Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
Family Mission to Israel

Led by Rabbis Ammi Hirsch & Rena Rifkin

Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who’s Going Families
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 8 DAYS
  • Group Size 35+
  • Price From $5,290
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.

  •   Family Friendly
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Archaeology
  •   Art & Culture
  •   Active
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Jeep Tour
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ARRIVING IN ISRAEL: FROM ANCIENT JAFFA TO THE BIRTH OF A NATION
Mon. Dec 22, 2025
  • 11 a.m. Meet at the lobby of the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Meet your J² Expert Educator. Our representative will be on hand to assist with all formalities and ensure your journey has the smoothest of starts.
  • Tour Modern Tel Aviv & Old Jaffa: Learn why Jaffa is so historically important and how it’s old city reflects the past and present.
  • Visit the Ayalon Institute near Rehovot and explore its underground ammunition factory, a hidden operation that played a vital role in Israel’s fight for independence. Learn how young pioneers worked in secrecy to produce ammunition, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and determination.
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local Tel Aviv restaurant or at the historic Ayalon Institute.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
THE MANY FACES OF TEL AVIV
Tue. Dec 23, 2025
  • Adults: Meet with a leading Israeli journalist for an in-depth discussion on politics, current events, and the region’s dynamic landscape.
  • Kids: Get creative with a hands-on workshop on Tel Aviv Beach.
  • Eat, drink, and learn at Levinsky Market with your Expert Educator, where we’ll sample food, sweets, and spices from all over the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
  • 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.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
ANCIENT CAESAREA AND MYSTICAL TSFAT
Wed. Dec 24, 2025
  • Check out of hotel.
  • Enjoy a guided visit to the ancient city of Caesarea, a once-thriving Roman port built by Herod the Great. Walk through remarkably preserved ruins including a Roman theater, hippodrome, and aqueducts, and learn about the city’s fascinating history. All of this set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean coast.
  • Head to the mystical and magical city of Tsfat. Here, you'll:
    • 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, like the Ari Synagogue, in the 16th century, where Rabbi Joseph Caro, one of the greatest Jewish legal authorities, taught and lived.
    • Walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to the Artists' Colony with its galleries, shops, and studios. 
  • Check into the hotel and have dinner.
  • Adults: The Northern Front – Meet with an expert who will give insight into the security challenges along Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria during a briefing with a senior defense expert. Learn about the strategic landscape and current regional dynamics from someone with firsthand experience.
  • Kids: Explore a kibbutz on a guided tour and discover what life is like in a modern-day kibbutz community, from farming to daily routines and shared living.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
MILESTONES AND BORDERS
Thu. Dec 25, 2025
  • Check out of hotel.
  • B'nai Mitzvah Ceremony at a Historic Site in Northern Israel – Celebrate this meaningful milestone in a unique and scenic setting, surrounded by history, nature, and the spirit of resilience.
  • Festive Lunch to Follow.
  • Jeep Ride Along Israel’s Borders with Lebanon and Syria – Venture off the beaten path on an exhilarating jeep tour, exploring rugged terrain while gaining insight into the region’s strategic importance and complex history.
  • Stop at Mount Bental – Take in breathtaking panoramic views from this dormant volcanic peak, overlooking the Golan Heights and into Syria. Learn about the region’s geopolitical significance and visit former military bunkers that tell the story of past conflicts and ongoing security challenges.
  • Drive to Jerusalem – Travel to Israel’s capital, arriving late in the evening for check-in and rest before the next day's adventures.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
MEMORY AND MEANING
Fri. Dec 26, 2025
  • Adults: Contemporary Anti-Semitism – Engage in a thought-provoking discussion with a leading expert on global antisemitism, far-right extremism, and counter-radicalization strategies, offering fresh insights into this critical topic.
  • Kids: Get creative in a hands-on mosaic workshop at Hutzot Hayotzer.
  • Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial – Gain a deeper understanding of the Shoah through a guided tour featuring powerful exhibits, survivor testimonies, and commemorative sites.
  • Walk through the Mahane Yehuda open-air market and experience on your own the sights, smells, and tastes of Jerusalem.
  • Kabbalat Shabbat services at Kehillat Yozma in Modi’in, led by Rabbi Nir Barkin, followed by Shabbat dinner.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
WALKING THROUGH TIME: JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY
Sat. Dec 27, 2025
  • Adults: Join a political analyst for a discussion on the Israeli political system.
  • Kids: Embark on a fun and interactive scavenger hunt in Yemin Moshe, exploring its charming alleys, historic landmarks, and beautiful views of Jerusalem.
  • Take a walking tour through Jerusalem's Old City and the Jewish Quarter and experience the center of Jewish life, history, and holiness.
  • Mark the end of Shabbat with a communal havdalah ceremony overlooking the Old City.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
VOICES FROM THE GAZA BORDER
Sun. Dec 28, 2025
  • Hands-on Food Rescue with Leket Israel: Volunteer with Leket Israel, the country’s leading food rescue organization.
  • Drive to the Israel-Gaza border to understand Israel post-October 7.
  • Adults: Meet with a resident to hear the story of life along the border, the events of October 7, and the situation today.
  • Kids: Step inside the world of bees at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai! Discover how a honeycomb is transformed into delicious, golden honey and enjoy a sweet taste of the process.
  • Return to Jerusalem.
  • Adults: Enjoy a free evening out in Jerusalem!
  • Kids: Fun evening program and pizza dinner with the J² staff.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
MASADA, THE DEAD SEA, AND FAREWELL TO ISRAEL
Mon. Dec 29, 2025
  • Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the Dead Sea region.
  • Drive to the Dead Sea Basin, 1412 ft. below sea level and the lowest place on earth. The desert landscape views are breathtaking.
  • Head to the top of Masada with its extraordinary views and fascinating archaeological remains.
  • Float into happiness at the Dead Sea. Not much can live or swim in what is the saltiest piece of water in the world, nine times saltier than the ocean, but the weightless feeling of floating is great fun.
  • Return to Jerusalem – Arrive back in the city with time to shower, pack, and change before your flight, followed by a late check-out.
  • Gather for a final meal at a local restaurant, sharing reflections on an unforgettable journey.
  • Group transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport and check in for your return flight.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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
$5,290
Cost p/p in single room
$6,825
Child As 3rd (Reduction)
- ($700)
Room Upgrade Options:
Want a little extra comfort, space, or a great view? Ask us about room upgrades! Options are available upon request and subject to availability at the time of booking.
To inquire, contact our Customer Care Team at (888) 230-6008 (Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET) or email [email protected].

Tel Aviv: Carlton:
Supplement for Deluxe Full Sea View: +$80 per room, per night.
Supplement for Royal Executive – Partial Sea View (with Lounge Access): +$120 per room, per night.
Supplement for Royal Executive – Full Sea View (with Lounge Access): +$220 per room, per night.

Upper Galilee: Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel:
Supplement for Boutique Balcony rooms: +$63 per room, per night.
Supplement for Boutique Garden rooms: +$85 per room, per night.
Supplement for Suite: +$105 per suite, per night.

Jerusalem: The Inbal:
Supplement for Deluxe Room with Balcony, Old City View: +$90 per room, per night.
Supplement for Premium Room, Old City View: +$180 per room, per night.
Supplement for Premium Junior Suite, Courtyard View: +$260 per suite, per night.
Registration open

Tel Aviv: Carlton

Upper Galilee: Pastoral Kfar Blum Hotel

Jerusalem: The Inbal

What to expect

  • 7 nights' accommodations. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
  • 8 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 4 dinners.
  • Gratuities for J² Expert Educator (guide) and driver are included.
  • 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.
  • 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. 

Stuff.

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