If you are a rabbi, cantor or Jewish educator who wants the families in your synagogue or school community to have a first-rate educational experience in Israel, consider using the Ramah Israel Institute (RII) to run your trip. Ramah offers an intensive trip for multi-generational experiences, and the Ramah Israel Institute is prepared to work with any group with a minimum of 20 to 25 participants.
Ramah aims for excellence in programming and education, ensuring informal Jewish education on-the-road inIsrael. Every aspect of a Ramah family trip itinerary is carefully planned with consideration for the needs of the group and the vision of the group leader/s. There are age-appropriate sourcebooks with texts, maps, literature and activities to help each traveler delve into the ideas and concepts discussed on the trip.
With Ramah, a trip is more than just a tour of Israel. RII engages participants in hands-on activities that offers greater insights into Israeli society and into the participants’ own Jewish identity. Each tour educator (a licensed tour guide) is trained in working with families to make each site and activity fascinating for every member of the family. Ancient and modern history will come alive, while the current political and theological issues of the day will be discussed and debated.
A family educator accompanies the group throughout the trip along with the tour guide in order to create a melding of family and peer connections. RII strives to ensure that each participant returns home more closely connected to his or her family, synagogue andIsrael.
The trip also reflects the value of visitingIsraelwith friends, spouses, parents and children. Shabbat is a full Ramah experience; a time for rest as well as an opportunity for the traditional communal and spiritual experiences ofCampRamah. RII family trips balance relaxation with educational touring, providing multiple opportunities for travelers to be with the group as a whole, with their own age group, and together as a family unit.