Congregation Beth Israel
Journey to Israel

Led by Rabbi David Lyon

Mar 21, 2027 - Mar 31, 2027

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Our Community
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 30+
  • Price From $5,995
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.

  •   Art & Culture
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Expert Scholar
  •   Food Tasting Tour
  •   Heritage
  •   Street Food
  •   Whisky Tasting
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites
  •   Cooking Workshop

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Sun. Mar 21, 2027
  • Board your flight and begin a meaningful journey of discovery, connection, and shared Jewish experience in Israel.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Mon. Mar 22, 2027
  • 9:20 AM - Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany your community throughout the journey with insight, context, and inspiration.
  • Begin your adventure with a stop at the Jaffa lookout for a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv and an overview of the journey ahead, grounding your first moments in Israel with history and perspective.
  • Explore ancient Jaffa on a guided walking tour, discovering archaeological sites, the historic port, and its significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Jaffa's Flea Market - Shuk Hapishpeshim, where the bustling stalls, eclectic treasures, and rich history create a sensory adventure.
  • Check into your hotel in Tel Aviv.
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with Israeli journalist and senior political analyst Haviv Rettig Gur of The Times of Israel, exploring the key political and social forces shaping Israel today and its evolving relationship with the Jewish world.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
TEL AVIV-JAFFA: OLD & NEW
Tue. Mar 23, 2027
  • Start your morning with an abundant Israeli hotel breakfast, a feast of fresh flavors that reflects the country’s rich culinary diversity and sets the tone for a full day.
  • Join “Shifting the Way History Is Told,” a thought-provoking guided walk through Tel Aviv that traces Israel’s evolving political ideals and social debates from Independence Hall to Rabin Square, concluding at the Altalena Memorial by the sea.
  • Pause at Hostages Square and reflect on Israel’s relentless efforts to bring every hostage home. Discover the emotional stories of resilience and heroism, and gain a deeper understanding of how this site symbolizes the nation's unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its people.
  • Ethnic Tasting Tour: Eat, drink, and learn at the Levinsky Market, where we’ll sample food and sweets from all over the Mediterranean and the Middle East and try to figure out what is Israeli about Israeli food.
  • Take a walk through the Bohemian neighborhood of Florentine, Tel Aviv, and admire its ever-changing murals and street art, reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural energy.
  • Savor a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at the Milk & Honey Distillery, Israel’s pioneering whisky maker blending craftsmanship with local innovation.
  • Relish a free evening to experience Tel Aviv’s dynamic nightlife, whether it’s relaxing on the serene beachfront, enjoying bustling cafes, or exploring trendy local spots.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
COMMUNITIES PAST AND PRESENT
Wed. Mar 24, 2027
  • Experience the dynamism of Jewish life at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, dedicated to telling their story and representing their diversity, highlighting the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities in different periods of history until the present day.
  • Travel north along the Mediterranean coast towards Haifa.
  • Arrive in Haifa and explore the vibrant Wadi Nisnas neighborhood, where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities live side by side. Enjoy lunch on your own as you discover the local market’s bold flavors, colorful stalls, and stories that reflect the city’s multicultural spirit.
  • Engage with Israel’s Reform Movement during a visit to the Leo Baeck School, the flagship institution of the Israeli Reform Movement, and meet with Rabbi Ofek Meir to learn how Jewish values, education, and community are nurtured in contemporary Israel.
  • Take in the breathtaking Bahá’í Gardens from the Louis Promenade, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose graceful terraces and spiritual harmony offer sweeping views of Haifa and the Mediterranean.
  • Join an Israeli-Druze family at their home to talk, over tea and coffee, about their rich culture and daily life, followed by a hands-on GalilEat cooking workshop where you’ll learn authentic Druze recipes culminating in a traditional dinner.
  • Return to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
CHALLENGES IN THE SOUTH
Thu. Mar 25, 2027
  • Check out of your hotel and travel south for a day of deep engagement in the Gaza Envelope region, an area profoundly shaped by October 7.
  • Walk through a kibbutz on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip and meet with a resident to hear firsthand about the October 7th attack, its aftermath, and the community’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover.
    OR
    Make a real impact by volunteering alongside a local community and helping bring the region back to its strength and vitality.
  • Stop at Givat HaTaspitaniot (Lookout Observers Hill) and hear stories about women in the military and those affected by the October 7 tragedy, reflecting on themes of equity and leadership in Israeli military culture.
  • Continue to Sderot, the biggest town in the Gaza Envelope. Take time to have lunch, tour the town, and engage with locals - offering a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of the community since October 7.
  • Pay your respects at the memorial site of the Nova Festival at Kibbutz Re’im and learn about the tragic attack that turned a weekend of celebration into a heartbreaking loss. Reflect on the memorial created by families and friends - a space of remembrance and heartbreak echoing the promise: “We Will Dance Again.”
  • Devote time to reflection and processing the day’s experiences with your tour leader and educator before travelling to Jerusalem.
  • Arrive in Jerusalem and stop at a panoramic overview of the Old City to take part in a moment of blessing and appreciation - 'Shehecheyanu' blessing to celebrate your arrival in the Holy City.
  • Check into your Jerusalem hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
MOSAIC OF JERUSALEM
Fri. Mar 26, 2027
  • Walk through the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, tracing the heartbeat of Jewish life through narrow alleys and ancient stones as you step along the Cardo with its restored Byzantine columns, stand before King Hezekiah’s 2,700-year-old Broad Wall, and gather in Hurva Square, where history, community, and spiritual resilience continue to shape the heart of Jerusalem.
  • 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. You'll discuss the wall's historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
  • Wander through the vibrant Old City Shuk in the Christian Quarter, experience its colorful stalls and local flavors, and enjoy lunch on your own.
  • Visit the significant Christian sites of the Old City, walk along the Via Dolorosa past the Ecce Homo Arch and Sisters of Zion Convent, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a crossroads of history and faith. 
  • Climb to the rooftops of Jerusalem’s Old City to take in the views and reflect on the delicate balance of faiths that share this sacred space, overlooking the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the golden Dome of the Rock, and the Hurva Synagogue.
  • Return to your hotel with time to prepare for Shabbat and shift into the slower, more intentional pace of sacred time.
  • Welcome Shabbat together in an uplifting ritual led by Rabbi Lyon, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner celebrating community, connection, and gratitude for reaching this moment together.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM OR THE DEAD SEA BASIN
Sat. Mar 27, 2027
  • Option 1:
    • Descend to the Dead Sea Basin, the lowest point on earth at 1,412 feet below sea level, and marvel at this one-of-a-kind natural wonder.
    • Climb Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by cable car or the Snake Path, and uncover the story of the Jewish rebels’ heroic final stand against the Romans in 74 CE while soaking in the awe-inspiring desert vistas.
    • Experience the joy of floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water in the world at nine times the ocean’s salt, and feel the unique thrill of weightless fun in this extraordinary natural wonder.
    • Return back to Jerusalem.
  • Option 2:
    • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat morning, with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services at a local congregation.
    • Explore the Israel Museum, housing more than 5,000 years of cultural treasures, including the Shrine of the Book, a stadium size model of Second Temple Jerusalem, and an unprecedented collection of art, archeology, and Judaica.
  • Conclude Shabbat with a meaningful Havdalah overlooking the Old City, celebrating community, reflection, and the transition from sacred time back into the rhythm of the week.
  • Take part in a private conversation with Anna Kislanski - educator, activist, and CEO of the Israel Reform Movement - exploring the challenges, hopes, and future of pluralistic Judaism in Israel.
  • In the evening, immerse yourself in Jerusalem’s vibrant nightlife, including shopping at Mamilla Mall or exploring the First Station and Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
MEMORY AND RENEWAL
Sun. Mar 28, 2027
  • Visit Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, where you'll pay tribute to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust through moving exhibits, personal testimonies, and photographs. The museum includes the Hall of Names and the Children's Memorial, offering a powerful opportunity for reflection on the importance of remembrance and the resilience of the Jewish people.
  • Continue to Mount Herzl, Israel's main military cemetery and also hosts the graves of the leaders of the nation. Visit the burial site of the visionary of the state of Israel, Theodore Herzl, pay respects to Israel former leaders, and honor the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the people of the state of Israel.
  • Bake with purpose: Participate in a challah or babka baking workshop with Rabbi Chef Nissimi, a former reservist who shares his deeply personal experience of notifying families about fallen soldiers. Through his story, discover how food, community, and love can be powerful tools for healing.
  • Optional: After-dark exploration the Western Wall Tunnel, the underground continuation of the Kotel, and examine important archaeological discoveries that are revising our understanding of daily life in ancient Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
STORIES OF COEXISTENCE AND COURAGE
Mon. Mar 29, 2027
  • Participate in a discussion with Khaled Abu Toameh, Palestinian Affairs correspondent for The Jerusalem Post, deepening understanding through respectful conversation and informed insight.
  • Explore the Sha’ar Hagai Heritage Museum, which tells the dramatic story of the men and women who fought to keep supply routes open to besieged Jerusalem during Israel’s War of Independence, highlighting courage, sacrifice, and the fragile path to statehood in 1948.
  • Visit Abu Gosh, affectionately known as Israel’s “hummus capital,” and enjoy an authentic local lunch that reflects the village's culinary pride and traditions.
  • Embark on a tour of Abu Gosh, an Arab village, guided by a local resident and member of Blend.Ar - an organization in Israel dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between Arabic and Hebrew speakers through language and cultural education.
  • Delight in a curated wine tasting at a local winery, nestled in the scenic Judean Hills, where world-class wines meet rich Israeli terroir - and meaningful moments unfold over a shared glass.
  • Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10
A NATIONS CAPITAL
Tue. Mar 30, 2027
  • Enjoy a late morning check-out from your Jerusalem hotel.
  • Tour the Supreme Court with a leader from the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) to explore Israel's social justice initiatives, including the ongoing judicial reforms and the significant protests surrounding them, offering a deep dive into the complex interplay of law, religion, and civic rights in contemporary Israel.
  • Take time to explore Jerusalem’s lively Mahane Yehuda Market, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and scents of this dynamic hub. Wander through the colorful stalls and savor the flavors of the city’s diverse and dynamic culinary scene.
  • The new Israel National Library provides the opportunity to understand centuries of Jewish creativity through one of the world's most impressive collections of Jewish and Israel-related literature. In addition, the library staff is dedicated to a national project documenting the events of October 7, 2023.
  • Engage in an uplifting dialogue with Dr. Oded Leshem on the cultural and social meaning of 'hope', drawing on philosophy, psychology, and contemporary Israeli and Jewish experience to consider how hope can be sustained in times of crisis in Israel and the Jewish world today.
  • Share a farewell dinner and reflection session, celebrating the journey, exchanging blessings, and considering how to carry its insights and spirit home.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight back to the US.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
HOME AGAIN
Wed. Mar 31, 2027
  • Return home carrying the memories, insights, and meaningful connections you’ve made throughout your journey.

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
30+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,995
Cost p/p in single room
$8,045
  • Participants under 45 years old receive a $2,500 discount per person.
Registration open

Tel Aviv: The David Kempinski

David Citadel Jerusalem

Jerusalem: David Citadel

Choose Your Way

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.
VOYAGER PLUS
popular
  • Guaranteed room category upgrade.
  • A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
  • Private airport arrival transfer.
  • A signature J² gift awaiting you in your room.
  • Priority dedicated Customer Care.
  • A personal travel advisor for every detail, pre- and post-trip.
  • $200 credit per person for a future journey, separate from this experience.
VOYAGER PREMIERE
  • Guaranteed double category upgrade.
  • A seamless, fully curated experience, as outlined below.
  • Private round-trip airport transfers.
  • A signature J² gift awaiting you in your room.
  • Priority dedicated Customer Care.
  • A personal travel advisor for every detail, pre- and post-trip.
  • Exclusive access to sought-after dining, ticketed events, and premier performances.
  • 10% preferred savings on additional hotel nights, excursions and transportation.
  • $400 credit per person for a future journey, separate from this experience.

What to expect

  • 8 nights' accommodations.
  • 9 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 5 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Water on the bus.
  • Porterage at the hotels.
  • All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
  • This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Israel.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • Late check out on the day of departure is excluded.
  • Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
  • 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.
  • Peace of Mind Travel Protection Program (POM).
  • This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
  • 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 $675 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.