Israel Travel Blog

May 16-28, 2010

Full Itinerary & Application can be viewed & downloaded at: www.israeltour.com/rmiller.php

Sunday, May 16 USA Departure

Monday, 17 May - When You Come Into the Land (Deut 26:1)

Mid-afternoon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, to be met and assisted by your ITC representative - Ascent to Jerusalem Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, as did Abraham at the dawn of Jewish history; take in the breathtaking view Hotel check-in and welcome dinner Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Tuesday, 18 May - Jerusalem of Old

Enter the Old City of Jerusalem for the first time and stop for prayer and reflection at the Kotel. In the Kotel Tunnels, walk alongside the massive foundation stones of the Western Wall. Explore the Southern Wall Excavations and take a virtual, computerized "walk" through the ancient Temple Mount at the Davidson Center. Travel through many centuries as you encounter the Jewish Quarter, including time for lunch (on one's own) in the Cardo. Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening's program. Early evening: Shavuot evening services at a choice of local synagogues (suggestions, directions to be provided) Festive holiday dinner at the hotel. Evening: Participate in a choice of engaging Torah study programs (in English) at a variety of wonderful Jerusalem venues Very early (Wednesday) morning: Join with thousands of others as they walk through the streets of Jerusalem in the ancient tradition of Jewish holiday pilgrimage to the Temple Mount. Then, at dawn, take part in egalitarian Shavuot services at Robinson's Arch (the "Masorti Kotel") Walk back to the hotel for (Wednesday) breakfast followed by time to catch up on well-deserved sleep! Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Wednesday, 19 May - Shavuot in Jerusalem

Early afternoon wake-up - Sumptuous Shavuot lunch buffet at the hotel Late afternoon walking tour to Montefiore's Windmill and through the Yemine Moshe Neighborhood; continue to Ketef Hinom to view the site of one of the most ancient archeological discoveries in Jerusalem Havdalah under the stars with Rabbi Miller Free evening in Jerusalem Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday, 20 May - Making a Difference

Stumble across many authentic archeological finds in a hands-on dig through archeological matter that has been dumped into Emek Tzurim from under the Temple Mount. Visit the new state-of-the-art Memorial Museum, Children's Memorial, and Valley of the Communities at Yad Vashem Take in a truly enjoyable multi-media presentation about the life of the Father of Modern Zionism at the newly opened Herzl Museum Visit colorful, bustling Mahaneh Yehuda open-air market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat. Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum. Free time for dinner (on one's own) in the new Mamilla Mall. Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, 21 May - Freedom Fighters or Fanatics?

Early departure for the Dead Sea Region Ascend Masada by cable car for a tour of this magnificent excavation and a discussion of the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and review the biblical story of kings David and Saul "on site" Stop for a dip in the amazing Dead Sea Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat as a group overlooking the Old City or at a choice of neighborhood synagogues (suggestions,  irections to be provided) Shabbat dinner at the hotel Overnight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Shabbat, 22 May - Shabbat in Jerusalem - Parashat Naso

Shabbat services at the synagogue of your choice Sumptuous Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel Shabbat walking tour into Old City. Visit the Tower of David Museum for a wonderful presentation of the history of the city. Continue the walk through the colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City including a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Coptic Village Havdalah with Rabbi Miller Free evening out on the town in JerusalemOvernight: King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem

Sunday, 23 May - The Jordan River Valley

Visit Lifeline for the Old, a moving crafts workshop that employs Jerusalemelderly. Enjoy shopping for unique hand-crafted Judaica items in their store. We depart Jerusalem and travel north along Israel's border with Jordan Group may split: Tour the remarkable excavation of the ancient Roman city of Beit Shean, including a magnificent Cardo, Roman baths, many residences, and amphitheatre OR Swim in the wondrous natural pools at Sachne,fed by underground springs (towel needed) Continue north for hotel check-in and dinner Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Monday, 24 May - In the Footsteps of Defenders and Pioneers

Ascend the Golan Heights and gaze down over the Galilee from Tel Faher,as the Syrians once did; enter former Syrian bunkers and learn how master spy, Eli Cohen, revealed their secrets; discuss the geopolitics of the region Take a nature walk through the scenic Saluki Springs and see ruins of both a Hasmonean village and a Syrian army encampment; dip your toes in cool natural waters. Visit Gamla, called the "Masada of the North," and learn about its valiant story; take in beautiful views and the spectacle of eagles swooping in to roost. Visit the charming new artist village at Moshav Aniam on the Golan Heights, followed by dinner there at the lovely Suzanna Bistro (steak) Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee \

Tuesday, 25 May - In the Footsteps of Sages and Mystics

Explore the magnificently excavated ancient city of Tzippori, home to Rabbi Judah the Prince; discover ancient beauty and evidence of a community in which Jews and Romans coexisted peacefully Tour the synagogues,  courtyards, and shops of the mystical city of Tzefat. Meet with a Tzefat kabbalistic artist in his gallery to explore Jewish mysticism through the prism of his creations. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kinneret (from Ginnosar) Free evening on the Tiberias promenade. Overnight: Kibbutz Hagoshrim Hotel, Galilee

Wednesday, 26 May - Israeli Communities

Bid farewell to the eastern Galilee as we plant a tree in Israeli soil in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please choose one for the group: Visit our Partnership 2000 Region in the Central Galilee and spend some time this morning with our Israeli peers; lunch in our partnership region and lunch to be arranged by P2K); OR Visit the cultural museum of Kfar Kama, home to Israel's Circassian community; learn about their unique customs and traditions and taste some of their special foods Walk through the fascinating, ancient, underground Roman water system at Alona Park near Binyamina (strap-on water shoes, small towel needed) Enjoy a tour and taste the fruits of the region in the form of award-winning wines at the lovely Tishbi Winery Continue south for hotel check-in, followed by a free evening in Tel Aviv. Overnight: Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Thursday, 27 May - The Modern Hebrew State

At Independence Hall, relive Ben Gurion's moving declaration of the State Enjoy an impressive presentation of the amazing achievements of the Palmach at the multi-media Palmach Museum (if available) Give something of yourself to Israel as you take part in the mitzvah of "leket" and harvest crops to be distributed to the poor at Table to Table Return to the hotel to freshen up, pack Delicious farewell dinner at Maganda Yemenite Restaurant Depart for the airport

Friday, 28 May - A Temporary Departure

Return to the USA

Begin planning your next Israel trip with Rabbi Miller and ITC Tours!

For information and application forms, please contact ITC Tours: 800-247-7235 Or Rabbi Jason Miller: 248-535-7090 or rabbi@tchiyah.org