BE Connected to Israel

Transcription

1 JOIN US ON THE JOURNEY & BE CONNECTED TO ISRAEL EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE THE HOLY LAND WITH RABBI MARK, HAYLEY AND THE FAMILY. B NAI EMUNAH TRAVELS TO ISRAEL BE Connected to Israel June 25 July 5, 2018

2 MESSAGE FROM RABBI MARK Israel is a beautiful, spiritual, complex and complicated place for the Jewish people. And, it has a special place in my heart. It s the place where I traveled first with my Grandma after my bar mitzvah, where I returned to as a teen, where I ultimately decided that I would become a rabbi, where I met Hayley and where we returned for the first two years of our married life. It s a place we pray for each Shabbat and which represents the hope of the Jewish people. I ve longed to return for my next spiritual journey but have been busy with family and synagogue life over the last nine years. If I m completely honest with myself (and you), it s also a trip I ve been postponing. Either because of politics, safety, religious extremism, you name it. After having visited and then lived in Israel for four years, I ve experienced a wide spectrum of emotions. I ve fallen in and out of love, felt deep despair, darkness and loss, and experienced the heights of Jewish spirituality. Israel pulsates with life and spirit, and it s a very real place with very real challenges. But, I m ready and I d like to invite you to join Hayley and I and our family on a pilgrimage to our shared Holy Land. On our journey we ll traverse sacred sights and experience the true plurality, people and issues of democracy, security, spirituality and inclusivity that face Israel today. We ll journey as a community of seekers, learners, and shared fellow travelers with the goal of being open to connecting to and learning about this special place, both in our hearts and in our world today. Please take this opportunity to consider joining us on this fun adventure. If you re not able at this time, consider this an open invitation to speak with me further about your hopes, dreams and struggles in connection to Israel from afar. In this booklet you ll find our itinerary, registration and cost information for a trip of 20 travelers. Perhaps you have a friend or loved one to bring along. N siyah tova, a good journey, Rabbi Mark

3 Israel Encounter June 25 July 5, 2018 Led by Rabbi Mark Melamut Itinerary (As of August 23 - Subject to Change) Monday June 25 BRUCHIM HABAIM WELCOME TO ISRAEL Check-in at our hotel in Tel Aviv on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea from 3 PM In the evening, we ll meet to head out for our Welcome to Israel Dinner Overnight: Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv Tuesday June 26 TO BE FREE IN OUR OWN LAND Depart the hotel to examine the struggles leading to the birth of the State of Israel, with a dramatic reenactment at Independence Hall where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948 Join a Palmach unit at the multi-media Palmach Museum dedicated to this elite force of the pre- State Haganah. Shopping time & lunch on your own at the Nahalat Binyamin Crafts Market & Carmel Shuk outdoor market Visit the Tel Aviv LGBT Community Center to learn about the struggle for LGBT rights in Israel Enjoy the urban beaches of Tel Aviv right outside our hotel. Evening and dinner on your own in Tel Aviv Overnight: Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv Wednesday June 27 UP TO JERUSALEM Session with Professor Paul Liptz Introduction to Israeli Society Pack bus and depart hotel Saying lehitraot to Tel Aviv, we'll head to Tel Azeka overlooking the Elah Valley, and revisit the Biblical accounts of David & Goliath and gain insight to David's ascendency to the monarchy. Packed Lunch Ascend to Jerusalem and celebrate our arrival with Shehechiyanu and the magnificent views of the city from the Haas Promenade. Begin our exploration of the Jewish love affair with Jerusalem starting with the stories of Akedat Yitzhak & David s establishment of the city as capital of Israel 3,000 years ago Step back 3,000 years to the days of King David and the days of the First Temple at the latest archeological finds at the City Of David (the original Jerusalem); walk through the water systems built thousands of years ago to secure Jerusalem's water supply. (Dry option available) Check-in at our hotel; dinner and evening on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem 1

4 Thursday June 28 JERUSALEM THE HOLY THROUGH THE AGES Meet members of Israel s Ultra Orthodox Community and learn about the challenges and changes taking place in this the fastest growing segment of Jewish and Israeli society. Explore the restored Jewish Quarter together and examine the life of the city through the ages including the rooftops, the Cardo and the Kotel overlook. Lunch and shopping time on your own in the Old City At the Davidson Southern Temple Mount Archeological Park step back 2,000 years to the days of the Second Temple. Examine the centrality of the Temple experience in Jewish tradition Private prayer and contemplation time at the Kotel (Western Wall) At the Kotel Tunnels, continue learning about the Temple experience Evening and dinner on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem Friday June 29 FROM OUT OF THE CRUCIBLE Briefing at the hotel on the latest diplomatic and security issues Visit and stand in solemn memory at Israel s Yad Vashem memorial to the Holocaust including the children s memorial and the historical museum After Yad Vashem, celebrate the vitality of life in Jerusalem. Explore and have lunch on your own at the famous bustling open-air Machane Yehudah market as the city prepares for Shabbat. Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. Meet Ethiopian Jewish immigrants in their home. Hear the remarkable story of their journey home from Africa to Israel Head to the Old City for our own Kabbalat Shabbat services at the Masorti Ezrat Israel egalatarian prayer area at the foot of the Temple Mount. Then join thousands in greeting Shabbat with song, dance and prayer at the Kotel. Walk back to the hotel for a late Shabbat Dinner Overnight: Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem Shabbat June 30 SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM Shabbat services at Masorti Congregation Moreshet Israel followed by Kiddush and study session. Walk back to the hotel for Shabbat lunch, rest and pool time. Late afternoon walking tour to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where we will consider the Christian connection to and presence in Jerusalem Return to the hotel for dinner and Havdallah Additional Options on your own: The Israel Museum is open from 10 AM 4 PM and the Tower of David Museum is open from 10 AM 2 PM. Overnight: Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem Sunday July 1 SHARING THE LAND? Session with Women of the Wall. Learn about the struggle for religious pluralism in Israel. Pack bus and depart hotel 2

5 Seam Line tour exploring the delicate relationship between Jews and Arabs in and around Jerusalem Visit the restored Jewish communities of Gush Etzion and Efrat; see firsthand what a settlement is. Meet with Roots/Judur/Shorashim: The Palestinian Israeli Initiative for Understanding, Nonviolence, and Reconciliation which brings together Jews & Arabs who live the Efrat/Gush Etzion area for dialogue and interaction. Wine tasting and lunch at the award winning Gush Etzion Winery Meet Efrat Mayor Oded Ravivi : Are Settlements an Obstacle to Peace? Head south to the Kfar HaNokdim Desert Ranch for a camel trek, Bedouin hospitality and dinner. Get a few hours of sleep in the rustic (air conditioned) desert guest rooms Overnight: Kfar Hanokdim Desert Ranch Monday July 2 WHAT PRICE FREEDOM? Wakeup for a pre-sunrise climb to the fortress of Masada where the last Jewish freedom fighters faced the mighty Roman Empire 2,000 years ago. Shacharit services and tour atop the mountain as we address the troubling issues presented by the Masada story. Descend by cable car or Snake Path to a simple breakfast at the Masada Visitors Center. Head to the Dead Sea for a float in the Dead Sea and lunch. Later, head north through the Jordan River Valley to to the Bet Shean Valley for a window into Jewish life almost 2000 years ago with a visit to the remains of the Talmudic era Beit Alpha Synagogue uncovered by 20 th century Zionist pioneers in the fields of Kibbutz Heftzibah Check-in and dinner at our Kibbutz hotel on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) Overnight: Kibbutz Ginosar Nof Hotel, Sea of Galilee Tuesday July 3 LAND OF BORDERS Delve into the complex security and water issues on the Golan Heights, starting with a nature hike at the beautiful Tel Dan Nature Reserve incorporating the headwaters of the Jordan River & the ancient Biblical City Dan. Head to Israel s border with Syria to better understand the political and security situation. Lunch on your own in Katzrin, capital of the Golan Tour and taste at the award winning Golan Heights Winery Visit and stand in solidarity with IDF soldiers guarding Israel s border with Lebanon. Learn about life on a border Kibbutz. Return to the hotel for dinner After dinner, session with a Kibbutz member about changes in Kibbutz life Overnight: Kibbutz Ginosar Nof Hotel, Sea of Galilee Wednesday July 4 LAND OF MANY CULTURES Ascend to Tzfat, city of the Jewish mystics. Explore the narrow alleyways and synagogues of Tzfat and learn how the mystical traditions that emerged here 500 years ago continue to impact the Jewish world. Meet a Kabalistic artist in his studio; learn about Kabalah via the lens of art. Lunch on your own shop and time to explore the galleries and shops of Tzfat 3

6 Visit the Jeckes Museum in Tefen. The museum tells the story of German-speaking Jewry in Central Europe until World War II and their contributions and influence in the development of Israel. Visit an Israeli Arab town and meet local residents. Learn about the challenges they face as a minority group in Israel. Dinner at Moshav Amirim, a Jewish community dedicated to vegetarianism and veganism. Overnight: Kibbutz Ginosar Nof Hotel, Sea of Galilee Thursday July 5 COEXISTENCE Pack bus and depart hotel. Head to Haifa. Stand at the top of Mt. Carmel for dramatic views of Haifa and the Bahai Gardens. Haifa is the world center of the Bahai faith. Meet with a local Rabbi and Ahmadi Muslim Imam and join in their ongoing journey to build bridges of coexistence. Lunch on your own At the ancient Roman capital and port at Caesarea, we ll examine the complex relationships between the Roman pagan world and Jews & Judaism during the Second Temple Period and beyond. Summary Session and Farewell Dinner before heading to Ben Gurion International Airport for group flight to the USA Listed activities and speakers are subject to confirmation. Program will be staffed by a Keshet Israel Tour Educator All underlined meals are included in the package price. This itinerary is proprietary to Keshet and is intended for the promotion of and to inform those considering joining this Keshet trip. It is not to be transmitted to any other party without prior authorization from Keshet Keshet Educational Journeys PO Box 8540 Jerusalem Israel Phone: Fax: keshet@keshetisrael.co.il 4

7 Options & Discounts Israel Encounter June 25 July 5, 2018 Led by Rabbi Mark Melamut Land Package Price Per Person: $3,650 In double occupancy hotel accommodations; based on a minimum number of participants Plus $140 per person tips Option What is it? Add/Deduct Single Occupancy One person per hotel room (limited availability) Add $1,100 Child as third in room For one child under 14 years old as a third in a room Deduct $ 750 Adult as third in room For one participant age 14 and up as a third in a room Deduct $ 235 August 31, 2017 Deposit & Payment Schedule December 4, 2017 Deposit of $500 per participant (applied to total payment) February 1, % payment due April 25, 2018 Payment due in full (including tips) Refund Schedule For cancellation or non-participation for any reason. Cancellation after December 4, 2017 Refund Full refund less $300 per person February 1, 2018 Full refund less $2,200 April 25, 2018 Full refund less $2,600 May 25, 2018 No Refund Notice of cancellation must be submitted via to danny@keshetisrael.co.il. Payment Options Online Pay with MasterCard or Visa online at - Check Complete the registration form and mail with a check of $500 per person payable to Educational Encounters International, Inc.(EEII) at 110 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 228, Montvale, N.J Keshet strives to offer fair pricing and therefore does not budget for contingencies resulting from weather or security issues. Itineraries may be altered as a result of these factors. Also, the prices listed reflect rates quoted by hotels and vendors as of August In the event of devaluation of the US dollar exchange rates, hotels and other vendors may add surcharges; Keshet reserves the right to pass such increases on to trip participants. Please contact Daniel Ehrlich, Keshet s Educational Director, with any questions about the trip: danny@keshetisrael.co.il 1

8 Arrival in/departure from Israel Flights are being arranged by each traveler. Keshet assumes no responsibility for flight arrangements, delays or cancellations. There will be one group bus transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to the Renaissance Hotel in Tel Aviv matched to the arrival time of most of the group on Monday June 25, Should your flight arrive at a different time/date, you will be responsible for the cost of your own airport transportation. The Keshet staff will be happy to help you make private transportation arrangements. When booking flights, please note the following: First night of included hotel accommodations Conclusion of included hotel accommodations Monday June 25 at the Renaissance Hotel in Tel Aviv. Check-in is from 3 PM Thursday morning July 5 : Check-out from Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel. There will be one group bus drop off at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on Thursday evening July 5 at the conclusion of the trip. The exact times of the airport transfer will be set to meet the flight departure time of the majority of the group. Please note: If your need to get to the airport at times other than the provided group airport transportation, you will be responsible for the cost of your own airport transportation. The Keshet staff will be happy to help you arrange and pre pay for airport taxi services in Israel if you so desire and to help you with any additional accommodations or touring services that you might need to arrange prior to or after the trip. Accommodations Hotel Dates Hotel Dates Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv June Kfar HaNokdim Desert Ranch July 1-2 Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem June 27 July 1 Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Hotel July 2-5 Land Package Price Includes All group transportation in Israel on private chartered bus as per the itinerary All hotel accommodations double occupancy - as per the itinerary. All site admissions and programs as per the itinerary Breakfast every morning plus 12 included lunches and dinners Keshet Israel Tour Educator Customized Sourcebook Keshet Hat & T-shirt and insulated water bottle holder Keshet Luggage Tags and Map of Israel Tips for guide, bus driver hotel bell staff and waiters at included meals. Not Included in Land Package Price Airfare Medical & Trip Insurance Meals on your own Laundry service Personal charges at hotels and restaurants Private airport transfers Trip Insurance: Keshet urges you to purchase cancellation insurance and supplemental medical coverage (which covers preexisting conditions).we recommend the "Cancel For Any Reason" policies which offer the broadest coverage. Please note that most insurance policies require purchase within 14 days of your date of registration for the trip. While you are free to purchase insurance from any company of your choice, Keshet has made arrangements with SMS-Travel Insurance Center of Omaha, Nebraska. SMS has over 25 years of experience as worldwide insurance brokers and can help you choose the policy that best meets your needs. Our contact person is Yonah Engel info@travelinsuranceisrael.com USA phone: Mention promo code: KESHET. Please note: We cannot accept responsibility for any losses or expenses which you or any member of your party may incur as a result of failure to secure adequate insurance coverage. Keshet Educational Journeys PO Box 8540 Jerusalem Israel Phone: Fax: keshet@keshetisrael.co.il 2