North Shore Synagogue
& Temple Beth Emeth
Reconnect with Israel

Led by Rabbis Jaimee & Helayne Shalhevet

Feb 12, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Multi-Generational
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 30+
  • Price From $4,595
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.

  •   Active
  •   Archaeology
  •   Art & Culture
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Heritage
  •   Home Hospitality

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
DEPARTURE & THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Thu. Feb 12, 2026
  • Gather at your departure airport, ready to embark on a powerful journey to Israel, a land filled with history, resilience, and renewal.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL!
Fri. Feb 13, 2026
  • Land at Ben-Gurion International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany you throughout this journey.
  • Travel to Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world, for a breathtaking lookout over Tel Aviv. Here, set the stage for your trip with an introduction to Israel—its ancient roots, modern energy, and the themes of resilience and renewal that will shape your journey.
  • Check into the hotel.
  • Celebrate Shabbat in Israel with Kabbalat Shabbat services at the hotel, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner, embracing the warmth of tradition and community.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
TEL AVIV – A CITY OF INNOVATION & HERITAGE
Sat. Feb 14, 2026
  • Stroll along The Independence Trail, retracing Tel Aviv’s transformation from a sand dune settlement in 1909 to the vibrant cultural and economic hub it is today. Walk in the footsteps of Israel’s founders and explore the sites connected to the declaration of statehood in 1948.
  • Travel south to the Ayalon Institute, a once-secret underground bullet factory used by the Haganah before Israel's independence. Discover the ingenuity and bravery behind Israel’s fight for statehood.
  • Enjoy lunch (on your own) at the Sarona Market, a trendy culinary hotspot built within a restored 19th-century German Templar colony. From gourmet delicacies to local street food, explore the flavors of Israel’s diverse communities.
  • Visit ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, an interactive and immersive exploration of Jewish history, identity, and culture, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Jewish communities worldwide.
  • As the sun sets, gather by the Mediterranean Sea for a Havdalah ceremony, marking the transition from Shabbat into the new week with song and reflection.
  • Enjoy a free evening to explore Tel Aviv’s bustling nightlife.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
FACING CHALLENGES, FINDING HOPE
Sun. Feb 15, 2026
  • Travel south to the Israel-Gaza border region to understand the realities of life post-October 7.
  • Engage with the land on The Salad Trail, a unique farm experience where children and adults can taste and pick fresh produce, learn about desert agriculture, and even plant something of their own.
  • Visit Sderot, a town just minutes from Gaza, to hear firsthand from residents about resilience in the face of conflict. Visit protected playgrounds, shelters, and community initiatives fostering hope amid challenges.
  • Return to Tel Aviv for a reflective evening, processing the day's experiences and exploring the city at your leisure.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
NORTHERN MOSAIC – CULTURE & CONNECTION
Mon. Feb 16, 2026
  • Travel north along the Mediterranean coast to explore Caesarea, an ancient Roman port city. Walk through its amphitheater, aqueduct, and stunning sea-view ruins as you uncover stories of conquest, grandeur, and Jewish resistance.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of harmony and peace. Walk through the meticulously landscaped terraces cascading down Mount Carmel, learn about the Bahá'í faith, and take in panoramic views of Haifa and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • In Haifa, visit Beit HaGefen, an Arab-Jewish cultural center fostering coexistence and dialogue. Wander through the vibrant streets of Wadi Nisnas, where Jewish and Arab residents share markets, art, and daily life.
  • Meet Jewish and Arab university students from Haifa University, gaining insight into their shared experiences and diverse perspectives.
  • Travel to a Druze village on Mount Carmel for a cultural encounter with Israel’s Druze community. Learn about their traditions, values, and role in Israeli society before enjoying a home-hosted dinner, experiencing the famed Druze hospitality firsthand.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
UNEARTHING THE PAST, BUILDING THE FUTURE
Tue. Feb 17, 2026
  • Dig into history at Beit Guvrin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll join an active archeological dig in ancient caves, searching for artifacts from centuries past.
  • Get creative with a MOLET workshop, a hands-on initiative blending sustainability and design. Work with repurposed materials to craft something meaningful, contributing to a better future through art and innovation.
  • Ascend to Jerusalem and stop at the Haas Promenade for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, where you’ll say the Shehecheyanu blessing, celebrating this momentous arrival.
  • Check into your Jerusalem hotel and unwind before diving into the city’s rich layers of history and spirituality.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
JERUSALEM – PAST & PRESENT INTERWOVEN
Wed. Feb 18, 2026
  • Explore Jerusalem’s Old City, walking through the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, the Roman Cardo, and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, where history is embedded in every stone.
  • Experience the hidden world of the Western Wall Tunnels, revealing ancient remnants of the Second Temple period.
  • Climb to a rooftop overlook, gaining a new perspective of Jerusalem’s religious and cultural diversity, with views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, and Hurva Synagogue.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
MEMORY, MEANING & ACTION
Thu. Feb 19, 2026
  • Adults: Guided tour of Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, including the museum, Hall of Remembrance, and Children’s Memorial.
  • Kids: Interactive exploration at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo, learning about animals from biblical times.
  • Returnees: Visit the Israel National Library, home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of Jewish texts and artifacts.
  • Walk through the bustling Mahane Yehuda Market, savoring the scents, sounds, and flavors of Jerusalem’s culinary melting pot.
  • Give back by volunteering at Pantry Packers, preparing food packages for Israel’s most vulnerable families.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
MASADA, THE DEAD SEA & SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Fri. Feb 20, 2026
  • Ascend Masada via the Snake Path or cable car and relive the dramatic story of Jewish defiance against Rome.
  • Float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, experiencing its healing waters and surreal landscape.
  • Return to the hotel to freshen up before Shabbat.
  • Kabbalat Shabbat services at Kehillat Kol Haneshema.
  • Home Hospitality Shabbat dinner/communal Shabbat dinner with local congregants OR festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM – REFLECTION, CONNECTION & CELEBRATION
Sat. Feb 21, 2026
  • Begin the day with the peaceful rhythm of Shabbat morning services at a local synagogue, experiencing Jerusalem’s unique spiritual atmosphere.
  • Enjoy a leisurely Shabbat morning, taking time to walk through Jerusalem’s quiet streets, absorbing the serenity that sets this day apart from the rest of the week.
  • Delve into Jerusalem’s layered history with a visit to Mt. Zion, home to the Upper Room (Room of the Last Supper), a site of deep religious significance, and King David’s Tomb, an ancient pilgrimage site for Jews throughout generations.
  • Explore the Tower of David Museum, where Jerusalem’s 3,000-year-old story comes to life through innovative exhibits, breathtaking archaeology, and stunning views from the fortress’ ramparts.
  • As the sun sets, gather for a moving Havdalah ceremony, overlooking the illuminated walls of the Old City. Through song and reflection, mark the transition from the holiness of Shabbat to the opportunities of the new week ahead.
  • Late checkout of the hotel.
  • Enjoy a festive farewell dinner, where we will share highlights, insights, and personal reflections from this transformative journey.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your return flight home.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
BACK HOME, FOREVER CONNECTED
Sun. Feb 22, 2026
  • Arrive in the U.S., carrying not just souvenirs, but a renewed connection to Israel, a heart full of memories, and a commitment to staying engaged with the people and land of Israel in meaningful ways.

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
$4,595
Cost p/p in single room
$5,845
Child As 3rd (Reduction)
- ($435)

Tel Aviv: Dan Panorama

Jerusalem: Dan Panorama

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

  • 8 nights' accommodations. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
  • 9 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast & 4 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.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Israel.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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. 

THE J2
World

We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.