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ITINERARY

Kol Tikvah Congregation 
Led by Lisa and Jon Hanish
June 21st-July 2nd, 2023

Day 1: Wednesday, June 21st – Arrive in Israel

  • Settling in and meeting your guide 

  • Opening dinner 

  • Overnight: Alexander, Tel Aviv

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Day 2: Thursday, June 22nd - Welcome to Tel Aviv!

  • Machon Ayalon-Located in Rechovot. This place was originally created to fool the British into thinking it was a Kibbutz during the British Mandate. In fact, it was a secret ammunition factory set up by the Jewish underground. 

  • Lewinsky Culinary Tour - The famous spices and herbs market with a local guide, this tour includes 4 tastings in authentic market stores, 1 drink and 1 dessert.

  • Palmach Museum - An experiential museum, covering the Palmach legacy through the stories of individuals and groups. Rabbi Jon will lead a short memorial service and reflection following the tour.  (15 minutes for group) 

  • The Milk & Honey Distillery - Israel's first distillery where you will learn about the history and process of the spirit making and finish with some tastings, of course!

  • Diner on your own.

  • Overnight:  Alexander, Tel Aviv

Port of Jaffa

Day 3: Friday, June 23rd – Tel Aviv on Market Day

Start your day with an option of one of the following: 

  • Peres Center for peace and innovation- The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, founded in 1996 by the late President of Israel, Shimon Peres, develops and implements impactful and meaningful programs with a focus on promoting a prosperous Israel, nurturing and highlighting Israeli innovation, and paving the way for shared-living between all of Israel's citizens and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors.

  • Old Jaffa - The ancient port city was the gateway to the Holy Land. We will walk through the ancient port, down the small alleyways visiting the artist colony and all the beautiful galleries. We’ll visit the enchanting flea market, where we might find a few bargains and have an amazing overlook of the first Hebrew city of Israel: Tel Aviv.

  • Anu diaspora museum - Beit Hatfutsot, the Museum of the Jewish People, is more than a museum. This unique global institution tells the ongoing and extraordinary story of the Jewish people.
    Beit Hatfutsot connects Jewish people to their roots and strengthens their personal and collective Jewish identity. Beit Hatfutsot conveys to the world the fascinating narrative of the Jewish people and the essence of the Jewish culture, faith, purpose and deed while presenting the contribution of world Jewry to humanity.

  • Independence Hall-   Where Ben Gurion declared the independence of Israel in 1948-a story worth hearing.

  • Nahalat Binyamin Artist Market-Nahalat Binyamin Street became a show place for young artists to show their works, a great place for unique and not too expensive souvenirs (opens on Tuesdays and Fridays only).

  • Carmel Market The most colorful food market of Tel Aviv, where we will have the chance to walk around and enjoy the smells and the colors of this special market.

  • Free Afternoon

  • Drum Circle and Shabbat Service overlooking the Sea 

  • Shabbat Dinner

  • Overnight:  Alexander, Tel Aviv

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Day 4: Saturday, June 24th – Tel Aviv on Your Own

  • Recommendations for activities: 

 

  • Bicycle tour

  • Electric Scooter tour 

  • HaYarkon Park

  • Tel Aviv Port

  • Hatachana – Old Train Station Compound

  • Tel Aviv Museum of Art

  • Tel Aviv Promenade

  • Hit the Beach

  • Guest Speaker

  • Havdalah With Rabbi Jon 

  • Overnight:  Alexander, Tel Aviv

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Day 5: Sunday, June 25th – Driving north through Hefer valley and the galilee

  • Check Out 

  • Rabin Square:  a main large public city square in the center of Tel Aviv, Israel. Over the years it has been the site of numerous political rallies, parades, and other public events. In 1995 the square was renamed 'Rabin Square' following the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin which occurred there on November 4th 1995. 

  • A Local Experience: Beni's Shopping Route: Have a taste of Beni's shopping route in the Valley of Emek Hefer and meet the local people :  Olive Oil productions, cheese fars, organic farming, bakery , coffee shops and much more. We will take a tour through Emek Hefer, the most developed area in Israel of farm to table. This incredible valley is close to the sea and is full of farm to table local, independent families and businesses that support the economy.    

  • Zippori + Beit shearim: The home of "Mishna" and Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, a fascinating city which once was occupied with a mix of Jews, Christians, Pagans and Samaritans. Some of the most beautiful ancient mosaics ever discovered can be seen here, some apply that the Jewish community here was very advanced for the time almost like the reform movement of those times.

  • Get to your hotel

    • (Possible spa time)

  • Dinner  at the hotel

  • Guest Speaker 

  • Overnight: North, Hagoshrim

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Day 6: Monday, June 26th – The Magical Golan Heights

  • Tel Dan National Park: The Dan River, is the largest of three sources of the Jordan river and is enjoying its beautiful waters, streams and treetops. This site is also famous for its incredible archaeological excavations, offering a unique exploration of both an ancient Canaanite civilization (about 4,000 years ago) and the Israelite tribe of Dan. These ancient ruins are truly amazing and will give you a new perspective on the historic events that took place in the Northern Kingdom. 

  • Majdal Shams: We will enjoy a delicious Druze culinary Experience with Mona in Majdal Shams Druze town located at the foothills of Mount Hermon, includes a workshop where we will learn to make the most famous Druze dessert "knafeh"

  • Mt. Bental: From this 360 overlook we’ll have stunning views of Mount Hermon, the Israeli and Syrian Golan, Upper Galilee and the Jordan valley and will have a wonderful opportunity to learn firsthand about the Six Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and the situation in Syria today. You will also have the opportunity to walk through an Israeli Bunker that sits on top of the mountain.

  • Geopolitical Jeep ride: We will ride on 4WD jeep with a security expert and a member of a local Kibbutz. We will drive along the Syrian border passing all the important army posts that overlooking into Syria, and understand from our guide the current situation in Syria and the new challenges that the IDF border security and the local community need to face. After, we will stop for an amazing view of Mt. Hermon and the valley of tears. 

  • Dinner : Northern Israel Dinner where the congregants cooked their own gourmet meal under the supervision of professionals -Gadi Elias

  • Overnight: North, Hagoshrim

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Day 7: Tuesday, June 27th – The Mystical Galilee

  • Tzfat:  The colorful city of Tzfat, visiting the old city, the famous Kabbalah synagogues and the artist quarter. We will even have an opportunity to meet with a kabbalah artist and understand the idea of kabbalah through his works.

  • Lotem Winery: The only organic winery in the country, with an amazing view of the Galilee Mountains. Here you will have the chance to meet and talk with the wine maker, Yonatan, and taste the magic that Yonatan creates in his kitchen, using the best that the Galilee has to offer; from fresh fish of the Mediterranean to the local lamb and beef, all seasoned with the special spices that grow wild in the mountains. Enjoy your lunch!

    • For the kids, Cacao Secret, chocolate workshop. 

  • Return to the hotel and enjoy the kibbutz!

    • Spa and Pool time!

    • optional - Teva Neot shoe Factory 

  • Guest speaker

  • Dinner at the hotel 

  • Overnight: North, Hagoshrim

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Day 8: Wednesday, June 28th – The Judean Lowlands (Transition day) 

  • Check Out and leave by 8:30

  • Drive to The Judean Lowlands (2 hours) 

  • Fauda Base: Fauda Base is a unique space that provides a sneak peek into the exhilarating and mysterious world of the Israeli Defense Force’s Special Undercover Forces, and makes that world accessible to the public, unlike anywhere else in the world.

  • Lunch at Latrun

  • Latrun Tank museum The Armored Corps Memorial Site and Museum in Latrun. This is an official memorial site for fallen soldiers from the armored corps, as well as one of the most diverse tank museums in the world.

  • 4:30 PM Jerusalem overview with Shehecheyanu Ceremony: Celebrating your arrival at this holy city

  • Overnight: Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel 

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Day 9: Thursday, June 29th –Jerusalem of 3 Religions

  • The Old City including Dual Narrative Tour Discovering the significant sites at each quarter, including the Muslim Quarter (security permits) with the colorful Arab market, the Christian Quarter with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Via Dolorosa, and the Jewish Quarter. Including an Israeli and a Palestinian guide that will take us all the way to temple mount.

    • Egalitarian section prayer time 

  • After noon visit to machane Yehuda 

  • Guest Speaker

  • Dinner on your own in Jerusalem 

  • Overnight: Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel 

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Day 10: Friday, June 30th – The Dead Sea area

  • Masada: Learn about this amazing archeological wonder, where King Herod built his summer palace and the Zealots from the Great Revolt spent their final days. 

  • Dead sea Spa: Have a float at the Dead Sea, use the famous mud or just enjoy an outdoor pool.  Enjoy day at Vert Hotel , including lunch

  • Harel: Shabbat at a local Reform Synagogue for services

  • Shabbat dinner at the Hotel or restaurant

 

  • Overnight: Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel

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Day 11: Saturday, July 1st – Jerusalem on Your Own 

Recommendations for activities:

 

  • Rabbi Jon leads a group to HUC for Morning Services

  • Haas Promenade

  • Christian Quarter

  • Ramparts Walk

  • Botanical Gardens

  • The First Station

  • Guest Speaker representing the Reform Movement

  • Fare well dinner 

  • Overnight: Jerusalem, Herbert Samuel

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Day 12: Sunday, July 2nd  The New City of Jerusalem

  • Yad Vashem: The National Holocaust Memorial, where you will have a special and meaningful Twinning Program, (full details sent separately) - price includes twinning for one child
    No entry for children under 10, not recommended for children under 11/12

  • Lunch on your own in Yad Vashem or in the Israel museum

  • Israel museum: Visit to the site serves as a time tunnel, carrying the visitor far into 66AD, before Jerusalem was ransacked by the Romans. The model is built to a 1:50 scale with authentic construction materials - Jerusalem stone, Marmor, steel all based upon historical material - the Mishna, the Gemara, Josephus Flavius's accounts, and more, all meticulously carried out.

  • Ben Yehuda Street for last minute shopping!

  • Driving to the airport

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