The following program is one model family itinerary for a group visitingIsraelin the summer. It is intended as a sample, as each itinerary is unique, customized to the needs and background of the group and reflecting the overall theme of each trip.
Day 1, Returning: Arrival inIsrael, tree planting and welcome ceremony. Orientation followed by time to settle in and enjoy a free evening inJerusalem. Overnight:Jerusalem
Day 2, In the Footsteps of Patriarchs and Priests: Views of Jerusalem, visits to First andSecondTemple sites and Kotel tunnels tour. Relaxation and time to swim, followed by family activity at theIsraelMuseum. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 3, Roots: Ramah’s special ‘Roving the Rova’ game in the Jewish Quarter, followed by Dig-for-a-Day archaeological seminar. Evening hospitality program at a local Masorti/Conservative synagogue. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 4, Foundations, New and Old: Visit to Yad Lekashish – Lifeline for the Aged crafts workshop. Interactive game to explore the Knesset Menorah. Depart for the south: camel ride and Bedouin hospitality. Overnight: Ein Bokek on the Dead Sea
Day 5, Freedom Fighters or Fanatics? Hike – or take the cable car – up Masada, take a dip in theDead Sea and splash in the fresh waterfalls of Ein Gedi. After returning toJerusalem, preparations for Shabbat and Kabbalat Shabbat services in the Jewish Quarter and at the Kotel. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 6, Shabbat in Jerusalem: Services at localJerusalem synagogues, followed by separate educational programs for adults and children. Late afternoon walking tour ofJerusalem neighborhoods, followed by Seudat Shelisheet and Havdalah. Free evening downtown onBen Yehuda Street. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 7, 1948 to Today: A day outside ofJerusalem, with visits to Latrun, the Ayalon Institute and Tel Aviv’s Independence Hall, all places that played a role in the establishment of the state. Day ends with a swim in theMediterranean and the evening in Old Jaffa. Overnight: Tel Aviv
Day 8, Living as a Minority: A visit to a Druze town exposes participants to this community’s hospitality and culture and touches on the issues of coexistence inIsrael. The day begins at Beit Hapalmach in Tel Aviv and continues with Beit Shearim, the home of the Sanhedrin and is completed with a visit to a Druze village in northernIsrael. Overnight: Galilee
Day 9, Mystics and Realists: A day in Tzfat and Tzippori, one ofIsrael’s major archeological sites, helps the group understand the mindset ofIsrael’s ancient rabbis and the world in which they lived. The afternoon and evening are spent swimming and riding a boat on the Kinneret. Overnight: Galilee
Day 10, The Northern Border: A day spent hiking and walking along Tel Dan, a picturesque trail along one of the sources of the Jordan River, followed by views of the Golan Heights and kayaking in theJordan. Overnight: Galilee
Day 11, Layers of History: A Ramah-designed activity at the Kinneret courtyard, where each family considers the dreams of the early pioneers to reflect on their aspirations for their family, community andIsrael. After viewing the charming multi-media program at the ancient Bet Alfa, the group refreshes in the natural spring water at Sachne. Return toJerusalem via theJordan River valley. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 12, Those Who Made a Difference: A day at Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl, where the group works to understand the foundations of Israeli society, and pays homage to those who fought for Israel. The afternoon is spent preparing for Shabbat, with a group dinner and Oneg. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 13, This Shabbat, Next Shabbat: Shabbat morning services at a local synagogue and a guest speaker about current events. In the afternoon, the group engages in “This Shabbat, Next Shabbat,” an activity that encourages participants to reflect on theirIsrael experience and directly relate it to their lives at home. Shabbat ends, havdalah, closing ceremony and departure for airport.