Temple Israel
Exploration of Israel
Heading Toward Peace

Led by Rabbi Steve Garten

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Adults Only
  • Trip Type Community
  • Duration 9 DAYS
  • Group Size 15+
  • Price From $4,190
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.

  •   Heritage
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites
  •   Nature Walks
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Street Food
  •   Cooking Workshop
  •   Food Tasting Tour
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Home Hospitality
  •   Archaeology

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
DEPARTURE
Sat. Mar 14, 2026
  • Board your flight from Canada and embark on your journey of discovery and connection with the people, history, and culture of Israel!
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL
Sun. Mar 15, 2026
  • Arrive in Israel and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany you throughout the journey and enrich each experience with insight, context, and inspiration.
  • Travel to Tel Aviv and check into the hotel.
  • Dinner & Discussion: Gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, featuring a keynote speaker who will help you understand Israel’s current geopolitical and security landscape and set the stage for meaningful conversations throughout your journey.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
CULTURE & CREATIVITY IN TEL AVIV
Mon. Mar 16, 2026
  • Breakfast at an Israeli hotel is an experience in itself. Enjoy a generous daily morning buffet that celebrates the country’s fresh flavors and diverse culinary traditions.
  • Start your adventure at the Jaffa lookout with a panoramic view of Tel Aviv and an overview of your journey, then explore ancient Jaffa’s archaeological sites and historic port while discussing how Israel balances deep historical roots with modern innovation.
  • Volunteer with MOLET and take part in a hands-on workshop building furniture for displaced families from the Gaza Envelope who are beginning to rebuild their homes.
  • Enjoy a tasting tour through Levinsky Market, where spices, cheeses, and specialties from across the Jewish diaspora meet, and hear from local vendors whose stories reflect Israel’s multicultural mosaic.
  • Liberal values in Israel today: Engage in a meaningful conversation with Anna Kislanski, educator, activist, and CEO of the Israel Reform Movement.
  • 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.
  • 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, Lunch
DAY 4
EXTENDING A HAND
Tue. Mar 17, 2026
  • 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 wellbeing of its people.
  • Volunteer and lend a hand in the fields with Leket Israel, a leading food rescue organization, by harvesting fruits and vegetables that will be distributed to individuals and families in need across the country.
  • Visit Kfar Kassem for a shared-society conversation that provides firsthand insight into the lived experiences, aspirations, and challenges facing Arab communities in Israel today.
  • A Complexed Partnership, Reality of Israeli Arabs Today: Engage in a thoughtful dialogue with Mohammed Darawshe, Director of Planning, Equality, and Shared Society at Givat Haviva, as he offers insight into the complex realities of Arab citizens in Israel and the ongoing work of building a more inclusive society.
  • Continue to a Druze village for home hospitality and a Galileat cooking workshop, where you’ll prepare traditional Druze dishes, share a meal in a family home, and learn about the history, values, and deep sense of loyalty that define this minority within Israeli society.
  • Return to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
THE GAZA ENVELOPE: STORIES OF COURAGE
Wed. Mar 18, 2026
  • Check out of the hotel and travel south for a day of deep engagement in the Gaza Envelope region, an area profoundly shaped by October 7.
  • Walk through a kibbutz on Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip and meet with a resident to hear firsthand about the October 7th attack, its aftermath, and the community’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and recover.
  • Stop Givat HaTaspitaniot (Lookout Observers Hill) for a lookout of Gaza. Hear stories about the women in the military and honor the IDF field observers who lost their lives during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
  • Continue to Sderot, the biggest town in the Gaza Envelope. Take time to have lunch, tour the town, and engage with locals - offering a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of the community since October 7.
  • 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.”
  • Devote time to reflection and processing the day’s experiences with your tour leader and educator.
  • Travel to Jerusalem and stop at a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem and take part in a "Shehecheyanu" blessing of thanksgiving to celebrate your arrival in the Holy City.
  • Check into your hotel in Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
A NATION'S CAPITAL
Thu. Mar 19, 2026
  • Begin the day with a study session led by Rabbi Michael Marmur of Hebrew Union College, exploring themes of belonging and identity in Jewish thought and how they resonate in contemporary Israeli life.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Tour the Supreme Court with a leader from the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) to explore Israel's social justice initiatives, including the ongoing judicial reforms and the significant protests surrounding them, offering a deep dive into the complex interplay of law, religion, and civic rights in contemporary Israel.
  • Explore the new Israel National Library, home to centuries of Jewish creativity and one of the world’s most remarkable collections, and engage with staff who are curating and preserving the stories, voices, and cultural treasures that shape the Jewish and Israeli experience.
  • 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 7
CITY OF LIGHT
Fri. Mar 20, 2026
  • Climb to the rooftops of the Old City for a shared look at the spiritual ties and real-life tensions among Jerusalem’s diverse faith communities, with views of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the golden Dome of the Rock, and the Hurva Synagogue all in one extraordinary panorama.
  • Take a walking tour through Jerusalem's Old City and the Jewish Quarter and experience the center of Jewish life, history, and holiness. Among the highlights will be:
    • 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.
    • The Jerusalem Archaeological Park, revealing treasures from the days of the Second Temple.
  • Continue to the Kotel (Western Wall), Judaism’s most sacred site, to reflect on its enduring spiritual, historical, and contemporary significance while experiencing its powerful atmosphere firsthand.
  • Visit Mount Zion, a meeting point of religious traditions that includes the Room of the Last Supper, a historic mosque, and the traditional tomb of King David.
  • Return to your hotel and take time to prepare for the coming of Shabbat.
  • 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 8
THE DEAD SEA BASIN
Sat. Mar 21, 2026
  • 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.
  • Ride the cable car or hike the Snake Path to the top of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will learn about the Jewish rebels’ final stand against Rome in 74 CE while taking in sweeping desert views.
  • 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.
  • Hike through Nahal David, part of the lush Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, where you can explore waterfalls, wildlife, and desert landscapes. (Time Permitting)
  • Return to Jerusalem and your hotel for a late checkout.
  • 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 private 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 the Canada.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
HOME AGAIN
Sun. Mar 22, 2026
  • Return home carrying the memories, insights, and meaningful connections you’ve made throughout your journey.

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 double room
$4,190
Cost p/p in single room
$5,125
All rates are in US dollars. Registration closed

Tel Aviv: Melody Hotel

Jerusalem: Nucha Hotel

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

  • 6 nights' accommodations. Late check out until 6:00 p.m. on the day of departure is included.
  • 7 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 7 days of touring in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 4 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.
  • 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 past 6:00 p.m. on the day of departure is not included.
  • 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.