Temple Emanu-El
Goes to Israel

Led by Rabbi David Seth Kirshner

Dec 24, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Families
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 35+
  • Price From $6,890
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.

  •   Scavenger Hunt
  •   Music
  •   Heritage
  •   Jeep Tour
  •   Home Hospitality
  •   Archaeology
  •   Nature Walks
  •   Rappelling
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Thu. Dec 24, 2026
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
ARRIVAL TO ISRAEL
Fri. Dec 25, 2026
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
  • Meet your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany you on this journey of education and inspiration.
  • Arrive in Tel Aviv and check into your hotel.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Gather for Kabbalat Shabbat and welcome Shabbat as one community with song, spirit, and connection.
  • Enjoy Shabbat dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
SHABBAT IN TEL AVIV
Sat. Dec 26, 2026
  • Family scavenger hunt walk to the Tel Aviv port exploring Tel Aviv and getting to know each other.
  • Mark the end of Shabbat with a communal Havdalah ceremony overlooking the sea.
  • We’re dancing in the streets! With the declaration of the new State of Israel, people went out to the streets of Tel Aviv to celebrate a new age for the Jewish people. You can do the same. Join Guru Zuzu – on a magical mystery tour of Tel Aviv’s Rothschild Boulevard – a combination of story, music, and dance. Get into the Tel Aviv party mood!
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
ISRAEL WITH ALL OUR SENSES
Sun. Dec 27, 2026
  • Check out of the hotel.
  • Get to know the South:
    • ADULTS: 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.
    • YOUTH: Taste the blooming desert through an interactive visit to the Salad Trail, an innovative northern Negev farm. Meet with the local farmer who is committed to making the desert bloom.
  • Continue together 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 foods to choose from, each representing a different community of people living in Sderot.
  • 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.
  • Check into the hotel in Mitzpe Ramon, followed by dinner.
Overnight: Mitzpeh Ramon Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
ADVENTURE IN THE SOUTH
Mon. Dec 28, 2026
  • Imitation rescue mission via rappelling down the Ramon Crater with 669 Unit.
  • Visit the grave and the house of David Ben-Gurion at Kibbutz Sde Boker.
  • Enjoy a Jeep tour while learning about Makhtesh Ramon, the world’s largest natural erosion cirque.
  • Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Mitzpeh Ramon Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
THE SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE
Tue. Dec 29, 2026
  • Check out of the hotel.
  • Visit ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village was named to honor the memory of Eran Almog, the late son and guiding light of founders Didi and Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. Fueled by his love for Eran, who was born with severe autism and cognitive disabilities, Doron Almog led the creation of a one-of-a-kind rehabilitation village in Israel’s south, a community where people from diverse backgrounds and all levels of ability can live, heal and grow together.
  • Experience warm home hospitality in Ofakim, a town known for its strong community spirit, unique resilience, and authentic Israeli character. Hosted by Osi, a native of the area who specializes in traditional North African cooking and storytelling.
  • Take part in an interactive archeological dig geared to all ages at the Beit Guvrin Caves.
  • Stop at Mount Scopus in Jerusalem for a traditional shehehiyanu blessing of thanksgiving.
  • Check into the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7
THE LAYERS OF JERUSALEM
Wed. Dec 30, 2026
  • Discover the excavations at the City of David, the very core of ancient Jerusalem, view the Gihon Spring, and wade through the 2,700-year-old water tunnel of King Hezekiah.
  • 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.
  • Use your Yamishuk voucher to enjoy lunch in The Old City’s Jewish Quarter.
  • 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, challenge, and renewal. Among the highlights will be:
    • A visit to 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.
  • 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.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8
MASADA: HISTORY AND MYTH
Thu. Dec 31, 2026
  • We'll drive to the Dead Sea Basin, 1412 feet below sea level and the lowest place on earth. The desert, the landscape, and the views are breathtaking.
  • Take the cable car to the top of Masada.
  • A Special Celebration - A Special Location: Celebrate with pride and togetherness, a Bnai Mitzvah ceremony at Masada.
  • Float on the Dead Sea where the feeling of weightlessness is great fun.
  • Enjoy hospitality In Genesis Land in a desert tent and share a traditional “hafla” dinner and ride a camel into the heart of the desert.
  • Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
MEMORY & RENEWAL
Fri. Jan 1, 2027
  • Adults and children over 10: Visit Yad Vashem. Your guided tour will include the historic museum, the memorial and sculpture gardens, and the Children's Memorial.
  • Children's option: Spend time at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo.
  • Walk through the Mahane Yehuda open-air market and experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Jerusalem preparing for Shabbat.
  • Return to your hotel to prepare for Shabbat.
  • Welcome Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat at the Western Wall. Shabbat Shalom.
  • Enjoy Shabbat dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
A CITY OF SHABBAT
Sat. Jan 2, 2027
  • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat, with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services at a local congregation.
  • ADULTS: “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.
  • Explore the pastoral neighborhoods of Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha’ananim, where Sir Moses Montefiore built his iconic windmill and helped establish one of Jerusalem’s earliest artist communities.
  • 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.
  • Festive farewell dinner and transport to Ben Gurion International Airport. Travel safely and come back to Israel soon.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Jan 3, 2027

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
$6,890
Cost p/p in single room
$9,780
Child As 3rd (Reduction)
- ($1,470)

Tel Aviv: Royal Beach

Mitzpe Ramon: Beresheet

David Citadel Jerusalem

Jerusalem: David Citadel

  • Nights: 4+LCO
  • Room Category: Superior New City View
  • Hotel Website

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. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
  • 9 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 7 days of touring in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Group arrival transfer & assistance at the airport.
  • Group departure transfer.
  • Daily breakfast, 3 lunches & 6 dinners.
  • Gratuities for J² Expert Educator (guide) and driver are included.
  • Photographer for the Bnai Mitzvah Day.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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 $1,000 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.