L’Dor Vador
Leo Baeck Temple
Israel Journey
24 Years in the Making

Led by Rabbi Ken Chasen and Allison Lee

Dec 9, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Age 18+
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 12 DAYS
  • Group Size 20+
  • Price From $6,855
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
  •   Family Friendly
  •   Heritage

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS
Wed. Dec 9, 2026
  • Depart for Israel, embarking on a meaningful journey of learning, connection, and shared purpose that will unfold through history, people, and place.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Thu. Dec 10, 2026
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
  • Check into your hotel, taking time to settle in and begin acclimating to Israel and be greeted by your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany you throughout the journey, guiding meaningful encounters focused on education, resilience, and hope.
  • 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.
  • Dinner & Discussion – Understanding the Context: Come together for a welcome dinner featuring a keynote speaker who will offer insights into Israel’s current social and political landscape, helping frame the journey ahead with context, connection, and thoughtful conversation.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
CULTURE, CREATIVITY & HOPE IN TEL AVIV
Fri. Dec 11, 2026
  • 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.
  • Volunteer with MOLET in a hands-on workshop where you'll build furniture for families from the Gaza Envelope, supporting their efforts to rebuild homes, dignity, and hope.
  • Builders and Rebuilders: Walk down Bialik Street, home to many of Tel Aviv's finest early artists and authors, that saw destruction in the recent war with Iran. Visit Trumpeldor Cemetery, where the great thinkers and founders of the first Zionist city are buried.
  • 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.
  • Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat, transitioning from the pace of the week to sacred time.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Welcome Shabbat together with a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat Led by Rabbi Ken Chasen and Allison Lee on the beach, blending prayer, song, community, and the beauty of the Mediterranean coast. (If weather is not permitting we will meet at the dolphinarium).
  • Share a festive Shabbat dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating together with a traditional meal and the warmth of your community with special guest Prof. Paul Liptz.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
DREAMERS & PIONEERS: PAST AND PRESENT
Sat. Dec 12, 2026
  • 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, discovering how artists are responding to Israel’s post-war reality and how creativity becomes a lens for processing trauma, rebuilding identity, and imagining the future.
  • Enjoy 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.
  • 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, reflecting on Israel’s ongoing efforts to bring every hostage home and the civic activism surrounding this national commitment.
  • Join together for a communal Havdalah ceremony on the beach, marking the transition from Shabbat to the new week with song, spices, and shared reflection.
  • 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 5
LIVING ON THE EDGE: IN THE SHADOW OF GAZA
Sun. Dec 13, 2026
  • 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.
  • Engage in an intimate dialogue with Rabbi Avi Dabush, Executive Director of Rabbis for Human Rights and an October 7 survivor from Kibbutz Nirim, discussing moral leadership, trauma, and the pursuit of justice even amid deep loss.
  • 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 before continuing onward to the Negev.
  • Check into the hotel and gather for dinner together.
Overnight: Negev Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
VISIONS & REALITIES IN THE NEGEV
Mon. Dec 14, 2026
  • Visit the home and gravesite of David Ben-Gurion at Kibbutz Sde Boker, and reflect on the founding vision that shaped Israel’s modern story and its connection to the Negev.
  • Hike through Ein Avdat Canyon, a striking desert landscape carved by water and time, offering a visceral encounter with resilience in nature.
  • Explore the Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center, where geology, ecology, and human ingenuity come together against the stunning backdrop of Israel’s largest crater.
  • Meet modern pioneers at a local eco-farm, hearing their inspiring stories of leaving city life behind to help make the desert bloom.
  • Return to the hotel for dinner and a quiet evening beneath the desert sky.
  • Stargaze on the edge of the Makhtesh (weather permitting).
Overnight: Negev Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
OPENING THE TENT: COMMUNITIES OF ISRAEL
Tue. Dec 15, 2026
  • Depart the Negev and begin the journey north, transitioning from desert frontier to the heart of Israel’s shared society.
  • 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 Leket Israel, gleaning fresh fruits and vegetables to help nourish families in need and connect with the Jewish value of tikkun olam.
  • Savor a curated wine tasting at a boutique Israeli winery, where world-class craftsmanship meets the richness of the land.
  • 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 8
JERUSALEM FROM ALL ANGLES
Wed. Dec 16, 2026
  • 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.
  • Visit the new Israel National Library to explore centuries of Jewish creativity through one of the world's most impressive collections of Jewish and Israel-related literature. Engage with the library staff, who are leading a national project documenting the events of October 7, 2023, preserving firsthand accounts, testimonies, and historical records to ensure this pivotal moment is remembered and studied for generations to come.
  • 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.
  • Tour the Supreme Court of Israel with Orly Erez Likhovski of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) to explore the dynamic relationship between law, religion, and civil rights in modern Israel, and engage in a meaningful discussion on women’s advocacy and the enduring effort to strengthen Israel in the spirit of the Scroll of Independence.
  • Participate in a Middle Eastern cooking workshop at a Jerusalem studio, exploring food as culture and connection before enjoying the meal you prepared together.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
RESILIENCE IN ACTION PAST AND PRESENT
Thu. Dec 17, 2026
  • Engage in a thoughtful dialogue with journalist and author Yossi Klein Halevi on “The Responsibilities of an Israeli Writer,” exploring the moral and civic tensions shaping contemporary Israeli society.
  • Mount Herzl is Israel's central military cemetery and hosts the graves of the leaders of the nation. Since October 7, 2023, the fallen have joined this sacred place. Visit Mount Herzl and contend with the human price paid by Israeli families and the country in the Israel-Hamas War. Join the daily morning kaddish dedicated to the memories of our fallen soldiers.
  • Stop at Abu Gosh, affectionately known as Israel’s “hummus capital,” and enjoy lunch on own in an authentic local restaurant that reflects the village's culinary pride and traditions.
  • Meet with members of Brothers for Life, a nonprofit founded and led by wounded veterans of the elite Duvdevan unit, dedicated to rehabilitation, emotional healing, and lifelong solidarity. Hear personal stories of injury and recovery, and reflect on how Israeli society supports those who have borne the physical and psychological costs of defending the state.
  • Visit the Sha'ar Hagai Heritage Museum which is dedicated to the courageous men and women who prevented the roads to besieged Jerusalem from being blocked in the days leading up to, and even following, Israel’s independence in 1948.
  • In the evening, immerse yourself in Jerusalem’s vibrant nightlife, including shopping at Mamilla Mall or exploring Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
  • Spend the evening at FeelBeit, a Jerusalem-based cultural space dedicated to fostering Jewish-Arab coexistence through music, art, and shared creative expression, located on the seam between East and West Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
COMFORT & SPIRITUALITY
Fri. Dec 18, 2026
  • Explore the complex geopolitics of Jerusalem through thought-provoking site visits and discussions that bring history and current events to life. Delve into the city’s religious, political, and cultural significance as you visit key locations such as the Seam Line, East Jerusalem l, and overlook government institutions.
  • Step into the Educational Bookshop, owned by the Muna family, and hear candid reflections on daily life in East Jerusalem today.
    OR
    Join a rabbi from Rabbis for Human Rights for a meaningful field visit and conversation about faith-based activism. Take part in the olive harvest, reflecting on how the ancient symbols of oil and light call us to pursue justice and stand with dignity alongside others.
  • 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 11
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Dec 19, 2026
  • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat morning, with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services.
  • In the old city of Jerusalem meet with staff from the Rosing Center for Educational and Dialogue. Learn tools of spiritual consulting and practice their unique dialogue model as we explore our own thoughts and feelings.
  • Engage in guided study with Rabbi Michael Marmur, using Jewish texts as a lens to reflect on identity, partnership, and building Jewish life together.
  • As Shabbat ends, gather for a powerful communal Havdalah overlooking the Old City - using music, poetry, and ritual to mark the sacred transition and close the journey with intention and hope.
  • Late check out of your Jerusalem hotel.
  • 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 12
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Dec 20, 2026
  • Arrive home carrying new understanding, deeper relationships, and a renewed sense of responsibility to Israel, the Jewish people, and one another.

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
$6,855
Cost p/p in single room
$8,700

Tel Aviv: Carlton

Negev Desert: Kedma hotel

Jerusalem: Orient

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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 9 nights' accommodations. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
  • 10 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Private arrival transfer & assistance at the airport.
  • Private departure transfer.
  • Daily breakfast & 7 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Water in 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.
  • Evening activity at FeelBeit on Dec 17.
  • 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.