Congregation Or Chadash
Journey to Israel

Led by Rabbi Alison Kobey

Jun 4, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Adults Only
  • Trip Type Community
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 15+
  • Price From $4,345
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.

  •   Heritage
  •   Archaeology
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Special Access
  •   Jeep Tour
  •   Cooking Workshop
  •   Street Food

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Thu. Jun 4, 2026
  • Board your flight from the US and embark on your journey of discovery and connection with the people, history, and culture of Israel!
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Fri. Jun 5, 2026
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will guide you through this exciting journey of discovery, education, and inspiration.
  • Start your adventure at the Jaffa lookout with a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv and an overview of your journey, then explore ancient Jaffa on a guided walking tour through its archaeological sites, historic port, and timeless role as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
  • 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 and take time to settle in and prepare for Shabbat.
  • Welcome Shabbat together with a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat on the beach, blending prayer, community, and the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
  • Celebrate Shabbat with an opening dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying good food, shared stories, and the warmth of beginning your journey as a community.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
SHABBAT IN TEL AVIV
Sat. Jun 6, 2026
  • Start the day with a traditional Israeli breakfast, featuring a delicious spread of fresh salads, cheeses, pastries, and local delicacies.
  • Walk along the 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.
  • 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.
  • Enjoy lunch on own at the Sarona Market, which was once a colony of Templars, German Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, and is now a center of Tel Aviv cuisine.
  • 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.
  • Conclude Shabbat with a Havdalah service , celebrating community, reflection, and the transition from sacred time back into the rhythm of the week.
  • 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
DAY 4
TO THE NORTH
Sun. Jun 7, 2026
  • Travel north along the coast to Haifa.
  • Stop at the Louis Promenade to take in the breathtaking Bahá’í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose graceful terraces and spiritual harmony offer sweeping views of Haifa and the Mediterranean.
  • Visit the Leo Baeck School, the flagship institution of the Israeli Reform Movement, and learn how it inspires Jewish values, education, and community in contemporary Israel.
  • Meet with Israeli-Arab activists at Beit HaGefen, an Arab-Jewish cultural center that fosters dialogue, shared creativity, and community-building across identities.
  • Explore Haifa’s vibrant Wadi Nisnas neighborhood, where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities live side by side, and enjoy the local market’s bold flavors, colorful stalls, and stories that reflect the city’s multicultural spirit.
  • Discover ancient Caesarea, walking among its magnificent Roman-era ruins, from the theater and hippodrome to the seaside bathhouse, while imagining the city’s layered history of empire, trade, and transformation.
  • Return to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
BEARING WITNESS
Mon. Jun 8, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel and travel south towards the Gaza Envelope region.
  • Walk through Kibbutz and meet with a resident, who will share their community’s story of the October 7 attack, its aftermath, and the collective efforts to heal, rebuild, and move forward.
  • Visit 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, a city on Israel's border with the Gaza Strip. 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.
  • Check into your hotel near the Ramon Crater and share dinner together.
Overnight: Negev Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
FROM CRATER TO CREATIVITY
Tue. Jun 9, 2026
  • Visit the home and grave of David Ben-Gurion at Kibbutz Sde Boker and reflect on his bold vision for Israel and the future he imagined in the Negev.
  • Join a hands-on artisanal baking workshop at Lasha Bakery in Mitzpe Ramon, blending local flavors, creativity, and the warmth of a shared culinary experience.
  • Experience a two-hour Jeep tour through Makhtesh Ramon, learning how this extraordinary geological phenomenon, the world’s largest erosion crate, was formed.
  • Ascend Mount Ardon in Makhtesh Ramon, the Ramon Crater, and take in the remarkable view from what was once the crater’s ancient floor and now rises high above its dramatic landscape.
  • Return to your hotel, relax and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Negev Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
COMMUNITY AND VISION
Wed. Jun 10, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel and travel towards Jerusalem.
  • Visit ADI Negev Nahalat Eran, a pioneering rehabilitation village founded in memory of Eran Almog, and learn how this inclusive community rooted in love, dignity, and opportunity supports individuals of all abilities in Israel’s south.
  • Meet with Bedouin activists and leaders in Rahat to hear firsthand about their community’s history, challenges, contributions, and role in Israeli society today.
  • Volunteer with Yahel, a nonprofit dedicated to service learning and meaningful community partnerships across Israel.
  • Arrive in Jerusalem and pause at the Haas Promenade for a panoramic view of the Old City, joining together in a traditional 'Shehechiyanu' blessing to mark this moment of gratitude and arrival.
  • 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.
  • Check into your hotel in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusaelm Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
LAYERS OF A CITY
Thu. Jun 11, 2026
  • Climb to the rooftops of the Old City for a shared look at the spiritual ties and real-life tensions among Jerusalem’s diverse faith communities, with views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the golden Dome of the Rock, and the Hurva Synagogue all in one extraordinary panorama.
  • Take a walking tour through Jerusalem's Old City and the Jewish Quarter and experience the center of Jewish life, history, and holiness. Among the highlights will be:
    • The Cardo, the main street of Roman-controlled Jerusalem and its Byzantine-era columns.
    • King Hezekiah’s “Broad Wall,” built to protect Jerusalem from invasion 2,700 years ago.
    • Hurva Square, the center of modern-day life in the Jewish Quarter.
    • The Jerusalem Archaeological Park, revealing treasures from the days of the Second Temple.
  • Continue to the Kotel (Western Wall), Judaism’s most sacred site, to reflect on its enduring spiritual, historical, and contemporary significance while experiencing its powerful atmosphere firsthand.
  • Explore the Western Wall Tunnel, uncovering layers of Jerusalem’s ancient stones and stories beneath the surface of today’s city.
  • Visit Mount Zion, a meeting point of religious traditions that includes the Room of the Last Supper, a historic mosque, and the traditional tomb of King David.
  • As night falls, feel the pulse of Jerusalem’s nightlife, from boutique shopping along the open-air Mamilla Mall to the energy and charm of the First Station and the lively Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
Overnight: Jerusaelm Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
THE DEAD SEA BASIN
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
  • Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders of the Dead Sea region.
  • 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.
  • Ride the cable car or hike the Snake Path to the top of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will learn about the Jewish rebels’ final stand against Rome in 74 CE while taking in sweeping desert views.
  • 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.
  • Hike through Nahal David, part of the lush Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where you can explore waterfalls, wildlife, and desert landscapes. (Time Permitting)
  • Return to your hotel and take time to prepare for the coming of Shabbat.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at Kehillat Mevasseret in Mevasseret Zion, joining Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway and the local community in prayer and song.
  • Share a Shabbat dinner, whether through home hospitality or a communal gathering, and connect with local congregants through food, conversation, and tradition.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Jun 13, 2026
  • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat morning, with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services at a local congregation before checking out of the hotel.
  • Explore Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter, follow the historic route of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and see the path that has shaped centuries of tradition and pilgrimage. Then wander through the vibrant Old City Shuk, experience its colorful stalls and local flavors, and enjoy lunch on your own.
    OR
    Explore the wonderfully creative Israel Museum, housing more than 5,000 years of cultural treasures. Highlights include the archaeology wing, with the most extensive collection of biblical artifacts in the world; the Jewish art and life wing; the fine arts wing; the sculpture garden; and the open-air model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Don’t miss the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, considered the world’s oldest existing biblical manuscripts.
  • Tour Israel’s “Capitol Hill,” exploring the country’s centers of beauty, leadership, and justice with stops at the Rose Garden - home to over 400 rose varieties from around the world - the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament and heart of its democracy, where national laws are debated and shaped beneath the gaze of its iconic bronze Menorah, and the Supreme Court, whose striking architecture symbolizes the balance between Jewish heritage and democratic ideals.
  • As Shabbat ends, come together for a moving Havdalah ceremony overlooking the Old City, weaving music, poetry, and ritual into a soulful farewell and a moment of hope.
  • Celebrate the close of your Israel journey with a festive private farewell dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying good food and shared reflections on the meaningful experiences and connections you’ve made together.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight back to the US.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Jun 14, 2026
  • Return home, bringing with you the memories and deep connections made during this memorable experience.

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
15+
Cost p/p in double room
$4,345
Cost p/p in single room
$5,425

Tel Aviv: Tal by The Beach

Mitzpe Ramon: Daroma Hotel

Jerusalem: Leonardo Boutique

What to expect

  • 8 nights' accommodations.
  • 9 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 9 days of touring in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 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.
  • Late check out on the day of departure.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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 $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.
  • 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.
  • 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.