Long Overdue Post: Israel Trip Pics, Itinerary and Reflections

Between a new job, a new city, a new dog and a new school for the kids, the fall has been hectic to say the least so this is a long overdue post about my trip to Israel in late October that was sponsored by the Schusterman Foundation.  Below are some trip pics and our travel itinerary.  In short, it was an amazing trip with our time in Jerusalem (Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum) being the clear highlight of the week for me.  I came way from the experience more committed than ever to making Judaism (and all that the word encompasses) a more core component not only of my own life but for our family as well. Big thanks as always to Marcee for her support in making it possible for me to go and I look forward to the day when the entire Harris Schwartz family can all travel to the Holy Land together.

ITINERARY

Monday, October 24, 2016

Opening program + Lunch

“An Overview of the Middle East & Israel” with Ari Shavit

Walking tour along Rothschild Boulevard

Opening Dinner at Racha Georgian Restaurant

Overnight:  Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Tuesday, October 25

Tour Jaffa + free time in the flea market

Round Tables event in Beit Otzarin

Summer Mixers with selected members of the Israeli social good ecosystem

Drive North to Michmoret beach

4 styles of Leadership and teambuilding

Dinner on the beach

Overnight: Dan Caesarea

Wednesday, October 26

Breakfast at the Hotel and Check-out

Visit kibbutz Maagan Michael

Program in Nazareth

Drive north towards the Syrian border

ATV’s in Merom Golan

Snapshot: Borders, outlook over Mt. Bental & Golan Heights

Group Program and Dinner at Ramot

Overnight: Ramot Resort Hotel

Thursday, October 27

Breakfast at the Hotel and Check-Out

Gratitude session

Drive to Jerusalem

Welcome and Shehecheyanu atop Mount Scopus

Lunch at Bulghourji Armenian Restaurant

Tour Old City of Jerusalem

Culinary Tour and Dinner in Machane Yehuda Market

Overnight:  Har Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, October 28

Breakfast at the hotel

“Zikaron Basalon” at Mount Zion Villa

Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Lunch at Wine & Cheese Rooftop Restaurant, Notre Dame

Free time and preparation for Shabbat

“Kabbalat Shabbat” at the Western Wall 

Shabbat Dinner

Overnight:  Har Zion Hotel, Jerusalem

Saturday, October 29

Breakfast at the Hotel and Check-Out

Drive South

Float at the Dead Sea

Hike Masada

Food Truck lunch at Havarei Massada

Check-in at Ein Gedi

“Hitbodedut”

Dessert Dinner in Nahal Heimar

Overnight: Ein Gedi

Sunday, October 30

Oasis hike

Check-out of hotel

Program in Lod with Jindas

Dinner

Closing discussions

Busses depart for Ben Gurion Airport

PICTURES