Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Arrival; program begins in the late afternoon
Intro to Israel; to Jerusalem and to me
Walk through Hasmonean aqueduct ending with a view of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Opening Program: Of flags and of Israel. Dinner.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Jerusalem – The Center of Jewish Identity
Visit Ir David or the Ariel Museum of First Temple-era Jerusalem. Learn about the development of the Hebrew language and Hebrew writing. Experiment with the ancient craft of quill writing. Visit sites of the 2nd Temple era including parts of Old City and the Western Wall Tunnels. Some time for shopping. An excursion to a Tefillin making factory; here, we will learn about the art of Tefillin production. We will also meet with a Sofer and learn the background to the development of Jewish letters and texts. Dinner.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Dead Sea Area - the Ancient and the Unique
Learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls – the oldest Biblical manuscripts in the world. Visit Massada and conclude with a family values program on-site. Hike and swim in Ein Gedi. Swim in the Dead Sea. End the day with camel rides and dinner at Avraham's tent.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Extending the Senses – Hands-On Experience
Beit Guvrin Archeological dig. Lunch in the city of Holon. Holon Children's Museum - Dialogue in the Dark / Invitation to Silence program. Return to Jerusalem. Free Evening.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Of tragedy and of Tikkun – The Traditional Jewish Answer to Tribulations
Yad Vashem and the Shoah – through the unique prism of a grandparent-grandchild program. Tikkun Olam Project: Volunteering in one of Jerusalem’s soup kitchens. Explore Shuk Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem's fresh produce market. Kabbalat Shabbat and visit to the Kotel. Friday night dinner at the hotel.
Shabbat Menuchah, December 26, 2009
Shabbat in Jerusalem – A Reflection of Inner Peace
Intergenerational learning session. Lunch. Relaxation time. Late afternoon walk in Jerusalem - or perhaps meet other youngsters and grandparents from the area. Havdallah. Free Evening.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Traditional Challenges Throughout the Generations
Travel North through the Jordan Valley. Visit Beit Alpha, a fascinating synagogue from the Byzantine era: What challenges does it present to us as we consider our shuls and the manner in which we express our Judaism?
Climb the Gilboa Mountain and learn about the era of King Saul and his battle with the Philistines. Swim in Sachne – beautiful pools warmed by thermal springs. Visit Beit Shean – the largest archeological city to be unearthed in Israel. Accommodation: kibbutz guest house.
Monday, December 28, 2009
When We Weave Our Own Jewish Threads
Visit to Tzfat – how did it reach its zenith? A short walk through Nahal Amud and its weaving mills. Visit sites in the ancient city of Tzfat. Visit the Meiri Cheese factory and learn the story of modern-day Israel and traditional family business as it is done in Tzfat. End with lunch on their balcony and a musical workshop with a Klezmer musician. Visit a weaving factory and learn how to weave a Tallit. Accommodation: Tel Aviv.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tel Aviv - Modern Zionism; the Creation of the State and My Place in this Story
Palmach Museum. Visit the Nahalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair: time for lunch and a little bit of shopping. Ride to the top of the Azrieli Tower to see the view over modern-day Tel Aviv. Visit Independence Hall – and a concluding activity that combines the elements of the making of the modern State of Israel, the tallit, and other elements of Jewish tradition. Festive closing meal. Travel to the airport.
