Past Trip Comments
"Well organized, well planned, and brilliantly thought out. The trip exceeded our expectations." Richard and Gloria
"Through food experiences, our bonds with Israel and its people were truly 'nourished.'" Lil
A "culinary tour" may sound like its about food. But all Kolel experiences are, by definition, an exploration into Judaism, what it means and what it entails and how it touches each of our lives. On Kolel's recent Food for Thought mission to Israel, 14 participants had the unique opportunity, together with tour co-leaders Rabbi Elyse Goldstein and Bonnie Stern, to meet some of the most extraordinary Israelis and hear their stories.... From disadvantaged Arab Israeli kids becoming chefs to Lebanese twins smuggled over the border; from Ethiopian young people trying to assimilate into Israeli society to a Kurdish home cook and her "adopted daughter" trying to make a new life, we laughed, cried, sang and learned with the most remarkable people. And through their food we began to understand how each ethnic culture makes one incredible "Israeli" culture. We studied the laws of challah and then made our own Shabbat challot. We explored the Biblical roots of the foods we ate and prepared. We saw the almond trees in blossom and pondered the future of the security wall. We talked and debated round the Shabbat table and then made our way to the various synagogues and sites in Jerusalem. All in one amazing week!
UPCOMING ISRAEL EXPEDITIONS
Food for Thought
co-led by Bonnie Stern & Rabbi Elyse Goldstein
October 9-18, 2006
An all-new itinerary from the creators of the original Israel culinary tour...
Food For Thought Israel Tour
A Fabulous Culinary and Ethnic Experience of Israel
Co-led by Bonnie Stern and Rabbi Elyse Goldstein
Oct 9-18, 2006
TENTATIVE SAMPLE ITINERARY
Monday - Depart Toronto
October 09, 2006
Meet at Pearson Airport; board our El AL jet for a non stop flight to Israel
Tuesday - October 10, 2006
To the Desert!
Upon late afternoon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport meet our representative and guide who will assist us to the NEGEV.
PM- Pundac Ramon (The Ramon Inn)
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Wednesday - October 11, 2006
The Crater
Visit the Kornmehl goat cheese farm for a fabulous breakfast. Then into the gigantic Ramon Crater-a unique geological formation millions of years old known as the "Makhtesh"- for a jeep tour. A stop at the Nabatean village of Ovdat, and then we'll sample Israel's best olive oil at Revivim, and end the day with a grand outdoor sunset desert picnic.
PM- Pundac Ramon (The Ramon Inn)
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Thursday - October 12, 2006
Markets, Farms, and Wine
Morning at the local Beduin market where you can buy a camel! On to Ayal farm and wine tasting at the Yatir winery, then we drive north to Jerusalem, stopping to visit a unique Beduin women's rug-making collective at Lakiya. Dinner at Colony in Jerusalem.
PM- Jerusalem hotel TBA
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Friday - October 13, 2006
Jerusalem Prepares for Shabbat
In the early morning we'll join the pre-Shabbat experience of "Machana Yehuda" Jerusalem's outdoor fruit, vegetable and spices market. Afterwards we will be privileged to volunteer at a special version of a soup kitchen. Our lunch will be at the ethnic Iraqi restaurant "Ptiliah", located in the city center. Upon returning to the hotel, we will begin our own challah baking in honor of Shabbat. Optional services at Kol Haneshama, one of Jerusalem's most spirited synagogues, followed by a special festive group Shabbat Dinner at the Hotel.
PM- Jerusalem hotel TBA
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Saturday - October 14, 2006
Shabbat in the Old City
Optional morning services at one of Jerusalem's many incredible synagogues, or take in the Israel Museum on your own. Lunch on your own, join in at the hotel, or go to the Old City for humus! An optional walking tour of the Old City after lunch will take you to the Kotel, the Cardo, or the Christian quarter. We'll do a beautiful havdala together at the hotel and then head out for dinner at Tzakcho, one of Jerusalem's most famous new "joints". For night owls we'll continue on to the Russian compound, an area full of night life; we 'll stop at one of the leading clubs and participate in Hebrew Karaoke night.
PM- Jerusalem hotel TBA
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Sunday - October 15, 2006
The Mystical North
After breakfast, leave toward the historic Mediterranean, drive along the northern coastline with a stop in Caesarea, the ancient Roman capital of Judea. Tour the ruins and view the new Multi Media show. Lunch at Caesarea Helena. On to Safed, the mystical city, enjoy a walk along the cobbled narrow lanes, and stroll along the art galleries to view the local artists' works, tour the synagogues, courtyard and the many unique shops. Dinner at the family run dairy Bar El restaurant, and enjoy a wonderful lecture on Kabbala by the artist David Friedman.
Overnight: Scott Hotel, Tiberias
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Monday - October 16, 2006
Israel's Druze and Arab Cultures
Breakfast at the hotel. A visit to a honey farm up north to see the secrets of bee-keeping followed by lunch at Daliat el-Carmel in a Druze home where we will learn about the Druze culture. Stop in Nazareth Ilite for halva making at the Elite factory. Then on to tour Nazareth and afterward have an Arab-Israeli cooking lesson with chef Abu Duchol at Diana restaurant, which we will eat for our dinner!
Overnight: Scots Hotel
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Tuesday - October 17, 2006
Bustling Tel Aviv
This morning we head to Tel Aviv, stopping on the way in Netanya for a chocolate tasting at the boutique chocolatier "Ornat." Visit Independence Hall where David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948, and then the modern Tel Aviv Art Museum. Late afternoon we'll visit "Ilana Goor's Gallery" (also her home) in Old Jaffa where we will meet the artist. Our Farewell Dinner will be at the famous restaurant Cordelia where you will meet Nir Tzuk the young Chef and owner. After dinner our local representative will assist us to transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for our flight home. Return to Canada with your beautiful souvenirs and wonderful memories, and begin planning your next Israel trip with us!
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$2500 CA Land Only plus $500 fully tax receipted donation to Kolel. For more information and reservations call Gila at YYZ Travel, 905-660-7000 ext 320, gila@yyztravel.com, toll free 1-877-999-4768.
For more information call Rabbi Goldstein at 416-636-1880x472, or egoldstein@bjcc.ca
