17 June 2004 - Wizevents



Love Israel: A Life Experience

A Unique Journey – Learn, Laugh, Cry & Experience Together!

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Howard County

October 20- November 2, 2010



October 20, 2010

Depart for Israel

Day One: Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Land and the People of Israel – an Eternal Bond

Neot Kedumim , the Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel, a living museum of Israel's "green archeology", is a unique endeavor to re-create the physical setting of the Bible in all its depth and detail. Far more than a "garden" showing various biblical plants, Neot Kedumim embodies the panorama and power of the landscapes that helped shape the values of the Bible. The Bible conveys its ideas not in abstract terms, but through a clear and vivid record of long human interaction with the land of Israel. Neot Kedumim draws on a variety of disciplines -- such as Bible scholarship, botany, zoology, geography, history, and archaeology -- to bring the Bible and its commentaries to life.

" Biblical Lunch"

Plant a tree in the Land of Israel, creating your personal, permanent link to Eretz Yisrael and helping to build its future with your own hands. Our tradition teaches: If you are about to plant a tree in Israel and the Messiah arrives, finish planting the tree, and then go out to greet the Messiah.

Proceed to Jerusalem

The magnificent panorama of Jerusalem unfurls before us from our vantage point at the Haas Promenade. For some of us, being in Israel is a new experience; others have been here before. But, each time one returns to Eretz Yisrael, one thanks God for being allowed to be here. The Shehecheyanu prayer reminds us that it is God who grants us the privilege of giving us new experiences and the ability to savor new things.

Proceed to our hotel

Dinner at Beit Ticho

Beit Ticho was one of the first homes built outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls and provides a fine example of late-19th-century Jerusalem architecture. You will have time to view the beautiful works of Anna Ticho, one of Jerusalem’s most famous artists. The house served as a residence for Anna and her husband, Dr. Albert Ticho, a well-known ophthalmologist. It was later used as an eye hospital, and is now a part of the Israel Museum.

Optional: Tour Mea She'arim, one of the first neighborhoods built outside the walls of the Old City in the late 19th century. Then home to the Jewish avante garde, Mea She’arim is now an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood where residents strive to preserve the traditions of Eastern Europe.

Overnight at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem

Day Two: Friday, October 22, 2010

Jerusalem: Ancient Capital, Modern Realities

Bokar tov – good morning! As you will each morning during the mission, enjoy a sumptuous “Israeli-style” breakfast -- a rich spread of fresh breads, cheeses, eggs, vegetables, smoked fish and more.

Take a journey on the "Ramparts Walk" along the outer edge of the Old City of Jerusalem. These magnificent walls were built by the Ottoman ruler, Sultan Suliman the Magnificent, in 1536 and have eight marvelous gates, seven of which provide entrance to the city. Walking on the top of the Walls that surround the ancient city of Jerusalem presents a unique opportunity to observe the picturesque views of both the Old City, with its alleys and shrines, and the New City on the surrounding mountains outside the Walls.

Tour the Jewish Quarter of the Old City and uncover the layers of Jewish history from the time of the First Temple until the present day. This will include the Cardo for some great Israeli shopping!

Lunch on your own

King David captured a Jebusite citadel in order to build his capital. The city was well fortified with its own water source; it had never before belonged to the Israelite tribes and was, therefore, unlikely to provoke jealousy. Even though it was not centrally located to all the tribes, David believed that Jerusalem was perfect for a national state. Today we tour the archaeological excavation in David's Jerusalem.

Step back in time as you view the impressive remainders dating back thousands of years, at the Southern Wall. The steps you will walk upon are the very steps used by the Jewish community to enter the ancient Temple Mount -- while the nobles, priests and Levites entered the Holy Temple through two bridges.

Just before sundown we come togehter at the Kotel, the Western Wall, with modern Jewish communities to welcome-in Shabbat. Following ancient traditions, each community blesses the Sabbath Queen. This is a unique and inspiring bonding experience.

"Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach"

It is a great mitzvah and responsibility to honor the Sabbath by lighting candles before sunset on Friday evening. This commandment is rich with meaning and purpose. In a world so full of darkness, the candles lit by Jews bring light, joy and holiness. We perform the mitzvah of lighting the Shabbat candles as individuals who make up a community.

Return to your hotel for Shabbat dinner. Take part in this celebratory evening of food, ritual and song symbolizing the joy and special indulgences of the Day of Rest and the continuation of the Jewish people’s age-old traditions.

Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

Day Three: Saturday, October 23, 2010

Israeli Breakfast

Shabbat is a day of rest and reflection, and Shabbat morning in Jerusalem is filled with the sounds of Jews praying together in the distinct styles of different communities. They reflect centuries old ethnic traditions, as well as modern ways of expressing spirituality. This Shabbat morning, participants will have a chance to compare and contrast the worship at different Jerusalem synagogues.

Jerusalem at a Cultural Crossroads

For a fascinating lesson on the history of Jerusalem, visit the Tower of David Museum, where history of this magnificent city is retold. For a gorgeous view of the Old City, climb up to the ancient castle’s Citadel, built by Herod the Great 2,000 years ago. The tower’s strategic position at the city gates served all of Jerusalem’s successive conquerors.

If time permits we will visit a mosque or other Islamic site.

Lunch on own in the Muristan. The Muristan, a Persian word meaning hospital or hospice, was built in the 9th century to house pilgrims from Europe. Today it is a marketplace surrounded by new and old churches.

The Holy Sepulcher is situated on the hill called Golgotha or Calvary. The Church contains the last five Stations of the Cross including the sites of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. Several Christian denominations claim ownership to various parts of the site holy for all of Christendom.

As the sun sets over the Jerusalem hills and Shabbat draws slowly to a close, come together with your group to take part in Havdalah. Havdalah means separation. The Havdalah prayers mark the end of Shabbat thereby distinguishing it from the rest of the week. A multi-wicked candle is used to signify the "flames of fire". Fragrant spices are passed around to remind us of the joy of Shabbat, and the wine we use flows over the rim of the cup symbolizing the "overflowing blessing" we expect in the week ahead.

Dinner and evening on your own

Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

Day Four: Sunday, October 24, 2010

Cooperation and Partnerships

Breakfast

Proceed to Ashkelon

Optional: Sightseeing visits in addition to the activities with the local Jewish Agencies

At Givat HaKibbutzim in Rehovot, descend into the reconstructed underground munitions factory located under the kibbutz bakery. This kibbutz was established in order to hide the factory in British-controlled Palestine. It existed solely for surreptitiously manufacturing ammunition. Sixty years later, the factory is a museum tucked into a section between Nes Ziona and Rehovot, where many of Israel’s high-tech companies are located. In order for the British not to notice the illegal operation, the kibbutzniks built and operated a bakery and laundry on ground level, directly over the factory that would operate only when the bakery and laundry were in operation – thus the noise of the factory would not be noticed.

Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, established in 1943 in memory of Mordechai Anilevicz, a commander of the Warsaw Ghetto revolt, was besieged by the Egyptian Army during the 1948 War and then recaptured by the Israelis. Visit the reconstruction of the Egyptian attack and the museum illustrating pre-Holocaust Eastern Europe.

Dinner – home hospitality and a personal connection to Ashkelon

Overnight: Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

Day Five: Monday, October 25, 2010

Issues in Modern Israel

Breakfast

Israeli Politics

8:30 a.m.

Hardly a day goes by that Israel, a country with a small land mass and population, isn't mentioned in the international media. You will be briefed on Israel Today - the issues that concern Israelis from an Israeli viewpoint

The Legal System

10:00 a.m.

Israel's legal system is a combination of Jewish, Turkish, and British law adapted and molded to suit modern Israeli realities. Built by the Rothschild Foundation, the Supreme Court building with its striking design is a fitting home for the judicial branch of government which oversees Israel's democracy – the only democracy in the Middle East.

Jewish/Ethnic Identity

11:00 a.m.

In Jerusalem’s vibrant Machane Yehuda open-air market , ancient stone buildings with arched portals give way to a colorful tapestry of ethnic peoples and fragrant foods. In the past year, Machane Yehuda, has been undergoing a revival and reinventing itself, vegetable stalls now finding themselves with trendy boutiques, upscale delis and funky little eateries.

In the heart of Jerusalem’s downtown, Nachlaot is one of the city’s older and more colorful neighborhoods, retaining much of its original 19th century architecture with narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets. The neighborhood was planned to accommodate the Yemenite, Kurdish, Jerusalem Sephardi, Greek and Galician Jews. The communities had their own synagogues, many still exist today, and were each housed within a walled compound built around a common courtyard and central water cistern. Today the neighborhood attracts a large influx of middle class families and students. An active community center with many programs for children and adults, two theaters and charming coffee shops and restaurants help constitute the Nachlaot experience.

Diaspora/Israel Relations

1:30 p.m.

Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust museum, presents a profoundly Jewish memorial of the Shoah. We will listen to survivors’ testimonies, view personal possessions belonging to victims, and examine state-of-the-art displays aimed at preserving the story of each of the six million victims. From its dramatic structure designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie – which cuts through the mountain in the form of a spike – to its powerful exhibits, such as the labyrinthine Valley of the Communities and the underground Children’s Memorial, Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance and plays a critical role in the training of all of Israel’s soldiers.

Mount Herzl is the burial place of Israel's founding fathers, the country's leaders and the site of Jerusalem's military cemetery. Our Mission will pay tribute to those whose vision helped build Israel and to those who gave their lives to keep it safe.

Evening and dinner on own

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day Six: Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Land

Early breakfast

Proceed to the Dead Sea

Atop a lone rock cliff at the western end of the Judean Desert lies Masada, combining natural beauty and deep meaning. Together, we will ascend and tour King Herod’s private fortress which, following the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 BCE, became a base for a small band of Jewish zealots in revolt against the Romans. Although the rebels held their own, they were eventually overcome by siege, and according to historian Josephus, chose mass suicide over surrender. Masada has come to symbolize the fierce determination of the people of Israel, but its tragic history also raises questions about the price of freedom.

Lunch at the Masada Youth Hostel

At 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the entire earth. You can make this visit a high point by venturing into the waters for a “float”, swimming suspended by the high concentrations of salts and minerals.

Proceed north by way of the Bika

Bicycling and birdwatching at Kfar Ruppin

Middle Eastern dinner in Beit Shean

The She'an Nights is a multi-media night tour of the ancient city of Beit She'an-Scythopolis. Following a short presentation relating the history of the area, visitors stroll through the streets of the excavated city of Scythopolis with its marble columns, stone streets, bathhouses, temples and mosaics. Throughout, you will see audiovisuals projected onto giant screens, on the columns, and walls. The voices, stories, song and music complete the experience of being transported back 2000 years. Visitors may select their own route and linger as long as they like "meeting" local characters, "experiencing" the earthquake that destroyed the city in 749 CE, and "watching" a performance in the Roman amphitheater.

Check –in hotel

Overnight: Mitzpe HaYamim

Day Seven: Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Borders

Breakfast

On the eastern slopes of Mount Canaan, overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee from an altitude of 570 meters, the Mizpe Hayamim hotel and spa covers 37 acres of fruit groves and walking paths. The delightful hotel grounds include pools and streams running through fruit groves, herb and vegetable gardens, an animal farm and a winery. The unique location of Mizpe Hayamim creates an island of ecological harmony between man and nature.

The spa offers a range of health and cosmetic treatments using ethereal oils, herbs and hydrotherapy, some in the hotel building and others in a building set in a herb garden, surrounded by the scent of jasmine and lavender blossoms. The combination of a hotel, spa, organic garden and kitchen, as well as art workshops, offers a uniquely rich experience.

The morning can be devoted to spa treatments and walks on the hotel grounds.

Optional tours:

Safed, pronounced Tzfat in Hebrew, sits at a higher altitude than any other city in Israel and has been known since the 16th century as a major center of Kabbala, Jewish mysticism. Safed’s mystical aura adds to its special status as one of Israel’s four holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Tiberias and Hebron. The old synagogues, narrow alleyways and artists’ studios add to the hilltop city’s unmistakable charm.

Lunch at Mitzpe HaYamim

Wine & Winding Roads

Viniculture was a vital element in the economic development of the early settlements. Today Israeli wine is world renowned -- with a highly efficient operation, the small, independent wineries retain a romantic, pioneering spirit.

We will have an exciting day travelling to two unique wineries. The Dalton Winery, or Harei HaGalil Winery, is a small boutique winery located in the Upper Galilee of Israel that produces quality, international award-winning kosher wines; and the Rimon Winery, owned by the Nachmias family. Rimon wines are the only wines in the world made exlusively from 100% pomegranate and contain no sugar.

Travel between the wineries will done with ATV's -- all terrain vehicles. We will take a ride through the vineyards of the moshavim and up into the Naftali Mountains for an amazing view of the Hermon Mountain and the Hula Valley

Dinner at Mitzpe HaYamim

Overnight: Mitzpe HaYamim

Day Eight: Thursday, October 28, 2010

Building Borders, Building the Future

Breakfast

We travel on the Golan Heights, one of Israel’s most beautiful and controversial regions. Discover first-hand the strategic importance of the area as you climb the Heights and view Israel’s expansive Hula Valley below.

Visit Mount Ben Tal, near Kibbutz Merom Golan and offers a spectacular panoramic view of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Northeastern Israel.

The Israel Defense Force, IDF, is Israel’s military. The task of the IDF is to not only defend Israel but also to act as an educational and social force imbuing love of and commitment to the State of Israel. Today we will have a guided tour of the base as well as meet with soldiers and officers.

Meet with Col. Res. Kobi Marom over lunch at his Charolais restaurant located in the shadow of Har Dov, Shabaa farms. Kobi Marom lives in Moshav Neve Ativ and was an IDF career officer through the 2000 evacuation of Lebanon as Brigade Commander, Eastern Front, South Lebanon, Hermon Brigade. He supervised complex and varied combat units under conditions of normality, stress, uncertainty and change.  Currently, Kobi is in the active reserves, and is a business man in the tourism industry. From the amazing view afforded by the restaurant into Lebanon, the Galilee Panhandle and the lower Golan Heights, Kobi will give us his personal take on Israel in the aftermath of the second war with Lebanon and present negotiations in the north.

Stroll through the brooks and woods of the Dan Nature Reserve, one of Israel's northern natural forests and a source of the Jordan River.

It was at Tel Hai that the one-armed Jewish pioneer and hero, Yosef Trumpeldor, uttered his famous last words: Tov lamut be’ad artsenu -- “It is good to die for our country.” Trumpeldor and seven of his men were killed here in an Arab raid in 1920 and their heroic fighting played a decisive role in securing the Upper Galilee for the Jewish people.

The Jewish Agency Ayalim Association was established in 2002 by young IDF veterans who decided to revive the Israeli ideal of settlement and entrepreneurship in the Negev and the Galilee, while creating an appropriate ethical climate and encouraging social involvement. The Association created a new model of an enterprising student village in which students live during their studies and become acquainted with the surrounding region. These villages are affiliated with academic institutions throughout the country, and coordinated study programs and social projects for the advancement of society and education in these regions. Ayalim seeks to channel motivation and energy towards social action projects and current Zionist achievements. We will meet with these idealistic young people in Kiryat Shmona.

Dinner at Mitzpe HaYamim

Overnight: Mitzpe HaYamim

Day Nine: Friday, October 29, 2010

Breakfast

Proceed to Kfar Hassidim

Experience olive picking and learn how olive oil is produced

Enjoy a light meal on the farm of Ehud Yonai in Kfar Hasidim, a village founded 70 years ago by a group of “Hasidim” from Eastern Europe. Ehud Yonai is an award-winning West Coast investigative reporter whose story of U.S Navy fighters, Top Guns, was made into the movie “Top Gun”. Yonai is also famous for his book “No Margin for Error” about the Israeli Air-Force. We will be entertained by Yonai’s stories of the early settlement of Kfar Hasidim.

Proceed to Tel Aviv

Welcome to Nachlat Binyamin, a quaint open air market in the heart of downtown Tel-Aviv. A market which over the past two decades has become synonymous with quality Israeli crafts and folk art. The market is comprised of over 100 stands representing specialty crafts and folk art in virtually every medium imaginable: wood, stone, sand, glass, ceramics, various metals, with most if not all containing materials or themes found only in Israel.

Check-in hotel

Kabbalat Shabbat with the B'nai Zion Pre-Army Leadership Training Group

The B'nai Zion Mechina, a preparatory course, located in the heart of Tel Aviv, has students from all over the country who have just completed high school and are have not yet entered their Army or National Service commitments. The basics of the Mechina is that the State of Israel as a Jewish democratic state is not a "given". Israel's ability to deal with domestic, foreign, security and economic challenges must be derived from its own national and social reserves of strength. In turn, these reserves originate from a responsible leadership echelon, a "service elite", in all possible areas of public life. These self-appointed leaders have created a well defined national identity and a conscious choice to conduct a life of national service – and the Mechina is the place to begin.

Shabbat dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day Ten: Saturday, October 30, 2010

Breakfast

Optional tours:

Walk and discover the Tel Aviv you have never knew before. Tel Aviv, the first "Zionist " city has been the symbol of progress, business and the arts. Tel Aviv of the bright lights and constant motion contains the hopes and dreams of the early Zionists who wanted to create a modern urban entity.

UNESCO has declared Tel Aviv a World Cultural Heritage Site. We will be accompanied by an expert on our tour in the central area of Tel Aviv, tracing the routes lined by beautiful buildings and extraordinary balconies, which have been preserved and even enhanced in recent years.

Lunch on own

Havdalah Togethet

Evening at leisure

Overnight: Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day Eleven: Sunday, October 31, 2010

Creating a Modern State: From Conflict to Culture

Breakfast

Briefing on The Crisis of Leadership

8:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

Many people harbor fears and prejudices about cemeteries, but old cemeteries are the only places where you can "meet" writers, artists or politicians who have made an impact on our history. Tel Aviv's "Pantheon", where the founders and builders of Tel Aviv are buried, was founded in 1902 and is located on Trumpeldor Street. Buried here are those who laid the foundations for the new Hebrew settlement in Jaffa, and builders of the city of Tel Aviv. Graves in the cemetery include those of: Ehad Ha'am, Max Nordau, Haim Arlozorov, Haim Nahman Bialik, Shaul Tchernichovsky, Yossef Haim Brenner, Nahum Gutman, Yossef Eliyahu Chelouche, Shimon Rokach, and many of the new city's important politicians, writers and poets.

11:00 a.m.

Independence Hall is housed in what was one of the first homes in Tel Aviv and the private home of Meir Dizengoff, first mayor of Tel Aviv. On the 5th of 'Iyar, May 14, 1948, the People's Council gathered to hear David Ben Gurion proclaim the establishment of the State of Israel.

12:00 p.m.

From atop the Azrieli Tower, we will see how the dream and vision of the Jewish State meet today’s reality. We will view the development of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and talk about the future of Israel's "Big Orange".

Lunch at "Bruno’s" atop the Azrieli Tower

A day in the life of the artist Marlene Ferrer. We join Marlene at her Gebo Gallery in the heart of Tel Aviv. Marlene will demonstrate her art and her intimate love of the Israeli ecology. Johanan Herson , a well known retired actor from Israeli television, will demonstrate his technique of soft art paintings, a well kept secret.

Other artists will join us in a discussion about contemporary Israeli  art: Aviva Antis works with wounded soldiers in their rehabilitation and draws her inspiration from the Kabala in her beautifull works; Uri Mazar ,a six generation Tiberius artist, brings the 'Song of Songs” to life in with a Middle Eastern intensity of color and decoration; Mike Lazar and Mark Lewis, two aspiring sculptors, hammer on sheets of raw bronze, giving the material soul and movement.

Late afternoon

Wine & cheese reception with leading Israeli jewelry designer, Ayala Bar

Tel Aviv’s Old Port, located at the northern end of Dizengoff Street, where the Mediterranean meets the Yarkon River, is the latest “in” place to shop, eat, stroll, bike, fish, and exercise. The boardwalk which connects the buildings of this once industrial area is the perfect place to rollerblade, fish and gaze across the waters to Europe. Highlights include fabulous restaurants perched right on the water’s edge; the Shablul jazz club at hangar 13; Max Brenner’s chocolate-themed café at the very northern end; and “Bait Ba'Namal”, a sophisticated hangar-turned-arcade.

Dinner on own in the port area

Overnight: Dan Hotel, Tel Aviv

Day Twelve: Monday, November 1, 2010

Into the 21st Century

Breakfast

Travel to Herzliya

Participate in an interactive discussion with Venture Capital and Hi-Tech entrepreneurs. Discuss the many innovations created in Israel that have influenced and changed the world with experts in these fields.

Visit Caesarea, which was built by Herod and was the Roman capital of Palestine for nearly 600 years. The extensive seaside ruins here date back to Roman, Byzantine and Crusader times. Explore the 2,000-year-old Roman Theater, Crusader harbor and 12th-century ramparts.

Farewell lunch in the Caesarea port

The journey is almost over. Many agree that this time for reflection will be one of your cherished moments. It is time to reflect on this wonderful communal experience and the bond we have created with the people, the land of Israel, and your new family – we will be connected from today and for always!

Afternoon at leisure

Farewell dinner TBA

Proceed to Ben Gurion International Airport

Return to the USA

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