Join Shelter Rock Jewish Centers Paris-Israel Experience with Rabbi Martin Cohen July 7 - 17, 2011

  Itinerary

Thursday, 7 July - To Paris!
Depart on overnight flight to Paris.

Friday, 8 July - The Jewish Heritage of Paris
Morning arrival in Paris to be met and assisted at the airport by your ITC representative. Full day tour of Jewish Paris. Return to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat with Rabbi Rivon Krygier at Masorti congregation, Adat Shalom. Catered Shabbat dinner at Adat Shalom.
Overnight: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel (or similar)

Shabbat, 9 July - Shabbat in Paris - Parashat Balak
Shabbat services at Adat Shalom. Home hospitality for Shabbat lunch with Adat Shalom families. Afternoon walk with Rabbi Cohen to the nearby Eiffel Tower; continue to Musee du Quai Branly, a new anthropology and folklore museum in the neighborhood of our hotel. Havdalah with Rabbis Cohen and Krygier. Evening: Enjoy a special Parisian Sound and Light Show (if available after Shabbat).
Overnight: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel

Sunday, 10 July - Paris of the Arts
Full day guided tour including three of the most renowned art museums of Paris: Louvre, Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. Farewell dinner at a kosher restaurant. Depart for the airport for overnight flight to Israel.

Monday, 11 July - When You Come Into the Land (Deut. 26:1)
Early morning arrival in Israel. Proceed directly to the Galilee for early hotel check-in and rest; late breakfast at the hotel. Introduction to Tiberias: Visit Dona Gracia House to become acquainted with the fascinating life of this 16th century Jewish heroine and Tiberias financial leader via dramatic story-telling and an opportunity to pose for photos in period clothing. Free time for lunch (on one's own) on the Tiberias promenade. Ascend Har Arbel by bus for a spectacular overview of Lake Kinneret and environs; enjoy a fun and somewhat challenging hike down the face of Har Arbel. Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kibbutz Ma'agan Hotel, Galilee

Tuesday, 12 July - The Northern Frontier
In the Galilee's northern panhandle, hike up to and around Nimrod's Castle and explore the excavations and restored portion of the fortress; then continue down to the Banyas/Tel Dan Nature Reserve to hike through its lush forest and mountain streams (1/2-day) OR Hike through the forested tributaries of the Hatzbani River (1.5 hours). Afternoon: At Agam Hahula (Hula Lake) ride family golf carts around the lake and learn about the many species of birds that migrate through Israel each year. Free time for dinner (on one's own) on the Tiberias promenade.
Overnight: Kibbutz Ma'agan Guest House

Wednesday, 13 July - The Golan Heights OR Meron / Tzefat
Please choose one option for the group: Option A: ½-day hike down Har Meron, followed by a tour of Tzefat (mystical synagogues, artist colony, mystical workshop) Option B: 2-3 hour Nahal Jilaboon water hike on the Golan, followed by Golan Heights tour (choose 2: Valley of Tears, chocolate factory, winery, Talmudic Village, Gamla Museum) Travel south for the ascent to Jerusalem. Hotel check-in followed by a free evening in Jerusalem (dining suggestions to be provided).
Overnight: Har Tzion Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday, 14 July - Back to the Bible
Gaze upon the Old City of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade, standing where Abraham stood at the dawn of Jewish history; take in the breathtaking view. Go way back in time to King David's Jerusalem in David's City and enjoy sloshing through Hezekiah's water tunnel (strap-on water shoes and flashlights needed). Travel to the area of Beit Shemesh for our afternoon hike. Walk up to Tel Azeka, site of the Philistines encampment during the battle of David and Goliath and gaze down upon the scene of the battle; continue to Mitzpeh Massua for a breathtaking mountain view. Evening: Attend The Night Spectacular, the fabulous new sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum, with free time for dinner (on one's own) at the nearby new Mamilla Mall.
Overnight: Har Tzion Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, 15 July - Desert Oasis
Early departure for the Dead Sea Region. Hike through the desert oasis streams of Nahal Arugot and continue up and over the waterfall at Nahal David (Ein Gedi Nature Reserve). Spend the afternoon at a Dead Sea resort hotel, enjoying its spa facilities, lunch, and the amazing Dead Sea. Kabbalat Shabbat at Kehillat Moreshet Avraham with Rabbi Barry Schlessinger. Catered Shabbat dinner at Moreshet Avraham, to be joined by some shul members.
Overnight: Har Tzion Hotel, Jerusalem

Shabbat, 16 July - A Heavenly Shabbat
Shabbat services at a choice of neighborhoods synagogues (suggestions, walking instructions to be provided). Shabbat lunch at the hotel. Shabbat walking tour through the four colorful quarters of Jerusalem's Old City. Farewell dinner at the hotel. Havdalah with Rabbi Cohen.
Depart for the airport.

Sunday, 17 July - A Temporary Departure
Arrive in USA. Begin planning your next Jewish Heritage and/or Israel trip with Rabbi Cohen and ITC Tours!

*Itinerary Subject to Change