Wednesday (June 17):
AA1397 OMA/DFW 810A - 1000A
AA2584 DFW/JFK 1135A - 420P
LY 002 JFK/TLV 755P - 120P 18JUN

Day 1, Thursday (June 18): Welcome to Israel B'ruchim Habaim - Welcome! The Journey Begins: Arrival at Ben Gurion (1:20PM) and meet your tour educator, drive to Jerusalem Shehehianu and overview of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, Drive to Hotel Dinner at hotel Orientation and Setting Expectations O/N Jerusalem Hotel

Day 2, Friday (June 19): Jerusalem - "The Holiness of Beauty and the Beauty of Holiness" David united Israel by establishing his capital in Jerusalem and bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. Today we'll explore the physical and spiritual capital of the Jewish people as we enter Shabbat. We will visit the Kotel (Western Wall), one of the most important remnants from the Second Temple period, which symbolizes the holiest place for Jews all around the world. Explore the Old City of Jerusalem Visit the Mahane Yehuda market and see how Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel Shabbat Dinner Oneg Shabbat O/N Jerusalem Hotel

Day 3, Saturday (June 20): Jerusalem: a Unique Shabbat Experience Take in the unique Shabbat atmosphere of Jerusalem, strolling through the different neighborhoods. Later, experience the Burma Road Program - hear the history of the War of Independence and specifically the struggle for Jerusalem, on the very ground on which it happened. Parashat Korach: Numbers 16:1-18:32 Korach incites a mutiny challenging Moses' leadership and the granting of the kehunah ("priesthood") to Aaron, accompanied by Moses' erstwhile foes, Dathan and Aviram. Joining them are 250 distinguished members of the community, who offer the sacrosanct ketoret (incense) to prove their worthiness for the priesthood. The earth opens up and swallows the mutineers, and a fire consumes the ketoret-offerers. A subsequent plague is stopped by Aaron's offering of ketoret. Aaron's staff miraculously blossoms and brings forth almonds to prove that his designation as High Priest is Divinely ordained. G-d commands that a terumah ("uplifting") from each crop of grain, wine and oil, all firstborn sheep and cattle, and other specified gifts be given to the Kohanim. Walking tour of Jerusalem neighborhoods Shabbat lunch at the hotel Shabbat program (JCC staff) Havdalah Enjoy Jerusalem by night tour and the night life on Ben Yehuda Street O/N Jerusalem Hotel

Day 4, Sunday (June 21): David Melech Yisrael - David King of Israel Lives Through the story of King David and beyond, explore the different layers of Jerusalem, from 3000 years ago to the modern day, and see how the city has evolved over time. Start the day with a visit to the Israel Museum. Visit the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are hosted and continue with the Second Temple Model. Prepare for your next visit of the City of David by studying the Model. Visit the City of David and explore Hezekiah's tunnel. View the Southern Wall Excavations at the Ophel Archeological Park Journey through the Western Wall Tunnels (pending confirmation, possibly late night experience) and include the Chain of Generations exhibit O/N Jerusalem Hotel

Day 5, Monday (June 22): "Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof – Justice Justice You Shall Pursue" With independence comes responsibility. Our leaders struggle with the idea of Justice in a Jewish State. At the Knesset and Supreme Court we examine the challenges facing Israel as a Jewish Democracy. Start the day with a Tikun Olam hands-on Social Action project at Yad Lakashish and Yad Sara View the Knesset, Israel's Government, and the Knesset Menorah Tour the stunning new Supreme Court Building Speaker at Hotel O/N Jerusalem Hotel

Day 6, Tuesday (June 23): Digging and Exploring Our Past Israel is characterized by the layers of history, lying on each other and waiting to be revealed. Today we leave Jerusalem- we will start our journey through history at Tel Maresha where you will take part in an ongoing archeological dig and literally dig back in time. The day continues with another fun experience: working as early pioneers and learning about their often difficult and harsh lives, in Kibbutz Gvulot(or Kibbutz Revivim) Ein Tzurim hands-on archeological experience as we sieve through debris from the Temple Mount (join a unique national effort). Hanetifim cave (also known as Soreq Cave / Avshalom Cave) - see the impressive stalactites and stalagmites in this natural magnificent cave. Tel Azeka view the battle ground of David and Goliath Explore the ancient caves at Midras and Luzit Tatzpit pioneers program + BBQ dinner in Kibbutz Gvulot. O/N Kibbutz Gvulot or Kibbutz Revivim

Day 7 Wednesday (June 24): The Amazing Negev Experiencing a cultural variety in the desert - from the Air force Museum, through to a Bedouin cooperative. Early morning hike or visit an Army Base (pending confirmation) Air force Museum "Daughters of the Desert" Bedouin Women's cooperative Ze'elim hot springs O/N Kibbutz Gvulot or Kibbutz Revivim

Day 8, Thursday (June 25): "Desert Dreams" "Hamachtesh Hagadol" is one of three craters in the Negev Desert, a unique and remarkable natural phenomenon. This is a day of taking in the desert feeling and serenity. In turn, we get acquainted with the culture of the Bedouins. Hike at Machtesh Hagadol Snapir Collect colored sand Visit Magen David Adom Station in Arad Camel ride in the desert Bedouin Hospitality and Hafla Sleep under the stars O/N Bedouin Hospitality Tent

Day 9, Friday (June 26): "Masada - Option of the Zealots" Leaders have to make difficult choices. We'll struggle with the challenges faced and choices made in the Massada saga. Then enjoy Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea which holds two world records, as the lowest point on earth, and the saltiest sea/lake in the world. Sunrise hike to the summit of Masada Ein Gedi National Park Dead Sea swim Drive up to Jerusalem Family pick-ups for Shabbat O/N Family Weekend

Day 10, Saturday (June 27): Family Weekend (no programming) O/N Family Weekend

Day 11, Sunday (June 28): Beit Shean Valley Visit the Beit She'an excavations, dating back to the fifth century B.C.E. Beit Shean's location on the Via Maris, the most important road of the time, made it a successful and important city in ancient times. Then relax and swim in the magnificent natural pools at the Sachne National Park. Then we drive to the Kinneret cemetery, by the Sea of Galilee, for our Poets & Pioneers program. Early morning return to Jerusalem Drive to Beit She'an Beit She'an the Roman City Picnic lunch & swim at Sachne: a magnificent natural spring Kinneret cemetery - learn about the loves and harsh lives of the early pioneers O/N Tiberias

Day 12, Monday (June 29): Spirituality and Holiness in Safed From awesome views at Mt. Arbel to the spirituality of Safed, that is regarded as one of four holy cities in Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Tiberias, and Hebron. Safed is the center for Kabbalah, an esoteric form of Jewish mysticism. Tour the ancient synagogues and artists' square. Mt. Arbel hike - a cliff measuring 181 meters above sea level Safed and Jewish Mysticism Enjoy a swim in the Kinneret Evening walk along the Tiberias seafront O/N Tiberias

Day 13, Tuesday (June 30): The Golan Heights - Peace and Security Since ancient times, the Golan Heights is an important strategic asset, controlling the Sea of Galilee and the whole Jordan Valley. We will see the history of this battle ridden area - visiting Gamla, where Jews fought the Romans during the rebellion in the Second Temple period, and Mitzpe Gadot, where severe battles took place during the 1967 war. Until today the dilemma stands: should the Golan Heights be returned to Syria or not? Mitzpe Gadot - for a panoramic view of the Golan Heights and discussion on the strategic importance of the area. Hike in the Gamla National Park, an important city at the end of the Second Temple period, which became famous for its fighting against the Romans during the rebellion. View the water falls, vultures' nests, and one of the earliest synagogues in Israel. Water hike at Majarase - enjoy nature and the cool water on a hot day Drumming circle - create a group rhythm on the darbuka O/N Tiberias

Day 14, Wednesday (July 1): Security, History and Water Continue to explore the security dilemmas of the area, and enjoy the cold waters of the Jordan River's source streams, as well as see the vast archeological findings at Tel Dan. Tel Dan hike - archeology and nature Mt. Bental - lookout on the Golan Heights and fortified bunkers Enjoy kayaking in the Hatzbani River Evening mifgash preparation O/N Western Galilee

Day 15, Thursday (July 2): "Mifgash"- Western Galilee A mifgash - Today our mifgash (meeting) with our partnership community takes place, getting to know the area and meeting with youth. The two groups (Israeli and American) will get to know each other, examine their similarities and differences, and make new and lasting friendships. In Akko we will meet the Crusaders in the Hall of Knights. Next, we visit the Al Jazzar Mosque and learn about Islam and Islamic prayer and tradition. At Rosh Hanikra enjoy the impressive natural phenomenon of the grottos. Rosh Hanikra - visit the grottos Continue to Akko to meet with Garin Ometz Mifgash begins - meet your Israel peers and get to know the partnership community Tour the city of Akko - Crusaders and Muslims Mifgash session continues - get to know each other and the families better with a Barbeque on the beach O/N Western Galilee

Day 16, Friday (July 3): Peki'in and Mifgash Home Hospitality Peki'in is a predominantly Druze village, and is known as a place where Druze and Jews lived peacefully together throughout history. It has a small Jewish community that has existed there almost continuously since the Second Temple period, and many legends about the Rabbis who lived in the area. Hike and enjoy activities at Park Goren Continue to the Village of Peki'in - meet the interesting mix of people Home Hospitality pick-up O/N Home Hospitality

Day 17, Saturday (July 4): Mifgash Home Hospitality (no Programming) Gather to enjoy Pizza/pool party O/N Home Hospitality

Day 18, Sunday (July 5): The Druze Enigma The Druze religion is secret and an enigma to outsiders. After being introduced to the Druze in Peki'in, we will get to enjoy the famous Druze hospitality and deepen our acquaintance with the Druze culture and people. We will also visit the Atlit prison for illegal immigrants from the British Mandate time, and the Roman period city of Caesarea, both on the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. Mifgash concludes Tour Atlit Detention camp and understand the plight of those arriving in Israel at the time of the founding of the state. Visit Druze Villages and enjoy lunch in a Druze home Explore the impressive ruins of Caesarea O/N Coast or Neve Shalom

Day 19, Monday (July 6): Living with others vs. forging newness Start the day learning about co-Existence at Neve Shalom Community which educates and acts to promote the values of equality and human dignity. View the security fence and discuss Israeli/Arab border issues. Then drive south to Sde Boker and learn about Ben Gurion's legacy of greening the desert and his unique character and leadership as the first Prime Minister of Israel. Co-existence seminar at Neve Shalom Sde Boker and Ben Gurion's hut Rope Park - begin a process of group building - be challenged as individuals and as a group Preparing camp and dinner and Outdoor Training program O/N Camping Mitzpe Ramon

Day 20, Tuesday (July 7): Way Down South The Ramon Crater is the largest of the three Negev craters. With its elongated heart shape, it tells a fascinating story of geomorphology. Continue the journey down to Eilat, the most southern city in Israel, on the beach of the Red Sea. Early morning desert navigation in the desert Drive on to the beautiful Timnah Park in the Arava Tour Eilat and hear the story of the place that was once called Um Rashrash Night cruise on the Red Sea with the JCC Milwaukee group O/N Eilat

Day 21, Wednesday (July 8): Sun and Fun in Eilat This is a day of various desert experiences: hike up Mt. Tzfachot and enjoy a beautiful sunrise with the breath-taking views of the Gulf of Eilat. Then relax on the beach and snorkel at the world renowned coral reef, jeep ride and see the beautiful Eilat Mountains, and finally enjoy Eilat's special atmosphere, strolling the promenade at night. Early morning hike at Mt. Tzfachot Snorkeling at the coral reef Jeep ride in the desert Evening stroll along the Eilat Promenade O/N Eilat

Day 22, Thursday (July 9): Youth Leadership at Kibbutz Ketura We leave the Red Sea and travel to the Mediterranean Sea and Tel Aviv. On the way, we stop for a Youth Leadership Program at Kibbutz Ketura. Kibbutz Ketura half day leadership program and lunch Drive North to Tel Aviv Stop in Kibbutz Hatzor (Tamar's Kibbutz) Tie-in session at hotel O/N Tel Aviv

Day 23, Friday (July 10): Tel Aviv - the Big Orange Today we'll venture out to the exciting city of Tel Aviv. Visit the colorful Carmel Market and bohemian Nahalat Binyamin artists' market. Then we will tour Neve Tzedek, the first Tel Aviv neighborhood and today a beautifully renovated and fashionable district. We will visit Jaffa, one of the most ancient port cities in the world. Today Jaffa has a heterogeneous population of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Finally, enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean Tel Aviv beach, in a special Shabbat program. Nahalat Binyamin Carmel Market Neve Tzedek - once neglected, today a fashionable district in the south-west of Tel Aviv Jaffa - the winding alleys of the Artists' Quarter, the harbor and Jaffa's exiting combination of old and new. Alternative Shabbat program at the beach (JCC staff) O/N Tel Aviv

Day 24, Saturday (July 11): Shabbat in Tel Aviv Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat by the Tel Aviv beaches, and an evening in the fashionable recreation area at the Tel Aviv Port. Parashat Hashavua: Pinchas, Numbers 25:10-30:1 Aaron's grandson, Pinchas, is rewarded for his act of zealotry in killing the Shimonite prince Zimri and the Midianite princess: G-d grants him a covenant of peace and the priesthood. Moses is instructed on how the Land is to be divided by lottery among the tribes and families of Israel. The five daughters of Zelophehad petition Moses that they be granted the portion of the land belonging to their father, who died without sons; G-d accepts their claim and incorporates it into the Torah's laws of inheritance. Walking tour near the hotel Beach time - enjoy the vast Tel Aviv beaches Havdallah Tel Aviv Port Area - the very busy and trendy Port Area offers many places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. O/N Tel Aviv

Day 25, Sunday (July 12): JMI Day and up to Jerusalem The group will meet with other JCC groups, in a team building day and BBQ lunch. In the late afternoon drive up to Jerusalem and enjoy the hotel's pool. After dinner we will visit the Time Elevator and learn about the 3000 years of Jerusalem's history, through the fascinating interactive show - audiences will witness Prophet Jeremiah's confrontation with King Zedekiah and relive the destruction of the First and Second Temples. They will be led through the Roman Conquest, the birth of Christianity, the emergence of Islam with its centuries of long rule over the Holy Land and the drama of the establishment of Israel. JMI day - bonding activities with other JCC groups Pool time at hotel Time Elevator - 3000 years of history in Jerusalem O/N Jerusalem area or Hafetz Haim

Day 26, Monday (July 13): Jewish Peoplehood In the spirit of Jewish Peoplehood and reaching out to the needy, we will start the day harvesting excess fresh fruit through "Table to Table" - a food rescue organization dedicated to feeding the hungry of Israel. Then visit the secret underground ammunitions factory at Machon Ayalon (Ayalon Institute), which gives us a picture of the Jewish defense before Israel became an independent state. Continue to the opening ceremony of the Maccabi Games, the Jewish Olympic Games, which take place every four years, and celebrate Jewish Peoplehood. At the end of the day we will talk about tomorrow's intense visit to Yad Vashem. Tikun Olam - Table to Table project Ayalon Institute - a secret underground ammunitions factory, now a museum Maccabi Games - the Jewish Olympics O/N Jerusalem

Day 27, Tuesday (July 14): "Never Forget" Today we visit Yad Vashem - the National Holocaust Memorial, and one of the most important Holocaust museums in the world. To understand Israel, one has to understand the Sho'a (holocaust). Today we will try to understand in depth what happened in the Sho'a and how it influences us as Jews until today. Yad Vashem preparation session Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum program Mt. Herzl cemetery Neighborhoods game with Ross Culiner in the Nachlaot area of Jerusalem Evening processing session of Yad Vashem O/N Jerusalem area or Hafetz Haim

Day 28, Wednesday (July 15): "To be a Free People in our Land" Driving back to Tel Aviv, we will visit the Independence Hall, where David Ben Gurion declared independence for the state of Israel. In Rabin Square we visit the spot where Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated and discuss Rabin's peace-pursuing legacy. At the Diaspora Museum we will learn about our mutual responsibility to Jews throughout the world. Enjoy a last chance to relax on the golden beaches of Tel Aviv before continuing to Mini Israel where we will see amazing scale models of the main sites in Israel and enjoy our last dinner in Israel before departing back to the States. Independence Hall - where the declaration of independence was made Rabin Square - discuss Rabin's legacy Diaspora Museum - examine Israel-Diaspora relations Beach time Mini Israel Farewell dinner at Mini Israel Ending - Ben Gurion Airport

Day 29, Thursday (July16): Farewell to Israel!
LY 27 TLV/EWR 1205A - 505A
AA 365 EWR/DFW 730A - 1015A
AA1168 DFW/OMA 1240P - 225P

* Program is subject to change