A Bar-Mitzvah tour to Israel is a great way to celebrate this significant event in the life of every Jew. This 5 days tour offer includes many essential sites relating to the Biblical and Jewish history in the land of Israel, including the modern State of Israel. The tour also includes a few great and fun activities for family members of all ages, setting an unforgettable experience for all.
Heading Towards Jerusalem, after Latrun, we get off the highway and join the 1948 Burma Road, learning about the battles around Jerusalem in 1948. Upon reaching Jerusalem, we park the car and head to a tour by foot of the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall, and the City of David. These sites present best the core of Jewish history from the time of King David to our days. The tour could include a walk-in Hezekiah’s Tunnel, or joining a tour of the Western Wall tunnels.
We head first to Masada, Famed for the suicidal act of 960 Jews some 2000 years ago. Rich archaeological remains and a well-planned visitor center enhance the dramatic story. The most important finds are on display at the new Masada Museum. In nearby Ein Gedi, we can have lunch and then stroll in the beautiful botanical gardens of the kibbutz. We can then head to Ein-Gedi’s Nature Reserve and either hike and swim in Nahal David or explore the well-preserved mosaic floor of Ein-Gedi’s ancient synagogue. Our last stop will be at Qumran, a famous site for discovering the Dead Sea Scrolls. If time permits, we will also include a stop for a swim at the Dead Sea.
This day is devoted to Jewish history in the Galilee. Our first stop will be the Necropolis of Beth Shearim, the hometown of the famed Rabbi Judah “Hanasi.” Next, we head to ancient Sepphoris, where the Mishna was codified and many Talmudic Rabbis were active. We can experience one of the local fish restaurants around the Sea of Galilee for lunch. Then, we can visit the 2000-year-old synagogue at Magdala and the remains of Ancient Tiberias, where the “Jerusalem Talmud” was written. We end the day with a visit to kibbutz Degania, the “first kibbutz in the world, “which also played a major role in 1948, repelling a critical Syrian attack.
Crossing the Jordan River, we ascend to the top of the Golan Heights. At Mt. Bental, we view Syria and review the conflict between Israel and Syria, as well as the ongoing civilian war in Syria. Next, we join a local ATV tour by the border, and after lunch, we visit ‘Golan Magic Visitor Center and ATV tour by the border, and after lunch, we visit ‘Golan Magic’ Visitor Center and can climb on some tanks at the 7th Brigade Tank Monument. We end with a visit and an optional hike to Gamla, “The Masada of the North,” where the Imperial Romans defeated the Jewish forces some 2000 years ago. If time permits, we could also stop for a quick visit to ancient Caesarea on the way to Tel-Aviv.
Our last day will be devoted to the modern history of Israel, reflected in Jaffa and Tel-Aviv. We will start with a stroll along the allies of old Jaffa and its nearby Flea Market. Next, we will drive to Palmach Museum to learn about the Jewish resistance against the British in the 1940’s, then head to Rothschild Boulevard. At Shalom Meir Tower Visitors Center, we will review the early history of Tel-Aviv, and nearby, we will visit the Independence Hall, where the state of Israel was declared (!). We will end with a drive to the Rabin Assassination site and asses the current geopolitics of Israel and its surroundings. The Tour can also include a high-end F16 flight simulation at “The Squadron.”
