Temple Emanu-El
Journey to Israel

Led by Rabbi Debra Landsberg and Cassie Moscoe-Sweet

Mar 11, 2027 - Mar 21, 2027

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Teens
  • Trip Type 11th/12th Grade Trip
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 15+
  • Price From $3,970
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
  •   Art & Culture
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Nature Walks
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites
  •   Street Food

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
DEPARTURE
Thu. Mar 11, 2027
  • Board your flight from Toronto to Israel and embark on your journey of discovery and connection with the people, history, and culture of Israel!
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Fri. Mar 12, 2027
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will guide your community through this exciting journey of discovery, education, and inspiration.
  • Start your adventure at the Jaffa lookout with a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv and an overview of your journey, then explore ancient Jaffa on a guided walking tour through its archaeological sites, historic port, and timeless role as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
  • Check into the hotel and freshen up for Shabbat.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at Kehillat Bavat Haayin, a Reform community in Rosh HaAyin, joining Rabbi Ayala Miron and the local community in prayer and song.
  • Share a Shabbat dinner and connect with local congregants through food, conversation and tradition.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
TEL AVIV-JAFFA: OLD & NEW
Sat. Mar 13, 2027
  • Come together for Shabbat morning services on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
  • Walk along the Independence Trail in Tel Aviv and embark on a remarkable journey that begins with the founding of Tel Aviv in 1909 and ends with the establishment of Israel in 1948.
  • Take a stroll through the Bohemian neighborhood of Florentine, Tel Aviv, and admire its ever-changing murals and street art, reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural energy.
  • Enjoy a laid-back pizza lunch while connecting with former Toronto-based Shinshinim - hear about their experiences in Canada, what they took back with them to Israel, and what their lives are like today.
  • Unwind like a local with time to relax, swim, or play on Tel Aviv’s iconic beaches, where the city’s vibrant energy and laid-back vibe come together.
  • Participate in a communal Havdalah ceremony on the beach, as we take the time to say goodbye to Shabbat and usher in a new week of exploration.
  • Enjoy dinner back at the hotel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
BEARING WITNESS
Sun. Mar 14, 2027
  • Travel to the Israel-Gaza border to meet with a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Learn with Chen about the events of October Seventh and their aftermath.
  • Lend a hand in agricultural volunteering in southern Israel - with Leket Israel - and connect with local farmers, support nearby communities, and explore the vital role of farming in Israel’s past, present, and future.
  • Continue to Sderot, a city on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip. Take time to have lunch, tour the town, and meet a local resident who will share his personal story - offering a heartfelt glimpse into the challenges and resilience of the community since October 7.
  • 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.
  • Pay your respects at the memorial site of the Nova Music 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.”
  • Return to Tel Aviv and devote time to reflection and processing with your tour leaders and educator over dinner.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
TO THE NORTH
Mon. Mar 15, 2027
  • Check out of your hotel.
  • Meet with Lisa Hanania a Christian Arab and director of the Jaffa Culture Well House to learn about the realities of Israeli Arabs in Israel today. The Jaffa Well House serves as a captivating cultural center that offers tourists a unique glimpse into the rich history and artistic spirit of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
  • Explore the lively Carmel Market, one of Tel Aviv’s most famous spots, and savor lunch while surrounded by colorful produce, local treasures, and a delicious mix of Israeli and international flavors.
  • Pause at Hostages Square and reflect on the powerful history of Israel’s relentless efforts to bring every hostage home. Discover the emotional stories of resilience and heroism, and gain a deeper understanding of how this site symbolizes the nation's unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its people.
  • Travel to the Galilee to check into your hotel and enjoy dinner.
  • Rest and relax at the kibbutz.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
Tue. Mar 16, 2027
  • 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 and gain powerful insights into Israel's geopolitical and security situation.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the views and fresh air of the Golan Heights.
  • Return to the hotel for dinner.
  • Tour the kibbutz and dive into the unique rhythms of communal life - discover its history, values, and how this pioneering way of living shapes Israeli society today.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
Wed. Mar 17, 2027
  • Check out of your hotel.
  • 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. 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. In Tsfat they developed the Kabbalah, the esoteric insights of Judaism and created Kabbalat Shabbat, the prayers sung on Friday evenings to welcome the arrival of the Sabbath.
    • See the Caro Synagogue, built originally, like the Ari, in the 16th It is where Rabbi Joseph Caro, one of the greatest of all Jewish legal authorities, taught and lived. Hear the story of how he was visited here by a maggid, an angelic messenger, who revealed secrets of the Torah.
    • Walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to the Artists' Colony with its galleries, shops, and studios.
    • Visit the Tsfat Candle Factory, famous for its intricate and symbolic handcrafted candles.
  • Enjoy lunch in Tsfat.
  • Step back 2,000 years at Kfar Kedem in the Galilee, where you’ll immerse yourselves in ancient Jewish life through hands-on experiences like donkey rides, dressing in period costumes, and baking fresh pita bread.
  • Enter Jerusalem and pause at a panoramic overlook of the Old City. Join together in a “Shehecheyanu” blessing to joyfully mark your arrival in the Holy City.
  • Check into your hotel and have dinner.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
MEMORY AND RENEWAL
Thu. Mar 18, 2027
  • Spend meaningful time at Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Elderly), engaging with elderly immigrants and Holocaust survivors while supporting programs that restore dignity, purpose, and community.
  • 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.
  • Return to the hotel.
  • Take time to explore Jerusalem’s lively Mahane Yehuda Market (with the Temple Sinai teens group), where you’ll have dinner and 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.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
DEAD SEA BASIN
Fri. Mar 19, 2027
  • 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.
  • Drive back to Jerusalem, return to your hotel and get ready for Shabbat.
  • Welcome Shabbat together at a local Jerusalem synagogue, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner at your hotel celebrating community and connection.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10
LAYERS OF A CITY
Sat. Mar 20, 2027
  • Climb to the rooftops to see and discuss the ties and tensions between the different faith groups and communities of the Old City. From this one spot, we’ll look out over the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, venerated by Christian groups as the burial place of Jesus; the golden Dome of the Rock, which is sacred to Islam; and the Jewish Quarter’s famous Hurva Synagogue. 
  • Tour Jerusalem’s Old City and the Jewish Quarter. Among the highlights will be:
    • Visit the Kotel (Western Wall), widely considered Judaism’s holiest site. We’ll discuss the wall’s historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
    • The Cardo, the main street of Roman-controlled Jerusalem and its Byzantine-era columns.
    • King Hezekiah’s “Broad Wall,” built to protect Jerusalem from invasion 2,700 years ago.
    • Hurva Square, the center of modern-day life in the Jewish Quarter.
    • Mount Zion, the site is venerated by Christians as the location of Jesus' Last Supper but was once a mosque while, in a room directly below, Jews pray at the place where King David is believed to have been buried.
  • Wander through the vibrant Old City Shuk in the Christian Quarter, taking in its colorful stalls, rich aromas, and lively atmosphere as you explore and enjoy lunch.
  • Visit the significant Christian sites of the Old City, walk along the Via Dolorosa past the Ecce Homo Arch and Sisters of Zion Convent, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a crossroads of history and faith. 
  • As Shabbat ends, come together for a moving Havdalah ceremony overlooking the Old City, weaving music, poetry, and ritual into a soulful farewell and a moment of hope.
  • Celebrate the close of your Israel journey with a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying good food and shared reflections on the meaningful experiences and connections you’ve made together.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Mar 21, 2027
  • 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
15+
Cost p/p in triple occupancy room
$3,970
Cost p/p in single room
$4,570

All rates are in the USD
Supplement for forced double: US$260 per room.
Registration open

Tel Aviv: ANA HI Bnei Dan Youth Hostel

Upper Galilee: Nofey Gonen

Jerusalem: ANA HI Agron Youth Hostel

Choose Your Way

VOYAGER

What to expect

  • 8 nights' accommodations.
  • 9 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 7 days in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • An armed security guard throughout the trip.
  • Group arrival transfer.
  • Group departure transfer.
  • Daily breakfast, 8 lunches & 9 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Israel.
  • Estimated group flight rates: $2,710 CAD / $1,980 USD p/p.
  • Assistance at the airport upon arrival & departure.
  • Late check out on the day of departure.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • Water on the bus.
  • Porterage at the hotels.
  • Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
  • 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.
  • 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 US$1000 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.
  • 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.