Israel Travel Blog
A Guide To Selecting The Perfect Bat Mitzvah Tour Of Israel
If your daughter is soon to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah, you may have heard of travel agencies that provide pre-planned trips and tours to Israel. How will you pick the ideal tour company when so many options are available?
You can choose the ideal tour for your family and daughter using the four questions and five tips listed below.
What is a Bat Mitzvah Tour?
These tours and package holidays to Israel are for all family members, not only for the B’nai Mitzvah girl (the child coming of age). These tours cater to all guests, from younger siblings to grandparents, and offer spectacular holidays for the entire family.
Most tours will begin in Jerusalem and focus on the Old City and a walk through the restored Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall Tunnels, and the Time Elevator, which presents the 3,000-year history of Jerusalem.
Bat Mitzvah tours vary significantly from company to company, so choosing a tour focusing on areas and places that interest you, your family, and your daughter is important.
Find Personal Recommendations
A great way to find a top-notch tour company is to ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.
Alternatively, you can ask in your local synagogue or on an online forum if you don’t know anyone who has been on such a tour.
What is the level of experience of the tour guides?
Your tour guide will make or break your trip to Israel, so this is an important question to ask a tour company. A reputable company will readily share the names and experiences of the guides they have working for them.
A tour guide who has worked with a company for an extended period is a positive sign, demonstrating the tour guide’s expertise, professionalism, and positive visitor feedback. It also suggests that the tour company is a respectable, high-quality business where a professional guide is proud to work.
An awesome tour guide will have the skills to include young children and grandparents and will become part of your family during the tour. They will meet you at the airport and remain with you throughout your journey.
You will learn so much about Israeli customs, traditions, and history that you could never expect to acquire elsewhere.
How Many Families Are Grouped Together on Each Tour?
You can choose a trip with just your family and friends or you can choose a trip which brings various families together to view Israel in an entirely new way. This can be a fun way to meet new people and make life-long friends.
You may never have thought it’s possible but travelling with new families can be helpful as they can share the magic of Israel’s rich history and the wonder of the Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.
Tips To Make or Break Your Bat Mitzvah
If you are looking for a small, intimate family Bat Mitzvah in Israel, combined with a private tour designed to fit your family’s wish-list, here are five steps to reach that goal:
- Select your flight dates, stay duration, and ceremony date on Monday and Thursday mornings when the Torah sections are read, and there are services for Bat Mitzvahs.
- Choose the ideal place for your family’s amazing celebration.
- Typically, the tour company will provide a Rabbi for the Bat Mitzvah ceremony but if you have any particulars you’d like to arrange, let them know and most can accommodate your wishes.
- Purchase any extras to make your ceremony more enjoyable, including a photographer, caterer, special lunch or dinner event, and more.
- Get a customized itinerary for you and your family’s amazing tour and ceremony in Israel based on your stay length and the ceremony’s date.
Your Adventure Starts with ITAS Tours
Receive expert guidance in selecting the perfect ceremony venue and celebratory activity for your Bat Mitzvah trip to Israel. They offer the perfect Bat Mitzvah Tours in Israel, fully customized for your family.
Jerusalem: The City of Heart and Soul
Jerusalem is above politics. It is mentioned more than six hundred times in Scripture and not a single time in the Koran. Its presence in Jewish history is overwhelming. There is no more moving prayer in Jewish history than the one expressing our yearning to return to Jerusalem.
To many theologians, it is Jewish history, to many poets, a source of inspiration. It belongs to the Jewish people and is much more than a city, and it is what binds one Jew to another in a way that remains hard to explain.
When a Jew visits Jerusalem for the first time, it is not the first time; it’s a homecoming. Its sadness and its joy are part of our collective memory.
Throughout the history of Jerusalem, Jews lived inside its walls with only two interruptions: when Roman invaders forbade entry into the city and under Jordanian occupation when Jews, regardless of nationality, were denied access into the old Jewish quarter to meditate and pray at the Wall.
Jerusalem must remain the world’s Jewish spiritual capital, not a symbol of anguish and bitterness but of trust and hope. As the Hasidic master, Rebbe Nahman of Bratslav, said, “Everything in this world has a heart; the heart itself has its own heart”.
The poet Yehuda Amichai, for whom Jerusalem was his heart and soul, wrote in one of his poems a verse that captures something of my feelings: “Jerusalem is a swing: sometimes I descend into the generations and sometimes I rise into the heavens.”
And that’s Jerusalem: a city where opposites, diversity, and change are all fused, lending it its unique character.
There is no other city in the world like Jerusalem. A city that people pine for, a city they face to pray, and for whose sake they pray, a city to which so many look up. A city that serves as a common ground but is often also a locus of friction.
A city contains everything: the spirit of sanctity and the vibrancy of day-to-day life. Jerusalem is a city whose one million inhabitants reflect the entire mosaic of Israeli society and its complexity. It’s a city whose name means “peace” and has also known many wars.
Jerusalem Day symbolizes one of the formative events in the city’s history. Since Jerusalem was unified, all parts of it have been growing and developing.
Jerusalem safeguards the sovereignty of the State of Israel. It guarantees freedom of worship for members of all religions, along with a form of coexistence that does not diminish difference and tradition, bringing to light the strength of our ability to live and work together.
On Jerusalem’s festive day, a national holiday for us all, our hope is that it preserves its unique character, including the burst of renewal and growth it has experienced in recent years.
Want to visit Jerusalem the City of Heart and Soul?
If you want to visit Jerusalem and get inspired as well, make sure you get in contact with Israel Travel Advisory Service.
With over 45 years of experience in organizing Israel Jewish tours, we pride ourselves in ensuring that your vacation to Israel is the best version of itself it can be.
Our offices in New Jersey, Florida, and Israel strive to provide the best quality Israel, family, Jewish Israeli, and Jewish Heritage tours.
ITAS is your best Israel travel advisory option.
Let us do the planning, and we’ll make sure you have a wonderful and fulfilling vacation.
Important Tips to Know Before Visiting Israel
Visiting a new place is exciting and Israel is a great place to visit and vacation. There are many religious and historical spots to see. Apart from the linkage, there are many natural wonders. Today we’ll provide important tips to know before visiting Israel.
With all this excitement comes uncertainty. When visiting a new country, some rules must be followed, written or unspoken, and a language barrier.
It is always good to be prepared beforehand. If you are looking for the best Israel travel tips, look no further. Here is everything you need to know about this historically rich country.
In this travel guide, you will visit the most hidden corners and discover places your typical tourist agency won’t show you.
Do’s & Don’ts when visiting Israel
- Do Use Local Greetings
You are not likely to offend anyone in Israel by trying to use the country’s traditional greeting. Just as Americans do not take offence to visitors from other countries saying “hello,” you are welcome to use the Israeli greeting “shalom” when you visit.
It will help you blend in with the locals. The literal translation of the traditional greeting is “peace” and is used for both hello and goodbye across Israel.
- Don’t Smoke on Saturday
Most people agree smoking isn’t good for your health. But those who smoke might not realize it is also considered ill mannered to smoke at certain times or places in Israel.
You will want to observe no-smoking signs wherever you are in Israel, but keep in mind that smoking is in direct violation of the “Shabbat,” a holy day observed on Saturdays in Israel. If you can refrain from smoking that day, that’s a plus.
Otherwise, you should at least avoid doing it around religious places or in the presence of Orthodox Jews who may find it offensive.
- Do dress properly
Dress codes are pretty simple and are common sense in Israel, but there are a few rules you might not be accustomed to. Make sure you pack conservative clothes for visiting any religious sites.
Although it may be warm during the summer, if you plan to visit places like the Western Wall or the spot where Jesus was crucified, it is recommended to wear t-shirts with sleeves that fall below the elbow and long skirts or pants.
Men should not wear shorts or go without shirts around these sites. When visiting Jewish shrines or memorials, it is also proper for men to cover their heads. Women should not wear anything that exposes bare legs or shoulders while visiting a holy site.
Often there will be a complimentary yarmulke, a small skullcap, available to visitors who need to cover their heads. If you forget to carry proper clothing, worry not, as religious women hand it out near the Western Wall.
Practical travel tips
- The best time to travel to Israel
Deciding when to go to Israel largely depends on what you are interested in doing while you are there. While there is no right or wrong time to go, there are a couple of things you need to consider when planning your trip: climate and Jewish Holidays.
Israel has two seasons: summer (April to late October) and winter (November to March). Summers are hot and humid but rain-free, and winter starts when it gets from cool to cold and begins raining. It generally doesn’t snow in Israel, except for the mountain areas in the Golan Heights.
Another vital tip to consider when you travel to Israel is the Jewish holidays. In Israel, there are two calendars: the Gregorian calendar and the Jewish calendar, but most religious holidays are based on the Jewish calendar.
Even though it’s interesting to be in Israel during some of these holidays, you’ll have to remember everything closes down during that time: public transportation, banks, stores, etc. Also, hotel prices will be much higher.
- What to pack
When travelling to Israel, you must be conscious of what you wear. While places like Tel Aviv, Jaffa, or Haifa are more open-minded and fashion-forward, in cities like Jerusalem, modest clothing is recommended. Don’t bring tank tops, shorts, or anything above the knees.
As a general rule, think convenience before fashion. Here are a few tips on what to pack:
– A scarf and a long-sleeve top.
– Light-weight clothing if you are travelling in summer.
– A light jacket and some sweaters for colder months.
– Comfortable shoes are a must in Israel, especially in Jerusalem.
– Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen lotion.
– A small umbrella. Rain may come unexpectedly.
Always carry electrical adapters with you.
The most common thing to happen to tourists is to forget to bring their charger or an adapter to charge their electrical devices. The electrical outlets around Israel require a 3-round-pegged prong, so you’ll need a power adaptor.
Before you travel, make sure you have a checklist to confirm your chargers and adaptors so you don’t spend time looking for one in town and waste the time you could spend touring.
Feel ready to travel to Israel?
After all this advice, you are ready to visit Israel. If you want to book a trip, get in touch with ITAS tours, your best option for Israel tours and your trusted travel advisor.
Israel Travel Advisory Service offers a wide range of Jewish Israel Tours, from family tours to bar/bat mitzvah Israel tours.
With over 45 years of experience organizing Jewish heritage tours, we pride ourselves on ensuring that you’ll have a real Israeli vacation.
If you found our tips to know before visiting Israel helpful, let us know in the comments. If you want to experience one of these holidays for yourself, ITAS is the way to go. We have Israeli Jewish tour packages that meet every need.
Jewish Holidays: Religious and Spiritual Travel Guide
We all love to travel, whether with friends and family or by ourselves. Vacationing in Israel during the Jewish Holidays can be a wonderful experience.
Jewish holidays in Israel are worth remembering since each one is celebrated differently with festivals and unique events.
Each one has its own traditions and particular quirks, so here is a guide for your Israel Holiday Vacation.
There’s a celebration everywhere around you!
Shabbat, the Day of Rest
The Jewish holiday Shabbat is celebrated weekly and always begins on a Friday night (when dusk falls).
Jews who observe Shabbat diligently will not use electricity, write, or travel other than by foot, and will spend the day in prayer, eating celebratory meals, and resting.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah (in Hebrew “Head of the Year”) celebrates the Jewish New Year and is a joyous festival.
The festivities include prayers at the synagogue, a large meal, and exchanging gifts.
The ancient ceremony of “tashlich” is carried out on the first afternoon. It is a tradition to go to the sea or any body of water and throw breadcrumbs or pebbles in. This symbolizes the “casting away” of one’s sins.
For religious Jews, all of this is a chance for “spiritual renewal and great contemplation.”
Yom Kippur, “Day of Atonement”
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in the Jewish calendar, and in Israel, all life comes to a standstill.
Every business and school is closed, airplanes do not take off or land, and the streets are deserted by cars.
Religious Jews will fast for 25 hours, wear white and spend large parts of the time in synagogue, praying for forgiveness from God for their sins.
According to Jewish belief, this is the day God will pass judgment on every individual for the coming year. So it is seen as a chance to repent and ask for a chance of forgiveness.
Sukkot, “The Festival of Tabernacles”
Another fun festival, especially for children, is Sukkot which follows Yom Kippur and lasts seven days.
Historically, it was one of the three pilgrimage festivals where the Israelites were commanded to travel to the Temple. Today, Israelis celebrate by building a sukkah, a temporary, freestanding structure with three walls decorated with palm leaves.
It is tradition to eat meals inside and decorate the interior with the “four species,” the four different plants mentioned in the Torah. These are lulav, etrog, hadass, and aravah.
People carry these four plants at the synagogue and recite special prayers known as “Hoshanot.”
Simchat Torah, Rejoicing of the Torah
Simchat Torah immediately follows Sukkot and is a festival of unbridled joy. Jews dance around the synagogue holding Torah scrolls to mark the reading cycle of these holy manuscripts. In Israel, it is common to see Israelis dancing in the streets.
Hanukkah, “Festival of Lights”
Hanukkah is celebrated during winter and commemorates the “miracle of the oil” at the same time as the Second Temple. It lasts for eight days, and each night candles are lit on a special candelabrum.
Two special foods that are eaten are latkes and sufganiyot. Latkes are potato pancakes fried and served either with applesauce or sour cream. Sufganiyot are donuts with jelly inside.
Children spin a “dreidel,” and it’s a tradition to give them “gelt,” chocolate money, and small gifts.
Purim, the Feast of Lots
The Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the bravery of Esther, who saved the Jews of Persia from being wiped out. It is a festival of enormous merriment in Israel, and it is a wonderful tradition for children and adults to dress up and attend parties.
Jews also attend the synagogue in costume, where they read from the Book of Esther and shout and boo at the name of “Haman,” Esther’s enemy, and drink a lot of wine.
Attending an adloyada (carnival parade) is a beautiful tradition, as is eating “Hamantaschen” cookies filled with poppy seeds. Religious Jews also send “mishloachmanot,” food baskets, to family, friends, and charities.
Yom haAtzmaut, Independence Day
The evening kicks off with a torch of lightning in Jerusalem and fireworks displays all over the country. Some parties continue late into the night, and the following day, it’s a time-honoured tradition to attend a barbeque and eat until you can’t move.
If you’re at the shoreline around midday, watch the flyovers that the Israeli Air Force carries out.
The Eight-Day Festival of Passover
This joyous festival falls in the spring in Israel and commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Israel, who fled slavery under the laws of the cruel Pharaoh.
It’s a tradition at this time of the year to hold a “seder,” in Hebrew “order,” where the “Haggadah” book is read, recounting the story of the Jews flight, including the miraculous parting of the waves of the Red Sea.
At Passover, bakeries in Israel close because it’s a religious commandment to eat only “matzah,” unleavened bread, for the holiday. This lets Jews remember that their ancestors fled Egypt in such haste that their bread had no time to rise.
In the Haggadah, the matzah is called “the Bread of Affliction.” The festival is also a reminder of liberty and that, after 2,000 years, with the establishment of the State of Israel, the Jews became a free people in their land.
Shavuot
Shavuot, “Festival of Weeks”, falls seven weeks after Passover. It is a pilgrimage holiday that marks the end of the spring harvest and the Torah’s giving to Moses on Mount Sinai. It’s a tradition to eat dairy products and wear white clothing with white flowers.
Shavuot is celebrated in earnest on the kibbutz, with the tradition of “bringing forth the first fruit.” Historically, this was an opportunity for farmers to display their achievements after a year of hard work in the fields.
Where’s the best place to spend some of these holidays?
So, where in Israel should you try to go to experience and be a part of the festivities?
Well, at Purim, there are parties all over the country but be sure not to miss the opportunity to see an adloyada. The two most popular take place in Holon, near Tel Aviv, and SdeBoker, in the Negev desert.
Shabbat comes around weekly and is celebrated at home after a short Friday night service at the synagogue. Israelis are very hospitable, so you might be invited as a guest to someone’s house for a meal.
There is also a Get Shabbat program running where you can be paired with a host family. Most families are traditional and observe Shabbat costumes, so you’ll see blessings made over candles, wine, and bread and get a feel for the whole experience.
For Passover, you’ll feel the spirit of freedom everywhere. If you want to see more religious traditions, head to Jerusalem, notably the Western Wall, for the “Birkat Kohanim,” a Priestly Blessing.
In terms of being a tourist, the only day you will be limited is Yom Kippur, so if you’re visiting during this holiday, make sure you have your preparations in advance, or get in touch with your Israeli tour operator for a “day off”.
Whichever time of the year you choose to be in Israel, experiencing any of the Jewish Holidays will only add to your overall enjoyment.
Israel Travel Advisory Service offers a wide range of Jewish Israel Tours, from family tours to bar/bat mitzvah Israel tours.
With over 45 years of experience in organizing Jewish heritage tours, we pride ourselves on ensuring that you’ll have a real Israeli vacation.
If you want to experience one of these holidays, ITAS is your way. We have Israel Jewish plans and tours that meet every need.
Click here to get in touch with our operators for more information!
Family Trips to the Holy Land: A List by Experts
Family vacations are great, especially if they are to heal the body and soul, and a perfect way to do so could be by taking a family trip to Israel.
Israel Travel Advisory Service (ITAS) has offered custom tours to Israel for 50 years. We intend to provide our customers with the best travel and tour service.
We have different programs, each perfect to fit your needs and budget.
Custom Israel Tours
If you are looking to take a family trip to Israel, we recommend checking our custom Israel Tours. With this option, you’ll be able to create the perfect customized family visit to Israel and feel safe and confident doing it.
Jewish Heritage Tour Itinerary
If you are looking for a more specific experience along with your family members, check the Israel Jewish Heritage Tour Itinerary. You’ll get a relaxing retreat or a unique educational experience depending on what you want.
And you won’t have to worry about a thing! We’ll help you select departure dates, flights, hotel accommodations, as well as historical, religious, and cultural sites.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Tour
Besides experiencing wonderful tours along with the family, what better way to enjoy a trip to Israel than celebrating your son’s or daughter’s bar/bat mitzvah on top of Masada.
ITAS offers top-notch itineraries and professional services on all our Jewish family trips to Israel.
Want To Enjoy Jerusalem’s Nightlife? Try Visiting Any of the These Spots
If you’re to visit Jerusalem any time soon, chances are that your current schedule only covers daytime activities. After all, it’s not rare for people to want the most out of daylight hours and end the day with a well-deserved rest.But here’s the thing, Jerusalem easily stands as one of the world’s most diverse cities. So much that nightlife feels as if you were already touring another city—Albeit one that’s just as beautiful.Such opportunities are not common, so it should be within your best interest to account for these experiences while you’re there.
Assuming that there’s still time to rearrange your schedule, here are some recommendations for places to visit during nighttime.
Believe us. You won’t regret staying up a little longer for any of these.
The Jerusalem Chords Bridge
The Chords Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge located near the city’s central bus station.
Standing at 387 feet high (118 meters), the Chords Bridge is the tallest structure in all of Jerusalem. In retrospect, you can’t get a more literal example of an “eye-catching landmark.”
But why should you add it to your schedule to begin with? Especially if you can appreciate such a tall construction from almost anywhere.
It was built with inspirations from both ancient and modern architecture, making it an incredible sight to behold from up close.
Plus, such ways of crafting are always subject to the insights of travelers as to figure out the artist’s deeper motivations. Maybe you could craft some of your own while you’re there.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also the matter of its extra decorations. For a while now, the bridge’s chords have been decorated with various colored lights, which are always turned on during the night.
In other words, by visiting after sunset, you will get a light show unlike any other.
Mahane Yehuda Market
The Mahane Yehuda Market isn’t any regular market, mind you, and it’s the most extensive and liveliest out of all Jerusalem.
Composed by a series of narrow alleyways, all of them will be able to cover any need you might be running into. From regular convenience stores to gift shops. From family restaurants to the fanciest food outlets. From good ol’ bars to full-sized party venues.
In a way, saying that the Mahane Yehuda Market has something for everyone would be an understatement. Not to mention, its ambiance does give something to brag about. You’ll probably meet lots of fascinating people there!
If possible, try visiting on a Thursday night. Since most people don’t have to work on Friday, Thursday nights tend to see the market at its fullest potential.
Jaffa Road
Likewise, you can’t go wrong by visiting Jaffa Road, one of the city’s oldest and longest roads. Not only that, but it also houses several buildings that are essential to Jerusalem’s history. If that fits your interests, you could ask for a guided tour.
Additionally, this road has seen many commercial venues opening their doors. Jaffa Road is filled with locales for most needs, similar to the Mahane Yehuda Market, albeit to a lesser extent.
A simple walk along this road can quickly turn into a worthwhile experience. The buildings themselves are beautiful, and they’re all decorated with charming nightlights, and it’s a sight that’s both atmospheric and breathtaking.
Kikar Safra
Jerusalem is filled with culture that even its city hall is part of the experience. Kikar Safra is not only home to the city’s municipal government as it also houses many cultural and artistic performances.
While there are many buildings dedicated to that purpose, many artists have decided to make use of the surrounding exteriors instead. Something that Kikar Safra agrees to and promotes to a certain extent.
Just imagine what these artists could have prepared for a nighttime performance.
Keep in mind that these performances are subject to their own scheduling, so visit the city hall’s website beforehand and see what’s offered during your stay.
Mishkenot Sha’ananim
If you’re into preservation and some mild isolation, we’ve got an offer. Try visiting Mishkenot Sha’ananim, the very first Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem.
Located slightly above the Sultan’s Pool, it now houses numerous art galleries and music centers in the sweet calm of the Old City’s outskirts.
In a way, you get to experience all kinds of aesthetic beauty. You get the looks of the surrounding areas (like Mount Zion), you get to experience classic Jerusalem architecture, astounding paintings, the sound of carefully crafted music, and even a calm day in semi-rural life.
If that sounds attractive already, now picture how the daytime experience might differ from the nighttime one.
Tachana Rishona
If you like the idea of visiting several cultural centers, we can’t forget about Tachana Rishona, also known as The First Station.
As the name suggests, Tachana Rishona was a train station that represented the last stop of a Jaffa to Jerusalem trip. However, as the need for train transportation decreased, it eventually got discontinued.
Luckily, the town found another use for the location in no time. Nowadays, The First Station is used as a cultural and entertainment venue, which prides itself on celebrating the old Jerusalem days.
You can expect to find several pubs, restaurants, and even merchants inside, most of which offer their services on exterior spaces. Now, talk about a colorful and atmospheric night accompanied by good music.
The Wailing Wall
Going back to 520 BC, The Second Temple once stood as one of the most sacred locations for Judaism.
It was said that the Temple was the purest source of divine power, which then spread itself to the rest of the world.
With that in mind, it stands to reason that the Temple also housed a massive array of praying sessions, festivities, and religious offerings amidst the Jewish community. Sadly, it came to a close after the Temple was destroyed around 70 AD.
But that is not to say that traditions and customs have been lost to time.
Nowadays, the Wailing Wall (also known as the Kotel, or Western Wall) proudly stands as the last remaining structure of the Second Temple. So, to respect its former glory, Jews worldwide have decided to visit regularly and partake in praying sessions.
For the most part, visits are limited to the praying sessions. The only exception is during Friday nights when people organize celebrations akin to those held in the Second Temple.
If you opt for a Friday night visit, you’ll get to enjoy the night with tons of singing and dancing!
For Scheduling Your Daytime and Nighttime Itineraries, ITAS Tours Is There for You!
You now know some great places to visit during any night in Jerusalem.
But what’s that? You’re interested in visiting such places, but you don’t know what to move in your schedule to make it happen? Well, ITAS Tours can help with that, and more!
With over 45 years of experience in organizing Israel Jewish tours, we pride ourselves in ensuring that your trip to the Holy Land is the best version of itself it can be. And that involves taking care of everything in your name, from the planning itself to making all necessary arrangements.
Likewise, we pride ourselves in saying that no other company has managed to reach our quality levels, nor our levels of attention to your needs. Our team of experts will gladly be helping you from the early stages of your planning up until your trip back home.
Be it for personal vacation tours or family tours, ITAS Tours has got your back. Both Israel and Jerusalem have never been closer to you!
Traveling with Kids to Israel: Tips for Families
Having a family is hard work, and most of us spend tireless days working to make sure our kids can enjoy a great life. But as soon as mouths are fed and bills are paid, it’s time for a well-earned vacation.
Family trips are the best chance we have for spending time and bonding with our kids, and it’s a chance to recharge our batteries before going back to work.
A trip to remember
When looking for a spot for a family vacation, it’s best to consider somewhere that can fulfill everyone’s needs.
An Israel vacation tour is a great way for Jewish families to connect their rich ancestral roots.
Markets, museums, beaches, and plenty of historical sites are all in the books regarding Israel family tours. There’s something for everyone.
Tips to consider
Now, if you’re going on an Israel tour with kids, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Stay Hydrated
Most people take their family vacations since school is out during the summer, but the Israel summer can be very warm.
Make sure to keep water and hydrating snacks (like cucumber slices) handy to cool off and avoid dehydration.
Take it slow
We know that vacation time is limited, but between jet lag, crowds, and the unfamiliarity of a new place, your kids might feel overwhelmed.
Take breaks regularly and make sure you don’t overschedule outings. Remember, a vacation is about relaxation, too.
Where and what to eat
Kids can be the pickiest of eaters, and when going somewhere new, mealtimes can be a challenge.
Luckily, Israel’s got options galore to both to satisfy your pickiest palettes and astound the curious ones. Hotels offer a large variety of foods on their menus and it’s all very fresh!
Make it educational
Israel has an abundance of historical and biblical sites all around.
Before going, make sure to spend some time teaching your kids about what they will see there and why it’s important.
Keep the kids entertained
While education and cultural experiences are important, remember that your kids want to play.
Look for more kid-friendly activities such as the zoo, the aquarium, or even the First Station, where your kids can enjoy an international play date. Eilat is a wonderful resort city in the south of Israel on the Red Sea – the perfect place to play in the sun.
The big tip
With all there is to do in Israel, you’d need a vacation just to figure out what to do during your trip. That’s why it’s always best to ask the experts.
Here at ITAS Tours, we offer Israel Jewish Tours curated with care to cover all the bases and make sure that your family’s experience will be one to remember.
Must-See Holy Jewish Sites in Israel 2022
When planning your year, scheduling time for relaxation is just as important as scheduling meetings or a big business trip. Vacations are a time when you rest your body and recharge your soul.
January may seem a bit too early in the year to be planning vacations, but to those who know about productivity and time management, it’s as natural as the sun rising in the east.
If you’re considering a trip to Israel in 2022 and want to make the most of your time there, you might want to consider a guided tour of Israel to make sure you hit all the important sites.
Israel day tours often consist of all the city’s sights: from the mountains to the sea, important sites and museums, and the best restaurants around. However, if you’re Jewish and are looking for a more spiritual experience, you may want to consider a Jewish Tour of Israel.
Home to Jerusalem, Israel is the historical center of plenty of stories told in the Tanakh and dotted with many locations to visit and affirm your faith. Any Israel Jewish tour should include at least some of the following sites in their itinerary.
Valley of Elah
A great way to start your tour is at the Valley of Elah, the stage of the battle between David and Goliath. Though you will probably not see any giants, you can still walk through a field of sunflowers, anemones, and lupins.
The Temple Mount
Time later, David, now king of Israel and Judah, would conquer the city of Jerusalem where he was to raise an altar to God at The Temple Mount. Now considered the holiest place in Judaism, it is an epicenter of Israel’s history and God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. This is where Solomon built the first Jewish Temple.
Not too far from here, you will find the Western Wall (Kotel HaMaaravi in Hebrew), also known as The Wailing Wall. This is the last remnant of the Second Jewish Temple and has heard Jewish prayers for centuries.
The Mountain of Sodom
If you’re looking for another famous scene from the bible, the Mountain of Sodom is a view for the list. Made almost entirely of Rock Salt, it is a site to ponder the consequences of vice and sin.
Not far from it, you can find a pillar of salt believed to be Lot’s wife after ignoring the angel’s instruction and looking back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Mount of Olives
For a final stop on your Jewish heritage tour, the Mount of Olives is a mountain that has served as a burial ground for Jewish people for 3000 years. With around 150,000 graves of notable rabbinic figures and the tombs of the prophets Haggai, Zachariah and Malachi.
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This overview is but a fraction of the historical and biblical sites that wait in Israel, not to mention all the other beautiful natural wonders like the Dead Sea,Ein Gedi, and Gan HaShlosha.
To make sure you can fully experience Israel on your 2022 holiday, ITAS Tours is a travel planning and advisory service for trips to Israel. We offer custom tours so you can experience Israel’s culture, environment and cuisine in full, all at your own leisure.
Let us do the planning, and we’ll make sure you have a wonderful and fulfilling vacation.
Plan the Perfect Trip to Israel in 2022
There’s no denying that the past two years have been tiring for most of us. Being cooped up at home worrying about our family, loved ones, and ourselves makes us feel like we’ve had to live surrounded by a cloud of worry and fear. However, rays of sunshine sometimes manage to peek through the clouds.
This time at home has given us the chance to reconnect with our family and deepen our desires to invest in ourselves, our well-being, as well as our community and culture.
Now, as the borders start to open and the sun shines anew, why not consider Israel for your next vacation?
But just taking a trip to Israel is not enough to truly take in the culture, you want to make every second of your visit count. There are so many sights to see, places to visit, and (of course) delicious food to eat. Trying to do it all at once can be daunting and planning for it is exhausting, which kind of makes the whole point of a vacation moot, doesn’t it?
If you really want to make the most of your trip, there are many tours that you can take designed to reconnect with your Jewish roots and make your vacation to Israel one for the books.
You may ask yourself, “but are there any agencies that offer tours of Israel?”
Yes, and that’s where we come in.
Whether you’re a member of the Jewish community or a friend and are looking for tours of Israel, look no further! Israel Travel Advisory Service (ITAS) is a top-notch travel planning and advisory service for trips to Israel. We offer custom tours so you can experience Israel’s culture, beautiful locals and cuisine in full, all at your own leisure.
So relax and leave the planning to us and be ready to make 2022 a memorable and significant year for you and your family with one of our fantastic tours of Israel.
The Surprising Origin of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony
Nowadays, saying that bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies are of great importance to the Jewish community is a great understatement. Not only does it symbolize a child’s coming of age. But it also represents the moment in which they take on new religious privileges and adult responsibilities.
All things considered, this is one milestone unlike any other. One that is joyfully recognized and celebrated. Which it is.
That being said, after years of tradition, have you ever stopped to think about where it all began? Well, for that, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn the origins of the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony.
Understanding the meaning behind the ceremony
Bar and bat mitzvah literally mean, “son/daughter of the commandment.” Bar is Aramaic and means the same thing as the Hebrew word, “ben” – “son of”. “Bat” came along later and is Hebrew for “daughter of”. So, when boys reach age 13 and one day they become bar mitzvah and girls at age 12 become bat mitzvah whether they have a ceremony of not.
The first ceremonies to recognize this special time in a young person’s life were held as early as the Sixth Century CE. Since the Middle Ages the full religious ritual has been observed, with the custom of calling a boy up to the Torah as a way of recognizing his entry to manhood. Blessings would be spoken and afterward a huge gala feast. Not much different from today’s celebrations.
The bar/bat mitzvah’s transition to a full-fledged ceremony is greatly attributed to the holiday of Shavuot. Shavuot’s deep connection with the Torah made sense to give a deeper meaning to the ceremony. Suffice it to say, being able to give your first public reading of the Torah is a pretty big deal. And a great reason to celebrate the bar/bat mitzvah with the entire family.
Want to take your bar/bat mitzvah to the next level? ITAS Tours has what you need!
Now that you know the meaning behind any bar/bat mitzvah ceremony, it makes sense that you would want to make the most out of yours. And do you know how you can achieve that? By making it take place in the Land of the Jewish people, Israel, itself! And we can help you do just that!
With over 45 years of experience organizing Israel tours, there’s no one better to trust than us. Our team of experts will gladly help you manage everything from the very start. That should cover the planning, getting the necessary commodities, making the ceremony arrangements, and everything in-between.
Be it for bar mitzvah tours, family tours or just a mere vacation, ITAS Tours has got your back. The land of Israel has never been closer to you!
Visit our website to learn more!