Congregation B'nai Chaim Adventure in Israel Led by Rabbi Kim Harris November 29 - December 10, 2023 - Ayelet Tours - Israel Tours - Jewish Heritage Tours - Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tours

Day 1: Wednesday, November 29, 2023: DEPARTURE

• We depart the United States on our overnight flight to Israel.

Day 2: Thursday, November 30, 2023: WELCOME TO ISRAEL!

• Shalom and Bruchim Habaim - welcome to Israel. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, we are met by an Ayelet Tours representative.
• We ascend to Jerusalem, stopping at the Haas Promenade to say the “Shehecheyanu” as we look out over the City of Gold for the first time together.
• We check into our hotel and have time to refresh before our welcome dinner and orientation together at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 3: Friday, December 1, 2023: MEMORIES FOR THE FUTURE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Today, we set out on a walking tour of Jerusalem's Old City. We begin in the Jewish quarter with stops at the famed Cardo market and Hurva Square, followed by a guided visit through the 2,000-year-old Herodian Mansions.
• Below the streets, we tour the Western wall tunnels, where we discover the archaeological wonders that once remained untouched for centuries.
• Back above ground, we visit Davidson Archaeological Park and the Davidson Center.
• We continue to the Arab market (shuk), followed by a stroll along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian quarter.
• As the sun begins to set, we join together for Kabbalat Shabbat at Har El Synagogue, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner together at our hotel or with members of the community.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 4: Saturday, December 2, 2023: SHABBAT SHALOM!

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• This morning, we depart for the Dead Sea basin. Upon arrival, we ascend Masada by cable car or snake path to view the remains of King Herod's fortress, including the synagogue, walls and bathhouse, as we learn about the Jewish Zealots' last stand against the Roman forces. We also discuss Masada's role as a symbol of Jewish defense and its current significance in modern Israel.
• We descend the mountain and have time for lunch on own.
• We stop for a short hike to Nahalal David freshwater spring in the desert oasis of Ein Gedi.
• Next, we head to the beach for a relaxing float in the healing, salty waters of the Dead Sea and a soak in the sulphur springs at the Mineral Beach.
• We return to Jerusalem later this afternoon for Havdalah overlooking the Old City.
• Evening at leisure to discover Jerusalem and enjoy dinner on own. We suggest a visit to the Mamilla promenade or Ben Yehuda Street.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 5: Sunday, December 3, 2023: THE MANY FACES OF JERUSALEM

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Today, we discover the modern side of Israel. We begin at the Supreme Court with a representative of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) for an in-depth discussion of religious tension, issues of church and state currently confronting Israel and the struggles for equality, pluralism and social justice in Israel.
• We continue to Hadassah Hospital for an in-depth look at the cutting-edge medical facility and how it has adapted to the needs of Israel's current situation. While here, we also visit the synagogue to see the beautiful Chagall windows.
• Our final stop today is at the recently renovated Israel Museum. The galleries range from pop and modern art, back through the Renaissance and Classical periods, with a strong emphasis on Jewish and Israeli archeological history with evidence going back thousands of years. We walk through the iconic Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, and see the impressive miniature replica of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period.
• This evening, we join together for dinner at a restaurant in Abu Ghosh.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 6: Monday, December 4, 2023: THE LAYERS OF JERUSALEM

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• We begin our day with a discussion about the role of the Holocaust in today's Israeli society with Professor Paul Liptz.
• Next, we visit Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial to the Holocaust, where we partake in a guided visit of the museum, viewing the many moving exhibitions, including the Hall of Names and the Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations. We complete our visit with a memorial service.
• This afternoon, we take in the sights, smells and sounds while enjoying lunch on own at the vibrant and bustling Machane Yehuda market.
• Enjoy the evening at leisure and dinner on own.
• Optional: We join together later this evening and walk to the Tower of David to see the spectacular Sound and Light show.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 7: Tuesday, December 5, 2023: TRAVELING THE RIFT

• Breakfast and check out of our hotel.
• This morning, we depart Jerusalem and drive to the mystical city of Safed, the center of Kabbalistic practice, where we stroll through the cobblestone streets to view the ancient synagogues and shop in the artist's quarter.
• Next, we visit Capernaum, where Jesus taught his disciples during the days of the Second Temple. We see the ancient synagogue and church adjacent to each other and pause to discuss interfaith relations both during the time of Jesus and today.
• Next, we stop at Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount and where we will see an amazing view of the Sea of Galilee.
• We travel to the Upper Galilee to check into our kibbutz and refresh before dinner together this evening.

Overnight in the Galilee

Day 8: Wednesday, December 6, 2023: SECURITY AND THE BEAUTY OF THE GALILEE

• Breakfast at our kibbutz.
• This morning, we enjoy a short hike through the beautiful Banias Nature Reserve and view the Banias springs.
• Next, we set out on an exciting jeep tour through the Golan Heights, passing former Syrian bunkers on the way to the top of Har Bental, where we take in the panoramic views of Syria and learn about the current geopolitical situation.
• This afternoon, we participate in a chocolate workshop, learning from the experts at the DeKarina Chocolate Factory.
• Our next stop is at Kol Shofar to see the production process, learn about the different types of shofars and hear Shimon's personal story.
• We return to our kibbutz for a relaxing evening and dinner together tonight.

Overnight in the Galilee

Day 9: Thursday, December 7, 2023: THE COMMUNITIES OF ISRAEL

• Breakfast and check out of our kibbutz.
• This morning, we depart the Galilee and travel to Tzippori National Park, site of Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi's codification of the Mishna and a renowned mosaic collection.
• We take in the panoramic views of Haifa from atop Mt. Carmel overlooking the beautiful Bahai Gardens.
• This afternoon, we visit a Druze village for home hospitality and lunch, while learning about their unique culture.
• Our adventure continues along the Mediterranean coast in Caesarea, the former Roman capital of the area, where we see the ancient theater and the aqueduct, as well as the multi-media exhibitions.
• We continue to Tel Aviv and drive through the “city that never stops”, passing by centers of culture and recreation, from the Mann and Habima Theaters to sprawling beaches and Dizengoff Street.
• We check into our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure and dinner on own.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 10: Friday, December 8, 2023: THE FIRST HEBREW CITY

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• We begin our day with a stroll along Independence Trail through the Rothschild District and discover the architectural, cultural and intellectual foundations of this great city, and pass by Independence Hall, where the state was officially founded 75 years ago.
• Next, we stroll through Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv's oldest neighborhoods, where we see the artistic graffiti painted on the walls and buildings of the community and learn how this is an important form of expression.
• We head to the famed Carmel Market for a sensual immersion into the vibrant colors, smells and flavors that make up this bustling marketplace. We wander through the pyramids of spices, brightly colored exotic vegetables, platters of nuts and olives and delicious halva creations. We have time to enjoy lunch on own here.
• We continue to the ancient port of Old Jaffa, where we meander through the cobblestone streets to peer into the art galleries and take in the views of the sea.
• As the sun sets, we join together for Kabbalat Shabbat services with Beit Daniel on the beach along the Tel Aviv Port, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner at our hotel.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 11: Saturday, December 9, 2023: SHABBAT AT LEISURE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Enjoy Shabbat morning at leisure attending services possibly at Beit Daniel, relaxing on the beach or doing some last-minute shopping.
• This afternoon, we visit the Ayalon Institute, where we discover the underground ammunition factory that played a pivotal role in Israel's fight for independence.
• We continue to Latrun, Israel's outdoor armored corps museum, where we explore the tanks and artillery used by the Israeli Defense Forces throughout the country's history.
• This evening, we enjoy a festive farewell dinner, recalling all that we have experienced on this journey.

Overnight in Tel Aviv

Day 12: Sunday, December 10, 2023: ARRIVE HOME

• Early this morning, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our flights back to the United States, landing later today.

THE MEMORIES LAST FOREVER!!
Itinerary subject to change*

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Congregation B'nai Chaim
Adventure in Israel
Led by Rabbi Kim Harris
November 29 - December 10, 2023

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