PHOTOS!!! :-D

Hey Everyone,

Evan seems to have done a good job updating you verbally on the trip thus far. I'll keep you filled in with my medium of choice - photos. I've taken a bunch already, but I've narrowed it down to the most "blog-worthy" ones. Enjoy!

Day 1:

Mike and Suza at the Airport.

Joelle and Adam after landing in Tel Aviv

Not one, but TWO rainbows greet us as we leave the airport.

A little bit of rain ain't no thang to Rachel.


Bread in Jerusalem! Yum.


Skeptical Cat in the old city.


Still in the Jewish quarter...

Okay, there's a few more from the first day, but it's late here and this computer is slow. I'll try to put up stuff from the other days some time soon.

-Adam

שלום

Hi there. We are finally in a place with internet and can update the blog! Sorry for not keeping in touch.

Where to begin?

I can't update about everything, but first maybe I should address the obligatory concerns of all these Jewish parents. Yes, we are eating. A lot. Especially bread products. And we are sleeping sometimes. Especially for Shabbat. So don't worry, everything is fine.

The Brown students are on three different buses, and there are some students from other schools as well with us. We have our Hillel staff members and a tour guide and bus driver and medic/security guard with us at all times. Today we met up with Rabbi Serena, the former Hillel Rabbi who just made Aliyah to Israel a week ago.

We landed in Tel Aviv and went first to Jerusalem. We saw the Holocaust Museum, the Old City and of course shopped on Ben Yehuda Street. We slept in a Bedouin Tent and climbed Masada and went in the Dead Sea. Today was Shabbat so we stayed at our Kibbutz until night when we went out. We've only been here for a few days but have already experienced so much, from laying under the stars and floating in the Dead Sea to seeing the Kotel and Jerusalem. The trip so far has been incredible.

Since pictures are way better than words alone, some will hopefully be updated shortly.


--Evan Pelz

bus 718

Departure: From: BOS. Departure Flight: IZ636 Departure from USA: 1/7/2008 1:00:00 PM Landing in Israel: 1/8/2008 8:05:00 AM

Return: To: BOS. Return Flight: CO085 Return (Leave Israel): 1/17/2008 11:15:00 AM Return (Arrive in USA): 1/17/2008 8:29:00 PM

bus 716-717

Departure: From: BOS. Departure Flight: IZ636 Departure from USA: 1/7/2008 1:00:00 PM Landing in Israel: 1/8/2008 8:05:00 AM

Return: To: BOS. Return Flight: IZ635 Return (Leave Israel): 1/18/2008 1:20:00 AM Return (Arrive in USA): 1/18/2008 9:00:00 AM

החוויה הישראלית - שירותי תיירות חינוכית בע"מ The Israel Experience – Educational Tourism Services Ltd.

משלחות ופרוייקטים Missions & Projects

Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel trip

Bus #718

January 8-17, 2008

Tuesday January 8 – Getting Started

Morning Arrive in Israel; welcome at airport

Drive to Jerusalem

Shehecheyanu ceremony celebrating group's arrival to Israel at Haas promenade offering spectacular panoramic view of new and old Jerusalem

Group program, orientation, icebreakers and light snack

Drive to Old City

Begin tour of the Jewish Quarter

Afternoon Lunch on own in the Jewish Quarter

Visit to the Davidson Visitors Center and the Southern Wall Excavations

Check in to hotel

Evening Dinner at hotel

Overnight Kedem Towers Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday January 9 - Memory and Continuity

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Afternoon Lunch at Yad Vashem Cafeteria

Conversation My Relationship with Jewish Memory

Visit Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot

Free time on Ben Yehuda Street

Evening Dinner at local restaurant

Overnight Kedem Towers Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday January 10 – Jerusalem & South

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Meet with Abraham Infeld, President Emeritus of Hillel

Participate in Tsedek project in Jerusalem

Visit military national cemetery on Mt Herzl and museum

Afternoon Lunch on own

Drive south

Go on camel ride and learn about Bedouin culture

Evening Bedouin-style dinner

Conversation: Spirituality - Wrestling with G-D

Overnight Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Tourist Camp

Friday January 11 - Masada

Morning Ascend Masada on foot via Roman ramp

Tour Masada

Descend Masada via Snake Path

Breakfast at Masada Youth Hostel

Swim in the Dead Sea joined by students from Arava College

Afternoon Lunch at Ein-Gedi Youth Hostel

Drive to Nachsholim

Check in at hotel; prepare for Shabbat

Evening Shabbat dinner at hotel

Shabbat workshops

Oneg Shabbat

Overnight Nachsholim Hotel

Saturday January 12 – Shabbat

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Optional morning prayers

Afternoon Lunch at hotel

Guest speaker providing update on current events in Israel

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony

Havdalah

Evening Drive to Zichron Ya'akov

Guided tour of Zichron Ya'akov

Free time and dinner on own on pedestrian promenade

Overnight Nachsholim Hotel

Sunday January 13 – Along the Coast

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Zichron Ya'akov; visit the first Aliya museum

Begin mifgash with Israeli soldiers; activity

Afternoon Lunch on own at Zichron Ya'akov

Drive to Atlit

Tour detainee camp that was used by the British authorities to detain Jewish illegal immigrants in Mandatory Palestine

Drive to ancient port of Caesarea including new audio-visual presentation

Drive to Kibbutz Shfayim

Dinner at hotel

Conversation: Special and Normal

Overnight Kibbutz Shfayim Hotel

Monday January 14 – Tel Aviv

Morning Breakfast

Drive to Tel Aviv

Cultural event- Improcess dance workshop

Afternoon Lunch

Visit Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the state of Israel

Visit Rabin Square where Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish fanatic on November 4, 1995

Evening Tour of Jaffa

Dinner on own

Overnight Kibbutz Shfayim Hotel

Tuesday January 15 – Haifa

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Haifa

Overview from the Bahai Gardens

Drive to the Druze village of Usifiyya

Druze hospitality and short program on community in Israel today

Afternoon Druze-style lunch

Drive to Mt Arbel for panoramic view of area

Drive to kibbutz guest house

Evening Dinner at guest house

Conversation: How I relate to Israel – How Israel relates to me

Overnight Kibbutz Ein Gev Guest House

Wednesday January 16 – The Galilee

Morning Breakfast

Drive to Mitzpe Ofir, for panoramic view of Kinneret and Galilee

Tour in Golan Heights including film "Oz 77" on Yom Kippur War

Drive to Mt. Bental overlooking site of decisive tank battle during '73 War

Afternoon Lunch on own

Drive to Safed, center of Kabbala; explore the winding streets and picturesque alleys of historic sites and synagogues

Visit local art gallery in Safed

Evening Drive to Hamat Gader Hot Springs

BBQ dinner at Hamat Gader

Overnight Kibbutz Ein Gev Guest House

Thursday January 17 – The Golan Heights

Morning Breakfast at hotel and check out of hotel

Drive to airport

Hotel, Kedem Towers Jerusalem Tel: 972-2-6558888 Fax: 972-2-6525521

Kfar HaNokdim Tel: 972-8-9950097 Fax: 972-8-9957326

Hotel Nachsholim Tel: 972-4-6399533 Fax: 972-4-6397614

Hotel Shfayim Tel: 972-9-9595595 Fax: 972-9-9595555

Ein Gev Guest house Tel: 972-4-6659800 Fax: 972-4-6659818

קרית מוריה, רח' העסקן 3 , ת.ד. 92, ירושלים 91000

Kiryat Moriah, 3 Haaskan St., P.O.B. 92, Jerusalem

טלפון 02-6216474Tel , פקס 02-6216588 Fax

Email: nimrods@ jazo.org.il

החוויה הישראלית - שירותי תיירות חינוכית בע"מ The Israel Experience – Educational Tourism Services Ltd.

משלחות ופרוייקטים Missions & Projects

Taglit-Birthright Israel: Hillel trip

Bus 717

January 8-17, 2008

Tuesday January 8 – Getting Started

Morning Arrive in Israel; welcome at airport

Drive to Jerusalem

Shehecheyanu ceremony celebrating group's arrival to Israel at Haas promenade offering spectacular panoramic view of new and old Jerusalem

Group program, orientation, icebreakers and light snack

Drive to Old City

Begin tour of the Jewish Quarter

Afternoon Lunch on own in the Jewish Quarter

Visit to the Davidson Visitors Center and the Southern Wall Excavations

Check in to hotel

Evening Dinner at hotel

Overnight Kedem Towers Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday January 9 - Memory and Continuity

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Afternoon Lunch at Yad Vashem Cafeteria

Conversation: My Relationship with Jewish Memory

Visit Jerusalem neighborhood of Nachlaot

Free time on Ben Yehuda Street

Evening Dinner at local restaurant

Overnight Kedem Towers Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday January 10 – Jerusalem & South

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Meet with Abraham Infeld, President Emeritus of Hillel

Participate in Tsedek project in Jerusalem

Visit military national cemetery on Mt Herzl and museum

Afternoon Lunch on own

Drive south

Go on camel ride and learn about Bedouin culture

Evening Bedouin-style dinner

Conversation: Spirituality - Wrestling with G-D

Overnight Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Tourist Camp

Friday January 11 - Masada

Morning Ascend Masada on foot via Roman ramp

Tour Masada

Descend Masada via Snake Path

Breakfast at Masada Youth Hostel

Swim in the Dead Sea

Afternoon Lunch at Ein-Gedi Youth Hostel

Drive to Nachsholim

Check in at hotel; prepare for Shabbat

Evening Shabbat dinner at hotel

Shabbat workshops

Oneg Shabbat

Overnight Nachsholim Hotel

Saturday January 12 – Shabbat

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Optional morning prayers

Afternoon Lunch at hotel

Guest speaker providing update on current events in Israel

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony

Havdalah

Evening Drive to Zichron Ya'akov

Guided tour of Zichron Ya'akov

Free time and dinner on own on pedestrian promenade

Overnight Nachsholim Hotel

Sunday January 13 – Along the Coast

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Haifa; begin mifgash with Israeli soldiers

Overview from the Bahai Gardens

Drive to the Druze village of Usifiyya

Druze hospitality and short program on community in Israel today

Afternoon Druze-style lunch

Drive to ancient port of Caesarea including new audio-visual presentation

Drive to Kibbutz Shfayim

Dinner at hotel

Conversation: Special and Normal

Overnight Kibbutz Shfayim Hotel

Monday January 14 – Tel Aviv

Morning Breakfast

Drive to Tel Aviv

Cultural event - Improcess dance workshop

Afternoon Lunch

Visit Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the state of Israel

Visit Rabin Square where Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish fanatic on November 4, 1995

Evening Tour of Jaffa

Dinner on own

Overnight Kibbutz Shfayim Hotel

Tuesday January 15 – Heading North

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Beit Shearim, 2^nd century CE Jewish center; visit site and tour fascinating catacombs

Afternoon Lunch on own

Drive to Mt Arbel for view of area

Visit Kinneret Cemetery to learn about the dreams and difficulties faced by the early Zionist pioneers

Drive to kibbutz Guest house

Evening Dinner at guest house

Conversation: How I relate to Israel – How Israel relates to me

Overnight Kibbutz Ein Gev Guest House

Wednesday January 16 – The Galilee

Morning Breakfast;

Drive to Safed, center of Kabbala; explore the winding streets and picturesque alleys of historic sites and synagogues

Visit local art gallery in Safed; meet with artist who explains Kabbala through his art

Afternoon Lunch on own

Biking and guided tour Hula Lake, temporary home of migrating birds

Visit Teva Naot – outlet shop of Kibbutz Naot Mordechai.

Evening Drive to Hamat Gader Hot Springs

BBQ dinner at Hamat Gader

Overnight Kibbutz Ein Gev Guest House

Thursday January 17 – The Golan Heights

Morning Breakfast at hotel and check out of hotel

Drive to Mitzpe Ofir for panoramic view of Kinneret and Galilee

Tour in Golan Heights including film "Oz 77" on Yom Kippur War

Drive to Mt. Bental overlooking site of decisive tank battle during '73 War

Afternoon Lunch on own en route

Final discussion summarizing trip

Evening Farewell dinner at local restaurant in Afula

Drive to airport

Hotel, Kedem Towers Jerusalem Tel: 972-2-6558888 Fax: 972-2-6525521

Kfar HaNokdim Tel: 972-8-9950097 Fax: 972-8-9957326

Hotel Nachsholim Tel: 972-4-6399533 Fax: 972-4-6397614

Hotel Shfayim Tel: 972-9-9595595 Fax: 972-9-9595555

Ein Gev Guest House Tel: 972-4-6659800 Fax: 972-4-6659818

קרית מוריה, רח' העסקן 3 , ת.ד. 92, ירושלים 91000

Kiryat Moriah, 3 Haaskan St., P.O.B. 92, Jerusalem

טלפון 02-6216474Tel , פקס 02-6216588 Fax

Email: nimrods@ jazo.org.il

http://www.scholarshipstoisrael.com/

Meet with students from Arava College

on Friday January 11 we will meet whit stdudents from Arava
The Arava Institute is the premier environmentalteaching and research program in the Middle East,preparing future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region's environmental challenges.
for more:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2007/12/09/church.intv.hawa.arava.cnn

few days ago at CNN

Arkia departures in Boston

Location is Terminal E, counters 60-65.
They will have a sign “Arkia”
Gil Travel will have a representative at the terminal.
Handling agent is Swissport.
Check in required at least 4 hours before departure
The baggage restrictions are-
Economy Class All destinations- N.America
Up to 2 pieces, weighing up to 23 kg/piece (50.6 pound)
2 checked bags (pieces); provided that the sum of the 3 dimensions shall not exceed 62 inches (158 cm.) for one of the bags (piece), and provided further that the overall dimensions of the 2 pieces shall not exceed 107 inches (273 cm.)

BOSTON FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME

we will depart Boston, Terminal E at 1pm and arrive in Israel at 8:05am. This is two hours later than the 11am originally schedule departure. All participants should arrive at Logan International Airport no later than 9am.

Packing List

Packing List

Your suitcase:

• Easily identifiable (luggage tags, colorful, etc.)

• Weighs no more than 50 pounds

• ID on inside and outside

• Suitcase, preferably not a travel backpack (for stacking under the bus)

• Checked at El Al (do NOT check through to Israel on your flight to NY)

• Contains your toiletries (do NOT try to take them on the plane)

• Wheels recommended

• Something you can comfortably carry up one flight of stairs by yourself

Your carry-on:

• 22x24x9 inches in dimensions (backpack works best)

• For stuff you’ll need during the day: camera, sweatshirt, iPod, etc.

• Copy of your passport (signed)

• Always a clean t-shirt, underwear, pair of socks, windbreaker/poncho

• Prescription medications, glasses

• Passport

• Any electronics (iPods, cameras, phones, etc), including chargers and cords. Valuables, including cash, should never be put into checked luggage.

General tips:

• It can be rainy, snowy and as cold as 40°F in Israel during the winter

• This may be the only time in your life you’re not judged by your clothes (pack lightly but warmly!)

• Women: Avoid carrying a purse. Carry a wallet in your front pocket or deep at the bottom of your backpack.

• TSA security rules apply to international flights. That means that liquids in containers larger than 3 ounces that are not in a quart-size zip top bag (one per passenger) are not allowed.

Do NOT bring:

• Do not bring fancy stuff or anything you would care about losing

• Laptop computers (there is no wireless internet access in your hotel)

• Drugs, alcohol, anything else illegal

General clothing

4 jeans (for hiking, for going out at night)
2 sweatshirts/ Sweaters
3 long sleeve shirts
4 short sleeve shirts
1 shorts
1 bathing suit
2 button-down shirts/long skirts (for Shabbat; knee covering required at Wall)
1 nice pair pants

1 beach towel (for swimming outside of hotels)
2 plastic bags for wet clothes (more important than you would expect!)

Undergarments (bring at least 3 extra pairs)
Socks (at least one pair a day)
Light jacket/poncho/raincoat
Hiking boots (or sturdy sneakers)
Sneakers or walking shoes (traction for walking on wet stone; with straps or laces)
Pajamas

Gloves

Flip-flops or water shoes for Dead Sea only (not good to walk around in, especially in Jerusalem; plus, it’s cold!!!)

Extras

Hat/Baseball cap

Travel alarm (but we will also be waking you up each day)
Flashlight (mini-sized, for bus)
Camera/film (bring extra film, much more expensive in Israel)
Kippah/yarmulke and a talit/prayer shawl (not required, you may want to bring them)

Journal

Nalgene bottle

Airplane backpack

Passport
Calling card
Change of clothes
Deodorant
Camera
Walkman/iPod
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Magazine, books, etc.
Snacks

Electricity converter

Shabbat Attire
We recommend modest dress for religious sites - shirts with at least short sleeves for both men and women, a skirt covering the knees for women (a jacket and tie are not necessary). Please be sure your Shabbat clothes are warm.

Out on the town/daily clothing
You can wear exactly what you'd wear here, like a t-shirt/sweatshirt, jeans, and good shoes. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. FYI - the streets are paved with stone...it's challenging to wear shoes with awkward heels/soles on uneven pavement.

Toiletries
In Israel, most of the same products they sell in America are available, although they are at a substantially higher cost.

Shampoo/conditioner
Soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Lip balm
Razor
Band-aids
Tampons/pads
Sunscreen
Tylenol/Ibuprofen
Eyeglasses/contact lenses
Anti-bacterial hand lotion/Wet-Naps (really helpful)
Prescription medicine

Other
A few more suggestions that will make your trip to Israel more comfortable:

Batteries
Walkman
Journal
Tissue Packs
Sunglasses
Photocopy of your passport
Gum/candy

Tips from previous participants

“I would take some extra food from breakfast to nosh on during the day. Ziploc bags would have been helpful to keep everything contained! Also, being out in the desert at night with almost 400 other people can get noisy. If you want to sleep, bring earplugs.” – Valerie Kolko, NC Hillel

“Bring water shoes that rocks can’t get through! My feet were killing me when we body-rafted through the river.” – Jenni Sussell, SUNY Geneseo

“Let’s see...the smartest thing I packed was probably the water shoes. Especially in the Dead Sea, there can sometimes be large buildups of salt that can cut your feet. When I went as a participant a few years ago, it was so bad that people were coming out of the water with awful bloody cuts. People can probably go to like Target and get some aqua sock type things for about $4.

As far as dumbest, I would probably say too many short sleeved shirts. It can get chilly in the winter and along with that – rainy. The best thing for students is to layer – there were days up north when I had on a long sleeved shirt, fleece, down vest, and rain coat and was still a little chilly. When it’s rainy, it chills down to the bone. For females wanting to wear skirts on Shabbat, I would suggest either wearing pants or leggings underneath. Walking around outside is definitely cold, especially if it’s rainy.

Other suggestions...people ALWAYS get sick in the winter because of the lack of sleep and cooler weather. I suggest bringing Airborne and taking it every morning with breakfast (or putting one in a water bottle). I like to remind students to keep their prescriptions in their carry-on just in case. And they should bring drugs like Immodium, Tums, etc. Also, if students want to bring an extra duffel bag to bring back souvenirs, it might be a good idea – since winter clothes definitely take up more room.” – Kyley McClain, Hillel of Rochester

“Advise people not to bring blow dryers. They all blow out the surges even if you have an adapter. Everyone on our trip had theirs broken. We even blew the fuses/lights in our room.” – Rebeccah Ratner, UNC Chapel Hill

“I brought much more underwear than I ever thought I would need. I was the only person on the trip I know who didn't have re-use dirty underwear. Dumbest thing I brought were books. Every time I tried sitting down to read there was something to do or people to meet. I really wish I brought a Nalgene bottle.” – Ross Kaplan, Tulane University

“Smartest things packed: A good camera and generous memory card (I took 250 pics and some people took twice that) and a generous sized water bottle. I wish I had an mp3 player (handy for long bus-rides when everybody else is fast asleep from too much partying).” – David Leeds, Rochester Institute of Technology

“Bring paper and a pen, particularly for the Western Wall, so you can write notes and deposit them in the cracks.” – Rachel Berman, University of Arizona

Cell Phone Rental

For your security and well-being, it is recommended that all travelers participate in the IsraelPhones Cellular Network. This plan enables our group leaders to reach all participants immediately and simultaneously in all circumstances – an advantage that has proven itself countless times with other groups.

The exclusive rates we have arranged with IsraelPhones are:

Prices do not include 15.5% Sales Tax (VAT)

FREE for your scheduled trip	Cell Phone Rental
Included*	Insurance on hardware
Free	Incoming Calls
No Charge	Caller ID
$0.16/min	Calls within the mobile network and landline phones in Israel
$0.32/min	Calls to the USA and calls out of the mobile network in Israel
Free ($20 savings!)	Delivery and pickup at Ben-Gurion Airport (group arrival/departures)

*With insurance, deductible on lost/stolen phones is $100

The phones will be delivered as you board the tour bus at Ben-Gurion airport. There will also be an IsraelPhones representative to collect the phone from you at the group departure. This option saves you the cost and hassle of arranging the receipt and return of your phone - A $20 value for each participant. Should you desire to return your phone after your group departure, there is an airport return location for your service ($7.50 charge). Details regarding extension of your rental past the official group departure date will come with the rental.

To order your phone, please complete the online order form at www.israelphones.com/hilleltaglit.htm. If you have any further questions about cellular phone rentals, please email IsraelPhones at info@israelphones.com or call the IsraelPhones U.S. office at 1-866-8-ISRAEL.

itinerary

החוויה הישראלית - שירותי תיירות חינוכית בע"מ The Israel Experience – Educational Tourism Services Ltd.

משלחות ופרוייקטים Missions & Projects

November 19^th, 2007

Taglit-birthright israel: Hillel trip

Bus 718

January 8-18, 2008

Draft itinerary

Tuesday January 8 – Getting Started

Morning Arrive in Israel; welcome at airport

Drive to Jerusalem

Shehecheyanu ceremony celebrating group's arrival to Israel at Haas promenade offering spectacular panoramic view of new and old Jerusalem

Group program, orientation and light snack at Mul HaHar restaurant

Drive to Old City

Begin tour of the Jewish Quarter including the Herodian Mansions

Afternoon Box lunch in the Jewish Quarter

Visit to the Davidson Visitors center and the Southern Wall Excavations

Check in to hotel; Refresh

Dinner at hotel

Overnight Kedem Towers Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday January 9 - Memory and Continuity

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Afternoon Lunch boxes

Conversation My Relationship with Jewish Memory

Visit Nachlaot neighborhood

Free time on Ben Yehuda Street

Evening Festive Dinner at local restaurant in Jerusalem

Overnight Kedem Towers Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday January 10 –Experience in the sauth

Morning Breakfast at hotel

Meeting with Abraham Infeld president emeritus of Hillel

Participate in Tsedek project in Jerusalem

Afternoon Lunch box

Continue to national military cemetery on Mt Herzl and Memorial

Drive south

Go on Camel ride and learn about Bedouin culture

Evening Have a Bedouin style dinner

Conversation: Spirituality: Wrestling with G-D

Overnight Kfar Hanokdim Bedouin Tourist Camp

Friday January 11 - Masada

Morning Ascend Massada on foot via Roman ramp

Tour Massada

Descend Masada via Snake Path

Breakfast at Masada Youth Hostel

Swim in the Dead Sea Meet with students from Arava College (tentative)

Afternoon Lunch at ANA Ein-Gedi

Drive to Nachsholim

Check in at hotel; prepare for Shabbat

Evening Festive Shabbat dinner at hotel

Shabbat workshops

Oneg Shabbat

Overnight Nachsholim Hotel

Saturday January 12 – Shabbat

Morning Optional Morning prayer

Breakfast at hotel

Afternoon Lunch at hotel

Guest speaker providing update on current events in Israel David Mendelson

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony

Havdalah

Evening Drive to Zichron Ya'akov

Dinner on own on pedestrian promenade

Overnight Nachsholim Hotel

Sunday January 13 – Along the Coast - Mifgash begins

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Zichron Ya'akov were 100 Jewish pioneers from Romania, members of the Hovevei Zion movement, purchased a strip of land in what was known as Zammarin.

Visit the first Alia museum

Lunch on own at Zichron Ya'akov

Drive to Atlit detainee camp that was used by the British authorities to detain Jewish illegal immigrants to Mandatory Palestine.

Afternoon Drive to Caesarea Visit the ancient port of Caesarea including new audio-visual presentation

Drive to Shfayim

Dinner at hotel

Conversation: Special and Normal

Overnight Kibbutz Shfayim Hotel

Monday January 14 – Tel Aviv

Morning Breakfast

Drive to Tel Aviv

Cultural event- Cameri theater

Afternoon Lunch box

Visit Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the state of Israel

Visit Rabin Square where Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated by a Jewish fanatic on November 4, 1995

Guided tour of Jaffa

Evening free time and dinner on own in Tel Aviv/ Jaffa

Overnight Kibbutz Shfayim Hotel

Tuesday January 15 –Haifa and minoritys on Carmel

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Haifa

Overview from the Bahai Gardens

Drive to the Druze village of Usifiyya

hospitality and short Program on Druze community in Israel today

Afternoon Druze-style lunch

Drive to Arbel overview of Galilee

Drive to kibbutz guest house

Evening Dinner at guest house

Conversation: How I relate to Israel – How Israel relates to me

Overnight Kibbutz Ein Gev Guest House

Wednesday January 16 – The Galilee

Morning Breakfast; check out of hotel

Drive to Safed, center of Kabbala; explore the winding streets and picturesque alleys of historic sites and synagogues

Visit local art gallery in Safed; meet with artist who explains Kabbala through his art

Afternoon Lunch on own in Safed

Biking and guided tour at the Agmon ha Hula the site of the most important bird watching in the world. Which birds you see depends on the season.

Visit Teva Naot – Factory shop Kibbutz Naot Mordechai.

Evening Drive to Hamat Gader Hot Springs

BBQ dinner at Hamat Gader

Overnight Kibbutz Ein Gev Guest House

Thursday January 17 – The Golan Heights – Mifgash ends

Morning Breakfast at hotel and check out of hotel

Drive to Mitzpe Ofir, a particularly restful site, offers an impressive view of the Kineret and the Galilee.

Drive up to the Golan Heights

Drive to Mt. Bental overlooking site of decisive tank battle during '73 War

Afternoon Lunch on own en route

Visit Ramat Hagolan winery – Or meet with partnership 2000 in Afula?

Final discussion summarizing trip

Evening Festive farewell dinner at local restaurant in Afula

Drive to air port

Hotel, Kedem Towers Jerusalem Tel: 972-2-6558888 Fax: 972-2-6525521

Bedouin tent Tel: 972-8-9950097 Fax: 972-8-9957326

Hotel Nachsholim Tel: 972-4-6399533 Fax: 972-4-6397614

Hotel Shfayim Tel: 972-9-9595595 Fax: 972-9-9595555

Ein Gev Guest house Tel: 972-4-6659800 Fax: 972-4-6659818

קרית מוריה, רח' העסקן 3 , ת.ד. 92, ירושלים 91000

Kiryat Moriah, 3 Haaskan St., P.O.B. 92, Jerusalem

טלפון 02-6216474Tel , פקס 02-6216588 Fax

Email: nimrods@ jazo.org.il