Experience Israel
A Journey of Peoplehood and Purpose

Led by Rabbi Elaine Zecher and Cantor Alicia Stillman

Nov 4, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Adults Only
  • Trip Type Community
  • Duration 12 DAYS
  • Group Size 20+
  • Price From $5,488
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
  •   Food & Wine
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Heritage
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Home Hospitality

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Wed. Nov 4, 2026
  • Board your flight from Boston and embark on your journey of discovery and connection with the people, history, and culture of Israel!
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Thu. Nov 5, 2026
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will guide you through this exciting journey of discovery, education, and inspiration.
  • Start your adventure with a stop at the Jaffa lookout for a panoramic introduction to Tel Aviv and an overview of your adventure in Israel, followed by a guided walking tour of ancient Jaffa, exploring its archaeological sites, the historic port, and its significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Jaffa's Flea Market - Shuk Hapishpeshim, where the bustling stalls, eclectic treasures, and rich history create a sensory adventure.
  • Check into your hotel in Tel Aviv.
  • Welcome dinner with Dr. Oded Leshem whose research on the cultural-social concept of 'hope' is relevant today more than ever. Oded will explore interpretations and examples of hope as a philosophical and social phenomenon with special emphasis on Israel and the Jewish world today. Where can we look for hope in tough times?
Overnight: Tel Aviv, Israel Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
HAIFA: LIVING IN CO-EXISTENCE
Fri. Nov 6, 2026
  • Travel north along the coast to Haifa.
  • Stop at the Louis Promenade to take in the breathtaking Bahá’í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose graceful terraces and spiritual harmony offer sweeping views of Haifa and the Mediterranean.
  • Visit the Leo Baeck School, the flagship institution of the Israeli Reform Movement, and learn how it inspires Jewish values, education, and community in contemporary Israel.
  • Meet with Israeli-Arab activists at Beit HaGefen, an Arab-Jewish cultural center, and explore the vibrant, multicultural Wadi Nisnas neighborhood.
  • Savor Haifa’s diverse street food scene on a guided culinary walk with a local foodie, discovering the city’s unique blend of flavors and stories.
  • Pause for a gentle hike and moment of reflection in Nesher Park, where lush greenery and tranquil trails provide a peaceful connection to Israel’s natural beauty.
  • Return to your hotel in Tel Aviv and freshen up before Shabbat.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at Kehillat Yozma in Modi’in, joining Rabbi Nir Barkin and the local Reform community in joyful prayer, music, and connection.
  • Share in a communal Shabbat dinner with Yozma congregants, enjoying conversation, hospitality, and the warmth of Jewish life in Israel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv, Israel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
ALTNEULAND: DREAMS & REALITIES IN TEL AVIV
Sat. Nov 7, 2026
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Enjoy lunch on own at the Sarona Market, which was once a colony of Templars, German Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, and is now a center of Tel Aviv cuisine.
  • Pause at Hostages Square and reflect on 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 wellbeing of its people.
  • 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.
  • Conclude Shabbat with a meaningful beachside Havdalah, celebrating community, reflection, and the transition from sacred time back into the rhythm of the week.
  • 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, Israel Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
TO THE NEGEV
Sun. Nov 8, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel and journey south through Israel’s diverse landscapes, heading toward the Negev Desert.
  • Volunteer with Leket Israel, gleaning fresh fruits and vegetables to help nourish families in need and connect with the Jewish value of tikkun olam.
  • At Kibbutz Revivim, enjoy an insightful tour exploring life in the Negev, Israel’s groundbreaking water innovations, and Netafim, the global pioneer in smart irrigation.
  • Visit Lasha Bakery in Mitzpe Ramon for a hands-on artisanal baking experience, blending creativity, community, and flavor.
  • Check into your hotel near the Ramon Crater and share dinner together, reflecting on the day’s experiences and the spirit of the desert.
Overnight: The Negev Desert, Israel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
BEN-GURION'S DREAM
Mon. Nov 9, 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 Nahal Havarim in the breathtaking Zin Valley, surrounded by striking desert landscapes and limestone formations, concluding with a moment of meditation and quiet reflection.
  • Meet modern pioneers at a local eco-farm, hearing their inspiring stories of leaving city life behind to help make the desert bloom.
  • Explore the Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center, where geology, ecology, and human ingenuity come together against the stunning backdrop of Israel’s largest crater.
  • Enjoy dinner together at the hotel, sharing reflections on a day rooted in vision, resilience, and the spirit of the Negev.
Overnight: The Negev Desert, Israel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
THE SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE
Tue. Nov 10, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel and begin the journey to Jerusalem, stopping en route for encounters with voices of hope, creativity, and shared humanity.
  • Visit ADI Negev–Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village, named in honor of Eran Almog, the late son and guiding light of founders Didi and Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. The village is a pioneering community where people of all backgrounds and abilities live, heal, and grow together.
  • 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.”
  • Continue to Sderot, long known for its proximity to Gaza and the frequency of rocket attacks. Meet with a resident who will share what it means to balance fear and faith, civic duty and fatigue, while raising a family in this complex region.
  • Visit the Nari art installation in Beit Guvrin. The project is the result of a collaboration between artists Idan Raichel, Merav Shaham, and Eli Haziza, combining several of Raichel’s well-known songs – re-recorded specifically for the installation with performances incorporating unique musical instruments.
  • Travel to Jerusalem and check into the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
A NATION'S CAPITAL
Wed. Nov 11, 2026
  • Begin your day in Jerusalem at a scenic overlook for a first glimpse of the Old City, a moment to take in the layers of history, holiness, and hope that define the city.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Unwind with a drink at Thinkers Distillery, where modern techniques meet tradition in crafting exceptional gin, bourbon, and vodka.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
MEMORY AND RENEWAL
Thu. Nov 12, 2026
  • Visit 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. Join in a Kaddish ceremony marking the anniversary of the deaths of soldiers who fell on this day.
  • Participate in “Mind Mapping the Future,” a creative art workshop at Beit Avi Chai exploring themes of grounding, resilience, direction, and connection through personal reflection and visual expression.
  • Conclude the day with “Songs of Freedom,” an uplifting and thought-provoking musical learning experience with Cantor Shani Ben Or, using Israeli music to reflect on the nation’s evolving story and shared hopes.
  • In the evening, immerse yourself in Jerusalem’s vibrant nightlife, including shopping at Mamilla Mall or exploring the First Station and Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10
A TASTE OF THE FUTURE
Fri. Nov 13, 2026
  • 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.
  • Continue to Abu Ghosh, a vibrant Arab-Israeli town and Israel’s beloved “hummus capital,” and enjoy lunch on your own at one of its famed local eateries.
  • Explore Abu Ghosh with a local resident, gaining insight into daily life in a shared society and hearing firsthand perspectives on interfaith and intercultural coexistence in today’s Israel.
  • Return to the hotel to relax and prepare for Shabbat.
  • Welcome Shabbat together in an uplifting ritual led by Rabbi Zecher and Cantor Stillman, followed by a festive Shabbat dinner at a local restaurant celebrating community and connection.
Overnight: Jerusalem, Israel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Nov 14, 2026
  • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat morning, with time to rest, reflect, explore your surroundings, or attend services at a local congregation before checking out of the hotel.
  • Experience the spirit of Shabbat through a guided meditation in one of Jerusalem’s tranquil gardens, embracing stillness and renewal.
  • Join a thought-provoking walking tour of Mount Zion with members of the Jerusalem Intercultural Center, exploring how different faiths share sacred space and how activists foster dignity and coexistence in a complex city.
  • 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.
  • Share a farewell dinner and reflection session, celebrating the journey, exchanging blessings, and considering how to carry its insights and spirit home.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your return flight to the U.S., carrying with you memories, connections, and inspiration from your time in Israel.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
BACK HOME
Sun. Nov 15, 2026
  • 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
20+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,488
Cost p/p in single room
$7,358

Tel Aviv: Royal Beach

Negev Desert: Kedma hotel

Jerusalem: The Inbal

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

  • 9 nights' accommodations.
  • 10 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 6 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.
  • Late check out on the day of departure is not included.
  • 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).
  • 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 $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.
  • 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.
  • 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.