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

Activities:

• Pick up from airport and Tel Aviv 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 3:00 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

• Today you will choose two half-day options from the following: - You'll have time for lunch between the morning and afternoon experiences. For lunch: Jerusalemite fancy packed lunch!

• Yad Vashem - Visit the museum at Yad Vashem, Israel’s National Memorial to the Holocaust. Tour this memorial to the darkest moment in the world and Jewish history, its children’s memorial, and exquisite gardens. Yad Vashem is an unforgettable place of tribute and remembrance. You'll be guided by a member of the Yad Vashem staff.

• Tour Jerusalem’s Old City and meet the people and places that make this place so unique. - 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.

• 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.

• Israel Museum - Visit the Israel Museum, the country’s largest cultural institute and ranked among the world's leading art and archeology museums. Linger over the renowned Israeli art, the Judaica collections in the Jewish Art and Life Wing, and in the Archaeology Wing visit the world's most extensive holdings of the Land of Israel. Among the highlights of the campus is the Shrine of the Book, home to the exceptional archaeological finds of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Biblical manuscripts in the world, as well as other rare ancient manuscripts. Tour with your guide followed by time on your own to explore the galleries that interest you the most.

• 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.

• Time 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.

• Lunch at Azura - A family-run institution in the Iraqi section of the market, famous for its Turkish-inspired delicacies that are 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."

• Dinner at MachneYuda

• Mamilla Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - Check out from the hotel

• Mount Herzl pay tribute to those who have fallen since October 7 - As Israel’s national cemetery, Mount Herzl is the final resting place of leaders of Zionism and Israel, including Yitzhak Rabin and Herzl himself, and of thousands of soldiers killed defending the State of Israel. At Mount Herzl you will find a moving monument to the 28,000-odd soldiers and civilians killed in combat or by terrorism since the founding of the state.

• Drive north

• Galili Olive Oil and Olive Picking - Visit Beit Lehem HaGlilit’s Olive Press. Conditions permitting, pick olives, meet the family, see the process of making olive oil, and taste the olive oil.

• 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 challenges and successes of the area and learn what happened in this region in the past two years.

• Toast L'Chaim at Assaf Winery - Assaf Winery a wonderful example of a family-owned fine winery built in the spirit of elevating the wine culture of Israel through unique Israeli wines.

• 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 boxes

• 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.

• Pereh Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• 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.

• Meet residents of Metula and hear their story of the past two years - Over 60% of the buildings in Metula have been destroyed by Hezbollah. Hear from the residents who returned about the challenges they have experienced during the war and after, their hope for the future and how they are rebuilding and rehabilitating their beloved town, along Israel's border with Lebanon.

• Visit Tel Hai Courtyard - Experience the historical significance of Tel Hai, a symbol of bravery in the early Zionist struggle. Visit the iconic Roaring Lion monument, honoring the valiant fighters who defended this settlement during the 1920 battle. Here, you’ll explore the stories of those who stood firm in the face of adversity, showcasing their unwavering spirit and commitment to their cause. As you walk through this vibrant community, reflect on the legacy of resilience and hope that continues to inspire generations, to this day. Tel Hai was struck twice by missiles during the recent war.

• Elias House - Home Hospitality - Dinner at the beautiful home of Chef Gadi Elias, a holistic culinary and cultural experience of Galilee cooking.

• Pereh Hotel

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - Check out from the hotel

• Guy Malal geopolitical discussion on the Mount Adir - 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.

• Lunch at Uri Buri - For the past 40 years , the popular Uri Buri restaurant has offered a variety of delicately prepared fresh fish and seafood dishes, and boasts a wine list with over 100 different kinds of fine Israeli wines.

• Akko tour - Walk through 4,000 years of history in this ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient city of Akko, situated on the Mediterranean coast, is one of the oldest ports in the world, and a city shared by Jews, Muslims and Christians. Discover the impressive subterranean well-preserved Crusaders Middle Ages city,
  walk narrow streets past towering ramparts, venerable synagogues, slender Muslim minarets, and secret passageways. Learn about the city’s rich history, as well as its important role in Israel’s modern history.
  Continue to the vibrant Akko's shuk, a fun bazaar full of fresh produce, cheap eats, spices, and souvenirs. Akko also has several of the best hummus spots in all of Israel which are a “must-taste.”

• 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

• Depart hotel for Otef Aza

• Stop at key lookout points for an in-depth discussion of the complexity of the Gaza Border situation with a geopolitical expert

• 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 at Naifa

• David Kempinski, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at 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.

• 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.

• Cooking exprience with Adeena Sussman - Time at Shuk HaCarmel and cooking workshop with Adeena Sussman

• Choose one of these afternoon options:

• Option 1:

• Go on an exhilarating boat tour from Jaffa's port!

• Option 2:

• Graffiti Tour - What stories do these images and words tell about the what has happened in Israel since October 7? What social issues are reflected in the art on the walls? What is unique about graffiti in Israel and Tel Aviv specifically? In this dynamic tour through Florentin, Tel Aviv's best-known neighborhood for graffiti, you will answer these questions, share your interpretations, and gain an appreciation for this expressive form of art.

• Option 3:

• Relaxation by the pool with cool drinks

• Dinner at HaBasta - 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

• Carmel Market (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. Enjoy tastings throughout the tour.

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• ANU Museum of the Jewish People - The newly re-imagined ANU Museum of the Jewish People tells the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. Dive into this dynamic and interactive experience that represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities throughout different periods of history.

• Lunch at Chacoli Restaurant - Perched on the most stunning point of Tel Aviv’s coastline, Chacoli invites guests to indulge in a Basque-inspired culinary and sensory journey.
  This vibrant new restaurant captures the youthful, light, and refreshing spirit of its namesake—a Basque wine celebrated for its coastal origins and lively character.

• 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.)

• 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 - Flight home or to Ramon Airport for extension in Shaharout 6 Senses

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