Rabbi Fischer & The Augusta Community Israel Tour!

WELCOME TO IsraelNation of the Jewish People

• Touchdown at Ben Gurion International AirportIsrael's only international gateway.

• After clearing passport control a VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! representative will be waiting to welcome you. He will facilitate luggage identification and handling; & escort you through customs.

• Ascend to JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

• Upon your first view of the eternal Holy City, stop for a moment of reflection and davening. Make the “shehehianu” prayer as you gaze upon the Temple MountThe Location of the Temple at Jerusalem from the Has PromenadeProvides a tremendous view of Jerusalem and beyond., as did Abraham when he prepared to sacrifice Isaac; take in the breathtaking view.

• Spend the afternoon relaxing, you may like to take a walk down Ben Yehuda StreetJerusalem's Outdoor Pedestrian Mall. On Saturday nights, Ben Yehuda StreetJerusalem's Outdoor Pedestrian Mall is one of the favorite gathering places for many young Jerusalemites. There are many artists displaying their jewelry and crafts, as well as many wonderful sidewalk cafes.

• Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological discoveries excavated in the Western Wall Tunnelslabyrinth of passageways at the Temple Mount. Inside, a most interesting model shows the different dwelling periods and history of the inhabitants of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Stand on the site believed to be the nearest spot to the "Holy of HoliesThe room in the Jewish Temple where the Ark of the Covenant stood".

• Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at one of JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s many fine restaurants

• Overnight: Jerusalem Pearl Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

King David’s JerusalemThe capital of Israel & the Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World

• After breakfast, tour the amazing City of King David.

• Begin with a breathtaking observation overlooking Biblical JerusalemThe capital of Israel 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 Samuelan important leader of ancient Israel.. The underground tour finally ends at the Gihon Spring, the major water source of JerusalemThe capital of Israel for over 1,000 years and where, according to the Book of Kings, SolomonThe Wise King of Israel was anointed king. The water source of First TempleBuilt by King Solomon, Son of King David JerusalemThe capital of Israel, the Shiloach SpringThe Ancient Spring in Jerusalem lies here.

• Next, enter into the walls of King SolomonThe Wise King of Israel’s City and enjoy a visit to the Davidson CenterThe Jerusalem Archaeological Park – the newly opened visitors’ center, located at the JerusalemThe capital of Israel Archaeological Park.

• Tour the Southern Wallone of the most important archeological projects in recent history Excavations where some of the most important archaeological discoveries have been unearthed, proving this to be one of the key areas of JerusalemThe capital of Israel. Amongst these remains is a complex of royal palaces dating back to the 7th century.

• Take a Guided tour of the Jewish Quarter that was reconstructed after the city was unified at the conclusion of the Six-Day War in 1967. A special point of interest in the restored Jewish Quarter is the "CardoThe heart of Jerusalem's Old City Jewish quarter", meaning the "heart" of this ancient Byzantine City.

• Visit the excavated ruins of a “Burnt House” that was part of JerusalemThe capital of Israel during the Second Temple period. These burned ruins remained undisturbed until they were uncovered in the 1970’s.

• See the Temple Institute which houses a collection of artifacts from the First and Second Temple Periods.

• Overnight: Jerusalem Pearl Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After breakfast, head out to enjoy a day at leisure in JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

• JerusalemThe capital of Israel has hundreds of shops, boutiques, cafes, museums, parks and endless festivals and art fairs.

• Overnight: Jerusalem Pearl Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

MasadaAncient Fort on the shores of the Dead Sea & Ein Gedi & Dead Sea

• After breakfast depart to the Dead Sea area traveling south through the Judean Wilderness.

• Arrive at MasadaAncient Fort on the shores of the Dead Sea - Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car, or for the more daring, ascend the snake path just as the Jews did thousands of years ago.

• Explore the ancient remains of the fortifications, King HerodA notorious king, ruled in the time of the second temple's palace, storerooms and baths. Discuss the terrible dilemma faced by its Jewish population during Roman times with your guide

• Descend by cable car. It is possible to descend on foot via the old Roman RampWall erected by the Romans in 72 CE, or again via the snake path.

• Continue along to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, and a rich source of minerals for export.

• Take a swim or ‘float’ & let the buoyant waters support you as you relax on your back and think of nothing else but the sea and the salt all around you!

• Return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel to relax for the evening.

• Overnight: Jerusalem Pearl Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

Chevron & Tomb of RachelRachel, beloved wife of Jacob, mother of the Jewish people is buried here.

• After breakfast, Depart in an armored vehicle and then stop for TehillimBook of chants composed mainly by King David and supplication at the very special site of Rachel’s Tomb. (Pending military approval)

• Stop for a moment of reflection and take a small piece of authentic Red String. Although not written about in any Kabbalistic sources, the red string is an old tradition. A thread is wrapped seven times around the Tomb of RachelRachel, beloved wife of Jacob, mother of the Jewish people is buried here., and then cut into little cords. It is then said to give protection from the "Evil Eye" for one who wears it on his or her wrist.

• Onto the holy city of Chevron, visit Ma’arat Hamachpela where our patriarchs and matriarchs are buried: Avraham, Yitzchok, Yaacov and their wives. Walk in their footsteps and those of King David, Ruththe great-grandmother of King David, and the holy Tzadeket Menucha Rochel. Tradition also holds this to be the burial place of ‘Adam & Eve.’

• Meet some of the very special families who live in this special neighborhood & Rabbi Danni Cohen the Rabbi of Chevron.

• Return to JerusalemThe capital of Israel.

WELCOME SHABBAT AT THE KotelHoliest place on Earth (WESTERN WALL)

As the sun sets preparations will be made for welcoming the Shabbat

• Upon reaching the steps leading down to the KotelHoliest place on Earth, 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 JudaismThe religion of the Jewish people. Singing and dancing with true Chabad spirit.

• Enjoy Shabbat Dinner with a true Chabad spirit at hotel, L’Chaim!

• Overnight: Jerusalem Pearl Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

• After a light breakfast, walk to The Tzemach Tzedek ShulChabbad Shul in Jerusalem for Davening (or to a synagogue of your choice. A list of nearby synagogues will be provided.)

• 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 JerusalemThe capital of Israel’s Ben Yehuda St. Outdoor Mall, where the young JerusalemThe capital of Israel comes to life.

• Overnight: Jerusalem Pearl Hotel, JerusalemThe capital of Israel

Galilee

• Travel to the ancient remains of Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel – 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. The Beit SheanThe largest and most unique ancient site in Israel National Park houses incredible archeological treasures. If the day is too hot, cool off in the Ma’yan Harod Pool or Huga Park.

• Tour the ancient, magnificently excavated city of Tzippori, home to Rabbi Yehuda HaNasiThe editor of the Mishna. This city did not participate in the rebellion against the Romans, and hence was not destroyed. See an ancient theatre and a villa with a beautiful mosaic floor and other finds from the time of the Mishna.

• Walk through the amazing ancient conduit, which brought water to the city.

• Visit a 4,500 seat Roman theatre, the Nile Mosaic building, and the giant underground waterworks.

• Nearby Beit ShearimBeit_Shearim houses catacombs from over 1700 years ago, the times of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi. Yehudah HaNasi was buried in the Necropolis, an amazing underground network of tunnels stairways and caves. These eerie caverns and chambers are fun for the adventurous child.

• Visit Pekin; this mainly druze village contains on it’s hillside the cave in which Shimon Bar Yochai and his son lived for 13 years while hiding from the Romans. .

• Arrive in Kibbutz Lavi and check in to relax.

• Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi, Galilee

• After breakfast, visit the mystical city of TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities to absorb the special ambience of this town of contrasts, where ancient sites such as The ArizalRabbi Isaac Luria; Jewish Scholar and Mystic’s synagogue and the ancient burial site of Shlomo HaLevi (author of Lechah Dodi) exist side by side with today’s modern art galleries.

• Visit TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities's restored Old CityThe Holiest Center in the World including the artists' colony. TzfatOne of the 4 Holy Cities has much to offer in the way of art galleries, gift-shops and restaurants found tucked away amongst the winding, cobblestone streets.

• As you wander through the narrow, winding alleys, visit some of the beautiful synagogues and browse through the artists’ workshops and galleries found in the flourishing artists' quarter, and take a dip in the famous Mikveh of the Ari z"l in the mystical city.

• Next ascend deep into the Golan Heights, where you will have the very special privilege of being the guest of an Armored Brigade at their base. The Brigade stopped the advance of the Syrian army during the Yom Kippur WarIsrael defends itself in 1973.

• Head further into the Golan to visit the Tel DanAncient Canaanite Remains could be found at this location Nature Reserve is a nature reserve at the foot of Mount Hermonthe highest mountain in Israel which includes archeological remains from the ancient town of Dan. Visit Tel Facher, and underground Syrian base, then continue onto the The Banias Spring which begins at the foot of Mount Hermonthe highest mountain in Israel. This is a wonderful nature reserve; prepare to get a little wet!

• Your next stop is the observation point on Mount Bental, overlooking the Mount Hermonthe highest mountain in Israel 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.

• Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi

• After breakfast, Depart toward Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center

• On to view the White City of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center, whose outstanding architecture blends the various trends of the Modern Movement and town planning in the early part of the 20th century.

• Browse the shops and experience the unique flavors and ambience of the famous Dizengoff St., Shenken St. & Rothchilde Ave

• Continue to Visit "HaCarmel" market –the open air shuk (market) for the fresh fruit and vegetable of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center or the intriguing Nachlat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair (open every Tuesday & Friday) for more than 250 Israeli artists presenting their handcrafts, jewelry, judaica and interesting gifts; also live music, glassblowing, and life street performances on a regular basis. If you have time, visit the Betzalel Bazaar for cool clothes at ridiculous prices, or the Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center Port Antique & Organic Fair.

• Visit the spectacular “Palmach MuseumA museum which gives a sense of the period that led to the founding of the state”. Through a modern multi-media presentation, view the history of the Palmachthe elite striking force of the Haganah from 1941 to the War of Independence and the establishment of the State of IsraelNation of the Jewish People

• Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center is the business and the cultural center of IsraelNation of the Jewish People. Visit the Diaspora Museum at University of Tel AvivIsrael's largest city and biggest commercial center. The museum illustrates the life of the Jews in different communities around the world during 2000 years of exile.

• Transfer to Ben GurionFirst Prime Minister of Israel Airport for the departure flight home where you will be met by a VIPIsraelDont Just See It... VIP It! representative will be waiting to assist you in your temporary departure from IsraelNation of the Jewish People.