Shearith Goes to Israel
Traditional Track

Led by Rabbi Ari Sunshine

Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Our Community
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 12 DAYS
  • Group Size 35+
  • Price From $5,295
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
  •   Food & Wine
  •   Home Hospitality
  •   Active
  •   Street Art
  •   Food Tasting Tour
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites
  •   Whisky Tasting

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Sun. Dec 20, 2026
  • Board your flight from Dallas and begin a meaningful journey of discovery, connection, and shared Jewish experience in Israel.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL!
Mon. Dec 21, 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.
  • Ascend to Jerusalem and stop at a panoramic overview of the Old City of Jerusalem to take part in a moment of blessing and appreciation - 'Shehecheyanu' blessing to celebrate your arrival to Israel.
  • Check into your hotel in Jerusalem and settle in for the beginning of your adventure.
  • Gather for a festive Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying your first taste of Israel’s vibrant culinary scene along with an orientation led by your trip leader and expert educator.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
THE LAYERS OF JERUSALEM
Tue. Dec 22, 2026
  • Begin your morning with an abundant Israeli hotel breakfast, a feast of fresh flavors that reflects the country’s rich culinary diversity.
  • 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.
  • Walk through the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, tracing the heartbeat of Jewish life through narrow alleys and ancient stones that tell the story of faith, resilience, and renewal. Among the highlights will be:
    • Visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, including the Davidson Center and Robinson’s Arch, to explore layers of history where Jewish life once flourished at the foot of the Temple Mount.
    • Step along the Cardo, the main thoroughfare of Roman Jerusalem, and imagine the city’s vibrant past as you stroll among its restored Byzantine-era columns.
    • Stand before King Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, an impressive 2,700-year-old structure that once defended Jerusalem and still stands as a symbol of endurance and faith.
    • Gather in Hurva Square, the lively center of Jewish life in the Old City, where history, community, and spirituality intertwine in the heart of 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. You'll discuss the wall's historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
  • Explore 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.
  • “The ‘Z’ Word – The Many Faces of Zionism”, engage in a thoughtful dialogue with Dr. Yizhar Hess, the Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization and the senior representative of the global Masorti/Conservative Movement, exploring the diverse ideas, values, and stories that shape Zionism today.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
THE DEAD SEA BASIN
Wed. Dec 23, 2026
  • 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.
  • Hike through Nahal David, part of the lush Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where you can explore waterfalls, wildlife, and desert landscapes.
  • Return to Jerusalem and pause at Mount Scopus to take in sweeping panoramic views where the golden city of Jerusalem meets the vastness of the Judean Desert.
Overnight: Jerusaelm Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
RESILIENCE & REBUILDING: LIFE THE GAZA ENVELOPE
Thu. Dec 24, 2026
  • Travel south to the Gaza Envelope.
  • Walk through a kibbutz on the Gaza border and hear firsthand from a resident about the events of October 7, its aftermath, and the community’s ongoing efforts to heal and rebuild.
  • 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, the biggest town in the Gaza Envelope. Tour the town, engage with locals, and enjoy lunch (on own) in Sderot where there is a variety of diverse foods to choose from, each representing the different communities of people living in Sderot.
  • 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.
  • Share a meaningful dinner at Osi in Ofakim, hosted in a local home where residents warmly welcome you and share personal stories of community life in the south.
  • Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
MEMORY & RENEWAL
Fri. Dec 25, 2026
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Continue to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery, to visit the burial site of Theodore Herzl, the visionary of the state of Israel. Pay respects to Israel former leaders and honor the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the people of the state of Israel. Join in a Kaddish ceremony marking the anniversary of the deaths of soldiers who fell on this day.
  • Return to your hotel and take time to freshen up and prepare for the coming of Shabbat.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Gather for Kabbalat Shabbat and welcome Shabbat as one community with song, spirit, and connection.
  • Enjoy a festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel, where you’ll share a traditional meal and reflect on the memories created over the last week.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Dec 26, 2026
  • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat , with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services at a local congregation.
  • Tour the Old City’s Christian Quarter and explore the complexities of inter-religious relations with Hana Bendcowsky, Director of the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, as she offers insight into the diverse communities that share Jerusalem’s sacred space.
  • Explore the pastoral neighborhoods of Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha'ananim, where the great banker and philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore developed the famous windmill and the artists’ colony.
  • Gather as a community for a meaningful Havdalah ceremony, bidding farewell to Shabbat with sweet spices, melodies, and candlelight that create a shared moment of reflection.
  • 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: Jerusaelm Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
ALL ROADS LEAD TO JERUSALEM
Sun. Dec 27, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel in Jerusalem and begin your journey toward northern Israel.
  • 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.
  • Visit the Zippori National Park, known for its extraordinary ancient mosaics and its central role in Jewish life after the destruction of the Temple.
  • Meet with Rabbi Yoav Andi at Kibbutz Hanaton for an engaging conversation about life, values, and community in a modern kibbutz.
  • Take in the stunning vistas of the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, and Mount Hermon from the top of Mount Arbel, offering one of the most scenic spots in the region.
  • Arrive in the Galilee, check into your kibbutz hotel and enjoy dinner together.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
ADVENTURE IN THE NORTH
Mon. Dec 28, 2026
  • Gaze across the Golan and into Syria from the top of Mount Bental, gaining valuable insight into Israel’s geopolitical and security landscape while taking in the region’s sweeping views.
  • Experience the thrill of jeep tour through the Golan Heights, exploring rugged landscapes, ancient ruins, and stunning viewpoints. Experience the region's rich history, strategic significance, and vibrant nature, including lush valleys and volcanic rock formations.
  • Tour a kibbutz on the Lebanon border that was evacuated and partially damaged in the northern conflicts since October 7th, hearing firsthand how the community is coping, rebuilding, and envisioning its future.
  • Sample some of the Golan Heights’ finest wines at Odem Mountain Winery, nestled at the foot of Mount Hermon and known for its distinctive high-altitude vintages.
  • Return to your hotel and gather for dinner together.
  • Meet with a research expert from the Alma Research and Education Center to gain deeper insight into Israel’s northern security challenges, regional dynamics, and the human stories behind the headlines.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
SPIRITUALITY & CONNECTION
Tue. Dec 29, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel and drive towards central Israel.
  • Welcome to the capital of Jewish mysticism, Tsfat, with its medieval synagogues and modern art galleries. Learn about the roots of Kabbalah while touring the streets and alleys of the city. Your visit will include:
    • Visit the Ari Synagogue and share in the inspiration and innovation that moved Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Holy Ari) and his fellow mystics.
    • See the Caro Synagogue, built originally, in the 16th century It is where Rabbi Joseph Caro, one of the greatest of all Jewish legal authorities, taught and lived.
    • Walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to the Artists' Colony with its galleries, shops, and studios.
    • Visit the Tsfat Candle Factory, famous for its intricate and symbolic handcrafted candles.
  • Travel the Trans-Israel Highway southward, where views of the Security Barrier offer a meaningful glimpse into Israel’s complex landscape.
  • Experience the dynamism of Jewish life at 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.
  • Pause at Hostages Square and reflect on the powerful history of 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.
  • 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 11
TEL AVIV: WHERE ZIONSIM & MODERNITY CONVERGE
Wed. Dec 30, 2026
  • Have a relaxed late-morning checkout from your Tel Aviv hotel, giving you time to ease into the day.
  • Stop at the Jaffa lookout for a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv, 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.
  • Eat, drink, and learn at Levinsky Market with your tour educator as you sample flavorful foods, sweets, and spices from across the Mediterranean and Middle East, discovering how these tastes shape Israel’s vibrant culinary mosaic.
  • Take a walk through Tel Aviv’s bohemian Florentine neighborhood and take in its ever-changing murals and street art, a colorful and powerful reflection of the city’s cultural energy and Israel’s current moment.
  • Tour and taste the Milk & Honey Whisky Distillery, Israel’s pioneering and only whisky distillery, to explore the craft, innovation, and local flavors behind its award-winning spirits.
  • Celebrate the close of your Israel journey with a festive private farewell dinner at a local restaurant, sharing good food, laughter, and memories of your time together.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight back to the US.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12
HOME AGAIN
Thu. Dec 31, 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
35+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,295
Cost p/p in single room
$7,595
  • Children ages 13–15 receive a $2,845 discount as a 3rd/4th person in the room.
  • Children ages 16–17 receive a $1,345 discount as a 3rd/4th person in the room.
Generous subsidies thanks to the Jay and Rebecca Rudberg Family Israel Trip Fund
Registration open
David Citadel Jerusalem

Jerusalem: David Citadel

Upper Galilee: Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel

Tel Aviv: Carlton

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.

What to expect

  • 9 nights' accommodations.
  • 10 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 9 days of touring in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 6 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.
  • Meeting with Dr. Yizhar Hess and Rabbi Yoav Andi are not included in the package price.
  • 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 $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.
  • 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.