Temple Judea of Coral Gables
Family Trip to Israel

Led by Rabbi Jonathan Fisch

Jun 9, 2024 - Jun 19, 2024

DESTINATION Israel
Who’s Going Families
Trip Type Congregational
Duration 11 DAYS
Group Size 30+
Price From $5,390

J²way intro
Your journey
Itinerary
Rates & Lodging
What to expect

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.

Local Specialists
Home Hospitality
Heritage
Art & Culture
Expert Scholar
Food & Wine
Archaeology
Innovation
Jeep Tour
Nature Walks
Rafting & Kayaking

Program Itinerary

DAY 1

DEPARTURE

Sun. Jun 9, 2024

Depart the USA.

Overnight: Flight

DAY 2

THE START OF OUR JOURNEY

Mon. Jun 10, 2024

Arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport. Our representative will be on hand to assist with all formalities and ensure your journey has the smoothest of starts.
Meet your tour educator who will accompany you on this journey of education and inspiration.
Transfer to Tel Aviv, known as the “city that never sleeps” and pass by centers of culture and recreation such as the Habima Theater, sprawling beaches, Dizengoff Street and Rabin Square.
Check into the hotel, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner

DAY 3

SHAVUOT EVE - ALONG THE WATER

Tue. Jun 11, 2024

Breakfast at an Israeli hotel is an experience in itself. Start the day with a bounteous buffet.
Check out of the hotel.
Beginnings: Modern Tel Aviv grew out of ancient Jaffa. Gaze out over the Mediterranean Sea; learn why Jaffa, mentioned in the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale, is so historically important; and see how its Old City reflects the present as well as the past. 
Drive north via the coastal plain to Caesarea, one of the Land of Israel’s most important cities in the Roman Period; visit the Roman theater and the excavations along the Mediterranean shore, concluding with a visit to the ruined 900-year-old Crusader town.
Continue to the hotel for check-in, followed by dinner in honor of Shavuot.
Study session into the night led by Rabbi Fisch.

Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4

SHAVUOT - ADVENTURE IN THE NORTH

Wed. Jun 12, 2024

Northern Borders, Northern Battles: We'll gaze across the Golan and into Syria from the top of Mount Bental and gain powerful insights into Israel's geopolitical and security situation. Analyze the current challenges Israel faces on its northern border, examine the impact of the tragic civil war in Syria, and hunker down in bunkers from the vital battles that took place here during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Continue to the Golan Heights for an off-road jeep tour that will combine natural beauty with insights into one of Israel's most strategically important areas. We recommend talking with your jeep drivers about their personal experiences and feelings about the Golan.
Visit a Kibbutz to experience how their community celebrates Shavuot.
Cool Off Down the Jordan River: With the hot weather, it’s time to take to the water with rafting or kayaking down the Jordan River.
Return to the kibbutz for dinner.

Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 5

PASSAGES IN TIME

Thu. Jun 13, 2024

B’nai Mitzvah ceremony at the ancient synagogue of Zippori, site of Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi’s codification of the Mishna and extraordinary ancient mosaics.
Children are invited to participate in a hands-on mosaic-making program.
Visit Kfar Kedem in the Galilee for a family experience, exploring Jewish life of 2,000 years ago, including donkey rides, costumes, pita baking and more.
Participate in an outdoor cooking competition led by a local chef, ending with a healthy, flavorful, and tasty dinner.
Return to the hotel.

Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6

FROM THE SEA OF THE GALILEE TO THE HILLS OF JERUSALEM

Fri. Jun 14, 2024

Check out and depart the hotel.
Perhaps it’s the combination of mysticism and art, and maybe it’s the mountain air in Israel’s highest city; entering Tsfat, there is a sense of something uniquely Jewish but not quite of this world. Here, you could:
- Visit the Ari Synagogue and share in the inspiration and innovation that moved Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Holy Ari) and his fellow mystics.
- See the Caro Synagogue, built originally, like the Ari Synagogue, in the 16th century. It is where Rabbi Joseph Caro, one of the greatest of all Jewish legal authorities, taught and lived.
- Walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to the Artists’ Colony with its galleries, shops, and studios.
- Meet a traditional Jewish Sofer Stam (scribe).
Drive south through the Jordan Valley, part of the enormous Syrian-African Rift and west through the desert to Jerusalem.
Enter Jerusalem at Mount Scopus for an overlook of the Old and New City and to celebrate this moment by reciting the traditional “shehechiyanu” blessing.
Check into the hotel with time to prepare for Shabbat.
Kabbalat Shabbat service with a local community or at the Western Wall (Kotel).
Home Hospitality Shabbat dinner/communal Shabbat dinner with local congregants.
OR
Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast & Shabbat Dinner

DAY 7

SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM

Sat. Jun 15, 2024

Visit the Israel Museum, with its wide-ranging and eclectic collection, from Archaeology and the Dead Sea Scrolls, to Jewish Life and Art, European art, contemporary Israeli art and the open-air model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple period – including a special children’s visit to the Youth Wing.
Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha'ananim: Get to know the great banker and philanthropist Sir Moses Montefiore as you explore the pastoral neighborhoods, famous windmill and the artists’ colony that he developed, and which transformed Jerusalem in the nineteenth century.  En route, view two of modern Jerusalem’s most storied and important landmarks: the King David Hotel and the YMCA building.  
Get a different view of Jerusalem, its epic history, and diverse communities on a tour of the Old City Ramparts. We'll walk from Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate, hearing stories and seeing sights of times both ancient and new. 
Ben Kodesh Lechol: Havdallah in a garden overlooking the Old City.
The Night Spectacular at the Tower of David Museum: The walls of the Citadel serve as a stage for a night-time show – a celebration of sight and sound – that depicts the story of Jerusalem.

Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8

THE LAYERS OF A CITY

Sun. Jun 16, 2024

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:
- A 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.
- The Cardo, the main street of Roman-controlled Jerusalem and its spectacular Byzantine-era columns.
- Become Your Favorite Biblical Character! – Let the Bible's authentic costumes and amazing backgrounds provide a fun photo opportunity for you to dress up like Moses, Ruth, or a Temple Priest.
- 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. We'll discuss the wall's historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
- Going Under, Going Deeper: Explore the Western Wall Tunnel, the underground continuation of the Kotel, and examine important archaeological discoveries that are revising our understanding of daily life in ancient Jerusalem.
Experience the the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda open-air market.
Adult "Night Out" while youth enjoy time with a counselor.

Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9

THE DEAD SEA BASIN

Mon. Jun 17, 2024

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the Dead Sea region. 
As Low as It Goes:  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. 
We will be accompanied by a youth counselor throughout the day.
The Last Stand:  Ride the cable car to the top of Masada with its extraordinary views and fascinating archaeological remains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Jewish rebels are believed to have made their final attempt to resist Roman invaders (c 74 CE). We'll learn about Masada's importance as a symbol of Jewish defense and discuss its influence on modern Israel. 
The Sea of Salt:  Float into happiness at the Dead Sea. Not much can live or swim in what is the saltiest piece of water in the world, nine times saltier than the ocean, but the weightless feeling of floating is great fun. 
Hike in Nahal David, part of the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. This is a desert oasis with springs, waterfalls, and freshwater pools, so don't forget your swimsuits.  
The patriarch Abraham will welcome us to Genesis Land for a taste of life and travel in biblical times as we take a camel for a test drive and ride into the heart of the desert. In a spacious, cool desert tent, enjoy a traditional "hafla" dinner.

Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10

MEMORY AND RENEWAL

Tue. Jun 18, 2024

Adults & Older Youth:
- Visit Yad Vashem, the national memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, an essential emotional and educational experience. Your guided tour will include:
Younger Youth:
- The Biblical Zoo is one of Jerusalem’s most popular places. It has a great collection of animals with a special focus on creatures mentioned in the Bible. Recently opened is the Aquarium. Highlights include the shark tank, feeding the stingray, and an exhibition showcasing the marine life of Israel’s “four seas.”
ALL: Diggin' for Roots: We'll literally get in touch with the land and history of Israel during an archaeological dig at the Beit Guvrin Caves. Get your hands dirty uncovering pottery from the Hellenistic period, 2300 years ago before crawling through the Maresha Cave Labyrinth. The non-crawlers among us will visit a more spacious part of the cave complex in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
Return to Jerusalem and to the hotel for a late check-out.
Farewell dinner, followed by departure transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for the departure flight.

Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Wed. Jun 19, 2024

Return to the USA.

RATES & LODGING

participants

30+

Cost p/p in double room

$5,390

Cost p/p in single room

$7,240

Child As 3rd (Reduction)

- ($1,100)

Registration open

Tel Aviv: Carlton

Nights: 1

Room Category: Premium Partial Sea View

Hotel Website

Sea of Galilee: Nof Ginosar Hotel

Nights: 3

Room Category: Grand Deluxe

Hotel Website

Jerusalem: The Inbal

Nights: 4+LCO

Room Category: Standard

Hotel Website

8 nights' accommodations. Late check out on the day of departure is included.
9 days of touring with a tour educator (guide) in a luxury, air-conditioned bus.
Daily breakfast & 7 dinners.
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.
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.
Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.

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 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.
Please use the following information: Citizens Bank: 1 Citizens Drive, Riverside, RI 02915 Routing number: 021313103 (Domestic only) ACH: 036076150 SWIFT Code: CTZIUS33 (International only)
Beneficiary Instructions: For the benefit of J² Adventures. Account number: 1001858331
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. Please refer to the small print tab on your trip’s webpage or in your proposal for your cancelation policy and fees.