Inside Israel Today
Wilshire Boulevard Temple
Women’s Journey

Led by Rabbi Leah Lewis and Julia Nickerson

Feb 28, 2027 - Mar 7, 2027

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Women Only
  • Trip Type Congregational
  • Duration 8 DAYS
  • Group Size 20+
  • Price From $5,595
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.

  •   Art & Culture
  •   Cooking Workshop
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Expert Scholar
  •   Fashion Tour
  •   Food & Wine
  •   Food Tasting Tour
  •   Nature Walks

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN TEL AVIV
Sun. Feb 28, 2027
  • Arrive late evening at Ben-Gurion International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Tel Aviv. Time to settle in and rest after your journey.
Overnight: Tel Aviv
DAY 2
ISRAEL TODAY: POLITICS, CULTURE & IDENTITY
Mon. Mar 1, 2027
  • Begin the day with a meaningful exploration of Israel’s complex geopolitical landscape. In conversation with Tal Schneider, senior political correspondent for The Times of Israel, gain clear and nuanced insight into current realities, leadership dynamics, and the challenges and possibilities shaping the country today.
  • HerStory Tel Aviv – Discover the untold stories of pioneering women who shaped the city’s cultural, political, and social fabric - from early Zionist feminists and labor leaders to contemporary artists and activists - through visits to key landmarks and women-led initiatives.
  • Continue with an immersive culinary experience at Levinsky Market. Through a guided tasting tour, sample flavors from across the Mediterranean and Middle East while exploring what makes Israeli food “Israeli.” This vibrant encounter serves as a dynamic and delicious lunch.
  • In the afternoon, discover Israel’s contemporary creative scene through a curated encounter with local designer Merav Shami. Explore emerging Israeli fashion and jewelry, and consider how design reflects identity and cultural storytelling.
  • Enjoy an evening at leisure in Tel Aviv - time to relax, explore, and absorb the energy of the city.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3
WOMEN, LEADERSHIP & SOCIAL IMPACT
Tue. Mar 2, 2027
  • Engage in a powerful and timely conversation on the role of women in Israel’s recent war and ongoing security landscape. Meet with representatives from Forum Dvorah, a non-partisan organization advancing women’s leadership in national security, defense, and foreign policy. Through their work and perspectives, explore how gender shapes decision-making at the highest levels and the evolving role of women in shaping Israel’s future.
  • Continue with a visit to the ANU – Museum of the Jewish People. Through its innovative and immersive exhibits, encounter the rich diversity, creativity, and global story of the Jewish people across time. This experience offers a meaningful lens into identity, continuity, and the many ways Jewish life is expressed today.
  • In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on volunteer experience with Leket Israel, the country’s leading food rescue organization. Harvest fresh produce that will be distributed to individuals and families in need, connecting directly to issues of food security, social responsibility, and community care in Israel.
  • Return to Tel Aviv for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
OCTOBER 7: MEMORY, TESTIMONY & RESILIENCE
Wed. Mar 3, 2027
  • Begin the day with Dr. Cochav Elkayam-Levy, a leading voice in international law, human rights, and feminist advocacy. Through her work with The Civil Commission, gain critical insight into the gendered impact of October 7, as she shares powerful perspectives on women’s experiences during times of crisis and the importance of documentation, justice, and global awareness.
  • Travel south to the Israel–Gaza border region for a deeply personal and moving encounter with Chen Kotler, a resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Through her testimony, bear witness to the events of October 7 and their lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.
  • Pause for lunch on your own in Sderot, offering a moment to experience daily life in a community deeply shaped by its proximity to Gaza.
  • Continue to Givat HaTzofaniyot (Observers’ Hill), where you will hear powerful stories highlighting the roles of women - both in the military and civilian life - on and since that day. Reflect on themes of courage, leadership, and the evolving place of women in Israeli society.
  • Pay your respects at the Nova Music Festival Memorial near Kibbutz Re’im. This poignant site honors the young lives lost in the attack, transforming a place of celebration into one of remembrance. Spend time reflecting at the memorial created by families and friends, anchored by the enduring message: “We Will Dance Again.”
  • In the afternoon, encounter the Healing Trails Project, which supports IDF reservists through a journey of recovery and resilience. At a serene horse farm setting, take part in a sound-healing music circle - an immersive experience that weaves together nature, music, and community as pathways toward healing.
  • Conclude the day with a shared dinner at the farm, offering space to process, connect, and reflect together.
  • Continue to Jerusalem for a late evening arrival and hotel check-in.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
ISRAELI & PALESTINIAN PERSPECTIVES: COMPLEXITY & DIALOGUE
Thu. Mar 4, 2027
  • Shalom Hartman Institute – Exploring Jewish Peoplehood & Solidarity: Engage with leading Hartman faculty in a thought-provoking session examining the evolving relationship between Israel and the Diaspora in the wake of October 7. Explore what meaningful solidarity looks like today, the balance between support and critique, and the role of American Jews in Israel’s present and future.
  • Visit Shaare Zedek Medical Center, one of Jerusalem’s leading hospitals. Gain insight into Israel’s healthcare system and its role during times of crisis. Meet with professionals on the ground to better understand how medical institutions continue to operate and adapt in a complex and ever-changing environment.
  • From Enemies to Allies: Engage with members of Combatants for Peace in Beit Jala, learning how former combatants from both sides pursue nonviolent activism and shared society initiatives.
  • Visit Thinkers Distillery for a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch spirit production, followed by a guided tasting and cocktail experience, offering a relaxed and social way to wind down the day.
  • Free Time in Jerusalem: Enjoy time at your own pace to wander through Jerusalem’s neighborhoods, browse local shops and markets, explore cafés, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
ZIONISM, MEMORY & SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Fri. Mar 5, 2027
  • Zionism in 2027: Engage in a conversation with Dr. Einat Wilf, former Knesset Member and leading thinker on Zionism, foreign policy, and education.
  • Continue to Mount Herzl, Israel’s national military cemetery and the resting place of the country’s leaders and fallen soldiers. Walk through this sacred space and bear witness to the profound human cost of the Israel–Hamas War, as newly fallen soldiers have been laid to rest alongside generations who came before them.
  • Engage in a deeply moving dialogue with a bereaved family member who has lost a loved one in the recent war. Through their personal story, encounter both the depth of loss and the resilience required to carry forward in its aftermath.
  • Explore the vibrant Machane Yehuda Market, where the colors, aromas, and sounds of Jerusalem come alive. Wander through its lively stalls, sample local flavors, and experience the dynamic energy of a place where tradition and modern Israeli culture meet.
  • As the day transitions, prepare to welcome Shabbat in Jerusalem. Walk from Jaffa Gate through the Old City to Azrat Yisrael, the pluralistic prayer space at the Western Wall. Join together for Kabbalat Shabbat, experiencing the city’s unique rhythm as it slows and transforms in anticipation of Shabbat.
  • Spend time at the Kotel (Western Wall), Judaism’s holiest site, where past and present converge in quiet reflection, and where millions have placed their prayers within its ancient stones.
  • Conclude the evening with a private Shabbat dinner at the hotel, sharing in tradition, community, and the warmth of Shabbat together.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
JERUSALEM: HISTORY, SPIRITUALITY & CLOSURE
Sat. Mar 6, 2027
  • Enjoy a slow Shabbat morning at leisure. Those who wish may join Rabbi Lewis for an optional text study session, or attend Shabbat morning services at a local synagogue, connecting more deeply to the rhythms of Shabbat in Jerusalem.
  • In the afternoon, set out on a walking exploration of Jerusalem’s Old City and the Jewish Quarter, encountering the physical and spiritual heart of Jewish history and continuity. Highlights include:
    • Ascend to the rooftops for a powerful vantage point overlooking the Old City’s sacred landscape. From this unique perspective, take in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and the Hurva Synagogue, while engaging in a thoughtful discussion about the intersections, tensions, and shared spaces among the city’s diverse religious communities.
    • Walk along the Cardo, the main thoroughfare of Roman and Byzantine Jerusalem, lined with impressive ancient columns and remnants of its historic marketplace.
    • Stand before King Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, a massive fortification built over 2,700 years ago to defend the city, offering a tangible connection to Jerusalem’s ancient past.
    • Experience Hurva Square, the vibrant center of life in today’s Jewish Quarter, where history and modern Israeli life meet.
    • Enjoy time to browse and shop in the Old City market (shuk), where winding alleyways are filled with local artisans, textiles, jewelry, spices, and Judaica - offering a colorful and sensory glimpse into the city’s living culture.
  • As Shabbat comes to a close, gather for a meaningful communal Havdalah ceremony, marking the transition from sacred time into the new week through ritual, song, and shared reflection.
  • Conclude the journey with a farewell dinner and facilitated reflection session - an opportunity to process the experiences of the week, share personal takeaways, and consider how to carry the insights, relationships, and inspiration of the journey back home.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
DEPARTURE
Sun. Mar 7, 2027
  • Check out of the hotel and transfer as a group to Ben-Gurion International Airport for your departure flight home.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast

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
$5,595
Cost p/p in single room
$7,125

Tel Aviv: Royal Beach

Jerusalem: Orient

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

  • 7 nights' accommodations.
  • 6 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 5 days in a luxury, climate controlled bus.
  • Group arrival transfer & assistance at the airport.
  • Group departure transfer.
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 3 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 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 double occupancy room.
    • 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.