Wednesday, February 17 "Welcome to Israel." We drive south through the Negev Desert to Mitzpe Ramon and check into our hotel located near the Ramon Crater.
Thursday, February 18
"The Amazing Ramon Crater." From the top of the cliff, overlooking the Crater and take part in a Shacharit service led by Rabbi Malka Drucker. Then, we meet one of the country's experts on deserts, who will descend with us by jeep into the heart of the Ramon Crater to learn about geology, biology, zoology, paleontology and more. North to Sdei Boker established in 1952 we visit the grave of David Ben Gurion overlooking the majestic Zin Valley. Here, in the wilderness, we will together learn of "Jewish Communal Responsibility" that key value that motivated Moses and the Children of Israel during their sojourn in this desert. On to the oasis of Ein Avdat, to see the waterfall and spring waters as they flow in natural pools to the base of the deep ravine of Wadi Zin, and the Bedouin Encampment. We take a short camel ride in the desert and enjoy the desert scenery as local Bedouin host us in their tents for an authentic dinner.
Friday, February 19
"Kings and Rebels in the Desert of Judah." Early this morning we check out of the hotel and drive along the Dead Sea to the mountain-top fortress of Masada for an in-depth tour of the site. Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car. From the top of Masada, the outlines of the Roman encampments are still visible below. Continue to a hotel/spa on the shore of the Dead Sea for an afternoon of R & R. Enjoy the tasty buffet lunch (included in the cost). If time permits, we will travel to the oasis of Ein Gedi for a nature hike through the cascading waterfalls and we may even get to see wild animals roaming freely in the desert. Ascend to Jerusalem. Upon our first view of the eternal Holy City we stop for a moment's reflection and prayer, participating in an age-old tradition by saying the "Shehecheyanu" and "Borei Pri Hagefen" blessing as pilgrims did when approaching Jerusalem throughout history. Continue to welcome the Shabbat in the Old City or at Kol Haneshama.
Saturday, February 20
"Shabbat in Jerusalem." No touring vehicle is provided today. We are invited to attend Shabbat services nearby at the Hebrew Union College or at Shira Hadasha. We meet our guide for a walking tour, starting at the Jerusalem Museum, (David’s Tower Museum) located in the restored ancient Citadel. Then walk on the walls of the Old City from the Jaffa Gate to the Zion Gate. Proceed through the Christian Quarter along the Via Dolorosa, following the Stations of the Cross. We will arrive to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the place of the crucifixion and the tomb of Christ. Return to the hotel. Havdallah service led by the Rabbi at Yemen Moshe, overlooking the walls of the Old City.
Sunday, February 21
"Touring in Jerusalem and the Old City." Start the day with a view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Onto the Old City for an in depth tour of the Jewish Quarter including the Cardo, the Western Wall and the Davidson Center located at the Jerusalem Archaeological Park. Here we will learn, through modern audio visual presentations and via a special presentation of a real-time visual simulation model, of the Herodian Temple Mount which is on display in the Center's interactive classroom. On for a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. This afternoon, all are invited to the art gallery of Jerusalem artist Archie Granot. Archie is one of the leading paper cut artists in the world, using Hebrew inscriptions in astonishingly precise calligraphic letters as an integral part of his work.
Monday, February 22
"The New City of Jerusalem." This morning all will visit the new Yad Vashem, accompanied by a local curator guide, as we tour the central memorial and museum dedicated to the Holocaust. Here we will hold a memorial service led by Rabbi Drucker as all place a single flower at the name of the destroyed community of your choice. Proceed to the Hadassah Medical Center. Enter the Synagogue to see the brilliantly hued Chagall designed stained-glass windows symbolizing the blessing which Jacob bestowed upon his sons. Continue via the Knesset, the seat of Israel's Parliament, inaugurated in 1966. Standing opposite the building is a Menorah, symbol of Israel, portraying key events in Jewish history. On to the Israel Museum, where you will see the Shrine of the Book that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as the relocated Model of Ancient Jerusalem.
Tuesday, February 23
"Northward Bound to the Galilee." Check out of the hotel today and depart Jerusalem heading north along the Jordan River Valley to Beit Alfa, its ancient synagogue, colorful mosaic floor and the audio visual program there. On across the Galilee to the ancient remains of Tzippori, an archaeological park, which was the home of Rabbi Judah the Prince, who edited the seminal work the Mishnah there some 1,800 years ago. Here, all will join in for an optional study session with the Rabbi on "Jewish Continuity: The Oral Heritage." Proceed north to Tiberias, capital of the Galilee, situated on the shores of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). This is one of the four Jewish Holy Cities and site of the tombs of Maimonedes, Rabbi Akiva and many other outstanding Sages.
Wednesday, February 24
"The Golan Heights." This morning we drive to the Lebanese border where our guide will explain the current situation here along this region. We then take a nature walk through the nature reserve at Tel Dan, one of the sources of the Jordan River. Ascend the Golan Heights to the summit of Mt. Bental, a volcano, from where there is a superb view of the Israeli – Syrian lines. Stop off at Kibbutz Ortal on the Golan Heights for a tour of the kibbutz to see a communal lifestyle unique to Israel. Meet with members for an informal chat and enjoy lunch in the kibbutz dining room. We will also have a chance to visit the Golan Heights Winery, one of Israel's premier wineries, for a tour and wine tasting.
Thursday, February 25
"The Coast of Israel." Check out of the hotel and drive to Safed, the city of the mystics, to visit the synagogues of Rabbi Isaac Luria and Rabbi Joseph Karo. There will also be some time to wander about the alleys, lanes and art galleries of the Old City of Safed. On along the coast of Israel to the ancient city of Akko (Acre), once the Crusader capital of the North and now a city of mixed Arab and Jewish populations. Proceed via Haifa’s Panoramic Road from where we will be able to see the golden dome of the Bahai Shrine that is set amid beautiful gardens, and serves as a significant landmark of the city. Arrive in Tel Aviv .
Friday, February 26
"Touring in and about Tel Aviv." Start the day with a visit to Independence Hall where Ben Gurion declared the established of Israel on May 14, 1948. Sit in the very same room where our founding fathers sat on that historic day! Proceed along the well-known Rothschild Boulevard, where we can see excellent examples of Bauhaus Architecture from the 1930's, some of which have been recently beautifully restored. Towards the evening drive to Old Jaffa to participate in a special service led by Rabbi Drucker to welcome Shabbat on Jaffa Hill overlooking Tel Aviv. Shabbat dinner this evening is included for us at the hotel.
Saturday, February 27 Erev Purim in Tel Aviv
Participate in the Megillah reading at a nearby synagogue in Tel Aviv.
Sunday, February 28
"See you soon." Those departing will be assisted to the airport.