VOYAGER
- Carefully selected accommodations, offering comfort and quality.
- A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
- J² Customer Care available by phone and email.
- $50 travel credit per person for your next J² journey.
Program is tentative and subject to change. Connect with our Customer Care Team by calling: (888) 230-6008 Mon.-Thur. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
YOUR journey
J² crafts journeys of inspiration, education, and Jewish connections to Israel and worldwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful concept: No two trips are the same; each experience should be personal, meaningful, and backed by superb service. Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the connections you make along the way.
Beth El Congregation is covering $500 per participant, for the inaugural Elevate trip! This brings the registration cost per person from $3,250 to $2,750 (in a double occupancy room).
Active 
Archaeology 
Art & Culture 
Home Hospitality 
Local Specialists 
Heritage 
Current Affairs 
Nature Walks 
Street Food
THE EXPERT
Hillary grew up in Philadelphia and spent her college years and half of her 20’s living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She was first introduced to the world of informal Jewish education at Camp Ramah in the Poconos and in her late twenties volunteered on trips run by educational organizations. Hillary obtained a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Barnard College, Columbia University, and an associate’s degree in Graphic Design from Parsons School of Design. After making Aliyah in 2008, she decided she wanted to become a tour guide and Israel educator, and began her training immediately. Her background in anthropology expands her understanding of history, religion, archaeology, and culture, while her life-long love for art and design helps her connect her travelers with architecture, street art, and public works of art. She takes special pleasure in guiding in locations where nature, history, geopolitics, and/or religion combine. When not working, Hillary enjoys traveling to new countries, exploring Israel on her own, and working on her art.
Program Itinerary
DAY 1
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Sat. Feb 14, 2026
- Depart the US and embark on your unforgettable family adventure to Israel. Get ready for a week filled with history, culture, and moments.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME HOME TO ISRAEL
Sun. Feb 15, 2026
- Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and feel the excitement of landing in Israel.
- Meet your J² Expert Educator Hillary Menkowitz, your guide through this journey of discovery and inspiration.
- Group transfer to Tel Aviv and check into your hotel.
- Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
CULTURE AND CREATIVITY IN TEL AVIV
Mon. Feb 16, 2026
- Start the day with a traditional Israeli breakfast, featuring a delicious spread of fresh salads, cheeses, pastries, and local delicacies.
- Stop at the Jaffa Lookout for panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean coast, offering a stunning contrast between Tel Aviv’s modern skyline and Jaffa’s historic charm.
- Stroll along Tel Aviv’s Independence Trail, tracing the city’s journey from its founding in 1909 to the declaration of Israel’s independence in 1948.
- Take a guided tasting tour of Levinsky Market, a treasure trove of spice shops, Balkan bakeries, and Persian delis. Savor sweet and savory bites while learning the market’s fascinating immigrant stories.
- Dive into Tel Aviv’s creative spirit with a Graffiti & Street Art Workshop. Explore colorful murals and create your own vibrant artwork in this interactive and inspiring experience.
- Return to the hotel.
- Dinner at your own expense at HaTachana (Tel Aviv's Old Railway Station): Enjoy a variety of dining options at this historic site.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
RESILIENCE & REBUILDING: LIFE NEAR GAZA
Tue. Feb 17, 2026
- Check out of the hotel after breakfast.
- Hands-on Food Rescue with Leket Israel: Volunteer with Israel’s leading food rescue organization by harvesting surplus produce or sorting and packing fresh food for families in need. Make a tangible impact while engaging in meaningful, hands-on work.
- Drive to the Gaza Envelope, making a quick stop for lunch along the way.
- Teens: Visit Kibbutz Yad Mordechai. Come together with Israeli teens for a hands-on cooking workshop and shared lunch with chef and social worker Paz Raiael, using food and storytelling to connect, reflect, and learn from one another.
- Adults: Travel to a kibbutz near the Gaza border and meet residents who are rebuilding their lives in the wake of the October 7 attacks.
- All: Stop at the Nova Music Festival memorial near Re'im. Once a site of joy, now a place of remembrance, the location has been transformed into a tribute to those who lost their lives. Participate in a meaningful ceremony to honor their memory.
- Drive to Jerusalem and check into the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
COMMUNITY, HERITAGE & HIDDEN WONDERS
Wed. Feb 18, 2026
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy a break from classic touring to visit Yad L’Kashish where we will have the opportunity to meet some of their artisans and hear how they are helping out our elderly in need.
- Give back at Pantry Packers: Roll up your sleeves and pack food for families in need, making a real impact through hands-on volunteer work.
- Enter the Old City of Jerusalem. Tour the Jewish Quarter and uncover the layers of history woven into its ancient streets and synagogues. Lunch will be at your own expense in the Jewish Quarter.
- Explore the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, including the Davidson Center and Robinson’s Arch, where remnants of the Second Temple period come to life.
- Descend beneath the city at the Western Wall Tunnel and discover hidden passageways, ancient stones, and stories buried deep beneath modern Jerusalem.
- Dive into the flavors of Jerusalem: Stroll through the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market, a sensory feast of colors, scents, and flavors. Enjoy dinner at at your own expense at one of the market’s vibrant eateries.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
BRIDGING PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Thu. Feb 19, 2026
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Meet with Ali Abu Awwad and Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger/Rabbi Shaul Judelman from Shorashim (Roots), a groundbreaking initiative that fosters dialogue and connection between West Bank Palestinians and their Jewish neighbors, breaking down barriers of fear and misunderstanding.
- Step into history at the Herzl Museum: Through an interactive, multimedia experience, explore the life and vision of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism. See how his dream of a Jewish homeland took shape and why his ideas continue to inspire future generations.
- Honor Israel’s legacy: Visit Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery, where the country’s leaders, soldiers, and visionaries are laid to rest.
- Use your Yamishuk voucher for dinner on Ben Yehuda Street in Jerusalem, where you'll find a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, the pedestrian-friendly area offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for an evening out.
- Teens: Indulge in a sweet adventure as you go on a dessert tasting tour in Jerusalem. Discover popular sweet spots and get a taste of local favorites!
- Adults: Unwind with a drink at Thinkers Distillery, where modern techniques meet tradition in crafting exceptional gin, bourbon, and vodka.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
MASADA & THE DEAD SEA: A DESERT ADVENTURE
Fri. Feb 20, 2026
- Early breakfast at the hotel.
- Journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Judean Desert.
- Choose your adventure — hike the Snake Path or take the cable car up to the ancient fortress of Masada. Explore this mountaintop stronghold, where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans. Stand in ancient rooms, see the remains of King Herod’s palace, and imagine life atop this desert fortress.
- Descend to the lowest point on Earth and experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea. Cover yourself in its famous mineral-rich mud for a fun and rejuvenating family moment.
- Return to Jerusalem with time to relax and prepare for Shabbat.
- Join Kabbalat Shabbat services at the Kotel (Western Wall).
- Shabbat dinner with Lone Soldiers – young men and women who have come to Israel without their families to serve in the IDF.
Overnight: Jerusalem
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
A FAREWELL TO ISRAEL: CONNECTIONS & MEMORIES
Sat. Feb 21, 2026
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Check out of the hotel.
- Participate in a unique Shabbat morning service at Shira Hadasha, a pioneering, inclusive Orthodox congregation that blends traditional liturgy with a commitment to gender-inclusive participation, creating a spiritually uplifting and welcoming atmosphere.
- Shabbat lunch at the hotel.
- Return to the Old City. Start with a panoramic rooftop view of Jerusalem, followed by a guided tour exploring the four quarters of the Old City: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian, uncovering the rich history, culture, and religious significance of each area.
- As the sun sets, gather for a special havdalah ceremony overlooking the Old City, marking the transition from the holiness of Shabbat to the excitement of the new week.
- Enjoy a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Israeli dishes and sharing final reflections on your journey.
- Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight home, leaving Israel with a deepened connection to its past, present, and future.
Overnight: Flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Sun. Feb 22, 2026
- Arrive back in the US with memories to last a lifetime and stories to share.
RATES & LODGING
Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
participants
60+
Cost p/p in double room
$3,250
Cost p/p in single room
$3,945
Child As 3rd (Reduction)
- ($310)
Beth El Congregation is covering $500 per participant, for the inaugural Elevate trip! This brings the registration cost per person from $3,250 to $2,750 (in a double occupancy room). Registration closed
Tel Aviv: Dan Panorama
- Nights: 2
- Room Category: Tel Aviv
- Hotel Website
Jerusalem: Dan Panorama
- Nights: 4
- Room Category: Jerusalem
- Hotel Website
Choose Your Way
What to expect
- 6 nights' accommodations.
- 7 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate controlled buses.
- 1 security guard throughout the trip.
- Daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 4 dinners.
- The J² adventures app available on the App Store & Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
- All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final itinerary.
- Credit card fees.
- Flights to & from Israel.
- COVID related expenses, including tests.
- Late check out on the day of departure is not included.
- Porterage at the hotels.
- Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
- Amendments to the program: In the event that any sites, programs or meals etc. are added to the program, an additional fee may be required.
- Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d’hotel menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless otherwise specified.
- Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
- US and foreign airport taxes, Q fuel surcharge and border taxes when applicable.
- Value Added Tax is currently not applicable to tourists visiting Israel. Should the law change, you will be notified accordingly, and VAT will be added to your final invoice.
- Peace of Mind Travel Protection Program (POM).
- Please review our terms & conditions (T&C’s) or request that we send you our full T&C’s. Until you do that, here is the small print, and other stuff you may want to know:
- Validity | All prices quoted are based on exchange rates as of the proposal date and are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person and are based on shared twin room occupancy.
- How to Make a Reservation | The quickest way to make a reservation is to register online or contact us by email. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required in order to complete the registration process.
- For any assistance with this registration process or other trip-related queries, please email Customer Care: [email protected].
- Payments | The balance of your payment is due 90 days before your trip begins, or as specified in your invoice. You will receive an email reminder 2 weeks before this date. Various payment options are available as follows:
- Credit card | We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Please check with your credit card provider regarding international processing fees. We are unable to process payments of over $1,000 over the phone. Please submit payment online via a credit card or by wiring funds via your bank.
- Domestic bank wire transfer | Payment should be wired in the same currency that is listed on your invoice. Please add the name of your group or invoice number as a reference and forward a copy of the transfer receipt by email. The bank transfer should clearly state the beneficiary’s name on the wire transfer.
- J² Adventures reserves the right to automatically cancel your reservation on that date and it may be subject to reconfirmation should the final payment not be received.
- Cancelation Policy | All cancelations need to be made in writing. The cancelation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
- Cancelation fees | Cancelations made 90 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 89 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
- Cancelation fees may also include: Hotel or supplier cancelation fees. J² Adventures reserves the right to adjust its terms of payment, including cancelation policies and initial deposits.
- Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
- Protect your investment for $495 p/p: Should you cancel your trip up to 5 days before your departure for any reason, our POM program offers you a trip refund. Call 888-230-6008 or e-mail: [email protected].
- Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.
DISCOVER NEW WORLDS.
JOURNEYS.
A family vacation to Israel. An adventure of a lifetime traveling with friends to Morocco. A trip to Poland or Portugal with your community. What do these trips have in common? No matter where you go, you will come back with a fresh perspective and appreciation of the place you visited as well as a heightened awareness of your identity as part of the global Jewish community.
Stuff.
We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.
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