Honeymoon Israel

NYC A Itinerary

January 5 – 15, 2023

Day 1: Thursday, January 5, 2023

9:00 PM Depart Newark airport on El Al Flight #26 

Overnight: FLIGHT

Day 2: Friday, January 6, 2023

BRUCHIM HABAIM! (WELCOME TO ISRAEL!)

13:20 PM Arrive to Ben Gurion Airport 

Meet the Routes representative for assistance with arrival formalities after passport control Meet the group tour educator in the arrival's hall 

Drive to Jerusalem  

Check into the hotel and prepare for Shabbat (the Jewish day of rest)

Shabbat Candle Lighting & Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcome to Shabbat) together with your new friends overlooking the Old City (weather permitting) 

Shabbat Dinner at the Hotel with other New York Honeymoon Israel Group 

Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem

Day 3: Saturday, January 7, 2023

CONSTRUCTING A FIVE-LEGGED TABLE - SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM 

Breakfast at the Hotel  

The 5-Legged Table - Reflections of the Jewish Family: Rabbi Lana Zilberman Solloway, a dynamic and multi-talented Rabbi and informal educator, will share the vision that Judaism is more than a religion, a guiding framework to our trip together.

Shabbat Walk on the Jerusalem Stone: A Shabbat walk is one way to embrace the rest and relaxation of the day of Shabbat. Together we will stroll through the city's neighborhoods, noticing unique historical markers as we make our way to the Gan Sacher Park into Jerusalem's Capitol Hill. 

Shabbat picnic lunch in Gan Sacher Park. 

Explore the wonderful Israel Museum which houses more than 5,000 years of cultural treasures. Together we will visit the open-air Model of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period.  A massive scale model of the city as it existed 2,000 years ago, to consider the ways the ancient Israelites practiced their faith and to prepare us to enter its modern version tomorrow. We will visit the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest biblical manuscripts, a reminder of the covenant of Israel. And we will explore the modern sculpture garden, stopping at the famous Ahavah (Love) Sculpture.

Return to the hotel by foot or by bus for free time. 

Honeymoon Israel Conversation at the Hotel: Over the course of our trip together, there will be 4 Honeymoon Israel Conversations, times for the group to join together in a safe and brave space to debrief our experience and consider our future together. This will be followed by a memorable Havdalah (Separation ritual to differentiate the week from Shabbat) ceremony to end Shabbat together. 

Dinner on own and evening at leisure 

Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem

Day 4: Sunday, January 8, 2023

EXPRESSIONS OF COVENANT: HOLY CONNECTIONS IN THE OLD CITY

Breakfast at the Hotel  

Four Quarters, Three Religions, One City: Enjoy a walking tour through the Old City of Jerusalem, we will explore the Jewish and Christian Quarters, to witness diverse communities of Israel, their history and holiness. This will include:

• A climb to the rooftops to see and discuss the ties and tensions between the different faith groups and communities of the Old City.  
• King Hezekiah's "Broad Wall," a massive wall built to protect Jerusalem from invasion 2,700 years ago. 
• Hurva Square, the center of modern-day life in the Jewish Quarter. 
• Walking on the Southern Wall Steps of The Jerusalem Archaeological Park used by Jewish pilgrims to enter the Temple over 2,000 years ago and the site of the Egalitarian Robinson’s Arch prayer area.  

No visit to Jerusalem is complete without experiencing two of the holiest sites in the world:

• The Kotel (Western Wall), Judaism's holiest site on the exterior of the ancient Temple. Each year over one million visitors place notes containing prayers and wishes are placed in the cracks of the Wall.  Be sure to bring a pen and paper if you want to participate in this ritual by placing your own prayers in the Wall.
• The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is traditionally identified as the site of the crucifixion of Jesus; the church is one of Christianity's greatest pilgrimage sites and a testament to the remarkable diversity of the Christian world. 

There will also be time to do some shopping while bargaining in the Old City shuk (market). 

Lunch on own in the Old City 

Dive into the complexities of the conflict: Visit the Palestinian National Theater for a discussion with Mahmoud Mouna, a self-proclaimed cultural warrior and the English bookseller of East Jerusalem. Explore Palestinian Identity, narratives, and current affairs (with the other New York Honeymoon Israel Group). 

Return to the hotel, Dinner on own and evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem

Day 5: Monday, January 9, 2023

MEMORIES OF OUR PAST, VISION FOR OUR FUTURE 

Breakfast at the Hotel  

Visit Yad Vashem, the national museum and memorial to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, an essential emotional and educational experience.  Together we will remember the horror of the Holocaust and consider how it affects our future.

The guided tour will include: 

• The Avenue of the Righteous, where trees symbolic of the renewal of life have been planted along with plaques honoring brave people who saved Jews during the Shoah. 
• The Historical Museum, an exploration of the history of the Holocaust, the factors that allowed for the rise of the Nazis and the destruction of the Jewish communities. 
• The Children's Memorial, a memorial to the 1.5 million children lost during the Holocaust. 
• Time for your group to reflect and process on the powerful experience of visiting Yad Vashem.

Lunch on Own (en route) 

Return to hotel, Free Time 

Honeymoon Israel Conversation 

Evening Option 1: Beyond Beautiful Braids: In this challah-baking workshop, you’ll learn some secrets to making challah that’s crusty on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.  Guided by a world-class chef at the Teamim Cooking School in the Machane Yehuda Market, you can mix, knead, braid and bake a stunning challah for Shabbat or, if you like, eat it fresh out of the oven. 

Evening Option 2: Pub Crawl: Taste the diversity of local food specialities and drinks as you wander through the Machane Yehuda Market at night, a completely different experience from a daytime visit.

Evening Option 3: Free evening, Dinner on own  

Overnight: Dan Panorama, Jerusalem

Day 6: Tuesday, January 10, 2023

THE LAND OF ISRAEL: INTO THE DESERT

Breakfast at the Hotel, check out and set off to explore the Dead Sea Region 

As Low as It Goes: We'll leave the hills of Jerusalem and drive to the Dead Sea Basin, 1,412 feet below sea level, the lowest place on earth. View the breathtaking desert and the landscape as we drive through the West Bank of the Jordan River and learn about its status and significance 

The Last Stand: Ascend via the Snake Path OR take the cable car to the top of Masada with its extraordinary views and fascinating archaeological remains. Masada is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Jewish rebels made their final attempt to resist the Roman invaders during the Second Temple Period (c 74 CE). Together we will learn about the history of the site and its important symbolism for the modern Israeli narrative. 

Muddy Good Fun: “Swim” in the Dead Sea, coat yourself in the world-famous mud, a time-honored tradition enjoyed by all ages. The mud and minerals of the Dead Sea have special healing and beauty qualities. See and feel for yourself. We will also enjoy a buffet lunch. 

As you drive north along the Jordan Valley, you will be able to see the Security Barrier, which runs between Israel and the Palestinian Territories and to learn about the barrier's effects on Israeli security and Palestinian communities.

Check into the hotel followed by dinner in the hotel dining room

“Ask the Rabbi”: Do you have any burning questions about Judaism? Concerns about engaging in Jewish rituals? Bring any questions you may have that have not been answered yet. Now is a time to have an open and honest dialogue as a group with your Rabbi.

Overnight: Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Resort

Day 7: Wednesday, January 11, 2023

THE STATE OF ISRAEL: SERENITY AND SECURITY IN THE NORTH 

Breakfast at the Hotel  

The mountaintop city of Tsfat (Safed) is one of the holiest cities in the Jewish community. The Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah began here and those values continue to permeate the community today.  Together we will:

• Visit the city’s ancient synagogues, where the early Kabbalahists (Mystics) wrote poetry and created new traditions
• Meet Avraham Lowenthal, a Tsfat artist inspired by the mystical traditions of Kabbalah. 
• Walk through the cobbled streets and alleyways to the Artists' Colony with its inspired galleries, shops, and studios
• Free Time to shop for souvenirs.  

Lunch (on own), en route. 

Drive to the Golan Heights, which Israel conquered during the 1967 Six-Day War. View the former Syrian fortifications and discuss the challenges Israel faced leading up to the 1967 Six-Day War. Cross the Golan plateau to the modern border with Syria and onlookers can view the abandoned Syrian city of Kuneitra and the nearby United Nations outpost for an insight into the experiences in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and the implications it continues to have today. 

Return to the hotel and freshen up 

Depart the hotel for an Israeli dinner event and party 

Overnight: Nof Ginosar Kibbutz Resort

Day 8: Thursday, January 12, 2023

THE ISRAELI FAMILY

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by checkout 

Honeymoon Israel Conversation  

Depart the hotel 

Get busy and help those in need as we join the volunteer organization Pitchon Lev for a hands-on social action project sorting and packing food, an opportunity to express the value of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World).

Lunch on own (en route) 

Drive to Tel Aviv and check into the hotel 

Meet your Israeli peers: Welcome two Israeli Couples into your group for the remainder of the journey together. Get to know each other and how the experiences of members of our global Jewish family are similar and different from one another. 

Dinner on your own and evening at your leisure in Tel Aviv

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 9: Friday, January 13, 2023

TEL AVIV: A MODERN HEBREW CITY

Breakfast 

Navigating Israeli politics: Journalist Tal Shalev, chief political correspondent for Walla! News, one of Israel's largest news websites, will share an introduction into the country's turbulent political scene where the Knesset (Parliament) must form diverse coalitions to govern despite vast ideological divisions. 

Embracing the Diverse Israeli Family: Visit Battae Cultural Center in Florentin, devoted to Ethiopian Jewish Heritage and sharing the memories of this important and inspirational community.

What's Going on in Modern Tel Aviv? Join an expert on Tel Aviv's alternative scene for an urban adventure as you explore the latest street art, fashion, architecture and discover what they reveal about life, ideas and ideology in Israel's cultural capital and take a tasting tour through the trendy area at the colorful outdoor Levinsky Market in Tel Aviv to sample the diverse food and cultures that combine in this unique modern metropolis.

The rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

Shabbat Candle Lighting & Welcome to Shabbat together with your new friends

Private Shabbat dinner

Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day 10: Saturday, January 14, 2023

CONTINUING THE JEWISH STORY - SHABBAT IN TEL AVIV 

Breakfast at the Hotel  

During Shabbat you will have the possibility to choose if you want to walk or take the bus.

Shabbat Morning: Embrace the rest and relaxing of Shabbat with some time with your Rabbi / Educator 

Experience the local Shabbat atmosphere as many Tel Aviv residents head to the beaches and coffee shops after the work week. Enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the bustling Shabbat ambiance.

Option 1: Celebrating Shabbat Tel Aviv Style: Take in the Tel Aviv sites as you walk south toward Jaffa. Ascend from the port of Old Jaffa through the renovated alleyways to the Jaffa Overlook for an introduction to Tel Aviv at the place where it all began. 

Option 2: Visit ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, join a fascinating journey that portrays the memory of the Jewish people, a story that stretches across generations and up to the present time. The Museum represents the diversity of the Jewish people and highlights the creativity and culture that has allowed Jewish communities to thrive in different places and across different periods of history.  

Option 3: Free time.  

Lunch on Own (en route) 

Afternoon at leisure 

Late checkout of the hotel 

Honeymoon Israel Conversation, followed by a memorable Havdalah service overlooking the beach (weather permitting) 

Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Transfer to the Ben Gurion airport and check in for your return flight 

Overnight: FLIGHT 

Day 11: Sunday, January 15, 2023

L’HITRAOT (UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN) 

01:00 AM Depart Tel Aviv on El Al #27