Together in Israel
Westchester Reform Temple’s
Intergenerational Journey

Led by Rabbi Jonathan Blake

Dec 23, 2026 - Jan 1, 2027

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Our Community
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 10 DAYS
  • Group Size 25+
  • Price From $5,895
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
  •   Home Hospitality
  •   Nature Walks
  •   Street Food
  •   Archaeology
  •   Food Tasting Tour
  •   Urban Graffiti Tour
  •   Cooking Workshop

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
DEPART FOR ISRAEL
Wed. Dec 23, 2026
  • Depart JFK Airport on your overnight flight to Israel.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
ARRIVAL & JERUSALEM FOUNDATIONS
Thu. Dec 24, 2026
  • Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport and meet your J² Expert Educator, who will accompany you throughout this journey of learning and inspiration.
  • Travel together to Jerusalem - Israel’s capital and spiritual heart. After hotel check-in, enjoy time to rest and refresh following your flight.
  • Check in to your hotel and relax after your flight.
  • Welcome Dinner & Contextual Briefing: Gather for a welcome dinner featuring journalist and author Matti Friedman, who will offer insight into Israel’s current landscape, helping frame the journey with perspective, nuance, and conversation.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
JERUSALEM: FAITH, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Fri. Dec 25, 2026
  • Meet with Orly Erez Likhovski, Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), to explore contemporary social justice initiatives in Israel.
  • Stroll along Hanevi’im Street (Street of the Prophets) in one of Jerusalem’s earliest modern neighborhoods. Visit the homes of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, reviver of the Hebrew language, and artist Anna Ticho, and view landmarks such as the Ethiopian Church and the Italian Hospital.
  • Continue to Mahane Yehuda Market, experiencing the vibrant sights, aromas, and flavors of Jerusalem at your own pace.
  • Welcome Shabbat with Kabbalat Shabbat services at Kehillat Kol Haneshamah, followed by a home-hosted Shabbat dinner with community members - an authentic cultural and spiritual exchange.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Dinner
DAY 4
B’NAI MITZVAH & OLD CITY ENCOUNTERS
Sat. Dec 26, 2026
  • Celebrate a B’nai Mitzvah service at Hebrew Union College, followed by a festive luncheon with family and friends.
  • Visit the newly renewed Tower of David Museum for an immersive exploration of Jerusalem’s layered history and interfaith story.
  • In the Old City, meet educators from the Rosing Center for Educational Dialogue to learn and practice their unique dialogue model while engaging with questions of identity, values, and perspective.
  • Conclude Shabbat with a meaningful Havdalah ceremony.
  • Evening at leisure for independent dining or exploration.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5
DEMOCRACY, IDEAS & RESPONSIBILITY
Sun. Dec 27, 2026
  • Meet with Professor Reuven Hazan of Hebrew University for an introduction to Israel’s complex and evolving political system.
  • Explore the historic Rehavia neighborhood, focusing on the individuals and institutions that shaped Israel’s early years. Highlights include the Jewish Agency Building, Schocken Library, Gymnasia Rehavia, and the homes of Martin Buber, Elazar Sukenik, and Benzion Netanyahu.
  • Visit the Israel National Library, offering insight into centuries of Jewish creativity through one of the world’s most significant collections of Jewish and Israel-related materials.
  • Participate in a grassroots food-rescue initiative at Jerusalem’s wholesale market, working alongside locals to address food insecurity by redistributing surplus produce to families in need.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
MEMORY, TRAUMA & MORAL COURAGE
Mon. Dec 28, 2026
  • Encounter the work of Alot HaShachar with Professor Eyal Fruchter - psychiatrist, former Head of IDF Mental Health, and founder of the organization—to learn about trauma recovery, PTSD, and innovative approaches to resilience.
  • Visit Mount Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery and the burial site of the country’s leaders. Since October 7, 2023, newly fallen soldiers have joined this sacred place. Reflect on the human cost of the Israel–Hamas War and join the daily morning Kaddish honoring the fallen.
  • Continue to Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial and museum, including newly opened galleries.
  • Return to the hotel for a quieter evening to process and reflect.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
SOUTHERN REALITIES: RESILIENCE & RENEWAL
Tue. Dec 29, 2026
  • Check out of your Jerusalem hotel and travel south.
  • Zionism in 2026: Engage in a conversation with Dr. Einat Wilf, former Knesset Member and leading thinker on Zionism, foreign policy, and education.
  • Visit Kibbutz Be’eri to meet residents and hear firsthand stories of loss, resilience, and rebuilding.
  • Continue to the Nova Festival site for a powerful and reflective visit.
  • Conclude the day with an evening BBQ with IDF soldiers serving near the Gaza border - an uplifting and meaningful encounter.
  • Late-night check-in at your Tel Aviv hotel.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
TIKKUN OLAM & TEL AVIV EXPRESSION
Wed. Dec 30, 2026
  • Volunteer with Leket Israel, sorting and rescuing fresh produce for distribution to those in need.
  • Travel to the Judean Hills for a visit to a boutique winery, learning about Israel’s evolving wine culture and tasting local varietals.
  • Explore Jaffa, a city of layered histories. Visit the home of Doris Hiffawi, who will share her experiences as a Christian Arab living in Jaffa.
  • Evening at leisure to enjoy Tel Aviv’s vibrant culinary scene or a sunset stroll along the beach promenade.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9
CULTURE, CREATIVITY & FAREWELL
Thu. Dec 31, 2026
  • Check out of your hotel and begin your final day of exploration.
  • Join an expert guide for an urban adventure and graffiti tour, exploring Tel Aviv’s alternative and artistic expressions.
  • Experience Levinsky Market with your J² educator, tasting foods and spices that reflect the region’s diverse culinary heritage.
  • Visit the ANU Museum of the Jewish People, celebrating the global diversity of Jewish life and culture.
  • Gather for a festive farewell dinner, reflecting on the journey and connections formed.
  • Group transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your overnight flight home.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Lunch ,Dinner
DAY 10
RETURN HOME
Fri. Jan 1, 2027
  • Arrive at JFK Airport carrying unforgettable memories, strengthened connections, and a renewed sense of community.

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
25+
Cost p/p in double room
$5,895
Cost p/p in single room
$8,290

Jerusalem: Waldorf Astoria

Tel Aviv: Hilton

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.
  • 8 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Daily breakfast, 2 lunches & 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.
  • 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 $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.
  • 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.