and established in 1993 as the first winery in the kibbutz movement. We'll partake in a special wine tasting and drink from Reidel wine-glasses, which are designed to highlight the finest characteristics of particular wines. After a light lunch, we ll stop at the nearby Beit Shemesh Fire Station to see a fire truck that was donated by a local Baltimore synagogue. Tour of Tzora s vineyards Later this afternoon, we ll participate in a special chocolate workshop with chocolatier, Maya Stern. After a brief discussion, she will lead us in a chocolate tasting where we will be able to sample a variety of delicious chocolates before we learn to prepare chocolate from scratch. Following the workshop, we ll return to the hotel in Jerusalem. Early this evening, we ll hear from special guest speaker Naomi Ragan who is an American born novelist, playwright and journalist who has lived in Jerusalem since 1971 (pending confirmation). The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. King David Hotel, Jerusalem Overnight, King David Hotel, Jerusalem 4

THURSDAY MARCH 24 JERUSALEM Today we will begin with a visit to Ammunition Hill, site of the famous and fierce battle of the Six-Day War in 1967.

The visit will conclude at new JNF Wall of Honor, honoring Jewish veterans from around the world.

We ll then continue to the home of Chef Osnat Moshe for a hands-on cooking class.

We ll take a tour of the vineyards and see the remains of an ancient wine press dating back from the time of King David.

5 THURSDAY MARCH 24 JERUSALEM Today we will begin with a visit to Ammunition Hill, site of the famous and fierce battle of the Six-Day War in A representative will lead us on a tour through the battleground and bunkers that follows the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here. The visit will conclude at new JNF Wall of Honor, honoring Jewish veterans from around the world. Ammunition Hill Afterward, we will head to Eshtaol Forest for a visit to the Tavlin Herb and Spice Farm to see some of the more than 500 herbs and spice plants grown here. We ll then continue to the home of Chef Osnat Moshe for a hands-on cooking class. We ll learn to prepare Kurdish delicacies such as stuffed vegetables and plenty of succulent Mediterranean salads, starters and appetizer like beetroots with pomegranate, special aubergines, and stuffed wine leaves. Ancient wine press Following lunch Osnat s home, we ll spend the afternoon at the Ella Valley Vineyards, which is located at the exact place where wine was produced thousands of years ago. We ll take a tour of the vineyards and see the remains of an ancient wine press dating back from the time of King David. Afterward, we ll enjoy a leisurely wine tasting before heading back to our hotel. This evening, we ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Jerusalem. During dinner, we will have a unique opportunity to hear from Mark Regev, Spokesperson for Israel s Prime Minister and an advisor on foreign press and public affairs (pending confirmation). Ella Valley Entrance Overnight, King David Hotel, Jerusalem FRIDAY MARCH 25 JERUSALEM Today will begin with a special challah baking lesson with a local baker. In preparation for Shabbat, we ll learn about the significance of each ingredient and the importance of the challah baking process. Jerusalem at night Afterward, we ll head to the colorful Mahene Yehuda Market for lunch on our own and time to explore at your own pace and take in the sights, sounds, aromas and flavors of Jerusalem. Late this afternoon, we ll go to the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat and then return to the hotel to light the Shabbat candles, recite the blessings and then taste the challah we made earlier today! Afterward, we ll enjoy a special Shabbat dinner as a group. Overnight, King David Hotel, Jerusalem Mahene Yehuda Market 5

SATURDAY MARCH 26 SHABBAT / EN ROUTE Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat. Cable Car Ride over Masada An optional day tour to the Dead Sea and Masada will be offered.

This is the location of the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing suicide in 73 AD.

Dead Sea There will also be an optional walking tour of Jerusalem s Old City offered as well. After breakfast, the tour will depart for Jerusalem s Old City for a walking tour.

6 SATURDAY MARCH 26 SHABBAT / EN ROUTE Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat. Cable Car Ride over Masada An optional day tour to the Dead Sea and Masada will be offered. The tour will go to Masada for a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex. This is the location of the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing suicide in 73 AD. Next, descend to the depths of Dead Sea, for an afternoon at leisure. After lunch, take a swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, indulge in an optional spa treatment or simply relax at the beach. Dead Sea There will also be an optional walking tour of Jerusalem s Old City offered as well. After breakfast, the tour will depart for Jerusalem s Old City for a walking tour. After entering through the Jaffa Gate, head directly to the Western Wall, the last remaining retaining wall which enclosed the Temple Mount in the Second Temple Period. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations, the location of the original steps that lead to the Temple Mount and the remnants of ancient houses. Afterward, walk down the Cardo, the main street in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. This evening we will have a special closing dinner at a local restaurant in Jerusalem before being picked up and transferred to the airport for our return flight home. Jerusalem Overnight, En Route Itinerary subject to change 6

Overnight, Caesarea. Overnight, Kibbutz HaGoshrim 1. Tree Planting. Caesarea harbor at sunset. Shuni. Beit Aharonson.

Overnight, Caesarea. Overnight, Kibbutz HaGoshrim 1. Tree Planting. Caesarea harbor at sunset. Shuni. Beit Aharonson. Come With Me to Israel Mission Strengthening the Zionist Connection March 23 April 1, 2009 Mission Chair: Melinda Wolf Mission Professional: Jodi Bodner Monday March 23 Tree Planting Caesarea harbor at