Central Synagogue
Family Trip to Israel

Led by Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal

Aug 22, 2023 - Aug 31, 2023

DESTINATION Israel
Who’s Going Families
Trip Type Congregational
Duration 10 DAYS
Group Size 30+
Price From $4,700

J²way intro
Your journey
Itinerary
Rates & Lodging
What to expect

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.

Family Friendly
Heritage
Archaeology
Art & Culture
Food & Wine
Local Specialists
Nature Walks
Street Food

Program Itinerary

DAY 1

DEPARTURE

Tue. Aug 22, 2023

Depart the USA.

DAY 2

THE START OF A GREAT JOURNEY

Wed. Aug 23, 2023

Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Our representative will be on hand to assist with all formalities and ensure your journey has the smoothest of starts.
Meet your tour educator who will accompany you on this journey of education and inspiration.
Welcome to Jerusalem: Drive to the vibrant and colorful ancient city of Jerusalem, and experience the convergence of the old and the new.
Check into the hotel.
A First Look at the Holy City: Over the centuries, many have been moved and awed by their first sight of Jerusalem. We'll stop at the Yemin Moshe famous windmill for a stunning overview of the city and celebrate our arrival with a special ceremony and the traditional “shehechiyanu” blessing of thanksgiving.
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Dinner

DAY 3

THE LAYERS OF JERUSALEM

Thu. Aug 24, 2023

Breakfast at an Israeli hotel is an experience in itself. Start the day with a bounteous buffet.
Take a walking tour through Jerusalem’s Old City and the Jewish Quarter and experience the center of Jewish life, history, and holiness. The highlights include:
- The Cardo, the main street of Roman-controlled Jerusalem and its spectacular Byzantine-era columns.
- Become your favorite biblical character! Live the Bible's authentic costumes and amazing backgrounds provide a fun photo opportunity for you to dress up like Moses, Ruth or a Temple Priest.
Lunch on own in the Jewish Quarter.
No visit to Israel is complete without experiencing the Kotel (Western Wall), widely considered Judaism's holiest site. Each year, over one million notes containing prayers and wishes are placed in the cracks of the wall. We'll discuss the wall's historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
At the Heart of It All: Explore the City of David, the core of ancient Jerusalem, and learn how the city was administered during the First Temple period. Our visit will include:
Wading through the 2,700-year-old water tunnels, an architectural wonder of King Hezekiah’s.

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY 4

THE POWER OF MEMORY

Fri. Aug 25, 2023

ADULTS & OLDER YOUTH
- Visit the Yad Vashem complex, the Jewish National Memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, including:
YOUNGER YOUTH
- Two by Two the Animals Went into the Ark: The Biblical Zoo is one of Jerusalem’s loveliest places. It has a great collection of animals with a special focus on creatures mentioned in the Bible. It includes 62 acres of open areas where the animals live, a zoo train if you don’t feel like walking, a petting pool and plenty of other activities to keep all ages enthralled.
  OR
- But Jerusalem Has No Ocean! Jerusalem may be one of the few great cities without access to the sea but it does have the recently-opened Israel Aquarium. Highlights include the shark tank, feeding the stingray, and an exhibition showcasing the marine life of Israel’s “four seas.”
ALL
- Refresh yourself at Teddy Park at the foot of the Old City walls,. Get wet in the synchronized water shows which take place four times daily, with 256 nozzles, 1,800 light fixtures and a recording of original music performed by the New Jerusalem Philharmonic.
- Blessings, Challah, and Friends: Friday night is the traditional highlight of the Jewish week.  It’s also a favorite time for the Jewish stomach! We’ll share in the rituals, the recipes, and the relaxation of Shabbat in Jerusalem, followed by Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Shabbat Dinner

DAY 5

THE DEAD SEA BASIN

Sat. Aug 26, 2023

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the Dead Sea region.
The Last Stand: Take the cable car to the top of Masada with its extraordinary views and fascinating archaeological remains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Jewish rebels are believed to have made their final attempt to resist Roman invaders (c 74 CE). We'll learn about Masada's importance as a symbol of Jewish defense and discuss its influence on modern Israel.
Return to Jerusalem.
Three Stars in the Jerusalem Sky: At nightfall, we will mark the end of a special Shabbat with a communal Havdallah ceremony overlooking the Old City. Three Stars in the Israel Sky: At nightfall, we will mark the end of a special Shabbat with a communal Havdallah ceremony.

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY 6

I DIG ISRAEL

Sun. Aug 27, 2023

Check out of the hotel.
Late morning and free time to enjoy the pool.
Take a multi-cultural tasting journey through the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda open-air market: Enjoy the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of this vibrant area where Jerusalemites shop. This doubles as a delicious as a meal.
Depart Jerusalem for the Ella Valley.
Take part in an archaeological dig at the Beit Guvrin Caves: prepare to get your hands dirty uncovering pottery from the Hellenistic period, 2,300 years ago, and optionally crawl through the Maresha Cave Labyrinth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continue to Tel Aviv, also known as “the city that never sleeps.” A place of sun and fun, its centers of culture and history are complimented by great beaches, stores, and entertainment. 
Check into the hotel.

Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Lunch

DAY 7

THE FIRST HEBREW CITY

Mon. Aug 28, 2023

Beginnings: Modern Tel Aviv grew out of ancient Jaffa. Gaze out over the Mediterranean Sea; learn why Jaffa, mentioned in the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale, is so historically important; and see how its Old City reflects the present as well as the past.
Take a stroll and discover the hidden secrets of the Flea Market.
Test your creativity, designing skills and handcraft capabilities at a new Eureka Workshop as you create something new from something old.
Walk through colorful Neve Zedek, one of Tel Aviv’s earliest neighborhoods, nowadays a cultural mecca hosting small boutiques, galleries, and the Suzanne Dellal dance and theater center.
Time for Dessert! There’s ice cream happiness at Anita’s Ice Cream Parlor and a chance to sample some “only in Israel” flavors.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY 8

THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

Tue. Aug 29, 2023

From Hebrew City to Hebrew State: Walk along the newly-opened Independence Trail in Tel Aviv and embark on a remarkable journey that begins with the founding of Tel Aviv in 1909 and ends with the establishment of Israel in 1948.
Calling Boutique-Loving Hipsters: Browse your way through Nachalat Binyamin, Tel Aviv’s arts and crafts market before we check out the hustle and bustle at the Carmel Market.
Free time to crush the waves of the Mediterranean.

Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY 9

ALONG THE COAST

Wed. Aug 30, 2023

Head northwards and back in time to Caesarea, one of the Land of Israel's most important cities during the Roman Period. Explore life 2,000 years ago with its ancient theater, palace, and bathhouse. Stop at the Ancient Roman Aqueduct, located on the pristine beaches of Caesarea. With the ruins of a past empire to your backs, enjoy the power of the sand, sea and the rush of the water. 
Walk through the 2,000-year-old water tunnel at Park Alona, the water source for ancient Caesarea.
Let’s Wrap It Up:  Final session to reflect on your experience and look back over the course of the last  nine days.  
Late check out from the hotel.
Festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Group transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for the return flight to New York.

Overnight: Flight Meals: Dinner

DAY 10

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Thu. Aug 31, 2023

Return to the USA.

RATES & LODGING

participants

30+

Cost p/p in double room

$4,700

Cost p/p in single room

$6,370

Child As 3rd (Reduction)

- ($1,200)

Cost of accommodations for post nights including breakfast and all taxes:
- Tel Aviv: Hilton $537,- per night per double occupancy room, $517,- per night per single occupancy room, $587,- per night per double occupancy room with child as third; up to 2 night after departure.

*All rates are subject to availability. Registration open

Jerusalem: The Inbal

Nights: 4

Room Category: Standard

Hotel Website

Tel Aviv: Hilton

Nights: 4

Room Category: DLX Sea View

Hotel Website

8 nights' accommodations.
8 days of touring with a tour educator (guide), in a luxury, air-conditioned bus.
1 Group arrival transfer & assistance at the airport.
1 Group departure transfer & assistance at the airport.
Daily breakfast, 1 market lunch & 3 dinners.
Water on the bus.
Porterage at the airport & hotels.
All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.

Credit card fees.
Flights to & from Israel.
COVID related expenses, including tests.
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.
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.
Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.

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 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.
Please use the following information: Citizens Bank: 1 Citizens Drive, Riverside, RI 02915 Routing number: 021313103 (Domestic only) ACH: 036076150 SWIFT Code: CTZIUS33 (International only)
Beneficiary Instructions: For the benefit of J² Adventures. Account number: 1001858331
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. Please refer to the small print tab on your trip’s webpage or in your proposal for your cancelation policy and fees.