Wrestling with the Angels, Israel
Please Notify Me
The Wrestling with the Angels Seminar will be led by Haim Aronovitz, Director of Melton Travel Seminars. The seminar is open to adults who enjoy in-depth Jewish educational travel, including all Melton students and graduates.
We are so pleased that you are interested in travelling with Melton!
We look forward to travelling and learning with you. If you would like to be notified when registration for this seminar opens, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Includes
Tour Includes
- Accommodations: 10 nights
- Meals: Breakfast and one additional meal daily
- Educational Programming: All entrance fees and programs as per the Melton itinerary.
Hotels
- Days 1-6: Herbert Samuel, Jerusalem
- Days 7-8: Kibbutz Lavi
- Days 9-10: Herbert Samuel, Jerusalem
Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the seminar.
Tour Does Not Include Flights
We will be pleased to assist you in any and all flight arrangements, including additional travel plans, through our partners at Gil Travel. Please contact Julian Banegas (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 215-568-6655, Ext. 377) with your flight requests.
Itinerary
DAY ONE: Monday
INTRODUCTIONS
Early-arrivals option
Meet in hotel lobby at 1:30 p.m. and transfer to Mount Scopus
Campus or Sanctuary: Between Ideals and Reality
A special exploration of the Hebrew University, Mount Scopus campus
Evening
Opening Dinner
Who Are We and Why Are We in Israel?
Introductions and Reflections
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY TWO: Tuesday
FATEFUL DECISIONS DURING THE FIRST AND SECOND TEMPLE PERIODS
Morning
Why Jerusalem? Study session overlooking The City of David
Field trip to the Jewish Quarter
Group lunch in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City
Free time
Afternoon
Days of Glory; Days of Destruction
Exploration of the Burnt House in the Old City
Summary Session: Why Was The Temple Destroyed?
Tour of the Western Wall Tunnels
Evening
A visit to the Israel Museum and The Shrine of the Book (optional)
Dinner at leisure
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY THREE: Wednesday
IN APOCALYPTIC TIMES
Morning
Early departure for Dead Sea region
The Dead Sea Sect: Rejecting the Center in the Struggle for Light
Field trip to Qumran
Group lunch
Afternoon
Masada: Fighters for the Future of the Jewish People?
Field trip to Masada
Swim in the Dead Sea OR
Study Session: Bar Kochba: True or False Messiah?
Evening at leisure
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY FOUR: Thursday
NEW CITIES FROM OLD - JEWISH CULTURE REDEFINED IN A CHANGED REALITY
Morning
A City Rises From the Dunes
Explore earliest neighborhoods beyond the walls of Jaffa
"We Hereby Declare the Establishment of a Jewish State…"
Explore the growing city, including Rothschild Boulevard, where Ben Gurion declared Israel's Independence
Lunch at leisure in central Tel Aviv
Afternoon
Can We Build Anew by Learning from Our Past?
- Bialik in Tel Aviv- Then and Now – Study session in Bialik's house in central Tel Aviv
- The Day the Music Died... – A visit to Kikar Rabin
Reflections
Evening
Group dinner in the Yemenite Quarter of Tel Aviv
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY FIVE: Friday
FATEFUL DECISIONS - THE CITIZENS' PERSPECTIVES
Morning
Symbols and Signs - Mapping Jerusalem's Multi-faceted Population
Study session, followed by field trip to Jerusalem neighborhoods
Afternoon
Free time; Preparations for Shabbat
Evening
Lekha Dodi Likrat Kallah - Welcoming remarks towards our Melton Shabbat Celebration
Candle-lighting and Evening Services
Traditional Shabbat dinner - Se'udat Shabbat with participants of the “Olive, Vine, and Palette” seminar
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY SIX: Saturday
SHABBAT
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning Services at Synagogue(s) of choice
A Look at the Weekly Torah Portion - Closing the Book of Leviticus
In a private setting, indulge in a Jewish Shabbat Brunch - Enjoy the variety of classic ethnic foods that are part of the Shabbat day meal. These dishes are brought directly from the homes in which the food was cooked by families that share their heritage and flavors.
Afternoon
Optional Walking Tours – The Poetry of Yehuda Amichai OR Along King David Street: Three Buildings, Three Faiths, Three Agendas
Se'udah Shlisheet - late afternoon snack and schmooze
Evening
Havdalah
Dinner and evening at leisure
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY SEVEN: Sunday
FATEFUL DECISIONS IN THE WAKE OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SECOND TEMPLE
Morning
Travel north to Caesarea
Between Caesarea and Jerusalem - Two World Views
Field trip and study session at Caesarea
Lunch at leisure
Afternoon
The Period of the Mishna: Responding to New Jewish Realities
Field trip and study session at Beit Shearim OR Tsippori
Drive to Kibbutz Lavi
Evening
Group dinner
Study session: The Fable of the Goat
Overnight: Pundak Lavi at Kibbutz Lavi
DAY EIGHT: Monday
FROM OLD TO NEW (ZIONIST) JEWS: TWO VISIONS OF REDEMPTION
Morning
Building Community in Anticipation of Redemption
Exploration of story and explore the alleys and synagogues of Tsfat
Lunch at leisure
Afternoon
"Deep River; My Heart is Over Jordan…"
Rafting on the Jordan River (weather permitting)
Of Farmers and Poets: What Motivated the New Jew?
Field trip to Kinneret Farm and Kinneret Cemetery
Evening
Group dinner in Tiberias
Overnight: at Kibbutz Lavi
DAY NINE: Tuesday
FROM 67 to '67... AND BEYOND: FATEFUL DECISIONS - THEN AND NOW
Morning
Options on the Syrian Front
Study session
"From Here you Look Seven-Fold Larger..." Overview into Galilee Panhandle from Golan Heights and examination of the period leading to the 1967 War
Yom HaDin: What Went Wrong?
Stop at sites connected to the Yom Kippur War and examination of outbreak of Yom Kippur War in 1973.
Lunch in Katzrin, “Capital” of the Golan
Afternoon
My Past; My Future/Our Past, Our Future
Meeting in Katzrin with resident of the Golan
What Do We Learn From the Story of Gamla?
Visit the Golan Archaeological Museum in Katzrin
Summary session
Make our way back to Jerusalem
Evening at leisure
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY TEN: Wednesday
DIFFICULT FREEDOM: DILEMMAS OF SOVEREIGNTY
Morning
Israel and the Holocaust: The Shoah and Collective Memory in Israel
Site visit and study session at Yad VaShem
Lunch at leisure
Afternoon
Free time
Land and Compromise: Addressing One of Israel's Central Challenges
* Study session at hotel
* Departure for field trip, home hospitality and dinner
* Encounter with differing viewpoints on the issue
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY ELEVEN: Thursday
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Morning
Symbols of Sovereignty
A visit to Mt. Herzl
"And the Children Will Return to Their Borders..."
Stop at Kibbutz Ramat Rachel
S.Y. Agnon as Symbol
A visit and study session in the home of the Nobel Laureate
Lunch at leisure
Afternoon
Free time
Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going To?
Closing activity evaluating the seminar
Evening
Celebratory dinner with the Olive, Vine, and Palette Seminar
NOTE: Please try to arrange flights from 11:45 p.m. on, and enjoy the festive group dinner. Transportation will be provided to Ben Gurion airport for all those flying on Thursday night after 11 p.m.
Note: Itinerary subject to change. Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.
Terms
Need to Know
- Melton has offered quality educational travel opportunities for over 25 years, but it is not a travel agency and does not handle any payments made towards the seminar. We have contracted this seminar to Via Sabra and it is essential that you read their Terms and Conditions prior to your actual registration.
- Melton is not responsible for cancellation of this program for reasons beyond its control and your travel insurance should cover both "cancellation for any reason" and "COVID-related cancellation". This latter policy is being offered by a number of insurance companies (see Insurance, Health & Safety, on this page).
Cancellations
Please refer to the Cancellation policy that appears in the Terms and Conditions of the Registration process with Via Sabra.
The Via Sabra Cancellation policy states, in part:
Cancellation by Via Sabra/Israel4All
You hereby acknowledge that a booked tour may be cancelled, amended, or delayed due to circumstances which are not under our control (including force majeure events which prevent us from operating the tour). In such cases, we will make our best efforts to inform you in advance of such changes and make every attempt to minimize the impact of such cancellations, changes or delays on the costs, schedule, and your general services experience.
Any cancellation by Via Sabra/Israel4All will be subject to the cancellation terms set forth below:
- Via Sabra/Israel4All reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any group trip for any reason. Except in the case of extreme circumstances detailed below, we will offer alternative arrangements.
- Via Sabra/Israel4All shall not be responsible for any of the additional costs for air tickets or other travel arrangements not made by us.
- Via Sabra/Israel4All operates a number of group trips that are based on a minimum number of participants. Should the minimum threshold not be reached and the trip cancelled, participants will be notified 45 days prior to the trip’s start date.
- In the event of cancellation by Via Sabra/Israel4All, all efforts will be made to issue refunds, minus a $200 processing fee. Alternatively, the full amount can be used for a future trip/seminar.
Cancellation by You
You may cancel your trip with Via Sabra/Israel4All at any time, subject to the cancellation terms set out below:
- Initial bookings made on the website can be cancelled within 48 hours, with a full refund.
- All cancellations must be made in writing.
- For cancellations made:
- Up to 45 days prior to departure, any payments above the deposit towards the trip will be refunded. The deposit is non-refundable.
- 45-30 days prior to departure, 50% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.
- 29-8 days prior to departure, 25% of the total tour cost per person will be refunded.
- 7-0 days prior to departure, the client will incur 100% of the cost of the tour.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to cancellations made as a result of force majeure circumstances, or due to Israel-imposed governmental or air flight restrictions, including those related to COVID-19, either funds on deposit can be applied to a future trip or you can receive a refund, less $200 per person which is a non-refundable processing fee.
All cancellation requests must be made in writing.
Please note that all reimbursements on payments made by credit card will carry a 3% processing fee.
Additional Information
- Group rates are per person based on double occupancy and a minimum of 15 fully paying participants per bus. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we will adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.
- Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.
- Hotel Accommodations: The tour price includes all hotel accommodations, in hotel rooms with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available hotels while considering value. Although the level of the accommodations may differ slightly from hotel to hotel, we are committed to your comfort. Two-bed rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bed rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended when considering the comfort of those in the room. King-size beds are not available in most hotels; what is considered king-size usually consists of two single beds pushed together and made up separately, but with one headboard. Some two-bed rooms may have two twin - not full- or queen-size - beds.
- Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. In travel beyond Israel, not all communal meals are kosher certified, but fish- and vegetarian options will always be available and kashrut and other dietary requirements of group members will be taken into account. Participants can order additional kosher meals at prices set by our local agents.
- All seminars are led by a Melton educator who remains with the group throughout the tour.
- Gratuities: All gratuities for the educators, guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are included.
- Baggage: The Travel Agent and/or Tour Operator shall not be held responsible for any damage to, or loss of, luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of the incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. With regard to airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach. Please check with your individual carrier with regard to permitted number of pieces, weights and dimensions. The tour operator is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.
- Airline Security Measures: In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding.
- If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that airport.
- Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.
- Holidays and Museum Closures- Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or religious, state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.
- Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.
Not Included
- Flights, personal and health insurance.
- Transfers from / to the airport unless as part of an organized group travelling together.
- Personal Expenses, including meals not mentioned above or drinks during meals, unless specified above; or room service.
Insurance, Health & Safety
Please note that Via Sabra will obey all protocols/restrictions in place regarding COVID.
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Melton is not responsible for cancellation of this program for reasons beyond its control. Your comprehensive travel insurance should cover both "cancellation for any reason" and "COVID-related cancellation". This latter policy is being offered by a number of insurance companies. We refer you to a list published by Forbes magazine, showing those companies that offer this new policy.
Please note that such policies may require registration for the policy within 14-21 days of your registration for the seminar.
Via Sabra recommends Travel Insured.
Please consult with your insurance provider regarding land, air and health insurance options or contact Travel Insured.
Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.
Additional Information
- Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. It must also be exactly as it appears on your passport. Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return home.
- If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
- Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration website at tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.