ISRAEL JOURNEY XPR

Spots on most BBYO Passport Summer 2022 Experiences are full! Be the first to know when our 2023 trip registration opens in the fall. Fill out this form.

OVERVIEW

Level up our base flagship Israel experience with extras designed to let you experience completely unique aspects of Israeli culture and tradition. This 27-day experience includes Israel’s most amazing touring highlights, plus an elective of your choice!

DESTINATION: Israel

TRAVEL DATES

Jul 5 - Jul 31, 2022 Closed

current grades CURRENT GRADES: 10-12

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Varies

DURATION: 27 Days

PROGRAM FEES

LAND COST (Nov. 19 and on): $6,200

Need based scholarships and other funds are available.

SUPERVISED FLIGHT: $TBD

Group supervised flight information will be available in the spring.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodations (hotel, kibbutz & desert tent)
All meals
All programming
Private transportation
Security escort & monitoring
Medical insurance
Laundry service
Gratuity for program staff

EXPLORE MORE

Enrollment & Registration

Photos

Why Israel, Why Now

Health & Safety

Scholarship Opportunities

Travel Insurance

DETAILS

Seize your chance to experience a variety of unique aspects of Israeli life while pursuing your passions on an elective week of your choice! Israel Journey XPR is a 27-day program that combines the must-see touring aspects of our flagship Israel Journey experience with two eye-opening additions:

Mountains & Mystics: Enjoy time in the elevated city of Tsfat and immerse yourself in one of Israel's most vibrant neighborhoods. Home to an artists' colony, a thriving music scene, and history steeped in spiritual education, Tsfat will be the perfect setting for internal and cultural exploration.
Volunteering & Service Learning: Based in the Galilee, our volunteer projects vary and typically include working with immigrant youth, minority communities, environmental restoration, and infrastructure improvement. Together we'll learn, volunteer, and reflect on the journey as we connect with Israeli society on a much more personal level.

Additionally, there is an elective week during Israel Journey XPR! Elective sessions take place during the week from Monday morning to Thursday afternoon and provide the opportunity to shape your own experience. Our three elective options are:

Gadna: Organized by the Israel Defense Forces and located on a specialized army educational base, Gadna is a “basic training”-style experience for high school teens from abroad. Since every Israeli teen is required to serve in the Israeli army, Gadna offers a glimpse of this uniquely Israeli experience is like. The Gadna program is not political or militaristic in nature. The experience is about learning new skills, hiking in the outdoors, and simulating what life is like on a real Israeli army base. Gadna is a challenging and character building life experience that you can look back on with a definite sense of accomplishment.
Hava VeAdam Ecological Education Farm: As the future of environmental awareness and sustainability, this Modiin-based farm in the center of Israel will empower you to understand the connection between humans and nature. Enjoy this fun, hands-on experience that teaches you how to thrive in a self-sustainable way by using techniques and technology like solar energy, rainwater collection, recycling, organic farming, and more!
Maccabiah Games: Maccabi World Union organizes the largest and longest running Jewish sports competition ever. You can spend the week cheering on young Jewish athletes from more than 60 countries. Kicking off with an exciting opening ceremony, this once-every-four-years event is a special opportunity to be a part of Jewish unity, sportsmanship, and tradition.

This BBYO Passport Summer Experience will be attending The Maccabiah Games. Often referred to as “the Jewish Olympics,” this is the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition that takes place every four years in Israel.

Questions about this program? We’re happy to answer them! Contact us. Families already registered for a trip should contact their Customer Service team member or email [email protected].

ITINERARY

We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. An updated itinerary, including confirmed accommodations, is distributed three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.

DAY #1 | The Journey Begins

Meet at airport in departure city
Orientation and meeting the group
Depart on our group flight to Israel

Overnight: Departure Flight

DAY #2 | Baruch Habah—Welcome to Israel!

Arrive at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, meet our staff team, and ascend to Jerusalem
Shehecheyanu—Welcome to Israel blessing and ceremony overlooking the unique topography of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade
Check in, dinner, and orientation at our accommodations in the Jerusalem region

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #3 | Foundations of Jewish History in Jerusalem

Walk the Rampart Walls of the Old City from Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate
Enter the Old City at Zion Gate and explore the ancient neighborhoods of the Jewish Quarter
Free time to explore and shop in the Jewish Quarter, including a pizur lunch
Reflections at the Kotel—the Western Wall—and explore the Western Wall Tunnels

City of David Excavations—discover the foundations of Jerusalem dating back to King David's time—then cool off in the spring-fed Hezekiah's Tunnel below Jerusalem

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day #4 | Forming a Traveling Community

Travel to Neot Kedumim Biblical Park for a tree planting ceremony, pita baking experience, and leadership training workshop
Dig-for-a-Day Archaeological Seminar at Beit Guvrin National Park and explore the Bell Caves
Sde Boker—visit David Ben Gurion's hut and learn about Israel's first Prime Minister and his vision for Israel thriving in the desert
Head south to the Negev Desert and prepare for our community Shabbat
Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner at our accommodations

Overnight: Negev Desert

DAY #5 | Shabbat in the Desert

Staff-led Shabbat programming and group lunch at our accommodations
Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat with pool, sports, and free time
Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
Guided desert stargazing experience led by a professional astronomer

Overnight: Negev Desert

DAY #6 | Discovering Beauty in the Desert 

Hike to the hidden desert pools at Ein Avdat
Travel to the desert community of Yerucham, where we'll explore Israel's Mizrahi (Sephardic) culture with a Moroccan tile art project and a traditional lunch
Continue south to explore the world's largest erosion crater at the Ramon Crater Visitor Center
Arrive in the Arava Valley and check-in to our desert kibbutz accommodations
BBQ dinner and pool time on the kibbutz

Overnight: Arava Valley

DAY #7 | The Red Sea and Israel's Southern Borders

Scale the Kasui sand dunes in the Arava Valley
View of the Red Sea and Israel's border with Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
Arrive to Eilat—guided snorkeling in the Red Sea at Coral Beach National Park
Beach time and adventure water sports on the Red Sea
Dinner at our accommodations

Overnight: Arava Valley

DAY #8 | Making the Desert Bloom

Kibbutz workshop—learn how Israel thrives in the desert and protects its ecology
Pool time and lunch on the kibbutz
Travel up to the Judean Desert via the Arava Valley–shared by Israel and Jordan
Experience effortless floating at the Dead Sea's Ein Bokek beach—the lowest point on Earth
Arrive to Kfar Hanokdim encampment where we embark on a camel trek followed by a traditional Bedouin tent dinner feast and bonfire experience

Overnight: Judean Desert Tents

DAY #9 | Masada: Jewish Heroism, Dilemmas, and Leadership

Pre-sunrise hike up the Roman Ramp to the summit of Masada
Tour of Herod's desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion
Descend Masada via the Snake Path or cable cars and stop for breakfast at the base of Masada
Nature walk in Ein Gedi National Park and cool off under the desert waterfalls at Nahal David
Learn about the Dead Sea's environmental challenges for Israel and Jordan with an expert from the EcoPeace initiative
Return to Jerusalem, check in, and rest time at our accommodations
Dinner at our accommodations, followed by a t-shirt design project for a cause with NU Campaign

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #10 | Mystics of the Galilee

Stroll through the ancient city of Tsfat—The historic center of Judaism's Kabbalah movement
Meet Kabbalistic artists, with free time to browse the Tsfat artists' colony
Free time for exploration and pizur lunch in the Tsfat artists' quarter
Cool off rafting down the upper Jordan River followed by a fresh-cooked pizza dinner

Overnight: Galilee

DAY #11 | Perspectives From the Golan Heights

Get wet hiking down Nahal Jilaboun Canyon in the Golan Heights
Explore the history and terrain of the Golan Heights on an off-road jeep tour
View Israel's neighbors and navigate former IDF bunkers at the summit of Mt. Bental
Return to our accommodations and prepare for a community Shabbat
Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner experience at our accommodations

Overnight: Galilee

DAY #12 | Shabbat by the Beach

Staff-led Shabbat programming and lunch at our accommodations
Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat with pool time, sports, and relaxation
Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
Cruise on the Sea of Galilee followed by a group night out in Tiberias

Overnight: Galilee

DAY #13 | Electives—Day 1

Gadna IDF Immersion
Hava VeAdam Ecological Educational Farm
Maccabiah Games

Overnight: Elective Sites

DAY #14 | Electives—Day 2

Gadna IDF Immersion
Hava VeAdam Ecological Educational Farm
Maccabiah Games

Overnight: Elective Sites

DAY #15 | Electives—Day 3

Gadna IDF Immersion
Hava VeAdam Ecological Educational Farm
Maccabiah Games

Overnight: Elective Sites

DAY #16 | Electives—Day 4

Electives conclude following lunch
Reunite as a group on the Mediterranean Coast for a surfing class, beach time, and BBQ dinner

Overnight: Haifa

DAY #17 | Valuing Israeli Diversity

Explore Haifa, Israel's most diverse city
Visit the Stella Maris Monastery, the Bahai Temple Gardens, and the Ahmadiyya Mosque and meet with the Imam
Encounter with Druze culture and share a traditional meal in the Golan village of Ein Kinya
Co-existence dialogue with Arab teens facilitated by the Galilee Foundation

Overnight: Haifa

DAY #18 | Adventures in Western Galilee

Rappelling down Keshet Cave—the soaring natural geological wonder in the Western Galilee
Rosh HaNikra—descend into the ocean-swept caves on Israel's far northern border
Explore the ancient seaport of Akko and its Crusader-era history, including the Templars’ Tunnels
Kabbalat Shabbat at our accommodations

Overnight: Haifa

DAY #19 | Shabbat in Haifa

Krav Maga—Learn about the traditional Israel Martial Arts style
Staff-led Shabbat programming and lunch at our accommodations
Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat with swimming and sports
Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
Group night out at Haifa's Grand Canyon Mall

Overnight: Haifa

DAY #20 | Tikkun Olam—Repairing the World With Our Hearts & Hands

Spend the morning volunteering in the region and learn about the Jewish values that inspire our service
Travel south along the coast to Tel Aviv, Israel's cultural and commercial capital
Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian meal while learning about the cultural and historical experience of Ethiopian-Israelis

Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY #21 | Resilience and Adaptation

Machon Ayalon—honor the bravery of the pioneers who helped establish modern Israel at this secret underground munitions facility

Visit Netiv HaAsara—on the frontier of Gaza—and take part in a peace project on the border wall

Take in the views from the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the colorful Jaffa flea market

Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY #22 | Celebrating the Spirit of Tel Aviv

Learn how Israel became the "Startup Nation" at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa
Enjoy the colorful Nachalat Binyamin street festival and explore the Carmel Market
Return to Tel Aviv for a walking tour of the historic Neve Tzedek and trendy Rothschild Boulevard neighborhoods, including a visit to Independence Hall
Discover the complexity and beauty of Hebrew graffiti art in Florentin and learn how to make your own graffiti art creation
Israeli dance workshop

Overnight: Tel Aviv

DAY #23 | Loss and Renewal

Pay your respects at Yad Vashem—The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
Reflect on your experience over a lunch at Jerusalem’s Mifletzet Park
Kol HaOt—understanding your journey in Israel through an art-based experience
Volunteer project preparing care packages for Lone Soldiers at the Michael Levin Center
Meet with Eylon Levy for a geopolitical overview of Israel and the Middle East today

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #24 | Navigating Jewish Sovereignty and Jewish Values

Explore the geopolitical complexity of Jerusalem in the Gilo neighborhood
Roots Tent—take part in a constructive Arab-Israeli dialogue in the West Bank
Break for lunch in Efrat—one of the largest settlements and the center of the Gush Etzion Bloc
Return to Jerusalem for a guided tour of the Knesset—Israel's parliament building

Learn from Dov Lipman—a former Knesset member—as he discusses Jewish pluralism in Israeli society

Pizur dinner and group night out at Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #25 | Defining Zionism

Visit the Theodor Herzl Museum and explore the grounds of Mt. Herzl National Cemetery—honoring Israel's founders, national leaders, and fallen soldiers
Experience Mahane Yehuda marketplace and final "shopportunity" on Ben Yehuda Street
Re-enter the Old City to experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel
Walk back to our accommodations for Shabbat dinner

Overnight: Jerusalem

DAY #26 | Shabbat in Jerusalem

Staff-led Shabbat programming and lunch at our accommodations
Visit the Israel Museum to discover the Dead Sea Scrolls, Temple Model, and Israel’s most prized cultural and historic treasures
Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a Jerusalem-style Shabbat at Sacher Park
Wrap-up session, celebration dinner, and final Havdalah ceremony
Return to Ben Gurion Airport for an overnight flight back to America

Overnight: Return Flight

DAY #27 | Shalom U'lhitraot

Arrive back from your group flight

FAQs

Have questions? We’re here to help! Our most frequently asked questions for this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Schedule a call to learn more.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
All North American teens will be required to travel on our group supervised flight. This flight will depart from the New York City area. You are responsible for your transportation to and from this location. Flight arrangements will be released in the spring. Families that choose to book their own flight using miles or points must correspond with our supervised flight itinerary. Learn more about our supervised flights.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
Many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels when we stay in cities. If opting for the Sea-to-Sea Hike elective, overnights during this experience will be in nature, and all camping gear (including sleeping bags) will be provided. Finally, all accommodations in Israel have security, and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. They are joined by an armed guard and bus driver. Senior field staff circulates between the groups for extra support as well. Staff names are sent out approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation email series. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to families before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
Temperatures range from hot to hotter in the summer. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. Overexposure to the hot Middle Eastern sun can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburns. The good news is the heat is mostly dry – there is very little humidity, and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is practically zero- no umbrellas needed! Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly – frequently into the 50s or 60s. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day-pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!.

How do you approach security?
Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel with a fundamental commitment to providing a safe and meaningful experience. Our programs adhere to Israel’s comprehensive security policies and are centrally monitored by Israel’s Situation Room. Our itineraries are designed with caution in mind and our policies are calibrated to local conditions. Finally, each group is accompanied by trained staff and a licensed guard accompanies all touring-based activities. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security as well as more specific details about our Israel policies.

What's the typical group size?
Group size varies depending on the date of the program. Our average group size ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.
Note: There will be a way for teens to communicate with each other before the program in late spring.

What's the food like?
As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, specially catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian or pescatarian options available, but we will also not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice. Some meals may be provided via an allowance system whereby teens will be given cash to purchase the food of their choice. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options, and teens can choose the food of their liking. In situations where time is of the essence, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds. Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program. Expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, schnitzel, shakshouka, bourekas, and much more.

Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport – good news! – you don’t need a visa to enter Israel. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa. Contact your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate for additional details.

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Registration Terms.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip preparation manual.

CONNECTIONS

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover 3,000 years of Jewish history and traditions in Jerusalem’s Old City

Float in the Dead Sea and scale the heights of Masada to watch the sunrise

Navigate the wilderness on a camel trek and enjoy a delicious desert feast in Bedouin tents

Get your hands dirty and learn a new skill on the Dig-for-a-Day Archaeological Seminar

Raft down the Jordan River and swim under the Ein Gedi desert waterfalls

Experience Mahane Yehuda’s open-air market, the Nahalat Binyamin street festival, and nightlife on Ben Yehuda Street

Soak up the innovative spirit of Tel Aviv and enjoy its lively beach culture

Give of yourself in Israel during a Service Learning project, knowing that you not only toured the land, but also gave something back

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, artistic spirit, and mystical history of the elevated city of Tsfat on our Mountains & Mystics experience

Follow your passions during our elective week on either the Gadna basic training experience, time on an ecological education farm, or the Maccabiah games

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ISRAEL JOURNEY XPR

OVERVIEW

DESTINATION: Israel

TRAVEL DATES

current grades CURRENT GRADES: 10-12

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Varies

DURATION: 27 Days

PROGRAM FEES

LAND COST (Nov. 19 and on): $6,200

SUPERVISED FLIGHT: $TBD

WHAT'S INCLUDED

EXPLORE MORE

DETAILS

HIGHLIGHTS

PROGRAM REVIEWS

BE PART OF OUR TRADITION

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