CCP Germany/Poland & Israel Adventure Itinerary

The following is an actual itinerary from a previous program. Your itinerary may differ according to the actual dates, availability of speakers and sites, and other logistical concerns.

Accepted participants will receive their itineraries within several weeks of their departure.

 

Departure

Departure from ORD - LOT Airlines 009 (8:30 p.m.) Check in at the EL AL ticket counter (Terminal 5) at 5:30 p.m.

Poland Day 1: A Personal Journey

Arrival in Krakow Travel together to the center of town, through the Jewish Quarter, stopping at Oskar Schindler's former factory.

Opening Ceremony to mark the beginning of this unique journey.

Check in and Relax at the Hotel

Dinner and Visit to the Siganaria

Orientation Program Get to know each other - and learn more about the goals of this journey in Poland.

Overnight: Krakow Novotel

 

Poland Day 2: Ani Ma'amin/I Believe

Program in the Jewish Community Center in Krakow Learn about the Jewish community that remains in Poland, and its roots in the community that was destroyed.

Meeting with a Survivor Hear a testimony of survival.

Visit to Auschwitz/Berkinau The death camp and factory.

Evening Discussion: Debriefing

Overnight: Krakow Novotel

 

Poland Day 3: Shorashim/Roots

Tour the Kaziemierz The Old Jewish Quarter to learn about the Jewish life in Poland before World War II.

Remuh Synagogue An important synagogue in Jewish History and the only remaining functioning synagogue in Krakow.

Lunch at the Ariel Jewish Restaurant In the Jewish Quarter

Afternoon Train to Warsaw

Walk through the Warsaw Old Town Square

Evening Discussion and Meeting with the Rabbi of Warsaw

Overnight: Warsaw Novotel

 

Poland Day 4: In the Footsteps of our Ancestors

Warsaw Jewish Cemetery on Okopowa Street has been in continuous use since the late 18th century and contains an estimated 250,000 individual graves, as well as mass graves of thousands of residents of the Warsaw Ghetto.

Korczak Orphanage Learn about the story and legacy of Janusz Korczak, a Jewish doctor, writer, leader and hero.

Visit the Lauder Foundation Youth Center where young Jews of Warsaw gather to meet, socialize, and talk about the issues facing the Jewish community of Warsaw today.

Kabbalat Shabbat Celebrating Shabbat in Warsaw is a truly moving experience. Enjoy a festive Shabbat meal & singing.

Overnight: Warsaw Novotel

 

Poland Day 5: Legacy of the Ghetto Fighters

Shabbat Tefillot at the Nozyk Synagogue The only synagogue of Warsaw that survived the War.

Shabbat Lunch

Rest Time at the Hotel

Warsaw Walking Tour See the Ghetto Fighters' Memorial; Mila 18, the headquarters of the Jewish underground; and the Umshlagplatz, site of mass deportations to Treblinka.

Overnight: Warsaw Novotel

 

Poland Day 6: Hatikvah/The Hope

Travel to Lublin and Maijdanek Death Camp and crematorium.

Visit to the Town of Lublin see the old Yeshiva - once a center for Jewish learning for all the world.

Return to Warsaw

Departure for Tel Aviv EL AL Flight 564 at 9:30 p.m.

 

Day 1: Bruchim Habaim/Welcome to Israel

Arrival Israeli participants welcome you. Together you travel North to the Golan begin your Israel Adventure!

Travel North to the Galilee and Golan

Opening Ceremony at Sdot Yam - former home of Jewish Resistance Fighter Hannah Senesh.

Check in and Relax at the Hotel

Orientation Program You and your Israeli peers begin to learn about each other and review the goals and highlights of the program.

Hike in the Canyon of Nahal Betzet Discover the natural beauty of the Galilee and explore the caves of the area.

Overnight: Kibbutz Yechiam Guest House

 

Day 2: The Natural Beauty of the Galil

Rosh Hanikra Descend into the grottoes on the Mediterranean Sea along the border with Lebanon.

Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea

Acco Visit this beautiful ancient port city and learn about the central role it played during the period of Jewish immigration to pre-state Israel. See the beautiful mosaics of the Tunisian synagogue there.

Water Hike in Nahal Kziv

Overnight: Kibbutz Yechiam Guest House

 

Day 3: The People of the North

Baha'i Shrine See the beautiful gardens and learn about at this important site in the Baha'i faith.

Haifa Neighborhoods and Shopping

Druze Hospitality Travel to Ossafiyah and meet with a Druze family. Learn about their unique culture, their life in Israel and taste a homemade falafel and pita!

Shopping in the Market at Dalit el Carmel

Bowling in Karmiel

Overnight: Kibbutz Yechiam Guest House

 

Day 4: The Mystic Tradition

Har Meron Hike on the mystical mountain that overlooks the city of Tzfat.

Tzfat Wind through the blue-painted alleys of this mystical city and learn about the origins of the Kabballah, the famous rabbis that lived here, and the artist community that remains.

Hike down Mt. Arbel Lookout over the entire Galilee onto the Golan Heights and climb down the cliffs on the shores of the sea of Galilee, stopping to explore ancient caves along the way.

Check in and Relax at the Pool at Kibbutz Afik

Evening Group Activity

Overnight: Kibbutz Afik Guest House

 

Day 5: The Golan - Issues of Survival and Ideology

Water Hike in the Jilaboon Get your feet (and more) wet hiking through a stream in the Golan.

Har Bental Ascend to the top of the Golan Heights, and enjoy coffee at an overview of the Israel/Syria border. Have a discussion with Golan residents about peace with Syria - two brothers from a local kibbutz disagree and argue about the future of this territory.

Kabbalat Shabbat Prepare for your first Shabbat in Israel

T'fillot

Enjoy a festive Shabbat meal & singing.

Overnight: Kibbutz Afik Guest House

 

Day 6: My Judaism

T'fillot/Worship Options

Discussion on Parashat Hashavua (Weekly Torah Portion)

Shabbat Lunch

Rest Time around the Kibbutz or at the pool.

Group Activity: Jewish Identity program

Hamat Gader Relax in the natural hot springs along the Yarmuk River. Explore the ancient baths that date back to the second century.

Havdallah

Overnight: Kibbutz Afik Guest House

 

Day 7: The Golan Continued...

Tel Fahar - Israel Update & Overview An analysis of current security, political & economic issues related to the Israeli Arab conflict & alternatives for the future from a battlefield of the Yom Kippur War.

Mt. Hermon Ascend by cable car to the observation point on Israel's highest peak, and see the border with Syria.

Kayaking Splash and paddle down the Jordan River.

Naot Mordechai Visit the Kibbutz where Naot sandals are made!

Overnight: Kibbutz Afik Guest House

 

Day 8: Poets & Pioneers - Returning to Our Zionist Roots

Nahal Yehudiya A Challenging water hike in the Golan

Kineret Cemetery At the shores of the Kineret learn about two great poets of Israel; "Rachel the Poet" and song writer and singer Nomi Shemer. Israelis share some of their poems and songs with you.

Naharayim Situated between the Jordan and Yarmuk Rivers, this island - now in Jordanian territory - is a visual reminder of the peace accords with Jordan. Learn about Israel's relationship with it's neighbors, and the ongoing challenges to peace.

BBQ on the Kineret

Overnight: Dugit Beach - Kineret

 

Day 9: The Ascent to Jerusalem

Swimming and Beach Activities on the Kineret.

Travel to Jerusalem

Bab-el Waad/Sha'ar HaGai Learn about Israel's battle for Jerusalem in 1948

Check into the Hotel and Relax

Visit the Kotel Your opportunity to leave a personal prayer in the stones of the Wall.

Evening Cultural Program and Dinner

Overnight: Neve Ilan Guest House - Jerusalem

 

Day 10: Yerushalayim shel Zahav - Jerusalem of Gold

Old City of Jerusalem - Jewish Quarter Explore the vast history within the walls of the ancient city. Share in the legacy of Jewish life spanning generations.

Lunch in the Cardo Site of the Roman Market

Shopping on the Midrachov Jerusalem's Pedestrian Mall and Ben Yehudah Street.

Sataf Enjoy a leisurely hike on the outskirts of Jerusalem with many panoramic views.

Poland Discussion Americans share their experiences in Poland with their Israeli peers and staff in preparation for tomorrow's visit to Yad Vashem.

Overnight: Neve Ilan Guest House - Jerusalem

 

Day 11: Jewish Memory

Yad Vashem Israel's Holocaust Memorial on Mt. Herzl. Experience the way Holocaust memory and history are preserved in Israel. American and Israeli participants share their personal connections to the Holocaust with one another.

Lunch in the German Colony in Jerusalem.

Return to the Hotel, Relax at the Pool

Check in and Relax at the Hotel

Evening Cultural Program and Dinner - Israeli Music and Musicians Evening Music Workshop with Udi Krauss. Learn about 5 different Israeli musicians and their Hebrew songs that characterize the country over the past 55 years.

Overnight: Neve Ilan Guest House - Jerusalem

 

Day 12: The Desert Mosaic

Workshop "Challenges Facing Israel Today" - Paul Liptz, Professor of History and Israel Studies

Travel South to Eilat

Sand Dunes Ride down the dunes like a ski slope - in the middle of the Arava Desert!

Kabbalat Shabbat Prepare for your Shabbat in the desert.

T'fillot and Shabbat Dinner

Overnight: Kibbutz Eilot Guest House

 

Day 13: Mah Yafeh Hayom - Shabbat Shalom

T'fillot at the Kibbutz Beit Knesset

Shabbat Lunch

Discussion on Parashat Hashavuah

Free Time & Swimming

Group Activity Israel/Diaspora Relations

Havdallah

Yacht Cruise in Eilat Dance and enjoy the view on an evening cruise on the Red Sea.

Overnight: Kibbutz Eilot Guest House

 

Day 14: The Challenge of the Desert

Egyptian Border Get an up-close look of the border between Egypt and Israel at Har Hezkiyahu, and learn about the long history and relationship between these two countries - and Israel's other neighbors.

Red Canyon Hike along the colorful cliffs of the Eilat Mountains.

Cookout at the foot of Har Yehoram Enjoy the desert sunset as you prepare for tomorrow's challenging hike.

Overnight: Under the Stars in the Arava Desert

 

Day 15: The Challenge Continues

Har Shlomo Climb for for sunrise - challenge yourself and work together as a group as you conquer the highest peak in Israel's Southern Desert.

Snorkeling in the Coral Reef and relax on Eilat's Almog Beach on the Red Sea.

Travel to the Negev Desert

Check into the hotel and Relax

Sunset at the Grave of David Ben Gurion, Israel's First Israeli Prime Minister, overlooking Nahal Zin and Machtesh Hagadol.

Overnight: Mashabim Guest House - Negev Desert

 

Day 16: Let the Desert Bloom...

Sde Boker Visit the former home of David Ben Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister. Learn about Ben Gurion and his passion for cultivating Israel's desert.

Hike through the Natural Cliff Formations at JNF Ein Uvdat Preserve Learn about the ancient significance of this desert oasis, and prepare for a brief, but challenging ascent out of the gorge!

Rappelling in Machtesh Ramon - the largest naturally-formed crater in the world

Bedouin Hospitality Meal Enjoy a feast while learning about Bedouin life & culture.

Evening Cultural Activity Ethnic Drummers Workshop - participants sing Hebrew songs while learning ethnic drumming techniques.

Overnight: Ha'an Hashayarut Bedouin Tents

 

Day 17: The Dead Sea

Desert Camel Trek On the back of a camel, enjoy the far reaches of the Negev desert.

Nachal David Visit and hike through this Nature preserve and learn about the wildlife of the desert

Dead Sea Your chance to float in the Dead Sea!

Evening Group Activity

Overnight: Masada Guest House

 

Day 18: Jewish Resistance and Persistence

Sunrise on Masada Hear the story of the heroic struggle of the Jewish People on Masada. Learn about the historical and contemporary significance.

Return to the Hotel for breakfast and to relax.

Travel to Kiryat Gat

Participate in a Community Service Project in the schools of Chicago's Partnership 2000 region - Kiryat Gat - Lachish - Shafir. Make the bond with Israel a personal one as you give back the gift you have received.

Depart for Home Hospitality with your Israeli Peers Spend the weekend with your Israeli friends and enjoy home cooked food!

Overnight: Home Hospitality

 

Days 19-20: Home Hospitality

Shabbat in the Homes of Israeli Friends

 

Days 21-23: Gadna Army Experience

The Challenge of the Army Experience Join with your Israeli peers in getting a taste of what the experience of serving in the IDF is like.

 

Day 24

Morning Completion of the Gadna Program Awards given to honored soldiers.

Return to Jerusalem

Relax at the Pool

Dinner

Erev Tisha B'Av Program Reading of Migillat Eicha

Overnight: Shalom Hotel (Jerusalem)

 

Day 25: Tisha B'Av

Discussion with Amos Levi Tov Israeli Pilot held prisoner by the Egyptians from 1970 - 1973 at the Museum of the Underground Fighters

Rest Time at the Hotel

Workshop: Kamtza Bar Kamtza - a program on the origins of Tisha B'Av with Professor Barry Chazan

Break the Fast Meal

Shopping and Dessert on Ben Yehuda Street

Overnight: Shalom Hotel (Jerusalem)

 

Day 26: Mitzvah Goreret Mitzvah - One Good Deeds Leads to Another

Workshop Become inspired by Danny Siegel and the Ziv Foundation's Mitzvah Heroes - individuals who have dedicated themselves to making the world a better place

Group Activity Neighborhood Game - explore Jerusalem's neighborhoods, while trying to complete assigned tasks.

Bikur Holim Community service activity at a local hospital in preparation for Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat Experience the uniqueness of Shabbat in Jerusalem!

T'fillot and Shabbat Dinner

Shabbat Tish Singing, story telling, and fun. Experience Erev Shabbat, as Jews have done for centuries.

Overnight: Shalom Hotel (Jerusalem)

 

Day 27: Shabbat in Jerusalem

Synagogue Visit in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Bet Hakarem

Shabbat Lunch

Discussion on Parashat Hashavua Weekly Torah Portion

Relax at the Pool

Neighborhood Walking Tour Explore Jerusalem Neighborhoods in the quietness of Shabbat.

Workshop Israel in the International Media - A dynamic presentation on the use and misuse of media for political purpose by Professor Gadi Wolfsfeld

Havdallah

Evening Group Activity Israeli Music Concert at the Sultan's Pools in Jerusalem

Overnight: Shalom Hotel (Jerusalem)

 

Day 28: Digging the Soil of Our History

Archeological Dig Participate in an actual dig and discover artifacts from our past at Beit Guvrin caves outside of Jerusalem.

Visit the Knesset Israeli participants prepare a mock Knesset activity demonstrating how the political system works in Israel.

Evening Cultural Event

Overnight: Shalom Hotel (Jerusalem)

 

Day 29: The People Who have Shaped Modern Israel

Independence Hall Visit the site where David Ben Gurion declared the Independence of the State of Israel. Learn about the challenges and emotions of that historic moment.

Rabin Square Learn about the life and legacy of Israel's Former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Israelis share with you their memories of his assassination and discuss the impact of his legacy.

Lunch and Shopping in the Jaffa Market Stroll through the art galleries and eat some of Jaffa's famous humus.

Swimming on at the Beach

Overnight: Shalom Hotel (Jerusalem)

 

Day 30: My Israel

Har Herzl Israeli peers lead you through Israel's military cemetery. They talk about the impact of army and war on their lives, and share stories of Israeli dignitaries, and of their own friends who are buried there.

Final Party and Israeli-Style Lunch at Mifgash HaEish in Jerusalem

Time for Rest, Shopping, and to Say Goodbye to Friends

Final Discussion at Jerusalem Overview at Armon Hanatziv

Tree Planting Ceremony Leave your legacy on the Land of Israel

 

Day 31: L’hitraot - See You Again Soon!

Departure from Ben Gurion Airport – EL AL Flight 27 (12:01 a.m.)

Arrival to ORD (8:10 a.m.)