The first-ever Silicon Valley community trip to Israel, scheduled June 26 to July 5, 2016, is in the planning stages with sign-ups now available.
Organized by the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto with input from more than 25 Jewish agencies and synagogues, the trip promises “personal encounters that will tie us to [Israel’s] unique communities,” according to OFJCC officials. They expect more than 100 people to sign up.
In Israel, each day will start with a morning gathering for all participants, followed by activities built around different tracks that people choose when they sign up. For example, the “family fun” track might offer a Tel Aviv scavenger hunt, kayaking on the Jordan River, exploring Jerusalem’s Old City through an acting tour, and taking part in hands-on wool-making, sheep-herding and bread-baking workshops.
Additional tracks include history and archaeology; arts and culture; culinary arts; and contemporary voices in Israel in the 21st century. Organizers note that the number of tracks offered will depend on the size of the group.
In addition, travelers will celebrate Shabbat as a community, engage in Jewish learning and take a neighborhood walking tour in Jerusalem.
Several informational meetings about the trip are planned, with the first scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at the OFJCC in Room G100. Future meetings will be held at synagogues and in people’s homes.
“This trip is the first large collaborative project of its kind between Silicon Valley synagogues and local Jewish organizations,” said Luba Palant, the OFJCC’s director of community of engagement. “In sending a sizeable group of Silicon Valley residents of all denominations [to Israel], we are demonstrating our support of this wonderful country.”
Information is available at www.paloaltojcc.org/israel2016. Cost, not including airfare, will be approximately $3,200 for adults and $2,700 for children, with variances based on room occupancy and how many people sign up. For details, visit the website or contact Palant at (650) 223-8656 or [email protected].