PAS ADULT LEARNING ISRAEL TRIP with educational content provided by the Florence Melton Israel Seminars May 28 June 6, 2011 with early departure option on May 25 WHO? All adult members of PAS, all students in PAS s Melton program, and partners of the above, who are interested in a one-of-a-kind, intensive, on-site adult learning experience in the Land of Israel. WHY? See Israel as you never have before. With the facilitation of outstanding educators from the Florence Melton Israel Seminar, join other motivated adult learners for thematic on-site text study in small, interactive groups. Strengthen and build relationships with fellow PAS members Reinforce our community s commitment to Israel Go beyond the typical tourist experience for a deeply substantive exploration of the land and people of Israel in all their complexity. I. FLIGHTS PAS has arranged for discounted group flight tickets (both coach and business class) on El Al Airlines. If you choose to book your flights with our travel agent, OKT Travel, you may take advantage of the group fares, payment plans and cancellation policies. Primary Group Flight for Melton Israel Seminar with PAS: The primary group flight will depart New York (JFK) on Saturday, May 28 at 11:50 pm and arrive in Tel Aviv on Sunday, May 29 at 5:15 pm. The return group flight will depart Israel on Monday, June 6 at 1:00 am and arrive in New York (JFK) at 5:40 am on June 6. Pre-Seminar Early Departure Group Flight: For those who wish to spend a few extra days in Israel before the PAS Melton Israel Seminar begins, an additional group flight will depart New York (JFK) on Wednesday, May 25 at 11:50 pm and arrive in Tel Aviv on Thursday, May 26 at 5:15 pm. Individual flights: If you choose to travel to Israel on your own using frequent flyer miles, leaving for Israel early, returning to New York later, or making stops to/from Israel you must arrive at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem no later than 6:45 pm on Sunday, May 29. Please inform us of your plans on the Trip Registration Form. To purchase tickets on the group flights: 1. Please contact Riva Nahmiyas Ozinci at OKT Travel at 516-281-8016 or riva@okttravel.com. 2. Indicate on the Trip Registration Form how many tickets you have reserved on the group flight. II. PRE-SEMINAR EXTENSION We are pleased to offer an early departure on May 25 (see above). If you are interested in spending time with other PAS congregants in Israel before the Seminar, please let us know on your Trip Registration Form; if there is a critical mass of people with similar interests, we are happy to help facilitate a group experience on May 26 29. For suggestions or advice about things to do in Israel, private guides, etc., contact Paul Corwin at pcorwin@gcgllp.com.
III. ITINERARIES Our trip will include up to three of the following itineraries based on participant interest: Track I: Yisrael: Wrestling with the Angels Encounters with Jewish History in the Land of Israel A bird s eye view of the sweep of Jewish history in the Land of Israel, examining through on-site text study the critical turning points in the history of the Jewish people and the land over four thousand years. Texts range from Bereishit to yesterday s news, from legal to poetic literature, while the sites are studied as texts in and of themselves. Thematic Elements: longings for Jerusalem; social strife then and now; rejection and acceptance of central authority; Tel Aviv as a cultural symbol; Shabbat and Israeli culture; the Shoah and its impact on Israeli identity; the challenges of Jewish sovereignty. Primary sites tentatively include: Ancient Jerusalem, Dead Sea region, Tel Aviv, Modern Jerusalem neighborhoods, administered territories, Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl. Track II: Altneuland Revisited Herzl s 1898 visit to Palestine led to his writing a book, Altneuland, in which he envisaged visiting the land of Israel 25 years hence, describing what he encountered and what had been achieved. This seminar similarly encounters this Old-New Land, exploring the vision behind modern Israel and the challenges facing Israeli society today and tomorrow. Each topic is examined through pertinent texts, studied on site. Thematic Elements: approaches to the Land; center and periphery in modern Israel; the future of Jerusalem and territorial matters; minority rights in Israel society; intellectual excellence and the future of Israel; the role of the army in Israeli society; Haredim and modern Israel; between Law and Justice. Primary sites tentatively include: Tel Aviv Then & Now, Negev development towns, academic/scientific research facilities, meetings with soldiers, Haredi Jerusalem, Arab communities, Political Jerusalem, the Supreme Court. Track III: Biblical In-Sites What better way to engage in the study of formative Biblical texts than to go to the very places referred to, Tanakh in hand, and encounter the stories and their lessons afresh? This seminar explores the pivotal character and narratives of the central books of our Biblical heritage, examining the circumstances and ideas which helped make this, the Book of Books, central to Jewish identity and of great impact on humankind. Thematic Elements: more dilemmas of the forefathers (Genesis); the meaning of the entry and conquest of the Land (Joshua); contending claims to the Land of Israel (Judges, Samuel); societal anarchy and its price (Judges); apocalyptic visions and a rebuilt Jerusalem (Prophets); exile, return, and the image of our foremother Rachel (Prophets, Genesis). Primary sites tentatively include: various sites in and around Jerusalem, Dead Sea and Jericho region, Coastal Plain down to Ashkelon, Judean Hills, Rachel s Tomb. Please note that space is limited for each of the above itineraries. Seats on the bus for each itinerary will be granted on a first-come first-served basis, with no more than 25 participants in each group. PAS reserves the right to run one, two, or three of these itineraries based on participant interest. We may decide to run two buses for one track (groups to tour separately) if there is sufficient interest. Please be sure to mark your track preferences clearly on your Trip Registration Form. IV. ACCOMMODATIONS We will stay at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem for the full length of the Seminar (Sunday, May 29 Sunday, June 5), traveling each day to different sites around the country depending on our various itineraries. All participants will stay in superior standard double rooms.
V. LAND PRICES Total land price per person for double occupancy: $3,200 Single Supplement: $990 The land package includes 7 nights of hotel accommodations, professional guides and educators, PAS staff assistance, two meals per day, all entrance fees, numerous incidentals, and security as necessary. The price does not include personal property/trip cancellation insurance. Gratuities: In addition to the price of the trip, we ask for a contribution of $100 per participant to cover the cost of gratuities for our guides and educators, bus drivers, and others who will be assisting us. PAS will distribute all gratuities so that participants need not worry about this matter during the Seminar. Pre-Seminar Extension: At this time there is no set price charged by PAS for the pre-seminar extension, as we will arrange group experience(s) between May 26 and May 29 only if there is a critical mass of people interested. Please indicate on your Trip Registration Form if you would be interested in a PAS pre-seminar extension program. VI. REGISTRATION Please note that space on this trip is limited, and each Track will be limited to 25 people. Tickets on the group flights, accommodations in Jerusalem, and space on the different buses for each itinerary will be accorded on a firstcome, first-served basis. Please be sure to review the materials closely and submit the form as soon as possible. To register: 1. Complete the Trip Registration Form and return it with your deposit by February 15, 2011. 2. Submit a photocopy of the passport of each traveler in your party; please be sure the passport number, date of issue and passport can be seen clearly. 3. Make your air arrangements, either by choosing to join the group flight or by making your own arrangements. Please indicate your flight information on the Trip Registration Form. Deposits: Please submit a deposit of $250 per person by February 15, 2011, check made payable to Park Avenue Synagogue. The deposit will be applied towards the total cost of your trip. The balance will be due by April 15, 2011. The deposit and any additional amounts will be fully refundable until April 15, 2011. Cancellation fees will be imposed if you cancel after this date. Send your completed Trip Registration Form and deposit to: Cindy Sherling Park Avenue Synagogue 50 East 87 th Street New York, NY 10128 QUESTIONS? CONTACT: Paul Corwin (PAS Board Officer) Vice President of Programming pcorwin@gcgllp.com Rabbi Julia Andelman (PAS Staff) Dir. of Adult Education & Programming 212-369-2600 ext. 142 jandelman@pasyn.org Haim Aronovitz (Florence Melton Israel Seminars) israel.sem@fmams.org.il 877-729-2805 Please note 7-hour time difference.
TRIP REGISTRATION FORM PAS Adult Learning Israel Trip May 28 June 6, 2011 Please return this form, along with a deposit of $250 per person, to Cindy Sherling at Park Avenue Synagogue by February 15, 2011. Deposits are refundable until April 15. Please make checks payable to Park Avenue Synagogue and write Adult Learning Israel Trip 2011 in the memo line. Family Traveler #1 Phone # / email address Date of Birth Place of Birth / Nationality / Passport # Origin of Passport / Exp. Date / Traveler #2 Phone # / email address Date of Birth Place of Birth / Nationality / Passport # Origin of Passport / Exp. Date / Traveler #3 Phone # / email address Date of Birth Place of Birth / Nationality / Passport # Origin of Passport / Exp. Date / Part 1: General Information Date Part 2: Air Arrangements Traveling with the Group? I/We are traveling with the PAS Group. We have called/will call Riva at OKT Travel to book the following Group Tickets: Number of tickets on the May 25 group flight: coach business Number of tickets on the May 28 group flight: coach business Number of tickets on the June 6 group flight: coach business Traveling on your own? I/We are traveling on our own. We are planning to arrive at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem by 6:45 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Our flight arrangements are as follows: To Israel Airline, Flight #, Departure and Arrival Times: Returning to New York Airline, Flight #, Departure and Arrival Times: Please provide an emergency contact in the U.S. Part 3: Emergency Contact Contact Phone # (home and/or cell) Relation to you
Part 4: Pre-Seminar Extension Would you be interested in being part of a PAS group experience in Israel from May 26 to May 29, 2011? yes no If yes, please indicate which area(s) or site(s) you would be interested in visiting: PAS would be pleased to organize a group pre-seminar extension experience if we have a critical mass. We will follow up with all those who checked Yes above as we begin to get an indication of people s interests through their registration forms. Part 5: Itinerary/Track Preferences Please rank the three potential itineraries in order of your preference (1, 2, and 3): Track I: Yisrael: Wrestling with the Angels Track II: Altneuland Revisited Track III: Biblical In-Sites Or check here if you have no preference: Please note that space is limited for each of the above tracks. Seats on the bus for each track will be granted on a first-come first-served basis, with no more than 25 participants in each group. PAS reserves the right to run one, two, or three of these itineraries based on participant interest and resulting logistical considerations. Part 6: Health and Dietary Needs Please indicate here if you have any health issues, allergies, special dietary needs, limitations on your ability to walk, etc. that we should be aware of: Part 7: Disclaimers 1. I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS OF TRAVEL TO ISRAEL, INCLUDING RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MY SAFETY AND SECURITY. I AM ALSO AWARE, AND HAVE BEEN WARNED, THAT, AS OF THE DATE OF THIS APPLICATION, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE HAS ISSUED A TRAVEL WARNING TO UNITED STATES CITIZENS REGARDING TRAVEL TO ISRAEL, AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS (THE TRAVEL WARNING ). I am voluntarily participating in this Trip with the full understanding of these risks and the Travel Warning, as well as any future travel warnings or advisories that may be in effect at the time of the Trip, I understand and agree to abide by directives to Trip participants; I hereby assume and agree to accept any and all risks to my safety and security during the course of participating in the Trip; and I hereby release Park Avenue Synagogue, any subcontractor/trip organizer, and any of such organizations, trustees, officers, agents and employees from any claims which may arise during the course of my participation in the Trip, and agree not to make any claim or initiate any lawsuit against any of the foregoing persons and entities, including, but not limited to, Park Avenue Synagogue, for any damages which are incurred by me or death or personal injury to me which occurs during or as a result of events related to the Trip. 2. I hereby grant permission, without reservation, to Park Avenue Synagogue to take and to use photographs and/or sound/image recordings of me, to describe and to use the same for promotion of good will, education, and/or fundraising and other related activities of Park Avenue Synagogue, and I waive any right to inspect or approve the photograph(s) or finished version(s) of works, including web site, incorporating the photograph(s), and waive any right I have to any copyright with respect to such photographs and recordings. 3. I hereby grant permission, without reservation, to Park Avenue Synagogue to use my name in connection with advertising or promotion of the Trip. 4. I acknowledge that an itinerary may be adapted or modified at any time before or during the Trip for any reason, including the safety of participants. I agree that I will abide by the guidelines and instructions given by Park Avenue Synagogue or its representatives during the Trip, including any warnings against visiting certain areas that Park Avenue Synagogue has been advised could be dangerous. 5. If I elect to make unilateral arrangements for activities or travel within Israel that are not part of Park Avenue Synagogue s itinerary or otherwise part of the Trip, I will keep Park Avenue Synagogue informed of such arrangements and will maintain a channel of communication with Park Avenue Synagogue s representatives at all times. 6. All releases and disclaimers set forth in this Part Six of the Trip Registration Form will be binding on me, my legal representatives, heirs and assigns. I have read, fully understand and been given the opportunity to ask all questions I have regarding this Disclaimer. I am fully competent to sign this Trip Registration Form on behalf of myself or this Trip Registration Form. SIGNATURE OF EACH PERSON GOING ON THE TRIP Print name Signature Date Print name Signature Date Print name Signature Date
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS I have been to Israel many times. Why should I join this trip? 1. This will be a unique trip to Israel. With the facilitation of outstanding master educators, you will have the opportunity to join with other motivated adult learners to experience intensive, thematic on-site text study in small, interactive groups. We will go beyond the typical tourist experience for a deeply substantive exploration of the land and people of Israel in all their complexity. 2. Even when visiting sites that you have seen before, we will be approaching them in a completely new way and we guarantee that it will be a valuable and meaningful experience! 3. Traveling to Israel with other PAS members offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop new and deep relationships as a community. I have never been to Israel. Will I see the basic sites? First-timers are strongly encouraged to elect the Yisrael: Wrestling with the Angels track. Each of the three tracks offered is designed to answer different interests. We will not be traveling to the Galil or the Negev. All participants will be exposed to many key sites in the country and will be left with a desire to come back again. If you would like to extend your trip to explore more, our travel agent can help design a pre-trip or post-trip extension package for you. I prefer traveling with a smaller group. Is this trip for me? Most of the trip will take place in small groups of no more than 25 people. The full PAS group will gather on Shabbat and for a few other experiences during the trip. We will all be staying at the same hotel each night. Can I come for part of the time? The trip has been designed as a full, community-building experience from arrival to departure. All participants are expected to join us for the full trip. If you would like to extend your trip to explore more, our travel agent can help you design a pre-trip or post-trip extension package. Will I have time to visit my Israeli relatives and friends? We have set aside limited free time for you to make your own plans. If you are looking for more time with Israeli relatives or friends, please consider coming early or leaving late. I am concerned about security. What precautions will be taken? Every security precaution will be taken for each of our groups. Itinerary plans are checked and changed if necessary before departure each day, to ensure the safety of all participants. Can I pay the land costs via credit card? Payment by check is preferable. PAS does accept credit cards; however, there is a 2% convenience fee added. What is not included in the Land Costs? Almost everything is included: 7 nights in Israel, professional guides, daily breakfast and at least one other meal each day, site admissions, special services and security. Gratuities and property/cancellation insurance are not included. How can I purchase travel insurance? You are more than welcome to arrange your own travel insurance. Our Air Travel Agent recommends contacting Travelex, which can be reached at 1.888.322.6776 or www.travelex-insurance.com; when prompted please reference OKT Travel s location #320246. How do I know what to pack and what the exact itinerary will be? After you register via the Trip Registration Form, you will be hearing from us. In the spring, we will host an orientation meeting for registered participants to discuss all logistics.
Park Avenue Synagogue Adult Learning Israel Trip May June 2011 GROUP FLIGHT OPTIONS Option I: Primary Group Flight for Melton Israel Seminar with PAS El Al #8 Depart JFK Saturday, May 28 11:50 pm Arrive Tel Aviv Sunday, May 29 5:15 pm El Al #1 Depart Tel Aviv Monday, June 6 1:00 am Arrive JFK Monday, June 6 5:40 am Business Class: $3,723 plus tax ($472) Tax rate subject to fluctuation based on purchase date. Coach Class: $802 plus tax ($472) Tax rate subject to fluctuation based on purchase date. Option II: Pre-Seminar Early Departure Group Flight El Al #8 Depart JFK Wednesday, May 25 11:50 pm Arrive Tel Aviv Thursday, May 26 5:15 pm El Al #1 Depart Tel Aviv Monday, June 6 1:00 am Arrive JFK Monday, June 6 5:40 am Business Class: $3,529 $3,723 plus tax ($472) Base rate subject to fluctuation based on number of tickets purchased. Tax rate subject to fluctuation based on purchase date. Coach Class: $840 plus tax ($472) Tax rate subject to fluctuation based on purchase date. To purchase tickets, contact Riva Nahmiyas Ozinci at OKT Travel: 516-281-8016 / riva@okttravel.com