Temple Israel
Journey to Israel:
An Exploration of
Peoplehood and Purpose

Led by Rabbis Carlie and Ryan Daniels

Apr 1, 2027 - Apr 11, 2027

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Our Community
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 11 DAYS
  • Group Size 30+
  • Price From $5,295
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.

  •   Current Affairs
  •   Expert Scholar
  •   Food & Wine
  •   Home Hospitality
  •   Nature Walks
  •   Social Justice

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY
Thu. Apr 1, 2027
  • Depart the United States and begin your journey to Israel. As your overnight flight takes off, anticipation builds for the days ahead filled with learning, connection, and meaningful encounters.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Fri. Apr 2, 2027
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will guide you and your community through this exciting journey of discovery, education, and inspiration.
  • Enter Tel Aviv, the first modern Hebrew city, founded in 1909 as a bold experiment in Jewish self-determination - a place built not on ancient stone, but on vision and sand dunes.
  • Explore the lively Carmel Market, one of Tel Aviv’s most famous spots, and savor lunch on own while surrounded by colorful produce, local treasures, and a delicious mix of Israeli and international flavors.
  • Wander through Nahalat Binyamin’s open-air arts and crafts fair, where local artisans showcase handmade treasures that celebrate the creativity and spirit of modern Israel.
  • Walk along Rothschild Boulevard, the epicenter of the Tel Aviv scene, and follow the Independence Trail in Tel Aviv to embark on a remarkable journey that begins with the founding of Tel Aviv in 1909 and ends with the establishment of Israel in 1948.
  • Settle into your Tel Aviv hotel, taking time to relax, refresh, and prepare for the arrival of Shabbat.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Welcome Shabbat together with a meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat on the beach, blending prayer, song, community, and the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
  • Celebrate your first evening in Israel with a festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant, savoring the rich and diverse flavors of Israeli cuisine.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
TEL AVIV–JAFFA: MEMORY, ART & JEWISH PEOPLEHOOD
Sat. Apr 3, 2027
  • Start your morning with an abundant Israeli hotel breakfast, a feast of fresh flavors that reflects the country’s rich culinary diversity and sets the tone for a full day.
  • Participate in a meaningful Shabbat morning experience led by your clergy, creating space for reflection, prayer, and communal grounding.
  • Walk through the streets of Florentine, where powerful murals and graffiti capture public emotion in the wake of October 7. Explore the “Walls of Hope” installations, each mural representing one of the children who was held hostage, demonstrating how art becomes both protest and prayer.
  • Savor lunch on own at the Sarona Market, which was once a colony of Templars, German Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, but is now a center of Tel Aviv cuisine.
  • Experience the dynamism of Jewish life at the newly-opened 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
COMMUNITY, CULTURE IN TEL AVIV
Sun. Apr 4, 2027
  • Engage in a dialogue with Dan Feferman, author, speaker, and researcher, as well as Chairman and Executive Director of Sharaka, an NGO dedicated to fostering people-to-people peace between Israel and the Arab world. Dan specializes in geopolitical PR campaigns and will share insights from his work.
  • Visit the Hatikva neighborhood, once among Tel Aviv’s most economically challenged areas and today a vibrant mosaic of immigrant cultures. Enjoy a tasting tour through Hatikva’s open-air market while learning the culinary stories of Israel’s diverse Jewish communities.
  • Pause at the Jaffa Lookout for sweeping views of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean, offering both orientation and reflection on the city’s past and present.
  • Explore ancient Jaffa on a guided walking tour, discovering archaeological sites, the historic port, and its significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
  • Contribute to rebuilding efforts during a hands on volunteer workshop at MOLET, creating furniture for displaced families and participating in meaningful acts of support and solidarity.
  • Gather for a group dinner at a local Tel Aviv restaurant, offering an opportunity to come together, reflect on the day’s experiences, and enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene together.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
RESILIENCE IN THE GAZA ENVELOPE
Mon. Apr 5, 2027
  • Travel south for a day of deep engagement in the Gaza Envelope region, an area profoundly shaped by October 7.
  • Walk through kibbutz Be'eri on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip and meet with families hosted by Temple Israel to hear firsthand about the October 7th attack, its aftermath, and the community’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover.
  • 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 diverse foods to choose from, each representing the different communities 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.
  • 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.”
  • Devote time to reflection and processing the day’s experiences with your Tour Leader and Educator before returning to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
SHARED SOCIETY IN NORTHERN ISRAEL
Tue. Apr 6, 2027
  • Depart Tel Aviv and travel north along the Mediterranean coast, observing the changing landscapes and considering the diversity of Israeli society.
  • Participate in a walking tour of Kafr Qasem, led by a local activist and organized by The Task Force on Arab Citizens. Engage in thoughtful conversation about Arab citizens of Israel and the complexities of shared society.
  • Arrive in Haifa and explore the vibrant Wadi Nisnas neighborhood, where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities live side by side. Enjoy lunch on your own as you discover the local market’s bold flavors, colorful stalls, and stories that reflect the city’s multicultural spirit.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Connect with Rabbi Miriam Klimova, the Golden Hanassi Fellow to Temple Israel, and members of her community in Israel, hearing personal stories of immigration, adaptation, and building new lives in Israel.
  • Continue to Jerusalem and check into your hotel, preparing to enter the spiritual and historical heart of the country.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
ISRAELI DEMOCRACY, HOPE & NATIONAL MEMORY
Wed. Apr 7, 2027
  • Start your day at a panoramic overlook of the Old City, orienting yourself to Jerusalem’s geography and marking your arrival with the Shehecheyanu blessing.
  • 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.
  • Maintain your connection to the Land of Israel by planting a tree at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, nurturing the environment and symbolizing growth and renewal, followed by free time to enjoy the serene Deer Valley Park.
  • 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 part in “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, enjoy a shared dinner at a local Jerusalem restaurant, an opportunity to continue conversations sparked throughout the day while debriefing your collective experience.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8
COURAGE, MEMORY & MUSIC
Thu. Apr 8, 2027
  • Engage in a conversation with Professor Reuven Hazan of the Political Science Department at Hebrew University for a candid exploration of Israel’s complex political landscape, examining the challenges facing its democracy today - including political fragmentation, social divisions, and debates over judicial reform.
  • 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, and join the daily morning kaddish in memory of fallen soldiers.
  • Stop at Abu Gosh, affectionately known as Israel’s “hummus capital,” and enjoy lunch on own in an authentic local restaurant that reflects the village's culinary pride and traditions.
  • Meet with members of Brothers for Life, a nonprofit founded and led by wounded veterans of the elite Duvdevan unit, dedicated to rehabilitation, emotional healing, and lifelong solidarity. Hear personal stories of injury and recovery, and reflect on how Israeli society supports those who have borne the physical and psychological costs of defending the state.
  • 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.
  • 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 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
JERUSALEM: COMPLEXITY & SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
Fri. Apr 9, 2027
  • Explore the complex geopolitics of Jerusalem through thought-provoking site visits and discussions that bring history and current events to life. Delve into the city’s religious, political, and cultural significance as you visit key locations such as the Seam Line, East Jerusalem neighborhoods, and overlook government institutions.
  • Step into the Educational Bookshop, a longstanding cultural and intellectual hub, and hear candid reflections from the Muna family about daily life, identity and perspective in East Jerusalem today.
  • 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.
  • Return to your hotel with time to prepare for Shabbat and shift into the slower, more intentional pace of sacred time.
  • Shabbat Shalom! Celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat at Kehillat Mevasseret in Mevasseret Zion, joining Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway and the local community in prayer and song.
  • Share a Shabbat dinner, whether through home hospitality or a communal gathering, and connect with local congregants through food, conversation, and tradition.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
PLURALISM, DIALOGUE & FAREWELL
Sat. Apr 10, 2027
  • Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat morning, with time to rest, reflect, and explore your surroundings, before checking out of your hotel.
  • Walk through the Old City and the Jewish Quarter, tracing the heartbeat of Jewish life through narrow alleys and ancient stones as you step along the Cardo with its restored Byzantine columns, stand before King Hezekiah’s 2,700-year-old Broad Wall, and gather in Hurva Square, where history, community, and spiritual resilience continue to shape the heart of Jerusalem.
  • No visit to Israel is complete without experiencing the Kotel (Western Wall), widely considered Judaism’s holiest site, where you’ll explore its historical and contemporary significance, alongside a visit to Azarat Yisrael, the pluralistic prayer section, to reflect on the ongoing struggle for recognition of progressive Jewish communities in Israel.
  • In the old city of Jerusalem meet with staff from the Rosing Center for Educational and Dialogue. Learn tools of spiritual consulting and practice their unique dialogue model as we explore our own thoughts and feelings.
  • Climb to the rooftops of the Old City to see and discuss the ties and tensions between the different faith groups and communities that make it up. 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.
  • 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 with a festive private farewell dinner at a local restaurant - an opportunity to share memories, meaningful moments, and a final taste of Israel in the company of your travel community.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your flight back to the US.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Apr 11, 2027
  • Arrive home carrying the memories, relationships, and insights from your journey in Israel.

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
$5,295
Cost p/p in single room
$6,990

David Citadel room upgrade options:
  • +$90 per night, supplement for Deluxe Pool/Partial Old City View room, single or double occupancy.
  • +$110 per night, supplement for Alcove Deluxe Old City View, single or double occupancy.
VIP airport assistance service and private airport transfers are available for purchase. To arrange, contact Customer Care at [email protected] .
Registration open

Tel Aviv: Carlton

  • Nights: 4
  • Room Category: Premium Partial Sea View
  • Hotel Website
David Citadel Jerusalem

Jerusalem: David Citadel

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.
  • 9 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 5 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Water in 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.
  • Late check out on the day of departure is not included.
  • Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
  • 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.
  • 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 $675 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.