Sun

Depart North America on your Overnight: flight to Israel

Mon

Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport Shalom and Welcome Home to Israel by SEC Israeli Staff Ascend to Jerusalem Say "Shehehianu" at the Haas Promenade while overlooking the Old City and its stunning view Opening sessions: Getting to know you, what you expect from your trip and from Israel Session: The Many Faces Of Israeli Society - an overview of Israeli society Overnight: Hotel Neve Ilan

Tue

Ascend to Jerusalem View the Old City from Mt. Zion Enter the Jewish Quarter via the Zion Gate Tour the Jewish Quarter and learn about it's history using key sites: Enjoy a spiritual visit to the Western Wall Ascend to the rooftops of the Old City for a "birds eye" tour of Jerusalem - city of three religions Depart Jerusalem and head north Enjoy home hospitality and dinner (kosher) at the Druze Village of Ossafia, and learn about this unique minority which is very loyal to the State of Israel Continue to the hotel in Haifa Session: Preparation for the Mifgash (meeting with Israelis) - what makes Israelis different from you Overnight: Haifa

Wed

Israelis arrive at the hotel for the Mifgash program
Session: Icebreaking and getting to know the Israelis View the magnificent Bahai Gardens
Drive to Zfat - city of Mystical Judaism
Explore the narrow alleyways lined with ancient synagogues and artists galleries View the Golan and deep into Syria from atop Mt. Bental
Hike the Bannias Springs - including a refreshing waterfall Onward to Kibbutz Merom Golan
Session: Meet with residents of the Kibbutz and discuss the price of peace (return of the Golan Heights) Overnight: Kibbutz Merom Golan

Thu

Visit the beautiful reserve of Ein Tina and take a gorgeous nature tour Converse and meet Israeli soldiers on border with Lebanon View the Hula Valley from Mitzpe Gadot Visit the Talmudic Synagogue in Katzrin Kayak the Jordan River Head to a Kibbutz on the Sea of Galilee Group discussion on "Israel Society&Culture" Enjoy a beautiful look around the ancient city of Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee Overnight: A Kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee

Fri

Visit the Kibbutz Kinneret Yard and Cemetery to hear about the Halutzim, the pioneers who came to the Land of Israel at the end of the 19th century to build the land, and to be built by the experience. Visit Zichron Ya'akov - Hear the stories about this quaint town's past including romance, wine, spies and betrayal Arrive in Tel Aviv Kabbalat Shabbat at sunset Festive Shabbat Dinner Group Activity following dinner "What does Shabbat mean to Me?" Overnight: Tel Aviv - social activity

Sat

Optional Shabbat Services Session: Parashat Ha-Shabbat - the weekly Torah reading Walking tour of Tel Aviv - the first modern Hebrew speaking metropolis Session: "Politics in Israel and the Middle East" includes visit to Rabin SquareBriefing Session Havdallah Ascend to Jaffa and a visit to Ilana Goor's the famous Israel Artist museum Disco Party at one of Tel Aviv hottest clubs Overnight: Tel Aviv

Sun

Begin the day with a visit to Independence Hall, where Ben Gurion declared the rebirth of the Jewish state Continue to Tel Maresha for a "Hands On" experience with the past as you participate in an archeological dig Visit the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim Head south into the desert Enjoy a Camel Trek, followed by a Hafla (feast) in a Bedouin Tent Special desert music evening Overnight: in a Bedouin Tent in the desert

Mon

Ascend Massada via the Roman ramp, tour Herod's Palaces and hear about its Jewish defenders who chose death over slavery at the hands of the RomansDescend via the Snake Path Enjoy a chance to swim (float) in the Dead Sea Visit Ein Gedi Desert OasisMake your way south to the Israeli Cancun: Eilat Evening excursion to a pub or club Overnight: Eilat

Tue

Start the day at the Coral Reef for snorkeling and a chance to see the marine wildlife up close Then head to the Ramon Crater for a hike Go to Kibbutz Sde Boker to Ben Gurion's Burial Place to speak about his dream - to turn the desert green Ascend to Neve Ilan Workshop on programs in Israel Preparation Session for Yad Vashem Overnight: Hotel Neve Ilan

Wed

Program at Yad Vashem including meeting with a Survivor, visits to the museum, the Children's Memorial and a service at the Valley of the Lost Communities Continue to Mt. Herzl, to the gravesites of Herzl and Rabin and the Military Cemetery, to complete the idea of "From Destruction to Rebirth" Enjoy a farewell visit to the Wall Return Hotel Neve Ilan Closing sessions: What did the trip achieve for you, Going back to your community and Feedback (logistics) Drive to Ben Gurion Airport