By COLlive reporter
42 Chabad rabbis will embark together with delegations from their cities on the annual Land & Spirit trip to Israel in less than 8 weeks.
The intensive 10-day program is organized by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI). The group will not only experience the sites and learn the history, but will explore the soul of the land promised to our forefather.
“Shluchim have sensed a feeling of solidarity among their community members who want to express support to our brothers and sisters in Israel now more than ever,” says Rabbi Efraim Mintz, Executive Director of JLI.
Despite the massive hit Israel’s tourism industry has taken since 2014 due to the Gaza war and recent news headlines, 9 buses will travel the length and breadth of Israel for ten days beginning 18 Adar II or March 28th.
We are thrilled with the number of participants that have already registered for this trip despite recent wave of terrorism in Israel,” Rabbi Dovid Flinkenstein, who is leading a group from Wilmette, Illinois, told COLlive.com.
“This is truly a testament to the unsurpassed quality and VIP service that has become the trademark of the Land and Spirit Israel Experience,” Rabbi Flinkenstein said. “The energy that this will bring to our group and, by extension, our brothers and sisters in Israel who we will meet, is amazing.”
To accommodate everyone on the trip, first-timers and seasoned visitors, several alternative itineraries are being offered.
Leading Israeli personalities and teachers, Chief Rabbis, government officials and business leaders will address the group throughout the trip, providing insight into Israel’s modern-day challenges and triumphs.
Musical entertainment, five-star accommodations, a visit to an army base and a grand banquet are trademark features of the Land and Spirit trip.
Susan and David Gold of Boca Raton, Florida participated in a previous Land and Spirit experience.
“We have been to Israel twice before but this trip was well beyond anything we have ever experienced. The professionalism and courtesy of group leaders, the superb educational component, and the five-star ambiance were unparalleled,” they said.
With just a few spots remaining open, individuals without affiliation to a participating community can register at landandspirit.org.
Dr. Sarah Bergstein of Philadelphia agrees with the Golds. “Thank you for a most memorable and inspiring journey to Israel,” she wrote to the organizers. “This has been the most uplifting Jewish experience of my life.”
VIDEO: Highlights of last year’s trip
Itinerary Highlights:
