Streicker Center Temple Emanu-El (Re)Discover Israel- October 2025

Activities:

• Pick up from airport and travel to Jerusalem - Those who arrive early can be picked up at one of these stops or we can arrange private transportation to the Mamilla hotel

• Check into the hotel

• Gather in the hotel lobby at 4:00 p.m. to begin the trip - Drinks in the hotel lobby

• Optional: Shehechiyanu at Mount of Olives - The Mount of Olives offers a panoramic lookout over the city. There are countless Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions about Mt. Olives, including that from here the Messiah will come, and from here the dead will be resurrected in the vision of the End of Days. Enjoy a beautiful lookout of the Holy Basin, the old and new city of Jerusalem, say Shehechiyanu to bless the beginning of your journeyand toast L'Chaim!

• Dinner at Satya - Chef Restaurant of Chef Ilan Grossi

• Celebrate Simchat Torah at the Kotel - Simchat Torah at the kotel is a unique experience! Join the vibrant and joyous celebration, a powerful expression of Jewish identity, tradition, uniting people of all ages in a celebration of faith and continuity.

• Mamilla Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Tour Jerusalem’s Old City - Explore Jewish history in the Jewish Quarter, spanning from the First Temple era to the present. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Christian Quarter and, conditions permitting, visit the Temple Mount, a significant Muslim site. Delve into the complexity of a city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Lunch at the old city - Lunch

• The National Library of Israel - Founded in Jerusalem in 1892, the National Library of Israel (NLI) holds the collective memory of Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths and the Jewish people worldwide. While continuing to serve as Israel's preeminent research library, over the past decade NLI has embarked upon an ambitious journey of renewal to encourage diverse audiences in Israel and around the globe to engage with its treasures in new and meaningful ways. This transformative renewal is taking place through a range of innovative educational, cultural, and digital initiatives, as well as through the construction of a new landmark campus, on schedule to open its doors in 2023.

• The Tower of David Sound and Light Show - The ancient walls serve as a stage for a nighttime show which is a celebration of Jerusalem's profound story. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience amidst the archaeological remains in the Citadel's courtyard.

• Late dinner at Mona - Mona restaurant is an elegant and relaxed Chef Bistro, nestled in an historic stone house in the heart of Jerusalem.

• Mamilla Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Volunteer with Metzilot Mazon - The Jerusalem Food Rescuers, aims to create a more Just and sustainable urban food system with less waste. Working with the wholesale market, they divert surplus produce that would have otherwise gone to waste and support communities that don’t have equitable access to food, engage in food literacy focused activities such as lectures and workshops with kids and adults, and run a sustainable catering business.

• Tastin g tour in Machane Yehuda Market - In the heart of Jerusalem sits this bustling, multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. Immerse yourself in the world of Middle Eastern cuisine as you indulge in a tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market. Learn about the market's rich history, and meet the vendors who bring this place to life, as you experience the vibrant energy unique to this iconic culinary destination. The tour ends at "Azura" - a beloved family-run restaurant in the Iraqi section of the market, renowned for its Turkish-inspired dishes, slow-cooked to perfection atop kerosene burners.

• Thinkers Distillery - "At Thinkers we maintain pace with all the new developments and painstakingly connect the old together with the new to fulfill our mission of taking spirits further. Our Jerusalem distillery is part research library, part chemistry lab, part advanced technology workshop, part mind and behavior study center, part design studio, and 100% passion. It’s not easy, but we will never put any product into a bottle unless we are convinced that is has been furthered in every way into the best in class."

• Early Dinner at HaSadna Restaurant - HaSadna Restaurant's menu features fresh ingredients with a minimum of treatment. Part of the charm is the interior of this building which was once a warehouse that served the Jerusalem railroad and railway station built in 1892. Part of the Machneyuda group, HaSadna is a jewel of contemporary Israeli Cuisine.

• Free time to enjoy hotel facilities

• Mamilla Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - Check out from the hotel

• Drive north

• Toast L'Chaim at Recanati Winery - "The pursuit of excellence and innovative experiments are the heart and soul of Recanati Winery." One of Israel's most successfully exported wines, the wines are also celebrated in Israel. Along with producing the classical varieties, the winemakers have devoted much effort to experimenting with native varieties to bring them back into the range of wines they make.

• A Taste of Tradition in the Druze Village of Yarka - A flavorful journey through the winding alleys of the Druze village of Yarka, where tradition comes alive. Visit a local olive press, taste freshly pressed oil, and take part in an authentic olive-pickling experience.

• Stop at Gadot Observation Point - This breathtaking viewpoint located in northern Israel, offers stunning panoramic views of the Galilee region, the Hula Valley, and the Golan Heights. Hear from your guide about the Six Days War and its consequences, and how it is connected to the current geopolitical situation.

• Check into your hotel - And enjoy hotel's facilities

• Shabbat dinner at hotel

• Pereh Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Ein Keshatot (Umm al-Kanatir) - Visit the charming Ein Keshatot site, also known as Um-el Kanatir, home to a Jewish village from the Period of the Mishna and Talmud, with a magnificent synagogue in its center. The ancient village is located above the Samekh Riverbed, looking towards the Kinneret and the hills of the Galilee. Enter a synagogue that features the original Ark Complex – the most preserved and magnificent ever to be discovered in Israel. The synagogue was excavated and reconstructed with advanced technological methods, and today it stands at a height of one story. The site offers a combination of nature, archeology, and ancient art while connecting to Jewish heritage.

• Light lunch on route

• Golan Heights Geopolitical Jeep Tour - Take a geo-political tour of the Golan Heights with an expert. While traversing the rich landscape, learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the area. Stop for a lookout over the border with Syria from Mt. Bental to get a better understanding of the geography and strategic role this region has for the State of Israel. Your local guide touches on the nuances of living so close to the Syrian border and what that has meant for Israel as it relates to security and humanitarian issues.

• Early nature dinner with Uri Mayer Chizik and discussion - Meet Dr. Uri Mayer-Chizick, a food historian, an expert on local and traditional food, and a guide of foraging tours of wild edible plants. Uri specializes in making natural and nutritional food tasty to all- at his local deli, at private events and outdoors. He reconstructs historical and periodical recipes and cooks with wild plants. Join Uri for a walk to pick wild greens then make a lunch with him from food that has grown native to this land.

• Stargazing at the brilliant Golan sky - Bonfire, telescopes and the bright Golan sky!

• Pereh Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Guy Malal geopolitical discussion in Metula - Lt. Colonel Guy Malal is a knowledgeable speaker with over two decades of experience as a Commander in the IDF and is fluent in Arabic. Guy Malal conveys an in-depth appreciation of Israel's society, diverse cultures, history and geo-political challenges. In parallel to his civilian occupations, as part of his military (reserve) duty, he serves as commander of a training course in an IDF Intelligence operational unit. Guy is married and is the father of 3 children and lives in the community village of Yuvalim, located in the Central Galilee region.

• Tasting tour at Ghajar - Meet chef Ali Katib for a tasting tour in the only Alawite town in Israel, originally a Syrian village. Entry used to be restricted to residents only or those with special permits, but that changed recently when Israel lifted the restrictions. Hear about the town's complex, yet interesting story, have lunch at the home of Ali's mother, and taste the special Alawite cuisine.

• Travel to Tel Aviv

• Check into the hotel

• Dinner at Meshek Barzilay - Meshek Barzilay is a charming restaurant in Tel Aviv known for its farm-to-table approach and focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients. With a menu that reflects seasonal bounty, it offers a delightful array of dishes inspired by Mediterranean and global cuisines, emphasizing fresh vegetables, grains, and artisanal products.

• David Kempinski, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - Check out from the hotel

• Brothers For Life Experience - Brothers for Life is devoted to ensuring that every wounded combat soldier receives the care and support needed to ensure his/her return to a fulfilling and contributive life. Meet staff members and clients and join them for lunch at their center. Brothers for Life was created by and is run by injured Israeli veterans, and gives critical and immediate help to other injured Israeli combat veterans who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the Israel's citizens.

• Lunch at Jaffa Flea Market - Wander through the Yafo Flea Market, a very ‘happening’ area with a classic flea market combined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and cute stores. Enjoy free time and eat lunch in one of the restaurants there.

• Tour Old Jaffa - Explore the enchanting charm of Old Jaffa, where ancient and modern are situated side-by-side and where people of all faiths meet. Jaffa is one of the most ancient port cities in the Mediterranean basin. Visit Jaffa Port, which for centuries was the gateway to the Land of Israel. Today Jaffa is a mixed city, where Jews and Arabs live alongside each other. Tel Aviv, Jaffa's much younger sister, was established centuries later, but the two were united into one municipality already in 1949, yet each part kept its unique feel and atmosphere. visit vibrant artist studios as well as archeological discoveries, while exploring the rich tapestry of cultures and history that defines this timeless Mediterranean gem.

• Explore Lev Ha'ir, the Heart of the City, where the first roots of Tel Aviv were planted in 1909 - Lev Hair contains some of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful buildings, being at the center of the UNESCO designated “White City” known for its Bauhaus, Eclectic, and International Style architecture. The area is densely populated, rooted in history, and with a glance towards the future with impressive skyscrapers, and a high concentration of start-up companies. Bordered by Habima Theater in the north and Florentin and Neve Tzedek in the south, Lev Ha’ir is a gateway to almost every district in the city. Lev Ha'ir is a cultural hub, filled with galleries, restaurants and parks.

• Dinner - The group will be divided into two smaller groups.

• Group 1 - Dinner at HaBasta restaurant - Small but perfectly formed, HaBasta is located on a street leading off Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, from where almost all its produce is sourced. An extensive daily changing menu is scribbled on a piece of paper on the wall. The dishes, while simple, are satisfyingly complex in execution. The international wine list is equally exceptional. You will be greeted by Maoz Alonim, chef and owner.

• Group 2 to - Dinner at Naifa restaurnat - A culinary gem where Chef Na’ifa Mula creates vibrant Middle Eastern dishes with a modern twist, using fresh local ingredients and bold flavors in every plate.

• David Kempinski, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Depart hotel for Otef Aza

• Stop at key lookout points for an in-depth discussion of the complexity of the Gaza Border situation.

• Lunch at Osi Lankri Culinary Queen's House in Ofakim - Recognized as one of Ofakim's "Culinary Queens," Osi invites you to savor a home-cooked meal in her beautiful home. While enjoying the culinary experience, listen to her personal stories about life in the Envelope, her birthplace and hometown. Gain insights into how the October 7th attack affected her home, family, and neighborhood.

• At the site of the Police Station in Sderot, hear the story of October 7

• Stop at the Nova Festival memorial site - At Re'im Forest stop and bear witness to the tragedy of the Nova Festival.

• Visit the powerful Memorial for IDF lookouts outside the Nahal Oz base

• Return to Tel Aviv

• Dinner - The group will be divided into two smaller groups.

• Group 1 - Dinner at Naifa Restaurant - A culinary gem where Chef Na’ifa Mula creates vibrant Middle Eastern dishes with a modern twist, using fresh local ingredients and bold flavors in every plate.

• Group 2 - Dinner at HaBasta restaurant - Small but perfectly formed, HaBasta is located on a street leading off Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, from where almost all its produce is sourced. An extensive daily changing menu is scribbled on a piece of paper on the wall. The dishes, while simple, are satisfyingly complex in execution. The international wine list is equally exceptional. You will be greeted by Maoz Alonim, chef and owner.

• David Kempinski, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Cooking exprience with Adeena Sussman

• Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) - Exploring, shopping and a scavenger hunt at Shuk HaCarmel. A culinary and cultural experience in the Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), the largest market in Tel Aviv. Touring the market reveals the taste of the ages of Tel Aviv in the youthful atmosphere felt here. The Polish, the Persian, and the Yemeni...in this case, it is not the opening line of a joke, but the fascinating culinary traditions that mix in this place. Founded over 90 years ago, discover the many secrets, stories, and legends of this culinary destination.

• Go on an exhilarating boat tour

• Or Relaxation by the pool with cool drinks - For those who choose not to join the cruise

• Dinner at Foodish - Foodish is the new culinary arm of ANU – the largest Jewish Museum in the world, which brings the story of Jewish food to the forefront.

• Late night dessert stop at Anita Gelato and Ice Cream - Optional

• David Kempinski, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• The Tel Aviv Museum of Art - Discover the essence of artistry at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which houses an eclectic blend of classical treasures and cutting-edge contemporary pieces. Don't miss out on exploring the Israeli Art permanent collection, with its broad selection of works, that highlight seminal artistic trends, Israeli narratives since the 20th century, and provide a new perspective on contemporary Israel. With its inspiring exhibits and cultural richness, it offers an immersive cultural experience.

• Lunch at Sarona Market

• The Square of the Kidnapped and Missing - Visit to The square of the Kidnapped and Missing in front of the Tel Aviv Art Museum. See the powerful art created by various artists, including the Shabbat Table set for 200 missing Israelis, to show support and shine a spotlight on the importance of rescuing the lives of those abducted to Gaza. (Hopefully, by the time of this mission, all of the hostages will have been released and back home with their families.)

• Early farewell Dinner at Ha'Achim - Haachim, located on Ibn Gvirol offers a spin on the middle eastern cuisine by modernizing classic dishes.

• Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport - Group transfer back to the hotel or to your departing flights

• Farewell - We hope to host you again in our beautiful country!