Adventures of being Stark

Top 10 Family Activities in Israel

2012-01-12T23:43:00.002+02:00

Striking the balance between serious and fun when planning family trips to Israel might at first seem difficult: there is so much to experience in Israel yet a limited period of time to do it all. It doesn’t have to be. In fact, striking the balance is increasingly easy with activities across the country that effortlessly educate in a way that’s fun, memorable, and often inspirational, for everyone!

1: Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt:

Explore Jerusalem’s famous Old City and quaint Nachlaot neighbourhood in a different light with a Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt. These Israel tours allow you to forge your own individual memories and relationships with Jerusalem. Split into teams, participants use clues and a map to explore the city, stopping at designated sites along the way. Offering a unique way to experience a unique city, Jerusalem Scavenger Hunts are fun and very memorable for children and adults alike!

2: Archaeological Dig for a Day Experience:

The hills near Jerusalem offer the chance for you to become Indiana Jones for a day. The Dig for a Day experience gives you the opportunity to learn to dig, sift, and excavate, three key archaeological skills in the real-life archaeological excavation at Beit Guvrin National Park. Participating in an archaeological dig for a day literally gives you the chance to dig through history and maybe even uncover something of great importance.

3: Masada Challah Baking & Torah Workshop:

Primarily a feature of Israel Bat Mitzvah tours, this is a unique experience in which an oven is taken to the top of the iconic and important site of Masada, which stands majestically alongside the Dead Sea. The ceremony of baking challah is thousands of years old and, in separating the challah as you customarily do, and in so designating a small portion for holiness, you are symbolising the giving of one’s self, a perfect thing to do at the time of a Bat Mitzvah.

4: Genesis Land Camel Rides & Desert Dinner:

Experience and partake in the story of Genesis! At Genesis Land, we can meet Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, who will welcome you aboard his camels taking you to Abraham’s tent where you will enjoy Biblical hospitality in the midst of the Negev Desert. You can meet Joseph and his two brothers just before they throw him into the pit, witness the matchmaking of Isaac and Rivkah by Eliezer, and experience many other familiar stories from the Bible. You can even stay overnight in the desert in style if you like.

5: Otzar HaStam Scribe Center in Tzfat:

The Otzar HaStam visitors center in Tzfat is the only one of its kind in the world. It opens a window to the fascinating world of “STaM” – the ancient art and tradition of the Jewish Scribes, writing the Sefer Torah (Torah scroll), Tefillin and Mezuzah.

Board the moving seats and embark on a fascinating journey: Learn the mysteries of the holy letters of the Hebrew alphabet, starting with… Creation, on to Mount Sinai, and right up to our own day! Meet a hologramic scribe living in ancient Egypt. Watch a 3D presentation about the process & secrets of parchment and then, on a giant 180-degrees screen, see an amazing presentation, celebrating the annual cycle of Jewish life. Don’t miss the Trivia Game Show and the Scribe’s Workshop,where you will meet a real scribe and - with real feather-quill and parchment - will try out writing for yourselves!

6: Friday Night at the Western Wall & Old City Shabbat Dinner

The Western Wall, the last remaining wall of the Temple in Jerusalem, is the holiest place in the world for Jews. Experiencing this on Friday nights, as Shabbat begins, is somewhat magical. In a typical week, this is the busiest time to go to the wall, and the magical tunes of the many hundreds of religious Jews who come to welcome the Sabbath can be heard for some distance around. This unique experience can be enhanced even further with an Old City Shabbat Dinner experience whereby you will be able to enjoy Friday Night in the hospitality with a Jewish family living within the Old City!

7: Banias Waterfalls Nature Walk:

A quiet walk is always a great way to spend time with the family. Whilst Israel is criss-crossed with hiking trails, the Banias Waterfalls Nature Walk is one of the most special passing through the shaded forests which pass by the cool, refreshing waters of the iconic Banias waterfall in Israel’s Golan Heights region. This will surely be one of those (many!) magical moments on your Israel tour where everything in the world seems just right.

8: Kfar Kedem Talmudic Village: Donkey Rides & Pita Baking:

In the Galilean Hills lies Kfar Kedem, a recreated village originally dating from, and mentioned in, the Talmud. Great for kids, this village brings the Bible to life with the opportunity to dress up, ride donkeys, and even bake pita bread. Kfar Kedem is a unique Israel travel attraction that might not be for everybody, but is certainly somewhere that nobody would forget.

9: Jerusalem Old City Ramparts Walk:

The walls of Jerusalem’s Old City were rebuilt in 1538 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and rise up to fifteen meters above the windy lanes, stone houses, and places of worship below. Two sections of wall can be explored in person providing an adventure through which visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view across the rooftops of the Old City and beyond. From up above, it becomes far easier to understand the development and layout of the Old City.

10: Temple Mount Sifting Project:

Take part in the first ever archaeological project examining finds from the Temple Mount, the holiest spot in the world for Jews, and also holy for Muslims and Christians. Following a botched construction project in the 1990’s in which earth was unsympathetically dumped in the Kidron Valley, the Temple Mount Sifting Project was established to literally sift through in order to identify archaeological artefacts. The process has been ongoing since 2004, and is reliant upon the help of volunteers, so why not take a day on your Israel trip to help in an important project which will undoubtedly be educational, fun, and deeply meaningful.

Shalom Stark

Visit our original blog on Shalom Israel Tours at http://shalomisraeltours.com/category/shalom-israel-tours-blog/

Rockets into Roses

2012-01-12T23:39:00.000+02:00

When you’ve got lemons, make lemonade. And when you’ve got rockets, make roses.

A fairly unconventional tactic for dealing with the hardship of life, Israeli artist Yaron Bob has done the impossible- making something that is a symbol of death and destruction into a sign of rebirth.

How? With a hammer, anvil and furnace, Yaron sculpts rocket metal from Kassam rockets fired from Gaza into stunning, hand sculptured flowers.

As Yaron states, “I take the Kassam Rocket, the instrument of death and I change it, I transfer it into something of beauty.”

Traveling in Israel with its beautiful landscape and serene nature, you would never realize the proximity Israel is to its unfriendly neighbors, unless your Israeli tour guide tells you news stories about Israel’s past and current situation. On your Israel vacation, your Israeli private group tour will probably also not visit Sderot, a town that is in dangerously close proximity to the Gaza Strip. Some background information: Despite Israel’s removal of its citizens from Gaza in 2001, over 12,000 rockets have been fired into Israeli soil, specifically the town of Sderot, with profound trauma as the result.

Yaron seems to be continuing the tradition to “turn swords into plowshares”, as he quotes from Isaiah 2:4 on his website, making something productive from the chaos that surrounds him.

Yaron’s roses have been given to dignitaries around the world including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senator John Kerry, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, to gain support and awareness for Israeli victims of terror.

What’s more- on top of the opportunity to commemorate the past, remember the victims, and stand firm not to let it happen again, by purchasing one of Yaron Bob’s roses, you can actually help prevent any additional Kassams from making a mark on Israeli lives.

As Yaron Bob explains, by the time the siren goes off, the residents of the town have about 15 seconds to run for cover. And with few bomb shelters, that means that there are a lot less places to find safety in a crunch. Yaron is determined to change that as well, with consumers’ help.

Proceeds from every sale go to help build additional bomb shelters, specifically in Ashkelon, a nearby also in dangerously close firing range to Gaza. The projected goal is to raise $300,000 for Operation Lifeshield. If you are on an Israel bar mitzvah tour or Israel bat mitzvah tour, this is an amazing project that your child can participate in when he returns back home; raising awareness of the Rockets into Roses project and collecting money on its behalf.

You can purchase your own flower at www.rocketsintoroses.com, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity that your flower was made from a Kassam rocket that was fired from Gaza.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

And additionally, advises Yaron Bob, when life gives you rockets, make roses.

Shalom Stark

Visit our original blog on Shalom Israel Tours at http://shalomisraeltours.com/category/shalom-israel-tours-blog/

Jordan River Kayaking

2012-01-12T23:36:00.001+02:00

Do you remember that high moment in Jewish History when the Jews crossed that river with Joshua as their leader, finally stepping foot into the Holy Land? A momentous event, to be sure, complete with Red Sea-style sea- splitting fun.

That river was called the Jordan River. Fastfoward in time thousands of years and……..

Does it still exist? Can we find it in our modern Israel geography while on your Israel vacation? Is this something you can include on your Israel bar mitzvah or Israel bat mitzvah itinerary? You better believe it.

And now, instead of wading across it biblical style, you can KAYAK across it in the beautiful landscape of the Upper Galilee. Now that’s what I’m calling a redemptive experience!

There is one kayaking option that is more white-water rafting, complete with exciting rapids. If you are on a more cautious Israeli private group tour or on an Israel bar mitzvah tour, you can opt for the relaxing family-style version. If you’re looking for extreme sports, this option isn’t really your scene.

On the family- style travel route, all around you will be nearby residents chilling on the sidelines and little Israeli children splashing each other and you (careful with your urge to go swinging your oar in protest). You can control the speed you would like to go, and holler at nearby kayaks for some friendly competition if desired. A lazy river ride gone biblical.

You can also get a 6 person raft, which would add to the collective singing opportunity as you go on your merry way down the luscious snaking path of the Jordan River. The family style route is about 1 hour and fifteen minutes long. For speed kayaking, you’ve got yourself a 2 and a half hour adrenaline filled bonanza that passes through small waterfalls and and exquisite scenery.

The Jordan River Kayaking experience was the brainchild of Kibbutz Kfar Blum member Pini Almog in 1986 .

The kibbutz is located in the Upper Galilee region around the area where the Hasbani, Dan and Banias rivers join together to form the Jordan.

Grab your oars and start paddling!

Shalom Stark

Machane Yehuda Market - aka "The Shuk"

2012-01-12T21:16:00.001+02:00

The shuk.

If you’re traveling on a private group tour of the hottest spots in Israel, there is no way you are not going to pass through this intense, bustling marketplace in the heart of Jerusalem, between Agripas and Yafo street.

So to be a truly informed Israeli tourist, you gotta know the lingo. Technically, the market place is called “Mahane Yehuda”, so jot that down in your tourist notebook for your Israel vacation. But to be one with the natives, call it simply, “The Shuk”, arabic for marketplace.

The shuk is well known all throughout Israel. It contains within its assorted narrow passageways 250 vendors all beckoning at you to buy their precious merchandise. This merchandise includes everything from juices believed to enhance your concentration, to diamonds (yes, there is now a diamond store!) to assorted knick knacks, kitchenware, clothing, bistros, boutique wines and cheeses.. you name it. And lots and lots of choices for fresh fruits and meats.

The infamous “Marzipan” dessert store is located on Agripas, about a hundred feet away from the opening of the shuk. It’s rugales, hot and oozing chocolate, are enough to make you think that you have reached the highest possible place separating Heaven from Earth.

Unlike America, it is still possible to do some good old fashioned bartering here, if you’ve got the nerve. Watch your Israel tour guide for Israeli bartering tips.

The shuk, or Machane Yehuda, has been in existence since the late 1900s. Three business partners decided to get together and establish a neighborhood that they called Mahene Yehuda ( the tribe of Yehuda) after one of the partner’s brothers. The neighborhood consisted of, in its infancy, 162 families. The marketplace established there, between Machene Yehuda and the adjacent neighborhood Beit Yaakov, was originally called Shuk Beit Yaakov. When the British in their cleanliness decided that the Shuk needed to be sanitized and reconstructed in the 1920s, the newly renovated marketplace complete with more permanent stalls and roofing was given a new name; henceforth the place was known as Mahane Yehuda. All types of people from the rich to the poor to all of Israel’s ethnic groups and the spectrum of Israeli’s tourists, including families on Israel bar mitzvah tours and Israel bat mitzvah tours, frequent the shuk. You’ll be sure to find all sorts of characters selling random things and playing instruments on the side streets.

Be sure to find yourself at the shuk on any day of your Israel travel except Thursday nights and Friday before Shabbat. Unless you really like being stuffed in like sardines, moving around at a snail pace, grumbling at all of your fellow shopper who are, like you, pushing their way to delicious pre- Shabbat festivity purchases. Those times are the hottest hours for people to do last minute Shabbat shopping.

However, if you are at the Shuk right before they close down for Shabbat, you’ll be witness to a hilarious comedy show, as vendors desperately try to get rid of all of their produce before closing up shop, dropping prices and competing with each other in good humor to attract the final straggling customers to their shops.

Shalom Stark

Visit our original blog on Shalom Israel Tours at http://shalomisraeltours.com/category/shalom-israel-tours-blog/

Israel Bar & Bat Mitzvah - Give Some Love

2012-01-12T21:10:00.001+02:00

How to Affect Children in Israel from your Living Room; Israel Bar and Bat Mitzvah Tour Ideas with Ahava

When you come to Israel with your family and your little one (and your growing, bigger ones) on your Israel Bar Mitzvah or Israel Bat Mitzvah tour, you will, understandably, expect to gain a lot from your experience. Being part of the luscious landscape, celebrating Jewish sovereignty, taking in the wonderful atmosphere, and relishing your child’s big day performance as he/she moves on to the next stage in his Jewish journey.

But have you ever thought about the opportunities to give as you tour around Israel? While receiving is wonderful (and well needed and deserved for exhausted families that want spiritual and cultural rejuvenation), there is nothing more uplifting and heartwarming than giving back when you return back to the US of A.

And, not surprisingly, kids love to be a part of the giving back process.

One interesting way in which to get your children, your family, and your whole American community involved is through an organization called “Ahava Village for Children and Youth”, located in the town of Kiryat Bialik.

The facilities on this campus include fifteen apartments, education buildings, and places for the children (Kfar aged 6 to 18) to go to relax and spend time with each other. Two hundred children, all from high-risk, difficult home situations, live with foster parents in the apartments, and receive personal care, support, and necessary training, while also attending school in the village. It is the intent of the organization to help children from dysfunctional backgrounds ( terror, violence, abuse, drug victims) receive the tools and support to become empowered members of Israeli society.

The center began in 1938, when 50 European children entered what was then Palestine, in need of a home in the midst of their communal and familial destruction. Now, the growing Ahava community serves children from all backgrounds and emotional and personal needs.

What does this have to do with you? Plenty. Because Ahava operates primarily on donations, it is in need of constant support. Their facilities are desperate for rehab, the dining hall is still in the finishing stages of reconstruction, and Ahava wants to create an emergency intervention center for traumatized children, with rooms for therapists to live, and more. But they can’t do it without you.

Discuss Ahava with your children before you leave for Israel, host a parlor meeting to get your community involved, organization a family fundraiser, and then visit Ahava on your Israel Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour. The significance of giving back in the spirit of Jewish renewal will alter your chidren’s perceptions of responsibility and Jewish peoplehood forever.

Shalom Stark

Visit our original blog on Shalom Israel Tours at http://shalomisraeltours.com/category/shalom-israel-tours-blog/

2011 Macabbi Games Israel

2011-07-04T14:17:00.000+03:00

Now this is cool.

Calling all teens, ages 13-17.

If your teen has the smallest inkling to visit the Holy Land, tell them about this amazing opportunity to not just travel in Israel but also compete there in the 2011 Maccabi Games.

In terms of Jewish sports competition, this is the big time.

On July 26- 29, the Games will commence, as Jewish teens from all over the world compete in a plethora of sporting events.

If your teen is into basketball, soccer, bowling, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, or swimming, there are Jewish teens around the world who are ready to join forces with him/her and start good, healthy competition, competing for the bronze, silver, and of course, gold medallions.

Is your teen vehemently shaking his head, proclaiming that he is not an athlete?

Well, lucky for him, in conjunction with the Maccabi Games sports competition is Maccabi Arts Fest. If your teen is into cooking, photography, journalism, acting, visual arts, or music, s/he can audition for a spot to be learning under a resident artist in each field over the course of the 5 days. Your teen will enjoy opening and closing night events, performances, and exhibitions.

If you wanted your teen to have an Israel bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah experience, this opportunity will blow any other trip out of the water.

The week following competition will be one of traveling in Israel with the rest of the Maccabi youth sports players and artists. Probably the most comfortable, amazing Israel group tour experience your teen could ever ask for ( as cool as it is touring Israel with mom and dad, private touring with tons of athletes your age from all over the world just beats it all. No offense, parents : ) ).

Over Shabbat, Maccabia youth will be hosted by Israeli families, acting as unofficial Israeli tour guides to give them a little taste of Israeli culture.

What types of sites can a Maccabi youth expect to see? Classic Israel vacation locations will be part of the schedule, including such sites as Masada, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem holy sites, as well as Tel Aviv, Yad Vashem, and Mt Herzl. Plus sprinkle in some fabulous evening programming that includes fireworks on the Kinneret, dance parties, and cultural events galore.

Calling all teens, ages 13-17.

Come travel in Israel. And compete. And create. And truly live.

Blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/2011-maccabi-games/

David Citadel Hotel & Spa, Jerusalem

2011-02-20T14:22:00.000+02:00

What else does The David Citadel Hotel have to offer, besides bragging rights that you stayed at a gorgeous five star hotel overlooking the walls of the Old City?

The David Citadel, among other things, has an unbelievable spa that was carefully designed according to “Feng Shui”. No, Feng Shui is not some hot-off-the-press famous interior designer. Rather, it’s a theory of decorating that, like the Jews, has been around for a very long time (we’re talking over 3,000 years ago). Feng= wind and Shui= water. It was developed in China back in the day, figuring out how to balance colors and objects in a room, with the belief that correct balance will produce the best energies, benefitting the health of those living within. The energies will in turn give the residents good luck. Or, in Jewish speak, good mazel.

So how does the David Citadel Spa accomplish Feng Shui? With a delicate integration of intimate scents, lighting, running water, and relaxing music. And an extremely long list of all different types of options to pamper yourself silly.

You can try Ayurveda, a traditional Indian treatment, which uses hot sesame oil. Or Aromatherapy, which uses aromatherapy oils taken from the essences of plants. Or get a special 25 minute scalp massage! Like when getting a haircut, only much better and much longer. Designed to rebalance your blood flow. Or do Reflexology. There is even a special massage for pregnant woman.

For the skin, there are a variety of “peeling treatments”. Facials, manicures, they’ve got it all. Meditation techniques, etc. I feel more vitalized just thinking about it. But do more than think, go! Treat yourself to the finest hotel spa in all of Israel.

To check out the David Citadel Spa, go to http://www.thedavidcitadel.com/Hotel.aspx?CatID=536

Originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/david-citadel-hotel-spa/

Bar Mitzvah in Tzfat

2011-02-20T14:21:00.002+02:00

Having your son’s bar mitzvah at the Western Wall is no doubt an unbelievable opportunity. But say you to wanted to be different, do something more out of the Israel ordinary… where would you go? What would you do?

Otzar HaStam of Tsfat has already got an answer for you, with a complete Bar Mitzvah package that will blow other bar mitzvah ideas out of the water. Or out of the air. Because we’re talking Tsfat here.

Tsfat, the mystical city 900 meters in the air, in the North of Israel. Home to the kabbalist of kabbalists, Rabbi Isaac Luria ( the Ari) from the late 1500’s. Tsfat, the place that breathes spiritual intensity and history. Liberated during the 1948 War of Independence, by the Hagganah just days before the Declaration.

Jerusalem is one of the four holiest cities in Israel, according to Jewish tradion. Each city corresponds to one of the four elements: air, fire, water, and earth. Tsfat is connected with the element of air. You breathe differently here.

So on your son’s bar mitzvah day, breathing in the crisp mountainous air of Tsfat, what would the day look like? Otsar HaStam has it all planned out to meticulous detail a day fit for a Jewish king. Even if the king only happens to be 5 feet tall.

Step 1- Have the ceremony at an ancient synagogue. Cantor and musicians provided. Guidance about different customs announced during ceremony if desired.

Step 2- A gourmet Galilee-style breakfast post-ceremony in courtyard, with scrumptious delicacies .

Step 3- Tour of the Old City of Tsfat. Visit synagogues, observation points. Meet sculptors, painters, and watch Tallit-weavers in action with their loom. Discussion of the meaning behind the bar mitzvah day incorporated into tour.
Step 4- Tour the multimillion dollar Ostar Hastam interactive center- a window to the world of Jewish scribes. Astounding 3D video presentations of various themes, including an interactive trivia game and video of The Making of a Torah
Step 5- Bar Mitzvah Lunch/dinner on deck overlooking breathtaking views of the Galilee and the Golan Heights

Step 6- Customize everything to your liking. Want to visit a goat cheese factory? Do a torch- lit hike through the forest? No problem!

But if you’re looking for a cheap place to offset any other Bar Mitzvah costs, there’s a safe, groovy hostel right near by- called Ascent. A cozy, remodeled half hotel/half hostel, you get opportunities to take your Jewish education to the next level with their schedule of daily classes and resource center full of knowledgeable staff members.

A bar mitzvah combining education, kabbalah, painters, ancient synagogues, breathtaking views, and cheap room and board….

Now THIS is what I call becoming a man in style!

Originally blogged at: http://shalomisraeltours.com/tsfat-bar-mitzvah/

Aliens in Israel

2011-02-20T14:20:00.002+02:00

So, apparently there’s a new way to go visit the Temple Mount- not by foot, not by helicopter….The first official UFO Temple Mount visit seems to have been conducted, without a formal invitation (hopefully BB’s doesn’t feel too slighted) , this past Friday, January 28^,2011.

At 1 Am on Friday, three separate videocameras were casually filming the Jerusalem skyline, capturing the scenery around the Dome of the Rock. And three cameras caught the same thing- a ball of light descending, hanging around the top of the Dome for approximately 24 seconds, and then shooting off back into space.

Was this some creative scheme by video techies to take attention off of Egypt? Or a high school prank? Or are there really aliens brave enough to find a way to get past Israeli security guards in order to take pictures at the Dome of the Rock?

Israel National News reported on the alleged incident, but couldn’t resist posting at the bottom of their article a link of how to create a light ball effect on a video.

Discovery Newsreporter, Benjamin Radford, observed that “If it is an extraterrestrial spacecraft, it is a very small one…Judging by the size and distance of the dome it apparently hovers over, it would likely be not much bigger than a limousine. This doesn’t mean it’s not a spaceship, but it does make you wonder,” he stated.

Good point, Mr. Radford. What kind of alien would visit Earth in such a tiny spaceship? Unless it was one of those Porsche Spaceships.

We can certainly take a precautionary lesson from this extraterrestrial light show : Don’t go chilling near holy sites at 1 in the morning, unless hanging out with aliens is your scene.

Videos below. Decide for yourself. We aren’t here to judge, we love all tourists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY2FFEufsuY&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOf4qVMIg7k&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jczjyV4v3i0

originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/aliens-israel/

365 Ways to Discover Israel

2011-02-08T15:14:00.002+02:00

We're tweeting a daily "365 Ways to Discover Israel" series highlighting the best of #Israel tours. Check @IsraelExpert for links!

Inbal Hotel - Holy Twitter Batman!

2011-02-06T22:21:00.001+02:00

The Great Tweet Up

The Inbal hotel in Jerusalem is more than technologically savvy. It’s determined to use technology to make things happen . So synchronize your phones to the information coming out of this blog, and get ready to tweet.

On Sept 2, 2010, something happened at the Inbal Hotel that has never happened in Jerusalem before- the city’s first ever hotel Tweetup.

Are you muttering to yourself – “ What on earth is a Tweetup?” Well, mutter no more!

I’ll explain-

Twitter,a social networking site, allows people to connect with each other through posting short messages, no more than 140 characters, on their user profile page. People who “follow” a certain account get notified of their new “tweets” ( posted messages). Twitter, understandably, is sometimes referred to as the text messaging system of the internet.

The fearless Inbal hotel jumps on the Tweeting wagon, and decides to actually bring together people with common interests together, at an event in their hotel. Their vision: An awesome, random party in which no one really knows each other, meeting for jazz and drinks in a posh hotel courtyard. A sure fire way to be spontaneous and adventurous, yet also safe and sophisticated place at the same time ( a rare combination). Inbals proceeds to set up a Twitter account, and the tweeting begins.

Advertising a Tweetup, word quickly spreads through Twitter and FB about the upcoming event. On September 2, the Inbal’s vision became a reality, as Twitter followers from around the city gathered to celebrate in a festive, technological reunion; a meetup, a Tweetup.

Then, again, on the 8^th of December, Inbal was at it again- a Special Hanukkah Tweetup. As they promised “Have your doughnut and tweet it too!”

To all those people who huffed and puffed that the internet would slow down direct human interaction- the Inbal hotel is out to prove you wrong. Meet your friends online, THEN meet them in person! The best of all worlds.

Microblog yourself into a really good time. Go tohttp://twitter.com/inbalhotel , and sign up to receive tweets from them on upcoming events. And join the Inbal Hotel FB page while you are at it http://www.facebook.com/inbaljerusalemhotel .

How far can Twitter get you? Twitter is now an answer to your deepest prayers. Literally. Well, pretty much. At least it can direct them towards a really, holy location in order to get a good response- the Western Wall. If you sign up for twitter.com/thekotel, you can send private messages to this Twitter account. Your private message prayer will be printed out and delivered straight to the kotel. On Oct 2, the founder of TweetYourPrayers for The Kotel Twitter account delivered 3,812 printed out prayers to the crevices of the holy site’s walls.

So tell anyone back in your hometown whose upset they haven’t been back to the Western Wall since their bar mitzvah; all is not lost. You can Tweetup with God at the Western Wall, and ask for some Divine Guidance, without leaving the comfort and safety of your own living room.

Originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/inbal-hotel-jerusalem-twitter/

IDF Wine Evening with Daniel Rogov

2011-02-06T22:18:00.002+02:00

On this past Thursday evening, attendees shuffled into The Great Synagogue, one of central Jerusalem’s largest synagogues. This building, modeled after the 1^st and 2^nd Temple’s, seats over 1,000 people, and was surely grand enough to host the evening’s noteworthy event. This elegant fundraiser was held in honor of one extraordinary group of members in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). Today, there are 5,700 lone soldiers who serve in the IDF from around the world. These brave young souls join the army alone, without the support of their family nearby. The Lone Soldier Center is the only organization dedicated solely to meeting all of the physical and social needs of lone soldiers, and provides guidance and support before, during, and after their IDF service. Soldiers are provided with Shabbat dinners, one-on-one counseling, pre-army seminars, furniture, and more. As one soldier stated, “The Lone Soldier center is my home away from home”. The center is dedicated in memory of Michael Levin, a lone soldier from the United States who fell in battle in 2006.

This incredible foundation drew in numerous speakers to its event, including Daniel Rogov, Israel’s preeminent wine critic. Rogov spoke of the significant improvement of Israel’s wines in the past 20 years, and entertained the crowd with humorous stories of Israel’s early, humble wine production days. Claiming that when he first moved to Israel, he refused to have Israeli wine in his cellar, he proudly admitted that today, 30% of his wine cellar consists of Israeli wines. Rogov pinpointed the most “fruitful” areas to plant vineyards; the Galilee, the Golan, and the Judean hills. Many of Israel’s finest wineries can be found in those regions and all of them warmly welcome visitors any time of year.

Following inspiring and engaging speakers, live music began to play as the crowds meandered over to tables laden with fine wine and cheese. There, guests mingled amongst the lone soldiers and enjoyed the rich cheeses and delectable wines featured from up and coming wineries such as Carmel, Dalton, Barkan, and Golan wineries. The Great Synagogue was the perfect setting to honor brave young soldiers and the organization that helps take care of them, while the lovely sound of violin along with delicious sampling of wine and cheese topped off the night with an elegant and tasty spin.

originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/idf-israel-wine-daniel-rogov/

Tel Aviv Jazz Fest

2011-02-06T22:17:00.001+02:00

The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival approacheth! Four days of exquisite, eclectic, and distinguished jazz in Tel Aviv. February 15-18.

For such a young country as Israel, the jazz festival is an established tradition- this is it’s 22nd year in the making.

It’s got top of the line musicians from around the world performing in it, alongside Israeli stars.

We’re talking Dee Alexander “Queen of Chicago”, the young piano talent from Armenia, Tigran Hamasyan, the daring, experimental Nicole Mitchell Trio, and New York City’s rising star saxophonist Jaleel Shaw.

Jazzed up Jewish music will also be floating through the air; Steven Bernsteinand his group specialize in dazzling audiences with their traditional Jewish songs funkified through lively Latino arrangements.

In addition, keep your ears tuned for the original, Israeli production entitled “Tel Aviv- Paris-New York” to be performed, with singer of the year Efrat Gosh.

This jazz festival is about presenting the gamut of jazz forms to the public, encouraging new and creative works to step forward. You will be sure to get a taste of all different jazz forms, and brave musicians who electrify the air with energetic and improvised jazz delicacies.

Like the State of Israel, jazz is a newer creation- dating to the beginning of the twentieth century. It began in the Southern US, in African American communities, and is a mix of European and African styles . Jazz music is characterized with a certain swing in its step, improvisation playing a major role in its unique style. It’s about the musician’s interacting with the other performers and the audience in the moment, in a type of “call and response style”, so come and be ready to experience art in the making.

Be sure to block off from 8 pm to midnight in your schedule every night when touring in Tel Aviv. If you can’t make one of the performances, don’t sweat it. There are 20 fabulous performances packed within these four days of fun in Tel Aviv. To check out what happens when, go to http://www.jazzfest.co.il/english/show.html .

Originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/tel-aviv-jazz-festival/

Aliens in Israel

2011-02-06T22:14:00.002+02:00

Israel National News reported on the alleged incident, but couldn’t resist posting at the bottom of their article a link of how to create a light ball effect on a video.

Good point, Mr. Radford. What kind of alien would visit Earth in such a tiny spaceship? Unless it was one of those Porsche Spaceships.

We can certainly take a precautionary lesson from this extraterrestrial light show : Don’t go chilling near holy sites at 1 in the morning, unless hanging out with aliens is your scene.

Videos below. Decide for yourself. We aren’t here to judge, we love all tourists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY2FFEufsuY&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOf4qVMIg7k&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jczjyV4v3i0

originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/aliens-israel/

AIDA on Masada - Summer 2011

2011-01-25T15:43:00.002+02:00

Because flying across the world to where it all began isn’t dramatic enough, the Israeli Opera brings you their awe-inspiring art form in two of the country’s most awe-inspiring places : in the Sultan’s Pool overlooking the Old City walls, and at the foot of the majestic and famous mountaintop of Masada.

It’s all happening; The Israeli International Outdoor Opera Festival- June 2 to 11, 2011.

The Aida Opera has the whole operatic package- scandalous confusion, dramatic fight scenes, and back and forth battles between the characters’ minds and hearts. If you want to get sucked into the drama world and yet feel super classy and sophisticated at the same time ( Reality TV has not yet mastered this delicate dance), this is your venue.

A taste of the storyline -

1. The High Priest in Egypt during the reign of the Pharoahs foresees an inevitable war between Egypt and Ethiopia.

2. He gives the news to Radames, a young general of the army. Good news for Radames, who fantasizes about becoming commander-in-chief of the army.

3. Complication- Radames also happens to be secretly in love with Aida, the Ethiopian slave (and for whom the opera is named after).

4. Further complication- Amneris, the King’s daughter, is in love with Radames, but has an inkling there is another woman in his life. And she isn’t happy about that. Not happy at all.

And that’s just the very beginning…..

The Israeli Opera is a newer innovation in the Holy Land art scene, and is furiously making symphonic waves, gaining recognition for this oft overlooked art form. One of their goals is bringing opera into creative arenas, to the vast public who would never even think of stepping foot into an Opera House. As the Israeli Opera states, they want the public to know that opera is the “most exciting art form on planet earth.” Well put!

Hey, get further pampered while you’re at it! If you want a packaged deal, you have several options- Do a 1,2, or 3 night stay at the Dead Sea and Hotel Spa, then take a round-trip shuttle to Aida on Masada.

For anyone who loves to see behind the scenes action, watch this Youtube clip to witness what intense work is involved into getting this opera in motion. Notice sweat on conductor’s face, gym shoes below costumes.

As a rule, opera is a passionate ride. So bring your tissues and an emotional seatbelt. Twists and turns are all part of the Israeli Opera’s magical pizzaz.

Originally blogged at: http://shalomisraeltours.com/aida-masada/

Go Karting in Jerusalem

2011-01-25T15:41:00.000+02:00

Are you hands itching to get behind the wheel, racing around the Jerusalem hills with wind blowing through your hair?
Are you hesitating because you’ve watched how Israelis drive?

There’s a way to satisfy that need for speed without sacrificing your wellbeing or scaring the living day lights out of you- Go Kart Racing!
Yes, it’s true, Jerusalem has its very own indoor karting track, and it’s brand new.
Schedule your birthday party, your bat mitzvah or Israel tour group, or bring your officemates down for some old-fashioned competition to get out any computer slow speed internet aggression.
Only the finest go karts can be found here : Presenting the plush, Sodi Kart RX7.
If you’re from America and feeling nostalgic, , you should know that Go Karting is originally an American delicacy. They don’t call America the land of the free for nothing- it was there that Go Karting began. It is believed that deep in the southern rolling valleys of sunny California, Art Ingles actualized his vision of the world’s first Go Kart in 1956. It quickly became The Thing To Do, spreading quickly across America.
Go Karting is not just child’s play. Oh, no. According to Wikipedia, “Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motorsports.” Your trip to Israeli’s indoor GoKarting facility could be the beginning of an auto racing career. Or just a really good time.

Check them out at http://www.teamkarting.co.il/English.aspx
They are located at Haoman St 17, in Keyon Lev in Talpiyot, just go on down to the fourth parking level and let it rip!

Originally blogged at: http://shalomisraeltours.com/israel-go-karting/

Girls night out in Israel...

2011-01-18T22:22:00.001+02:00

A Girl’s night out in Israel the way it should be.

A whole new window into the world of Jewish women. Warning: Restricted access only. By women, for women.

In an outrageously clever musical with original script and choreography, emergesJUDGE! Song of Devorah. Brought to you by the hearty women and girls of Gush Ezion, in their all-women’s theatre ensemble, Raise Your Spirits Theatre.

It’s got it all- a woman crooning in a heavy metal impersonation, a bubbe in fluorescent vacation attire straight out of the Floridian coast, kvelling over her son’s success (even though he ( she) happens to be also the story’s prime villain). It’s got ballet, modern dance, synchronized fight scenes, operatic professionals, pleasing harmonies, biblical verses being recited in traditional fashion, and women from across the generational and religous lines . Think the hilarious surprise and writing flair of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoast combined with the endearing communal warmth of Fiddler on the Roof.

The only thing is doesn’t have- is men. Like in the Shakespearian days, only in reverse.

Raise Your Spirits Theatre explains the birth of their cultural phenomenon – “In 2001, amidst an atmosphere of grief and terror, a group of women in Gush Etzion joined together to the raise spirits of their community and all of Israel. Rather than succumb to the depression caused by daily terror attacks, they decided to start a project that would give them a positive outlet and something wonderful to look forward to. They decided to put on a show. The rest, as they say, is history.”

This show brings to light the lesser known historical account of the prophetess and acclaimed judge Devorah, and the heroic Jewish struggle for (you guessed it) self preservation from enemies that wish to subjugate the Jews, this time against the Canaanite King Yavin, around the 12^th century BCE.

JUDGE! courageously endeavors to discuss the still contemporary plight of religious women who are trying to negotiate between finding their voice versus appearing socially acceptable. The musical opens in a crowd-pleasing number, with the Jewish townspeople raving about Devorah. “You have a gift!” they insist. “Oh this?” Devorah shrugs modestly… “It’ nothing…” Later in the scene she argues with Barak, another Jewish leader- “How can I, a woman, outshine you?” So begins the complexity of the tale, of a Jewish woman’s search for her voice and the triumph that results from her rising up to the challenge.

Yael, the ultimate heroine, is likewise shown caught uncomfortably in the middle of this societal battle, in a cheeky and catchy number “Be a Good Girl”- with charm-school pressures whipping Yael into a frenzy.

Sisera, the evil villain who was King Yavin’s army general, is played by a bad-to-the-bone actress who saunters and jumps energetically around the stage, offering tons of comic relief.

One thing is for sure- throughout the play you will either be laughing out loud, tearing up, or tapping your feet to a catchy beat.

JUDGE! is an inspiring glimpse into the developing Jewish cultural movement, and the flourishing women’s arm of it. With more funding, this group could catapult to sensational heights.

Find out about the remaining JUDGE! performances, and other upcoming shows you can attend while touring in Israel, visit http://www.raiseyourspirits.org/

Luxury in Israel

2011-01-17T09:56:00.002+02:00

Israel just got more luxurious.

The renowned Waldorf Astoria hotel chain is announcing plans to break ground on its second hotel on Israeli soul, this time in Tel Aviv on the beautiful shoreline. Wow wow wow. But wait- what is a Waldorf Astoria hotel and why are we wowing over it? The Waldorf Astoria hotel was the ORIGINAL luxury hotel, and the additional hotel chains located in a few, select locations around the world are still famous for their lavish, grand accommodations, opulent style, and fantastic, attentive service. Basically, for their ability to make you feel like you have a million bucks even if you don’t. And if you do, to make you feel like you have 10 million, you get the point.

So it will come to this- after basking in the light, the sounds, and the frenetic energy of touring in Tel Aviv during the day, come home at night to plush, silken couch cushions, easing your feet in a soothing Jacuzzi, feeling fabulously pampered…. In basic English, “live the life.”

Too much on the edge of your seat to wait for the Tel Aviv construction? The Waldorf Austria hotel in Jerusalem, across from the Mamilla Hotel, is expected to be finished in 2011. We’re talking a $100 million dollar investment, minutes away from the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

A little Waldorf Astoria history (what’s a trip to the Holy Land without another history lesson?) Heir to John Jacob Astor III, William Waldorf Astor built the first Waldorf Hotel on the site of his Fifth Avenue mansion. 13-stories high, this hotel opened in 1893 .The Waldorf in no time flat became THE gathering place for the world’s wealthy and socially elite. Not to be outdone, Waldorf’s Cousin John Jacob Astor 1V built the prestigious and immensely elegant 17 story Astoria hotel four years later, connecting it to the Waldorf through (what else?) a 300 foot marble corridor. Waldorf- Astoria quickly became a household name amongst the rich and fabulous. In 1949, Conrad N. Hilton of Hilton Hotels bought the chain.

Just to highlight how special Israel is- Waldorf Astoria has of yet only 5 other hotels around the world- four of them in the United States, and one in Saudia Arabia. To check them out, visit http://www.waldorfastoria.com.

Originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/waldor-israel/

The hunt for Diamonds in Israel

2011-01-05T13:38:00.002+02:00

The hunt for Diamonds in Israel…

Tourists to Israel already have the opportunity to sift through dirt discarded from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, they can visit Zion Oil searching for “black gold,” and they can view the Haifa bay gas refineries from atop Mount Carmel...how about mining for Diamonds?

Sometimes, in order to strike it rich, you have to follow the advice of wise people and have a lot of faith.

In a remarkable story, former Israel mayor Arie Goral traveled to the holy city of Brooklyn to speak with the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. The Rebbe advised Goral:

“Haifa sits on the sea, and one shouldn’t be impressed by depth. Haifa has a sea, and it has a valley, and the valley contains good and precious stones. The Lord has done something miraculous: he has hidden the stones deep in the earth, and it looks like they’re deep in the river.”

When someone of such high spiritual stature hints at something like that, there are two logical courses of action to take: listen or don’t listen. An ardent follower of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Avraham “Avi” Taub ( whom the Rebbe had encouraged to follow his diamond mining business dreams),packed up his bags and went a-searching for treasure in the Haifan valleys.

Taub left everything he had and founded Shefa Yamim, dedicated to the discovery of diamonds. The latest jaw dropping move ( as if this article hasn’t had enough already) is that Shefa Yamim is now planning on issuing $100 million worth of stock, an unusual fundraising tactic to be open to the public.

Shefa Yamim is the first and only company on the search for precious stones in Israel.

So what’s the diamond turnout been like so far? Shefa Yamim has discovered 76 diamonds, mostly micro-diamonds, and 14 kimberlite boulders. A few other precious stones have also been found – sapphires, rubies, emeralds, kainite, and corundrum.

A word to the wise- listen to the wise!

Originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/israeli-gold-rush-story/

Comedy, Israel Style

2011-01-04T14:50:00.001+02:00

http://shalomisraeltours.com/comedy-israel-style/

A little Jewish humor goes a long way.

Everyone knows that the Jewish people rule in their deep grasp on the absurdities and peculiarities of life, expressed in the unique, sarcastic, one-liners classic of the Hebraic faith. That’s a fancy way of saying “we’re pretty funny.”

So while in Israel, how can you get a taste of that (besides on the bus, in the shuk, and out of every chutzpadik Israel’s mouth)? Where can you grab a beer, or a cocktail, sit back in some sunken comedy club, laugh uproariously, and be a part of the obnoxious audience peanut gallery?

Tourists in Israel are heading on down to Off the Wall Comedy Basement, located in a hidden cranny underground, right off of the bustle of Ben Yehuda nightlife. http://www.israelcomedy.com/

David Kilimnik, Jerusalem’s famous comedian, will meet you with all the Jewish style, self-deprecating humor you can handle, spinning off jokes that will make your mouth drop open. Catch his classic, original comedy routines “Find me a Wife” and “The Aliyah Monologues.”

There’s something for everyone at Off the Wall, and if you are feeling depraved of good, old fashioned, karaoke crooning ( including Women’s Only night), you have found the right place ( bring your ear plugs just to be safe. Karoke is a dangerous sport). Check out their weekly calendar to catch the latest additions, including Open Mic Poetry Slams, Young Comedians Night, and Open Mic Music nights.

Walk or run, it's all Holy

2010-12-29T10:57:00.000+02:00

Running the streets of Jerusalem...

In my childhood home was an iconic picture of my father crossing the finish line at the New York City Marathon. New York has it, Spain’s got it, and Jerusalem’s now on the map. Israel is about to join the ranks of major cities around the world in hosting their first international full length marathon, recruiting top runners to join the competition on March 25, 2011- a nice calm time between Purim and Passover in Israel.

Watch the world’s most renowned distance athletes racing neck to neck for 42 K around the Old City and all of Jerusalem’s most famous sites. If you’ve never been privileged to watch a marathon unfold, make sure to schedule this jaw dropping event on your itinerary.

The race course can be viewed at http://liner.co.il/marathon/index_eng.html. Jerusalem traffic is going to be crazier than usual, Israel hotels fuller than usual (is it possible?), and post-race bars filled to capacity (hooray!). Seriously though, there is nothing better for runner morale than crowd encouragement, so saddle up alongside the course and be a part of the rambunctious cheering squads (we at Shalom Israel Tours encourage everyone to bring their air-horns and cow bells, why not?). The finish line will be at Gan Sacher, with wild celebrations, a festive atmosphere, and the much anticipated award ceremony.

Better yet- tie up your laces and join the race! All ages and skill levels welcome. Be one of the 20,000 expected brave participants, sign up for the 42 K marathon, a 21 K half marathon, or a 10 k race- after all our sages teach that just walking 4 feet in Israel is a mitzvah, imagine how holy you’ll feel after running 42 K!

Originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/running-streets-jerusalem/

Israel Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Tour

2010-12-16T23:29:00.001+02:00

June Bar & Bat Mitzvah Tour in Israel http://ow.ly/3pSlz Jerusalem, Masada, Tzfat- lot's of options for B'nai Mitzvah ceremonies!

Israel Tour Program Samples

2010-12-16T23:27:00.000+02:00

We put 7 amazing Israel Tour sample programs online http://shalomisraeltours.com/category/sample-custom-israel-tour-itineraries/ and we have dozens more ready to post!

Israel Wine Tour

2010-12-16T23:26:00.002+02:00

Attention wine & food aficionado's- we're creating an Israel wine tour like you've never seen http://shalomisraeltours.com/israel-wine-tour/ seriously amazing!

[A] Better Place...

2010-12-01T12:22:00.000+02:00

Better Place

On your next Shalom Israel Tour visit [a] “Better Place” in northern Tel Aviv, the world’s leading electric vehicle company. Better Place is focused on moving the world from oil-based to zero-emission vehicles powered by electricity from renewable sources. Israel is building the world’s first electrically car grid and Better Place is at the heart of this venture- learn about Better Place and test drive an electric car!

Better Place was founded by Shai Agassi in 2007. This vision was inspired by a profound question posed at the World Economic Forum in 2005, “How do you make the world a better place by 2020?” With a passion for tackling large-scale challenges, Agassi sought to answer this question with a pragmatic solution to free cars from oil, reduce harmful tailpipe emissions, and usher in an era of sustainable transportation.

In 2008, Israel became the first country—and The Renault-Nissan Alliance the first carmaker—to embrace the Better Place model of building open network infrastructure to enable mass adoption of electric vehicles and delivering transportation as a sustainable service. Denmark, Australia, California, Hawaii, and Ontario have followed suit. Today, Agassi and Better Place are in discussions with many countries, carmakers and other potential partners around the globe.

originally blogged at http://shalomisraeltours.com/better-place-electric-cars/