| Wednesday, December 17 - Israel Bound!
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| 9:00 AM departure from SFO on Delta flight #614.
Arrive JFK at 5:44 PM; connect to Delta flight #86, departing at 9:10 PM
Thursday, December 18 - Bruchim HaBaim - Welcome to Israel - 2:55 PM arrival at Ben
Gurion International Airport. Ascend to Jerusalem and celebrate our arrival with Shehechiyanu.
Check-in at our hotel in the center of Jerusalem. Dinner on your own. Overnight: King Solomon
Hotel, Jerusalem
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| Friday, December 19 - Waking Up in Jerusalem!
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| Begin our exploration of the Jewish "love
affair" with Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade with the stories of Akedat Yitzhak and
David's establishment of the city as the capital of the People of Israel 3,000 years ago and
the magnificent views of the city. Take time to explore the city on your own as Jerusalem prepares
for Shabbat. Attend Kabbalat Shabbat services at one of Jerusalem's many synagogues
(list, suggestions to be provided) OR make your way to the Old City to join thousands in welcoming
Shabbat at the Kotel with song and dance. Festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem
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| Shabbat, December 20 - Shabbat in Jerusalem
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| Enjoy the special atmosphere of Shabbat in Jerusalem by participating in Shabbat services at
Masorti Congregation Moreshet Yisrael or at one of Jerusalem's many other synagogues. Then,
join the Conservative Yeshiva for a Torah learning program followed by Shabbat lunch at the
hotel. Later, we'll have a walking tour to visit the famous windmill and the first neighborhood
built outside the Old City walls by Sir Moses Montifiore. Havdalah with Rabbi Ezray. Dinner
and evening on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem
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| Sunday, December 21 - Jerusalem: Heart of the Jewish People
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| Hanukat HaMizbeach. Step
back 3,000 years to the days of King David and to the days of the First Temple with a visit to
the most recent excavations in the City of David Archaelogical Park. Examine the mysteries of
Mt. Zion (traditional burial site of King David) and enter the Old City. Explore the restored
Jewish Quarter and examine the life of the city through the ages including the rooftops, the
Cardo and the Kotel overlook. After time on your own for lunch and shopping in the Old City,
step back 2,000 years to the days of the Second Temple at the Kotel Tunnels. Examine the
centrality of the Temple experience in Jewish tradition and in the Festival of Hanukkah which
celebrates the rededication of the Temple. Light the 1st candle of Hanukkah. Dinner and
evening on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem
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| Monday, December 22 Option A - Jerusalem: Divided, United... Re-Divided?
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| Introductory discussion on the Status of Jerusalem Past Present & Future with your guide. Join
Judy Bailint (Jerusalem Diaries) to see first hand some of the political and security issues on
the ground in Jerusalem (if available) Visit Jewish homes and residents in the predominantly
Christian & Muslim neighborhoods of the Old City (Jerusalem Reclamation Project) and the
restored Jewish neighborhood in the City of David (Ir David Foundation) Then, head to the new
Jewish neighborhoods on Mt. of Olives (Maaleh Zeitim and the Beit Orot Yeshiva & neighborhood).
Explore part of the vast ancient Mt. of Olives Jewish cemetery which was desecrated
and partially destroyed during the 1948 - 1967 Jordanian occupation. Get a close up look at
the security barrier and consider it's implications for both Jewish and Arab residents. End the
day with an "Israel and the Media" workshop. Light the 2nd candle of Hanukkah. Dinner and
evening on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem Option B - What
Price Freedom? Early morning departure from Jerusalem to ascend by cable car at Masada
where the last Jewish freedom fighters faced the mighty Roman Empire 2,000 years ago.
Examine the troubling issues and dilemmas raised by the Masada story. Descend via cable car
or the Snake Path. Enjoy lunch and a Dead Sea float and the spa facilities at the Ein Gedi
Spa. Later, ascend to Jerusalem and celebrate our re-arrival in the city with the dramatic
views from Mt. Scopus. Light the 2nd candle of Hanukkah. Dinner and evening on your own in
Jerusalem. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, JLM
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| Tuesday, December 23 - Jerusalem 2008
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| Start the day with an update on current political
and diplomatic issues by your guide. Visit Jerusalem's pioneering social service project Yad
LaKashish (Lifeline for the Elderly) including the workshops and the crafts giftshop (where
shopping is a mitzvah) and learn about their innovative retirement with dignity model. For the
adults: Possible visit to the Knesset; For the younger set: Express our commitment to the people
of Jerusalem by participating in a volunteer Hesed project serving the needy of Jerusalem.
After lunch on your own in the Machaneh Yehudah Outdoor Market, we'll learn about Jerusalem
divided and re-united at Ammunition Hill, a crucial battle site for Jerusalem in the 1967 Six
Day War. Then say lehitraot to Jerusalem and head to Tel Aviv. Check-in at our hotel on the
shores of the Mediterranean, light the 3rd candle of Hanukkah and have dinner and a Hanukkah
Party with the Tel Aviv Masorti community. Overnight: Renaissance Hotel, TLV
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| Wednesday, December 24 - To Be Free in Our Own Land
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| Bayamim Hahem Bazman HaZeh.
Examine the miracles and struggles leading up to the birth of the State of Israel beginning
with a visit to Independence Hall where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the
State of Israel in May 1948. Virtually "join" a Palmach unit at the multi-media "Palmach
Museum," dedicated to these modern Macabees of the Haganah. Consider the "few against the
many" as a recurring motif in Jewish history. Head north along the Mediterranean coast to the
former British detention camp at Atlit to explore the struggle of clandestine Jewish refugees
and immigrants who tried to run the British blockade the 1940s. Dinner and cultural program
with the Israeli-Arab Druze community. Light the 4th candle of Hanukkah. Check-in and dinner
at our hotel in Tzfat, the City of the Jewish Mystics. Overnight: Rimonim Inn, Tzefat
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| Thursday, December 25 - Land of Borders
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| Delve into the complex security and water issues
on the Golan Heights, with a nature hike at the headwaters of the Jordan River at the beautiful
Tel Dan Nature Reserve, which also incorporates the ancient biblical City of Dan. Lunch followed
by a screening of the dramatic Yom Kippur War themed film OZ 77 at Kibbutz Ortal.
Explore Israel's border with Syria before visiting and tasting at the award winning Golan
Heights Winery. Evening and dinner at the hot springs and natural pools at Hamat Gader, which
has been a center for therapeutic pampering and relaxation for thousands of years. Light the
5th candle of Hanukkah. Overnight: Rimonim Inn, Tzefat
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| Friday, December 26 - Mystics, Mountains & Pioneers
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| Get an early start with a visit to the
Hulah Valley Bird Preserve and learn about the challenges of water conservation and agriculture
in Israel. Explore the narrow alleyways and synagogues of Tzfat and discover how the mystical
traditions that emerged in Tzfat impacted the entire Jewish world. After time to shop the colorful
galleries and shops of Tzfat, have lunch on your own. Return to the hotel to prepare for
Shabbat. Light the 6th candle of Hanukkah - Join local residents for Kabbalat Shabbat services
at the dynamic Carlebach Minyan or at some of Tzfat's other synagogues. Festive Shabbat
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Rimonim Inn, Tzefat
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| Shabbat, December 27 - Shabbat Hanukkah in Tzfat
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| Shabbat morning services at Kehillat Shalva, the Masorti community of Tzfat followed by discussion
and light kiddush with members. You may also choose to attend one of Tzfat's many
Hasidic, Sephardic and Orthodox services. Shabbat buffet lunch at the hotel followed by rest
time. Later, gather for a group discussion and session or walking tour. Group Havdalah and
lighting of the 7th candle of Hanukkah. Evening meeting with a Kabbalistic Artist in his studio
to learn about Kabalah through the lens of Jewish art, followed by a Hanukkah party with light
dinner and live Jewish music.
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| Sunday, December 28 - Digging the Past
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| Head south for an archeological adventure at Tel
Beit Guvrin which was conquered by the Macabees over 2,000 years ago. Dig up the past with
your own hands! (the dig is appropriate for all ages) Continue south to the Central Negev and
the desert tomb of Israel's founding Prime Minister David Ben Gurion overlooking Nahal Tzin.
Consider Ben Gurion's vision of "making the desert bloom" Then visit and light the 8th candle of
Hanukkah with the residents of one of the new communities developing in the Negev (if available)
Check-in and dinner at our hotel in Mitzpeh Ramon. Overnight: Ramon Inn, Mitzpeh
Ramon
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| Monday, December 29 - Make the Desert Bloom?
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| Awesome (but optional) dawn hike at Nahal Havarim in the "Wilderness of Zin"; Shacharit
prayers in an area where the Children of Israel may have passed through after the Exodus
from Egypt. Non-hikers can join the hikers for a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. At the edge
of the Makhtesh, marvel at this natural wonder and then continue south through Makhtesh
Ramon to the Arava Valley for lunch and an afternoon of hands-on environmental education at
the Kibbutz Lotan Center for Creative Ecology. We'll also take time for camel riding in the
desert and Watsu/Massage treatments at the Kibbutz Lotan Oasis of Natural Health
Overnight: Ramon Inn, Mitzpeh Ramon
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| Tuesday, December 30 - The People of the Negev
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| Visit and stand in solidarity with IDF
Soldiers - our modern day Macabees - at the Ramon Airforce Base. Dedication of the Essence
of Life Park. Then join the JNF for an in-depth look at some of their vital projects aimed at
creating and nurturing new Jewish communities in the Negev. Head north to Jerusalem - After
check-in at our hotel, dinner and evening on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: King Solomon
Hotel, Jerusalem
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| Wednesday, December 31 - From Out of the Crucible
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| Visit and stand in solemn memory at
Israel's Yad Vashem memorial to the Holocaust including the children's memorial and the historical
museum. The younger set (under 12 years old) will visit the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo or
Science Museum. After lunch, learn about Theodore Herzl, the founder of Political Zionism, and
his vision for a Jewish state at the multi-media Herzl Museum at Har Herzl.
Head to Maaleh Adumim for a home hospitality program with Ethiopian Jewish Immigrants, and
hear the remarkable stories of their miraculous trek home from Africa to Israel
Dinner and evening on your own in Jerusalem. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem
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| Thursday, January 1 - Next Year in Jerusalem Explore the Davidson Temple Mount
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| Archeological Park. Spend the afternoon having lunch, exploring the city and doing last minute
shopping on your own in Jerusalem. In the early evening, meet for our final summary discussion
and farewell dinner before heading to Ben Gurion International Airport for Delta Airlines flight
Friday, January 2 - A Temporary Departure - 5:40 AM arrival in Atlanta - Connect to Delta
flight #1254 departing at 8:30 AM and arriving SFO at 10:30 AM
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|
Hanukkah Family Trip to
with North Peninsula Congregations
Temple Beth Jacob and Peninsula Sinai
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|
December 17, 2008 - January 2, 2009 |
With
Rabbi Ezray and Bill Futornick |
Tour Package Includes
- Roundtrip air SFO - TEL AVIV - SFO on Delta Airlines
- 16 Nights Hotels including late check out
- King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem, Renaissance Hotel, Tel Aviv, Rimonim Inn, Tzefat, Ramon Inn Negev
- 15 Days of touring with one of Israel’s best Tour Guide Educators
- Deluxe Air Conditioned Motor Coach, Daily buffet breakfasts, 7 weekday dinners, 8 Lunches, 4 Shabbat meals
- Ascend to Jerusalem and celebrate our arrival with Shehecheyanu, Shabbat at the Kotel,
- Shabbat services one of the many beautiful synagogues,
- Travel through 3000 years of history in the City of David, Old City, Tunnels, Mt. Scopus,
- Understand the security barrier, Masada & Ein Gedi Spa,
- Engage in discussions about the political and diplomatic issues with a Knesset member and other speakers,
- Ammunition Hill, Machaneh Yehudah, Independence Hall, Palmach Museum, Atlit, Tel Dan Nature Reserve,
- Hula Valley Bird Preserve, SF Federation Projects, Shabbat in city of Tzfat, Tsipori,
- Archeological dig at Tel Beit Gubrin, Sde Boker – tomb of David and Paula Ben Gurion,
- Daily Lighting of Hanukkah candles, Morning hike in the Negev, Shacharit at the edge of the Ramon Crater.
- Arava Valley Kibbutz Lotan and Kibbutz Ketura engage in creative Ecology projects,
- Visit Ramon Airforce base and dedication at the Essence of Life Park, Visit JNF new projects,
- Yad Vashem, Mt Herzl Museum, Final Farewell Dinner in Jerusalem, Full Color ITC Source Book
- Extensions to Eilat and Petra Available,
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| A GREAT TOUR FILLED WITH MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES AND FUN ! |
- Air and Land Package $4461 Land Only $2605 Per person in a double room
- Single room supplement $930 - Reduction Third person over 18 in triple room: subtract $260
- Reduction Third person up to 12 years child sharing with parents subtract $844
- Reduction for Bar or Bat Mitzvah as Third in a room sharing with parents subtract $920
- Reduction Third person 14 - 18 years child sharing with parents subtract $647
- Included in price is Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge $307 ** fuel surcharge is subject to change
- Not included but added to tour price Tips for Guide and Driver $130
*Prices are based on a minimum of 30 participants
|
download application
(download .pdf) |
requires
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return to:
ITC Tours
107 E Mt Pleasant Ave, Suite 115
Livingston, NJ 07039 |
|
For information and application forms please contact TBJ - 650-366-8481 or e-mail futornick@yahoo.com
or Greg Sterling gregsterling@comcast.net
Partnering organizations: SF Federation & JNF - NO SOLICITATIONS
To reserve space send a $200 deposit per person (Payable to ITC TOURS)
Tours arranged by ITC Tours, LLC. 800 2 ISRAEL
info@israeltour.com
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