| Sunday, Dec. 21 - Israel Pilgrims
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| Depart Newark airport, afternoon flight
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| Monday, December 22 - First Day of Hanukkah - When You Come Into The Land
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Early morning arrival in Israel; meet the Ramah Staff at Ben Gurion International
Airport. Connect directly with Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) by Planting a Tree.
Geographic orientation to some of the battles of the Maccabees in the area of
Modi'in. Drive south; lunch break in the area of Beer Sheva (at participants'
expense) At the multifaceted Negev Brigade Memorial - an introduction to the trip
as a whole and specifically to our sojourn in the Negev. Look-out from the breathtaking
view over Makhtesh Ramon (the Ramon Crater) Continue south to Kibbutz
Ketura in the Arava section of the Negev (about 45 minutes north of Eilat) Check-in
and get settled in rooms, followed by lighting the Hanukkah candles. Dinner provided
in the Kibbutz dining room, followed by a brief orientation.
Overnight Kibbutz Ketura, "Keren Kolot" Guest House [D]
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| Tuesday, December 23 - Second Day of Hanukkah - Where Four Lands Meet.
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Explore the awesome beauty of the Eilat Mountains by jeep. From one observation
point see four countries (Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia!) In the city of
Eilat volunteer at "Latet B'Eilat" - a grassroots organization that provides a soup
kitchen and other services to the needy. With snorkel equipment, marvel at the natural
coral formations in the Red Sea (weather permitting) Free time in the city of
Eilat (including lunch at participants' expense) Return to Ketura for a tour of the
kibbutz, with an emphasis on ecology and the environment. Hanukkah candle lighting
followed by a barbecue dinner at Ketura.
Overnight: Kibbutz Ketura, [B, D]
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| Wednesday, December 24 - Third Day of Hanukkah - From the Red Sea to the Dead Sea
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We will depart Ketura and make our way north. Discover the fascinating
geological formations at Timna Park on bicycle (there will be an option to tour the
area by bus and foot); a picnic lunch will be served. Drive to the Dead Sea - Arrive
at the Isrotel hotel and enjoy going into the Dead Sea and using the hotel facilities
(spa open to those 16 years and older) Hanukkah candle lighting followed by a group
dinner at the hotel. Evening entertainment at the hotel
Overnight: Isrotel Hotel, Ein Bokek, Dead Sea [B, L, D]
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| Thursday, December 25 - Fourth Day of Hanukkah -- Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?
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Early departure for one of three options: Option One: Masada. Leave
ahead of the rest of the group to climb this mythical mountain via the Snake Path.
Join the rest of the group for the tour. Option Two: Masada. Ascend by cable car
for a tour of this magnificent excavation and a discussion of its harrowing history.
Option Three: For those who have been to Masada before, and who would like a moderately
challenging hike, join us for the breath-taking beauty of Nahal Arugot (part
of the Ein Gedi complex; hike takes approximately 2.5 hours). For all: Lunch break at
the Ein Gedi Inn (at participants' expense) Light hike to the waterfalls of Ein Gedi
at Nahal David (those who hike Nahal Arugot can opt to see the ancient synagogue
of Ein Gedi) At Eretz Bereisheet (on our ascent towards Jerusalem) enjoy a camel
ride and Bedouin-style dinner in "The Tent of Abraham." Hanukkah candle lighting at
the tent. Special guest musicians: Metofefei Hamidbar - the Desert Drummers.
Ascend to Jerusalem -
Overnight: Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem [B,D]
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| Friday, December 26 - Fifth First Day of Hanukkah - Digging for Our Roots
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Discover ancient artifacts and gain a perspective on the world of archaeology by
participating in an actual archeological dig at Tel Maresha/Bet Guvrin. Lunch break
at the Harel Mall in Mevasseret Yerushalayim (at participants' expense) Return to
the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. Hanukkah candle lighting. Depart the hotel by bus
for the Old City. Light Shabbat candles by King David's Tomb on Mt. Zion.
Kabbalat Shabbat services as a group, after which you will go the Kotel (Western
Wall) to join the throngs of Am Yisrael (the People of Israel). Walk back to the
hotel. Festive Shabbat dinner followed by an Oneg Shabbat.
Overnight: Mount Zion,
Jerusalem [B,D]
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| Shabbat, December 27 - Sixth Day of Hanukkah - I Rosh Hodesh Tevet - Parashat Mikketz
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Holy Time in The Holy City. Shabbat services at a choice of
neighborhood synagogues (an annotated list and walking directions will be provided)
Kiddush and study session with Rabbi Isaacs at the hotel. Shabbat lunch at the hotel
- Shabbat rest. Optional afternoon walking tour including Ketef Hinom, Mishkenot
She'ananim, Yemin Moshe. Pre-Havdalah reflection session. How has the trip impacted
on me thus far? What questions do my family and I have that we still need to
explore? Havdalah and Hanukkah candle lighting, followed by a free evening in
Jerusalem (dinner at participants' expense)
Overnight: Mount Zion, Jerusalem
[B,L]
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| Sunday, December 28 - Seventh Day of Hanukkah - II Rosh Hodesh Tevet
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| Jerusalem in Her Glory. Bnai/Bnot Mitzva Service at the Kotel Masorti - the section
of the Western Wall reserved for Conservative-style services. Tour the Southern
Wall Excavations and experience a virtual reality tour of the Second Temple at the
Davidson Center. Prayer and reflection at the Kotel - Lunch (at participants'
expense) and shopping in the Jewish Quarter. The Tanach (Hebrew Bible) comes to
life as we explore the remains of David's City (Note: requires walking a lot of stairs;
an alternative program will be offered for anyone who would have difficulty with the
stairs.) Walk alongside the Kotel's massive foundation stones in the Kotel Tunnels.
Return to the hotel for Hanukkah candle lighting followed by a group dinner. Political
Update with Neil Lazarus, an internationally acclaimed expert in the field of Middle
East, Israel Advocacy and effective communication training. ON: Mount Zion, [B,D]
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| Monday, December 29 - Eighth Day of Hanukkah - Yizkor
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Visit the Memorial Museum, Children's Memorial, and Valley of the Communities at
Yad Vashem (special program for children 6-12 at Yad Vashem) Lunch break (at participants'
expense). At the Herzl Center learn about the life and impact of
Theodore Herzl in a state-of-the-art multi-media presentation and visit the grave of
Herzl and other great leaders of the nation on Mt. Herzl. Walk through the colorful
Machaneh Yehuda "Shuk" (open air market), enjoy the sights and fragrances which
remind us that Am Yisrael Chai- the People of Israel Live! Parents' night out: the
children (6 years and up) will have dinner with the Ramah staff as the adults have a
chance to be on their own.
Overnight: Mount Zion, Jerusalem[B, D-for children only]
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| Tuesday, December 30 - In the Land of the Bible
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From on top of Mt. Scopus bid lehitra'ot to Jerusalem. Travel up the Jordan River
Valley towards the Galilee, by passing Jericho and other historic sites on the way.
On top of Mt. Gilboa look out over the kibbutzim and communities of the Jerzreel
and Harod valleys. Participate in an activity recalling Biblical events that took place
on and around the mountain. Enjoy an entertaining and informative audio-visual program
by the ancient synagogue floor at Bet Alpha. Lunch break in the town of Bet
She'an (at participants' expense) At the picturesque Kinneret Courtyard and
Cemetery read the moving poetry of the pioneer, Rachel the Poetess, at her graveside.
Check into the Sheraton-Moriah hotel. Enjoy a boat-ride on the Sea of
Kinneret, followed by a scrumptious dinner at Decks Restaurant on the sea.
Overnight: Sheraton-Moriah Hotel, Tiberias [B,D]
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| Wednesday, December 31 - Mountains and Heights
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Explore the synagogues,
courtyard, and shops of the mystical city of Zfat with your tour educator; meet
with a Kabbalistic Artist. Free time for lunch in Zfat (at participants' expense)
Ascend the Golan Heights for stunning vistas from various look-out points, such as:
Gamla cliff; Har Bental (gazing into Syria), Mitzpe Gadot (how the Syrians viewed
Israel) Travel to Tiberias for free time for dinner. Return to the hotel; evening program
preparing for tomorrow's program.
Overnight: Sheraton-Moriah Hotel, Tiberias
[B]
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| Thursday, January 1, 2009 - In the Footsteps of the Rabbis of the Talmud
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"The Mona Lisa of the Galilee?" The past comes alive as you explore the magnificent
mosaics, rooms, theatre, the ancient synagogue in the city of Zippori, using an
activity developed by the Ramah Israel Institute. At Kfar Kedem ("ancient village") -
next to Zippori - get a taste of ancient life as you get into costume, ride a donkeys
and enjoy lunch in the style of the days of the Talmud. As you make your way
towards Tel Aviv, you will stop at the town of Ramat Yishai to meet members of the
Masorti (Conservative) congregation "Sukkat Shalom" and to join them for dinner at
their synagogue. Travel to Tel Aviv
Overnight: Dan Panorama, Tel Aviv [B,L D]
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| Friday, January 2 - Tel Aviv: The First Hebrew City
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Walking tour of Old Jaffa - the ancient gateway to Eretz Yisrael
In the fascinating Palmach Museum follow the virtual trail of a unit of soldiers that
fought for Israel's independence. At Rabin Square discuss some of the tough issues
facing the modern State of Israel. Free time to walk around the Nahalat Binyamin
arts and crafts fair and to stop for lunch (at participants' expense). Return on your
own and prepare for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat service as a group in the hotel followed
by a festive Shabbat Dinner. Oneg Shabbat activity - beginning to summarize
your experiences in ISrael.
Overnight: Dan Panorama, Tel Aviv [B,D] Shabbat,
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| January 3: Parashat Vayigash -- This Shabbat... Next Shabbat
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| Shabbat services at a choice of neighborhood synagogues - Group lunch at the hotel
Shabbat rest - Optional walking tour of the Neve Tzedek neighborhood. Summary
and Reflection Session: "What about Israel are we taking home with us?" Havdala
under the stars with freshly picked spices Final Dinner
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport [B,L, D]
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| Sunday, January, 4 - Arrive in US -- Shalom Ulehitra'ot!
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| Midnight flight (approx) departs; arrives in Newark early morning (the same day)
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|
Temple Sholom's Family
Ramah Experience
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|
December 21, 2008 - January 4, 2009
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With
Rabbi Ronald Isaacs & Dr. Leora Isaacs |
Tour Package Includes
- Roundtrip Air - EWR - Tel Aviv - EWR - 13 Nights Hotels including a late check out
- Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem - Sheraton Moriah, Tiberias - Isrotel, Dead Sea, Kibbutz Ketura, Dan Panorama, Tel Aviv
- 13 Days of touring with one of Ramahs best Tour Guide Educators - Super Deluxe Air Conditioned Motor Coach
- Daily buffet breakfasts, 7 weekday dinners, 2 Shabbat dinners and 2 Shabbat lunches as per itinerary
- Geographic orientation to some of the battles of Maccabees in the area of Modi'in, Planting a Tree Israel
- Beer Sheva, Negev Brigade Memorial, Sojourn in the Negev, Makhtesh Ramon, Kibbutz Ketura,
- Hanukkah, Eilat Mountains, Volunteer at "Latet B'Eilat" Red Sea , Timna Park on bicycle, Dead Sea,
- Masada, Nahal Arugot ,Ein Gedi at Nahal David, Eretz Bereisheet, Special guest musicians,
- Metofefei Hamidbar and the Desert Drummers, Archeological dig at Tel Maresha/Bet Guvrin,
- Light Shabbat candles by King David's Tomb on Mt. Zion. Kabbalat Shabbat services as a group,
- Oneg Shabbat, Shabbat walking tour including Ketef Hinom, Mishkenot She'ananim, Yemin Moshe,
- Havdalah and Hanukkah candle lighting, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah Service at the Kotel Masorti,
- Southern Wall Excavations, Davidson Center, Kotel, David's City, Kotel Tunnels,
- Political Update with Neil Lazarus, Yad Vashem, New Herzl Center, Machaneh Yehuda "Shuk" , Mt. Scopus,
- Mt. Gilboa, Bet Alpha, Kinneret Courtyard and Cemetery, Boat-ride on the Sea of Kinneret,
- Mystical city of Zfat, Golan Heights, Zippori, Kfar Kedem Ramat Yishai, "Sukkat Shalom" ,Palmach Museum
- Rabin Square, Nahalat Binyamin, Neve Tzedek,
- Havdala under the stars with Rabbi Isaacs, Special Ramah Israel educational source books
- A fun filled spiritual adventure and Much Much More !!
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| A GREAT TOUR FILLED WITH MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES AND FUN ! |
- Air and Land Package $4714 Land Only $3050 - Per person in a double room
- Single room supplement $855
- Third person over 18 in triple room: subtract $395
- Child, 14-18 as third person in a triple room: subtract $790
- Child, age 2-12 as third person in a triple room: subtract $835
- Bar/Bat Mitzvah, age 12-13 as third person in a triple room: subtract $1005
- (N.B. Child and bar/bat mitzvah prices do not apply in a double room; quad rooms not available at all hotels)
- Plus Airport Tax $98, Fuel Surcharge** $225 Tips for Guide and Driver $120 **subject to change
|
download application
(download .pdf) |
requires
 |
return to:
ITC Tours
107 E Mt Pleasant Ave, Suite 115
Livingston, NJ 07039 |
|
For information and application forms please call Rabbi Isaacs 908-722-1339
or e-mail Rabbi Isaacs at isaacsrl@optonline.net
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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