ABOUT THE PROGRAM USCJ Family Israel Experience We invite you to join the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism next summer on its 3rd annual Family Israel Experience, hosted by Rabbi Charlie Savenor and his wife Julie. This active Israel tour covers Israel s many wonders Jerusalem, Caesarea, the Carmel Mountains, Masada, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Tel Aviv, and the Mediterranean Coast while creating a sense of community along the way. The program has a multi-generational approach with activities designed for youth, teens, adults and even active grandparents! All of your senses will be filled with the life, smells, tastes, sounds, and texture of modern Israel. Program Itinerary Page 3 What s Included Page 6 Program Costs & Registration Page 7 Pre-Trip Preparation Page 10 Travel Insurance Page 11 Program Staff. The USCJ Family Israel Experience is hosted once again by Rabbi Charles Savenor and his wife, Julie Walpert. Rabbi Savenor is the USCJ Director of Kehilla Enrichment and a veteran Israel traveler. The tour is also led by an English-speaking, licensed Israeli guide who accompanies the group on a 24x7 basis. Our guides are charismatic informal educators who share the story of Israel with energy and pride. The program is also staffed by an Israeli counselor who focuses on the experience of younger participants and supports the trip as a whole. Last but not least, we travel on a private luxury touring bus with a dedicated bus driver. More than just sharing the story of Israel, our staff strives to create a sense of community among the individual travelers. Participants often return home with lasting friendships and a more meaningful experience in Israel as a result. 1
Organized in Partnership with USCJ. The Family Israel Experience is organized in partnership with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. USCJ is the umbrella of the Conservative Movement in North America, and our tour in Israel embodies the values and traditions of Conservative Judaism. Membership or prior affiliation with a USCJ synagogue is not necessary to participate in the tour. An Active Multi-Generational Experience. Each day is packed with experiences that are designed to provide you with the full flavor of Israel, regardless of age. Although the program does not have any formal age limits, the itinerary involves a good amount of walking and some long days in general. Because of the active nature of the program, children traveling with their parents are usually over the age of 10, but activities are suitable for children, teens, and adults of all ages! Participants who wish to take a break from the active schedule can opt-out of experiences like rafting on the Jordan River and offroad jeeping on the Golan Heights. Independent and Group Travel. Although the Family Israel Experience is a group tour, there are ample opportunities for personal exploration. In particular, Saturdays in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are designed to be less structured days. No activity is mandatory, and participants can opt out of any programming. We only ask that you coordinate with our guide in such cases. Finally, participants are encouraged to arrive to Jerusalem before the program starts or stay in Tel Aviv after the program ends. We can extend your reservation at the group hotels accordingly. Celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in Israel? The USCJ Family Israel Experience is also a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate a bar/bat mitzvah in Israel as a family or even to celebrate the anniversary of your own bat/bar mitzvah. A bnai mitzvah service will take place on top of Masada on the morning of Thursday, July 3rd for those who wish to take part. Contact Rabbi Savenor for additional details. The USCJ Family Israel Experience is organized and operated in-house by our own USCJ and Authentic Israel staff. This means we can provide a higher level of customer service, a truly authentic experience in Israel, and a good value. References are always available upon request. 2
THE PROGRAM ITINERARY USCJ Family Israel Experience The Family Israel Experience tells the story of Israel through the lens of Jewish history in broadly chronological order. As such, the experience begins in Jerusalem, follows the path of the Exile to Masada, continues northwards to the Galilee, and concludes in Tel Aviv with the establishment of the modern State of Israel. Actual itineraries and final hotels may vary only slightly and will be re-confirmed about two months prior to arrival. Meals Included: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner Sunday, June 29 / Depart for Israel Option #1: Depart for Israel on the group flight from NYC Exact flight details to be posted approximately 10 months prior to departure Option #2: Arrange your own flight to Israel Monday, June 30 / Welcome Bruchim HaBa im! VIP greeting at Ben Gurion Airport Travel to Jerusalem The airport pick-up and transfer service is complimentary for all flights arriving this day Meet in hotel lobby for program intros and welcome dinner at hotel in Jerusalem Tower of David Sound & Light Show Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Tuesday, July 1 / The Old City of Jerusalem Panoramic intro to Jerusalem and schecheyanu prayer at Haas Promenade Reflections at the Kotel The Western Wall City of David complex and Hezekiah s water tunnels Explore the Jewish Quarter s alleyways and rooftops, and shopping in the Cardo Dinner at Bein HaKshatot Restaurant in the Old City 3
Evening: The Kotel Tunnel Tour Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Wednesday, July 2 / Working with the Land Dig-for-a-Day archeological seminar at Beit Guvrin Machon Ayalon The founding of the IDF Leket: Service project harvesting for the hungry Dinner on your own in Jerusalem Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/L] Thursday, July 3 / Masada & Dead Sea Early travel to the Judean Desert - Ascend Masada via the cable cars Tour of the Masada desert mountaintop fortress Bnai Mitzvah service at Masada s ancient synagogue Descend Masada via cable cars or Snake Path (weather permitting) Dead Sea floating at Ein Gedi Spa and beach Nature walk to the desert waterfalls at Ein Gedi Camel riding, pita baking, and traditional feast at Eretz Beresheit desert tent Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Friday, July 4 / Remembrance and Renewal Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial Alternate activity for children under 10: Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Pre-Shabbat options to visit the Israel Museum on own or shop at Mahane Yehuda marketplace Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat overlooking the Old City Festive Shabbat dinner served at the hotel Joined by lone soldiers serving in the IDF Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/D] Saturday, July 5 / Shabbat in Jerusalem Shabbat services at Fuchsberg Center followed by kiddush Shabbat Lunch and learning at the Fuchsberg Center Optional Ask the Rabbi session at the hotel Walking tour of Jerusalem's Yemin Moshe neighborhood and Monetfiore's Windmill (optional) Shalosh Seudot (Shabbat 3rd meal) at the home of Rabbi Paul and Nina Freedman Free evening and dinner on your own: Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall or German Colony Overnight: Prima Royale Hotel, Jerusalem [B/L/D] Sunday, July 6 / Mystics of the Galilee Herzl Museum Tracing the founding of Zionism, Mt. Herzl and Military Cemetery Travel northwards to the Galilee 4
Beit Shearim Tour the Talmudic-era catacombs Check-in to accommodations on the Sea of Galilee Relaxation time: Swimming at Kibbutz Ma'agan pool and beach BBQ dinner at Gofra Beach on the Sea of Galilee Overnight: Kibbutz Ma agan, Sea of Galilee [B/D] Monday, July 7 / Perspectives from the Golan Guided tour of the kibbutz community Off-road jeep tour of the Golan Heights Alternate activity: Ancient Synagogue of Katrzin Strategic view of Israel and her neighbors atop Mt. Ben Tal Tour of the De Karina Chocolate Factory Relaxed tubing and rafting down the Jordan River Sunset cruise on the Sea of Galilee followed by dinner at Decks Restaurant in Tiberias Overnight: Kibbutz Ma agan, Sea of Galilee [B/D] Tuesday, July 8 / The Carmel & Mediterranean Walking tour of mystical Safed, explore the local artist colony, and meet with a local Kabbalistic artist Kfar Hasidim Youth Village Learn about Ethiopian Jewry's journey and Israel's absorption efforts Tour of Caesarea Herod s beachside amphitheater Explore Tel Aviv s Nahalat Binyamin street festival Evening on own in Tel Aviv along the waterfront Overnight: Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv [B/L] Wednesday, July 9 / To Be a Free People Morning free for swimming in the Mediterranean and last minute shopping Celebrate the founding of the modern State of Israel at Independence Hall Reflections at Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Walking tour of old Jaffa seaport and discussion about the program Closing dinner at Maganda Enjoy Yemeni Jewish cuisine Return to airport for overnight flights [B/D] Flights departing on Wednesday evening or just after midnight on Thursday, August 8 Thursday, July 10 / Shalom U Lihitraot Optional group flight arrives back to NYC in early morning 5
WHAT S INCLUDED USCJ Family Israel Experience Services Included Roundtrip flight from NYC (optional) VIP airport greeting and a private transfer to Jerusalem hotel Complimentary for anyone arriving to Israel on June 30 (see below) 4-star and 5-star centrally located accommodations with hotel porterage included Licensed Israeli tour guide throughout program Israeli counselor/support staff Luxury private air-conditioned touring bus with dedicated Israeli driver Two group meals daily, including tax and gratuities at restaurant meals Site entrance fees, activity costs, and programming All applicable taxes NOTE: Travelers with an Israeli passport (including those with dual citizenship) may be subject to VAT (tax) in Israel at the hotels. It must be paid, if requested, and is the responsibility of the traveler. Services Not Included Local medical insurance (see below) Travel insurance (see below) Group cell phone rental service (see below) Meals not marked as included in itinerary Hotel incidentals Israeli staff gratuities (suggested $100/adult traveler) Getting to/from Israel Participants can opt to join a group flight from NYC or can be responsible for arranging their own air travel to/from Israel. As part of the program package, participants will be met at Ben Gurion International Airport upon arrival on Monday, June 30 and escorted to the group hotel in Jerusalem by 6
our staff at no extra cost. This VIP greeting and transfer service is only available to participants arriving to Ben Gurion Airport on the first day of the program. The program formally begins that evening with dinner included at the Jerusalem hotel followed by the Tower of David Sound & Light Show in the Old City. Participants planning to be in Jerusalem before the arrival date can be accommodated at the arrival hotel by prior arrangements. At the end of the program, participants will be escorted back to Ben Gurion Airport on the evening of Wednesday, July 9 th in time to catch overnight flights back to North America (departing between 10:30pm and 1:00am on July 10 th ). Participants on return flights outside of this window can be accommodated with an airport transfer by special arrangement, and additional fees will apply. Finally, participants wishing to extend their booking in Tel Aviv can do so by prior arrangement. NOTE: Please send us your confirmed travel plans as soon as you have finalized them. PROGRAM COSTS & REGISTRATION Program Costs PROGRAM SELECTIONS / COST PER PERSON (Please indicate number of applicable travelers) Land Package [$2,450/Person] Single Room Supplement [$750/p] Optional Group Flight from NYC [$TBD] Discount for Sharing Triple or Quad Room [$125/p] *Group flights are confirmed approximately ten months prior to the start of the program. The cost of the group flight is based on payment by check. An additional 3% surcharge applies for participants paying for the group flight by credit card. Get Registered Completed registration forms may be submitted by fax to 1-202-315-3269 or by mail to: Authentic Israel Attn: USCJ Family Israel Experience 5185 MacArthur Blvd NW, #640 Washington, DC 20016 7
Payment & General Terms A $250/person deposit is due with registration. The program is subject to availability. Confirmation of participation will be sent shortly after receipt of your registration. The balance of program costs is due by March1, 2014. Your deposit is fully refundable until February 28, 2014. Participants canceling as of March 1, 2014 are entitled to a refund, minus a $750 cancellation fee. Following April 20, 2014, all program payments are non-refundable. Cancellations must be made in writing, and participants are encouraged to take out travel insurance. Program subject to limited availability, and encourage interested parties to register early on a no-risk basis. For participants joining the group flight, please be aware that the airline may adjust fuel surcharges until the time of ticketing; flight costs are subject to change accordingly. Traveler's Insurance Authentic Israel has partnered with Travel Insurance Israel to provide an optional discounted travel insurance package (see below). According to the terms of this policy, children under the age of 18 traveling with parent(s) are covered for FREE. The cost of the policy is a function of the total cost of your trip, including airfare booked on your own. The policy must be issued before final payment in made on the program, and some benefits are only available within 14 days of registration. Take advantage of it! Participant Information Participant #1 (Primary Contact) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #2 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Participant #3 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Participant #4 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: 8
DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Participant #5 (if applicable) First Name*: Last Name: DOB: Passport #: Exp Date: Mailing Address: *If your passport info is not currently available, it can be submitted at a later date. Please note that according to Israeli customs regulations, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your travel. Medical & Dietary Notes: Emergency Contact: Full Name: Relation: Email: Tel (Cell): Tel (Other): Number of Single Rooms: Number of Double Rooms: Number of Triple Rooms: Rooming Notes: Local Medical Insurance (circle one): Yes / No Separate from travel insurance (see below), Authentic Israel offers optional local health insurance in Israel that covers treatment and medication for non pre-existing conditions. The policy carries no deductible or co-pay, and there are no claims to submit. Even if you have coverage at home that extends abroad, you would need to pay out of pocket in Israel and file a claim with your insurance when you return home. This local Israeli policy is a very easy way to receive medical care in Israel without any paperwork or reimbursement process. Detailed policy information is available upon request. The cost of the policy for the ten-day USCJ Family Israel Experience is according to the following age groupings: Up to age 65 $25/person ($30/person including the Eilat extension) Ages 66-75 $60/person ($72/person including the Eilat extension) Ages 76-85 $70/person ($84/person including the Eilat extension) 9
Payment Information Deposit Due ($250/Person): $ Payment: Visa/MC/Amex: Check: Unless otherwise instructed, your credit card will be charged the deposit, and you will be send a confirmation message with an itemized receipt. Balance will be charged on March 1, 2014. Credit Card #: Security Code: Exp. Date: Name on Card: Billing Address: Name: Signature: Date: Payment Notes: PRE-TRIP PREPARATION Detailed pre-trip preparation material and program luggage tags are distributed approximately three months prior to arrival in advance of the payment due date. Participants will also be invited to a trip Facebook group in order to "meet" fellow travelers before the program and stay in touch afterwards. Finally, the Family Israel Experience is designed to be an experience not just a tour. With that in mind, we have assembled an Israel Sources & Resources document which you will receive in Israel. Passport & Visa Rules. All participants must have valid passports in order to travel to Israel. If your passport expires before December 2014, you will need to get your passport renewed prior to arrival in Israel. If you have a passport from a country other than the United States or Canada, you may need to apply for a visa in order to enter Israel. Additionally, if you have an Israeli passport, you must present it upon entry to Israel. 10
DISCOUNTED TRAVEL INSURANCE Authentic Israel has partnered with Travel Insurance Israel to provide an optional travel insurance package. NOTE: Children under the age of 18 traveling with parent(s) are covered for FREE. BENEFITS MAXIMUM LIMITS Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Trip Cost Post-Departure Trip Interruption Up to 150% of Trip Cost Travel Delay/Missed Connection $500 Maximum Medical Expense/Emergency Evacuation $50,000/$500,000 ($50 deductible) Baggage and Personal Effects $1,000 ($250 per article limit) Baggage Delay $300 Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Covered (if purchased w/in 14 days of trip deposit) Cancel For Any Reason (Optional)* 75% of non-refundable Trip Cost Not available to residents of Washington State The above is a summary of benefits. All benefits subject to plan exclusions. See policy wording for details Cancel For Any Reason. This supplemental coverage can be selected provided the plan is purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit or airfare payment and the appropriate additional premium is paid. Cancellation must be made at least two days or more prior to departure. Optional Medical Upgrade: $25/Person Applies to all travelers on same policy and adds the following additional benefits: Additional $50,000 Emergency Accident and Sickness Medical per person Additional $500,000 Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains per person $0 deductible Primary medical coverage Children under the age of 18 traveling with parent(s) are covered for FREE DELUXE PLAN DELUXE PLAN + CANCEL FOR ANY REASON COVERED AMOUNT PER ADULT (18+)* COVERED AMOUNT PER ADULT (18+)* AGE $1,501- $2,000 $2,001- $2,500 $2,501- $3,000 $3,001- $3,500 $3,501- $4,000 $1,501- $2,000 $2,001- $2,500 $2,501- $3,000 $3,001- $3,500 $3,501- $4,000 18-35 $79 $99 $119 $138 $155 $115 $145 $175 $203 $229 36-60 $102 $125 $146 $154 $169 $149 $184 $215 $227 $250 61-70 $131 $161 $190 $220 $249 $193 $238 $281 $326 $370 *All trip costs must be included as part of your coverage including flight costs not booked through Authentic Israel. Order online at www.grouptravelinsuranceisrael.com Questions? Please contact Dani Eisenstock at dani@travelinsuranceisrael.com or 1-888-747-3773 11