I am pleased to announce that the Woodstock Jewish Congregation’s next tour of Israel will take place from December 21 to December 31, 2010.
 
We had originally planned this trip for August, but the timing was problematic for too many potential travelers.  The December travel time puts us right in the middle of school vacation, and the trip is 10 days rather than 14, which brings down the cost.  Attached to this email are our itinerary, costs and registration forms.  (We may still tinker with the itinerary a bit, but it is basically set.)
 
Guiding congregants around Israel is one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of my work with you.  As you have probably heard me say before, there is no way to fully grasp the complex, confusing, profound and soul-stirring nature of Israel unless you go there.  And the benefit, I have found, of joining our group tour is the loving companionship we share along the way – we really “bond”. 

Keshet Educational Tours, who organizes our trip and provides wonderful programming and guides, really treats its tours as educational seminars.  At times our heads will be spinning, but we will be deeply stimulated and always learning.  Also, Keshet always provides a “youth guide” who at times takes the children and young teens on age appropriate adventures, activities, and discussions parallel to the adult experience. It’s a good model.
 
The trip isn’t cheap; the relatively weak dollar and high fuel costs push up prices.  But I am convinced that this is a fair price for the market, the hotels we will be staying in have a lot of character, and the Keshet staff always provides much individualized attention to each group that they serve.  
 
Do let me know if you are interested by sending me an email at rabbijonathan@wjcshul.org or by calling Sandi Armstrong at the synagogue at 679-2218.  And do call me with any questions or concerns.  As you will see on the registration form, it will be very helpful if you can make your decisions by June 19, and send your deposit into Keshet.  This will help guarantee our flight reservations and give us a good idea about our numbers.
 
I hope this December is the time you are able to join me in Israel!  

Wishing you all the best,
Rabbi Jonathan

For trip Itinerary as a pdf click here.      

For trip Itinerary as a Microsoft Word doc click here.

For trip Pricing as a pdf click here.      

For trip Pricing as a Microsoft Word doc click here.

For Registration Form as a pdf click here.      

For Registration Form as a Microsoft Word doc click here.