JCP Family
Journey to Israel

Led by Rabbi Joshua Scharff

Dec 21, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Families
  • Trip Type Multi-Generational
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 20+
  • Price From $5,595
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 & Wine
  •   Jeep Tour
  •   Nature Walks
  •   Scavenger Hunt
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Mon. Dec 21, 2026
  • Board your flight and embark on your journey of discovery and connection with the people, history, and culture of Israel!
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Tue. Dec 22, 2026
  • Land at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will help your family explore Israel through historical depth, contemporary relevance, and thoughtful conversation across generations.
  • Ascend the winding road to Jerusalem and pause at a sweeping panoramic overlook of the Old City, where you will mark your arrival with the Shehecheyanu blessing, expressing gratitude for reaching this moment together.
  • Check into your hotel and take time to rest, unpack, and begin settling into Jerusalem’s rhythm.
  • Gather for a festive Welcome Dinner and opening conversation that frames the days ahead: What questions are you bringing? What does Israel mean to you now? What might it mean by the end of this journey?
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
THE DEAD SEA BASIN
Wed. Dec 23, 2026
  • Savor a generous Israeli breakfast that reflects the diversity of the country itself, Middle Eastern, European, North African, and beyond, a living expression of Jewish ingathering.
  • 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 for sweeping views where the golden city meets the Judean Desert.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
RESILIENCE & REBUILDING: LIFE NEAR GAZA
Thu. Dec 24, 2026
  • Engage in a hands-on archaeological dig at the Beit Guvrin Caves, designed for all ages. This exciting experience allows your group to uncover ancient artifacts, offering a fun and educational way to connect with history and share in the thrill of discovery.
  • Travel south toward the Gaza Envelope, shifting from ancient history to current events that are still raw and evolving.
  • Visit 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.
  • ADULTS & OLDER YOUTH:
    • Visit kibbutz Nir Oz, located on the Israeli-Gaza border. Meet with a kibbutz resident to hear the story of life along the border, the events of October 7, and the situation today.
    • 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.”
    • 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.
  • YOUNGER KIDS: Meet a desert agronomist and embark on the Salad Trail, an innovative northern Negev farm experience that blends cutting-edge agriculture with environmental stewardship.
  • Devote time to reflection and processing the day’s experiences with your tour leader and educator before returning to Jerusalem.
DAY 5
MEMORY & RENEWAL
Fri. Dec 25, 2026
  • ADULTS & OLDER YOUTH:
    • 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 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.
  • YOUNGER KIDS: Enjoy a day of discovery in Jerusalem:
    • Visit the Biblical Zoo, where nature and Jewish heritage come alive.
    • Experience Ein Yael, an interactive, living museum, located on a 2,000-year-old archaeological site. Weave, paint, and try your hand at crafts - typical of life in ancient times.
  • Volunteer at Pantry Packers, transforming Jewish values of tzedakah and responsibility into direct action. Reflect as a family: What does Jewish responsibility look like beyond this trip?
  • ALL: 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.
  • Return to your hotel with time to prepare for Shabbat and shift into the slower, more intentional pace of sacred time.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Welcome Shabbat with joyful Kabbalat Shabbat services led by Rabbi Galit Cohen-Kedem and Kehillat Kodesh v’Hol, a vibrant Reform community from Holon that celebrates faith, song, and togetherness.
  • Share a warm and festive Shabbat dinner with the local community, savoring traditional flavors, heartfelt conversation, and the joy of gathering together in celebration.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Dec 26, 2026
  • Enjoy a day exploring Jerusalem as the city fills with the sights and sounds of Shabbat, walk the streets, hear tefilot drifting through open windows, and watch people of all backgrounds making their way to synagogue.
  • Visit Mount Zion and encounter multiple faith narratives layered within one building. Talk together about shared sacred space and differing historical memory.
  • 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. Approach the Western Wall and experience its atmosphere of prayer, tradition, and longing. Take personal time to place a note in the stones or simply observe, reflecting on how Jews across centuries have turned toward this place.
  • Wander through the vibrant Old City Shuk in the Christian Quarter, experience its colorful stalls and local flavors, and enjoy lunch on your own.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Watch the Night Spectacular at the Tower of David Museum, a cinematic celebration of sight and sound depicting the story of Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
A TAIL OF TWO CITIES
Sun. Dec 27, 2026
  • Depart Jerusalem and journey north toward the Galilee, watching the landscape shift from Jerusalem’s stone hills to the open vistas and fertile valleys that have shaped Jewish imagination for centuries.
  • 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:
    • See the Ari Synagogue and Caro Synagogue, both built originally in the 16th century.
    • Walk through the Artists’ Colony and take the opportunity to shop in the many boutique galleries.
    • Meet with renowned Tsfat artist Sheva Chaya in her studio, where you’ll learn about her unique glassblowing and watercolor art, which reflects the intersection of nature, spirituality, and Jewish themes.
  • Explore the Hula Nature Reserve, a lush sanctuary alive with migrating storks, cranes, pelicans, and even flamingos. Discover this vibrant ecosystem together by bike or golf cart, enjoying an immersive and up-close experience in one of Israel’s most beautiful natural settings.
  • Continue to your kibbutz hotel in the Upper Galilee to check in and enjoy dinner together.
  • Learn about the kibbutz movement’s pioneering role in building the State of Israel, discussing how early socialist visionaries sought to create an egalitarian society - and how those ideals have evolved in contemporary Israel.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
ADVENTURE IN THE NORTH
Mon. Dec 28, 2026
  • Take a nature hike at the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, a beautiful and serene spot in the Golan Heights. Tour the remains of a 5,000-year-old city and find out why water is like gold in the parched Middle East.
  • 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.
  • Enjoy lunch on your own in the Druze village of Majdal Shams near the Syrian border, experiencing local hospitality and the distinct culture of this community at Israel’s edge.
  • ADULTS: 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.
  • CHILDREN: Visit the Odem Freedom Farm to learn how Jewish tradition calls us to care for all living creatures, meeting staff who rehabilitate rescued animals and participating in a hands-on encounter with horses, pigs, birds, and even wolves.
  • Return to your kibbutz hotel to relax, reflect, and enjoy dinner as a group.
Overnight: Upper Galille Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
ALONG THE COAST
Tue. Dec 29, 2026
  • Depart the Galilee and travel south along the Mediterranean coastline, watching the landscape shift from green hills to sandy shores as you transition from Israel’s biblical and mystical north to its modern, forward-looking center.
  • Explore ancient Caesarea, wandering through its Roman theater, hippodrome, and harbor ruins while reflecting on the layers of empire, resistance, and Jewish endurance that have shaped this land across millennia.
  • Enter Tel Aviv, the first modern Hebrew city, founded in 1909 as a bold experiment in Jewish self-determination — a place built not on ancient stone, but on vision and sand dunes.
  • Explore the lively Carmel Market, one of Tel Aviv’s most famous spots, and savor lunch on own while surrounded by colorful produce, local treasures, and a delicious mix of Israeli and international flavors.
  • Wander through Nahalat Binyamin’s open-air arts and crafts fair, where local artisans showcase handmade treasures that celebrate the creativity and spirit of modern Israel.
  • Walk along Rothschild Boulevard, the epicenter of the Tel Aviv scene, and follow the Independence Trail in Tel Aviv to embark on a remarkable journey that begins with the founding of Tel Aviv in 1909 and ends with the establishment of Israel in 1948.
  • Check-in to your Tel Aviv hotel.
  • Join Israeli rabbis from MARAM (the Israeli Reform Rabbis Association) and their families for an intimate evening of conversation and dinner, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect, hear personal perspectives on life in Israel, and experience the warmth of local community.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
TEL AVIV: OLD & NEW
Wed. Dec 30, 2026
  • Enjoy a laid-back morning before your late-morning checkout from the Tel Aviv hotel, giving you time to ease into the day at a relaxed and comfortable pace.
  • Start your day with a stop at the Jaffa lookout for a panoramic view of the Tel Aviv coastline followed by a guided walking tour of ancient Jaffa, exploring its archaeological sites, the historic port, and its significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
  • 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 lunch on own at the Sarona Market, which was once a colony of Templars, German Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, but is now a center of Tel Aviv cuisine.
  • 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.
  • 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, Dinner
DAY 11
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
20+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,595
Cost p/p in single room
$7,535
Child As 3rd (Reduction)
- ($795)

If the number of participants for the trip exceeds 30, the pricing will be as follows:
  • Double room: $5,095 p/p
  • Single room: $7,035 p/p
  • The child discount does not change.
Registration open

Jerusalem: King David

Upper Galilee: Hotel HaGoshrim nature

Tel Aviv: Hilton

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 & 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.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
  • Late check-out on the day of departure.
  • 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.
  • 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.