North County Chabad

May 18^th – 29^th 2008

 Sunday May 18th 
Leave Calfornia to Israel

Day 1 Monday May 19^th (Guide & Vehicle)

29^th of Omer: 14^th of Iyar / Pesach Sheini

WELCOME TO ISRAEL (Guide & Vehicle)

• Touchdown at Ben Gurion International Airport.
• Before clearing passport control a VIPISRAEL representative will be waiting to welcome you at the door of your plane as you exit the plane. You will be transported quickly through the airport, pass immigration at the flight crew counter where passport control is efficiently expedited and continue to facilitate luggage identification and handling; & escort you through customs.
• Transfer north along Israel’s Coast and head toward the Sea of Galilee to check into your hotel and relax for the evening.
• Dinner & Overnight: Kinnar Classic Hotel, Sea of Galilee

Day 2 Tuesday May 20^th (Guide & Vehicle)

15^th of Iyar / 30^th of Omer

• After breakfast enjoy a cold swim in the Sea of Galilee before heading to Gamla – the Masada of the north, to view the remains of the fortified village, which stood fast against the Romans and was an example to the Jewish nation of the time. At this battle, 5,000 people died fighting the Romans.
• Onward further north to Katzrin, which was established in 1977 and was one of the first urban settlements in the Golan. While in Katzrin, see a fascinating audio-visual presentation describing the history of the Golan throughout the ages. Tour the ancient reconstructed Talmudic Village and a partially restored 1,500-year-old synagogue.
• At the Golan Magic Welcome Center in Katzrin, view a colorful accurate model of the Golan Heights, one of a kind in Israel.  The model uses unique lighting effects that run along the streams, canyons and settlements of the Golan Heights.
• Enjoy wine tasting at the Golan Heights winery.
• Your next stop is the observation point on Mount Bental, overlooking the Mount Hermon area and the entire Golan Heights.  From here you can see the mountains of the Galilee and Lebanon, and eastward into Syria.  A dormant Volcano, Mount Bental is also an eye-opening lesson in how this part of “Eretz Yisroel” was physically created.
• Here likes the Visit the Valley of Tears, where one of the bloodiest battles of the Yom Kippur War was fought. A great lookout to see the Heights, and especially the Syrian side of the border, is from the now abandoned Israeli bunker 4,000 feet (1,200 m.) above sea level on Mount Bental.
• Dinner & Overnight: Kinnar Classic Hotel, Sea of Galile 

Day 3 Wednesday May 21^st (Guide & Vehicle)

16^th of Iyar / 31^st of Omer

• After breakfast, ascend the Golan Heights, where you will have the very special privilege of being the guest of an Armored Brigade at their IDF base. This is an exclusive VIP experience!
• Visit Tel Facher, and underground Syrian base, then continue onto the The Banias Spring which begins at the foot of Mount Hermon.  This is a wonderful nature reserve; prepare to get a little wet!
• View from the distance  Kalat Nimrod (Nimrod’s Fortress) The fortress was founded in the 12^th century, probably by the Crusaders, to defend the city of Banias in the valley below against Muslim incursions. Later, the Muslim rulers of Damascus rebuilt it to defend their border against the Crusaders. There is a farmers market and activities for kids!
• Next take the ‘ski lift’ up Mt. Hermon for a brief hike and amazing views of Israel and a rare view into Syria!  In the winter, this is Israel only ski resort.
• Head to Tiberius for a cruise on the Sea of Galilee, dinner on your own in Tiberius…
• Overnight: Kinnar Classic Hotel, Sea of Galilee

  Day 4 Thursday May 22^nd (Guide & Vehicle)

17^th of Iyar / 32^nd of Omer

• After breakfast, head toward Israel’s coast to visit Rosh Hanikrah, the northernmost point on the Mediterranean shore of Israel, where a chalk mountain range meets the sea.
• Ride from the mountain top down to sea level via cable car to explore the Grotto’s formed over thousands of years-truly a wonder of creation.
• Further along the coastline, visit the ancient city of Acco (Acre) 14 miles above Haifa, once known as the Crusaders capital of the north.  This city is almost 4,000 years old.
• Walk on the city walls & Ramparts to the harbor, then through the colorful markets to visit the huge, cool yet spooky Subterranean Crusader Halls. Explore gates, towers, tunnels, and secret passageways and next explore the notoriousAcco Prison that was built by the Turks and later used by the British to imprison Jewish underground fighters during their struggle against British rule. 
• Visit a Tunisian synagogue to view the most amazing mosaics you’ve ever seen.
• Visit Tzfat's restored Old City including the artists' colony. Tzfat has much to offer in the way of art galleries, gift-shops and restaurants found tucked away amongst the winding, cobblestone streets.
• Enjoy Dinner & Farbrengen at Ascent of Tzfat with Live Klezmer Music!
• Overnight: Kinnar Classic Hotel, Sea of Galilee

Day 5 Friday May 23^rd (Guide & Vehicle)

18^th of Iyar / 33^rd Omer- Lag B’Omer

• After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to the ancient remains of Beit Shean – one of the oldest settled sites in the country. This is where, in biblical times, the bodies of King Saul and his sons were nailed to the city walls by the Philistines.  
• Stop by the Beit Shean Visitor Center for Kosher McDonald’s and other lunch options!
• Continue south along the Jordan Valley until you arrive in Jerusalem.
• Arrive in Jerusalem and enjoy a walk & test your “Israeli bargaining skills” at the Machne Yehuda Shuk.

WELCOME SHABBAT AT THE KOTEL (WESTERN WALL)
As the sun sets preparations will be made for welcoming the Shabbat

·        Upon reaching the steps leading down to the Kotel, look around and notice people from all corners of the world converging together with one purpose in mind; to welcome the Shabbat at the holiest place on earth for Judaism.  Singing and dancing with true Chabad spirit.

·        Enjoy Shabbat Dinner & Chassidic Farbrengen at the Tzemach Tzedek Shul in Jerusalem’s Old City; this is a VIP exclusive experience.

• Overnight: Sheraton Plaza, Jerusalem

  Day 6 Shabbat May 24^th (Free day)

19^th of Iyar / 34^th of Omer

• After a light breakfast, walk to The Mayanot Shul or the Great Synagogue for davening or to a synagogue of your choice.

·        Return to your hotel for a Chabad spirited Shabbat lunch, L’Chaim!

·        As Shabbat expires, participate in a moving Havdallah service with your Rabbi in the hotel

• After Shabbat, enjoy shopping and dinner at Jerusalem’s Ben Yehuda outdoor mall, where the young Jerusalem comes to life.
• Overnight: Sheraton Plaza, Jerusalem

Day 7 Sunday May 25^th (Guide & Vehicle)

20^th of Iyar / 35^th of Omer

• After breakfast, tour the amazing City of King David.
• Begin with a breathtaking observation overlooking Biblical Jerusalem and observe 3,800 years of history dating back in time to the days of Abraham, when the first foundations of the city were laid. 

• The journey quickly heads underground to some of the newest archaeological excavations at the site.  Here, while exploring the recently excavated fortresses and passageways, you will relive King David's conquest of the Jebusite city as described in the 2nd Book of Samuel. 
• Enter the Old City walls and start at the Davidson Center – the newly opened visitors’ center, located at the Jerusalem Archaeological Park.

• Tour the Southern Wall Excavations where some of the most important archaeological discoveries have been unearthed, proving this to be one of the key areas of Jerusalem. 
• Descend to tour of the archaeological discoveries excavated in the Western Wall Tunnels.  Inside, a most interesting model shows the different dwelling periods and history of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 
• See the Herodian Mansions at The Wohl Archaeological Museum preserves the extraordinary discoveries made during excavations carried out between 1969 and 1983, that revealed remains of magnificent buildings from the time of the Herodian dynasty period 37 B.C.E. till 70 C.E.
• See the Temple Institute which houses a collection of artifacts from the First and Second Temple Periods.
• Toward the evening, return to your hotel to relax before enjoying dinner with Jerusalem Post Newspaper reporter Gil Hoffman for an update on the political situation in Israel.
• Overnight: Sheraton Plaza, Jerusalem

Day 8 Monday May 26^th (Guide & Armored Vehicle)

21^st of Iyar / 36^th of Omer

• After breakfast, depart in an armored vehicle and Learn about the history of the struggle for Gush Eztion in a moving multimedia sound a light presentation at Kefar Etzion.
• Sstop for Tehillim and supplication at the very special site of Rachel’s Tomb. (Pending military approval)
• We head next to Herodion, one of the most fascinating structures from the ancient world. This fortress was built by King Herod, who commanded an artificial hill by having earth to be piled up around the walls. At the time of the Bar Kochva Revolt, the Jewish fighters dug tunnels into the mountain and hid out there. Onto the holy city of Chevron, visit Ma’arat Hamachpela  where our patriarchs and matriarchs are buried: Avraham, Yitzchok, Yaacov and their wives. 
• Meet Rabbi Danni Cohen the Chabad Rabbi of Chevron.
• Overnight: Sheraton Plaza, Jerusalem

Day 9 Tuesday May 27^th (Guide & Vehicle)

22^nd of Iyar / 37^th of Omer

• After breakfast, head out to participate in a ‘hands-on’ historical experience, we will sift through Archeological excavations at Emek Tzurim.
• Visit the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. we will progress from the Palombo Gates, , through the impressive Chagall Hall, Knesset Members’ Room, Synagogue, the New Wing and more.
• Next, visit Yad Vashem Complex, was completed in the spring of 2005 a memorial to the six million innocent victims of the Holocaust. 
• Located on Har Hazikaron, the Mount of Remembrance, in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem is a vast, sprawling complex of tree-studded walkways leading to museums, exhibits, archives, monuments, sculptures, and memorials. (Children under 10 years of age not permitted entrance)
• Continue on to visit the famous and remarkable Israel Museum to visit The Shrine of the Book, where you will be able to view the Dead Sea Scrolls housed in a specially built structure - an architectural masterpiece.
• Also on the museum grounds is a huge outdoor model of Jerusalem during the second temple period, you don’t want to miss this.
• In the afternoon, take some time to explore…Jerusalem is full of amazing shops, cafes & boutiques and local artists display their work throughout the city, take some time to explore Jerusalem or relax at your hotel.

• Overnight: Sheraton Plaza, Jerusalem

Day 10 Wednesday May 28^th (Guide & Vehicle)

23^rd of Iyar / 38^th of Omer

• After breakfast, visit the Kollel Chabad food packing facility near Ashkelon which provides food and packages to over 5,000 people each month.
• Next we will visit Sderot, an Israeli city pounded weekly by Kassam Rockets from the Gaza Strip, to show solidarity with Chabad of Sderot who provides critical services for the residents of Sderot. Emergency assistance to families, include food and financial grants. Programs for kids, such as after school programs and summer camps.
• Return back toward Jerusalem for an evening BBQ dinner with IDF soldiers (TBA)

• Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your temporary departure from Israel. 
  
  Thursday May 29th Arrive back to California
  
• Final Pricing tba shortly. Approxmitatly $3,100, including air fare, five star accomadations, buses, tansfers,breafasts, most dinners, Shabbat meals, entrance fees, tour guide, rabbi with a sense of humor. 
  For more information email rabbi@ocjewish.com or call 714-693-0770