SUSTAINABLE ISRAEL TOUR March 13-19, 2017
JEWISH INSPIRATION. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
Table of Contents About Hazon............................................................................................................................................... 3 Schedule Day 1 – Monday, March 13................................................................................................................ 4 Day 2 – Tuesday, March 14................................................................................................................ 6 Day 3 – Wednesday, March 15......................................................................................................... 8 Day 4 – Thursday, March 16............................................................................................................10 Day 5 – Friday, March 17..................................................................................................................12 Day 6 – Saturday, March 18.............................................................................................................14 Day 7 – Sunday, March 19...............................................................................................................15 Meet our tour staff..................................................................................................................................16 About our tour operators.....................................................................................................................17 Logistics......................................................................................................................................................18 Upcoming Hazon retreats & events..................................................................................................20
DID YOU KNOW? Hazon has developed a diverse library of curricula, source books, and other resources that can be used in the classroom, at home, or as experiential programs. Our tools are geared towards various age groups and have been used in synagogues, day schools, JCCs, and camps around the world. hazon.org/education
JEWISH INSPIRATION. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
About Hazon THE WORD “HAZON” MEANS “VISION.” Our tagline is “Jewish inspiration. Sustainable communities.” That encapsulates all that we strive to do: We work to renew Jewish life by creating a healthier and more sustainable world for all.
OUR THEME QUOTE IS: “The Torah is a commentary on the world and the world is a commentary on the Torah.” This reflects our belief that turning Jewish life outwards to address some of the greatest challenges of our time is good not only for the world, but also for the renewal of Jewish life itself. OVERVIEW: Hazon was founded in 2000. Today’s Hazon includes not only our own legacy programs, but also those of Isabella Freedman and Teva, with whom we merged in 2013. WE EFFECT CHANGE IN THREE WAYS: • Transformative Experiences: Immersive multi-day programs that directly touch people’s lives in powerful ways • Thought-Leadership: Changing the world through the power of ideas—including writing, teaching, curriculum-development, and advocacy • Capacity-Building: Not just working with people as individuals, but explicitly supporting and networking with great projects and partners in North America and Israel If you’re interested in talking to us about how we might work together in the future— and especially about how we can partner with your synagogue or community center — please be in touch with Eli Massel, our Director of Outreach: elisheva.massel@hazon.org.
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Schedule
Day 1: Leadership and Vision: How Visionaries Implement Ideas Monday, March 13th Arrival in Israel & Welcome! Meet the other participants at Neot Kedumim. Case by case arrangements have been made by Gabe Axler from Pnima for you to arrive at the site. Travel to Neot Kedumim Neot Kedumim – Biblical Leadership Workshop We are starting the tour at Neot Kedumim to begin the process of coming together as a group through a series of exercises. The trip is designed to expose participants to social change leaders in a wide variety of fields, but what does Jewish leadership mean? Get your hands dirty and try on a number of biblical related tasks that will test your leadership abilities. Did you ever wonder why so many biblical leaders were shepherds? You will get a better understanding after trying to herd sheep around the reserve. Explore the landscape reserve and learn the unique nature of biblical Jewish leadership and how it can inspire us today. Catered lunch at Neot Kedumim Travel to Park Ariel Sharon
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Park Ariel Sharon (Hiriya), in the heart of Israel, 15 minutes from Tel Aviv, is the largest environmental rehabilitation project in Israeli history. The park was formerly a dump site that took in 3,000 tons of waste per day, and in 1998 the government decided to close the site and turn it into a public green space. Meet with the visionary behind the founding of the park and learn how the site serves as a model for urban centers in Israel and around the world to change their waste sites into green parks. Group debrief Travel to hotel Check in and rest Opening Dinner at Liliyot and meeting with the manager of the social business/restaurant. Liliyot is a restaurant in Tel Aviv with a social bottom line. Over ten years ago the restaurant partnered with the Dualis foundation to create a program that employs 20 youth at risk (referred by the welfare department) to work in the restaurant and learn important skills that will help them exit the cycle of poverty. Overnight: Market House Hotel in Jaffa – 5 Beit Eshel Street in Jaffa
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Day 2: Incorporating the Marginalized: For Whom Are We Responsible? Tuesday, March 14th Walking tour Study session with Jeremy Benstein from Heschel Dr. Jeremy Benstein is the Director of Research & Publications for The Heschel Center for Sustainability. For 15 years he ran the Center's Environmental Leadership Fellowship Program, and during the last five years he also has taught Environmental Ethics at The Porter School of Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University. The Heschel Center is Israel's leading advocate for a sustainable Israel: a just society with a robust democratic economy and a healthy environment, now and for future generations. Meeting with Yossi Cory, a leader in the field of sustainable architecture, for a tour of the first LEED-certified building in the Israeli university system. Lunch at Meshek Barzilay Meshek Barzilay is a pioneering progressive organic cooperative in the hip Florentin neighborhood of Tel Aviv. Meet with the owners to hear how their model contributes to the flourishing organic food scene in Israel. Travel to Lod Meeting and tour of Lod with the founder of Jindas Avital Bonder, the CEO of Jindas, will lead you on an interactive tour of Lod, starting from its rich past through its difficult present with an emphasis on the future of the city. Jindas operates the largest urban renewal project in Lod with a sustainable model of incorporating all of the city's diverse populations into the plan.
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Learn to crochet with the women of Kuchinate Kuchinate is a business created by African asylum seekers who use locallymade cloth and fabric to create traditional baskets and rugs that allow them to earn decent wages in a respectful work environment. You will hear their personal stories as well as what is happening currently in connection to the asylum seekers in Israel. Return to hotel Dinner at Blackout at the Please Touch/Na Laga’at Center BlackOut Restaurant invites you to an exceptional culinary experience that will trigger your senses. In total darkness you will be served various dishes, escorted by blind waiters. When the eyes do not engage in the eating process, one’s ability to taste and smell food sharpens. There is so much to be “seen” when eyes are closed… Dining at BlackOut is one of the three outstanding experiences offered to the visitors of the Na Laga’at Center. The Center – the first of its kind in the world – seeks to promote interaction between deafblind, deaf, and blind individuals and people able to hear and see, regardless of cultural or social distinctions. Overnight: Market House Hotel in Jaffa – 5 Beit Eshel Street, Jaffa
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Day 3: From the Field to the Academy: Looking at Israel's Challenges from Multiple Perspectives Wednesday, March 15th Walking tour Hit the Ground – Picking We begin by getting our hands dirty and picking produce straight from the fields under the auspices of the massive food rescue project Leket – Table to Table. We will harvest crops left in the fields and hear about issues of nutritional insecurity. Meet Gidi Koch, CEO of Leket Gidi joined Leket Israel as CEO in 2007, bringing with him a wealth of administrative and hands-on experience after nearly two decades in the hitech sector in Israel and in the US. He holds an MBA from England's University of Derby and is a Lieutenant Commander (res.) in the Israeli Navy. He was named one of Israel's most influential leaders in 2016 by Haaretz. Travel to the city of Gedera Communities in Action Friends By Nature is a network of mission-driven communities started by and geared towards the Ethiopian community. You will meet with the founder to hear about her inspiring story and the power of the community, then sit down for lunch in the homes of Ethiopian women for a traditional meal and explanation of their food and culture. Debrief/Processing Travel to Jerusalem
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Jewish and Democratic State, a conversation with a leading thinker from the Shalom Hartman Institute. In order for Israel to sustain itself it must navigate the crossroads between Judaism and democracy. Hear from a leading expert and gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing Israel today. The Shalom Hartman Institute is a pluralistic center of research and education, deepening and elevating the quality of Jewish life in Israel and around the world. Through its work, it is redefining the conversation about Judaism in modernity, religious pluralism, Israeli democracy, Israel and world Jewry, and the relationship with other faith communities. Check into hotel Dinner at Te’enim Te'enim (which means 'figs' in Hebrew) opened in 1993, and is one of Jerusalem's longest-established vegetarian restaurants. We will be joined by Aharon Ariel Lavi, a leader in the mission-driven community network in Israel, MAKOM, and a close partner to Hazon in our Jewish Intentional Communities Initiative. Optional evening walking tour of the Old City Overnight – Bezalel Hotel in Jerusalem – 1 Mesilat Yesharim Street
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Day 4: The Many Faces of Jerusalem Thursday, March 16th Torah Yoga offers an experience of Jewish wisdom through Iyengar yoga instruction, together with the study of traditional and mystical Jewish texts. Created by Diane Bloomfield, this unique blend of Torah and yoga will help frame the day in Jerusalem. Film Screening at Maaleh Film School Maaleh is the only film school dedicated to the intersection of Judaism and modernity. You will see three short films, each dealing with a different societal challenge, and will have the opportunity to discuss the films with the directors. To Market, To Market – Insiders’ Tour of Machaneh Yehudah Israel's leading open-air market, a place of coexistence of local and global, classic-popular and yuppy-elite: where rugelach and kibbe, arak and espresso live side by side. With tastings! Independent lunch in the Machaneh Yehudah Market Muslala Visit the unique urban green space created by the mission-driven community called Muslala in an underdeveloped and underutilized building in the center of Jerusalem. The community of artists took over the abandoned top floor and has created a rooftop garden and open space for gatherings for all Jerusalemites. Visit to the Ginot Teva community garden Ginot Teva is an organization of community gardens in Jerusalem. We will visit the largest community garden, located in the German Colony. The garden serves as a meeting place for environmental activism in the heart of the city. We will be meeting with local volunteers and activists.
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Debrief/Processing A Visit with Roots Roots was founded in 2014 by Ali Abu Awwad, from Beit Umar, and Shaul Judelman, from Tekoa, after a meeting of Israeli and Palestinian activists on a strip of land owned by Ali's family. In an area where Palestinians and Israelis have great fear of and separation from each other, Roots offers a paradigm shift, changing people and transforming the relationship between the sides. They provide a space for understanding, where hates and suspicions are challenged and enemies are transformed into neighbors and partners. At Roots, despair and fear experience hope and collaboration. We will be eating dinner with these inspiring activists. Travel to Beersheva Overnight – Leonardo Hotel in Beersheva – 4 Henrietta Szold Street
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Day 5: The Desert's Time: New Initiatives and Inspirational People Changing the Negev Friday, March 17th Conversation on Intentional Communities in Israel, together with the CEO of Tor Hamidbar, Bella Alexandrov. Tor Hamidbar is a non-profit that runs a network of 24 intentional communities across Israel as well as incubators for social entrepreneurs. Bella will speak about the growing movement of mission-driven communities across Israel. Travel to Wadi Attir Project Wadi Attir is a groundbreaking initiative of a Bedouin community in the Negev desert, demonstrating an approach to sustainable desert agriculture, replicable locally as well as in other arid regions around the world. The project is designed to leverage Bedouin traditional values, know-how, and experience with modern-day science and cutting edge technologies. Travel to Wadi Nam – an unrecognized Bedouin village Unrecognized Bedouin villages in Israel are rural Bedouin communities in the Negev which the Israeli government does not recognize as legal. Because these villages were built without official permission, they remain ineligible for municipal services, such as connection to the electrical grid, water mains, or trash pickup, and they cannot elect government representatives. Lunch together with female Bedouin activists about the obstacles they have faced and the empowerment programs they have started to change the future of the girls in the community. Travel to Mitzpe Ramon
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Challah baking workshop with the owner of an artisanal bakery who speaks about her move from Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon, how she found her spiritual work in baking and serving bread, and the spiritual place of challah on Shabbat. Travel to Kibbutz Ketura Ketura was founded by a small group of young North Americans, graduates of the Young Judaea Year course (a gap year program), at the close of the Yom Kippur War in November, 1973. While other kibbutzim are moving more towards privatization, Ketura is still a traditional communal kibbutz, with a pluralistic Jewish approach. The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is a leading environmental studies and research program in the Middle East. With a student body comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world, the Arava Institute offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading professionals while forming friendships and developing skills that enable them to lead the region and the world in solving today’s most pressing environmental challenges. The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is located on Kibbutz Ketura. Check into the Hotel and prepare for Shabbat Friday night services together with the kibbutz members Friday night dinner in the kibbutz dining hall together with students from the Arava Institute Panel discussion with the students and faculty from the Arava Institute Overnight: Kibbutz Ketura Guest House
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Day 6: Shabbat: An Island in Time Saturday, March 18th Spiritual Awakening in the Desert Spiritual awakening takes the participants into the desert for a meditation session. Optional Shabbat services Walking tour of the Kibbutz Together with long-time kibbutz members, explore the renewable energy projects, the organic community gardens, the sustainable agricultural biblical herb plot, and the off-the-grid village. Shabbat Lunch Rest and relaxation Enjoy the Shabbat quiet of the kibbutz. The pool will be available for use. Shabbat Program Hike into the desert overlooking the red mountains of Jordan. An experienced kibbutz educator will lead a text study about Elijah in the desert. Havdallah Say farewell to Shabbat with the traditional blessings of Havdallah accompanied by song and dance. Following Havdallah there will be a middle eastern dinner and kumzits. Overnight: Kibbutz Ketura Guest House
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Day 7: From Strength to Strength Sunday, March 19th Walking tour Tour of the experimental orchards with Dr. Elaine Solowey Final conversation: Processing the tour together Travel to the Central Arava Visit to AICAT in the Central Arava AICAT is an agricultural program dedicated to sharing Israel’s knowledge with farmers from across the globe (mainly from southeast Asia and Africa), helping them learn how to use technology to improve their farming capabilities in their native countries. With over 1,000 alumni, the program is spreading Israeli agricultural ingenuity across the world. Ofaim Farm Ofaim Farm is an organic farm located in the Central Arava. Learn about organic farming in one of the hottest regions of Israel, the recent difficulties farmers face in the region, and their unique model of sustainable farming. Lunch and conversation with farmers in the Arava Travel to Beit Shemesh Area Wine tasting in a boutique winery Travel to the airport: Farewell for now! Arrive at the airport at 7:00 pm
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Meet our tour staff Gabe Axler, logistical director Gabe Axler is originally from Chicago. He moved to Be’er Sheva 6 years ago to help found a pluralistic intentional community called Beerot. Beerot has 40 family members, meets every Shabbat and holiday, and is involved in the local school and other projects. Professionally, Gabe runs a social enterprise called Pnima in the field of educational tourism, connecting groups from Israel and abroad to the work being done by intentional communities across Israel.
Jared Goldfarb, tour guide Born and raised in the U.S., educated at Brandeis University, and having lived in 6 different countries, Jared Goldfarb is a wellrounded, well-travelled tour guide. After working for the Jewish Federation in Boston he decided to spend a year in Israel… and never left. After falling in love with the country and Jewish textual tradition, Jared spent 5 years studying in various yeshivot, and served as the Program Director of a Pluralistic Jewish Learning program for eight years. He also graduated from the National Tourguide Course, and since 1999 has been an independent Israel Educator for many organizations, including the Centre for Biblical Formation, Hebrew College Rabbinical School, Jewish Agency, Tantur Ecumenical Institute, Birthright, Pardes, and the Interreligious Coordinating Council. Jared’s specialty is teaching “text in context,” with a focus on early Jewish, Christian and Muslim narratives. He is also a passionate environmental activist, with an emphasis on sustainable food communities, and an avid biker.
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About our tour operators Pnima Pnima is a social tourism venture that provides local and international tourists with a meaningful and authentic experience, that gives them an alternative look into diverse populations and societal challenges in Israel, via face to face encounters with local grassroots activists and mission-driven communities. www.pnimaisrael.org gabe@pnimaisrael.org
Tor HaMidbar Tor HaMidbar works to promote urban resilience in Israel’s geo-social periphery, in order to create attractive and sustainable places to live in, whose residents enjoy quality of life and a sense of belonging and purpose. We do this by establishing mission-driven communities that operate social businesses and propel educational, cultural and economic change from the ground up. www.torhamidbar.org.il info@torhamidbar.org.il
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Logistics Insurance You will have insurance coverage while you are in Israel through a leading insurance firm (Egert et Cohen). The plan covers visits to hospitals and site visits by doctors for all medical issues. There is also a call site open 24 hours a day that connects the participant to the relevant medical facility. In addition, for any hospitalization the plan covers up $100,000, including ambulances and helicopter evacuation. There is coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and medical emergencies, which includes the following: • In the case of a sudden and unexpected deterioration of a pre-existing condition where the condition has been stable for six months preceding arrival in Israel; • If the conditions are the result of an accident, there was no hospitalization or treatment in the six months preceding arrival in Israel. This excludes the following: • Cancer treatment, AIDS, transplants, dialysis, M.S., Cystic Fibrosis, and active psychiatric conditions Money • Israeli Shekels: The New Shekel (ILS) notes are in denominations of 200, 100, 50, and 20. Coins are in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 10 agorot. • Credit/Debit Cards, ATMs and all major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely available. • Exchange Rate Indicators: 1.00 USD = 3.78 ILS Currency conversion rates as of January 31, 2017 – taken from the Bank of Israel
• You can change money at the airport, and there are ATMs at the airport, and in or near most of our hotels. We suggest not bringing too much cash, as it is more convenient to use a credit card. • Everything during the tour is taken care of, but you will have opportunities to make personal purchases throughout the trip. Time Zones and Daylight Savings Time: Please note that due to Daylight Savings Time beginning in the U.S. prior to it beginning in Israel, there will only be a 6 hour time difference between Israel and the east coast during the Tour.
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Important Phone Numbers Be sure to have these numbers with you at all times. Gabe Axler, logistical director: 052-522-3601 Jared Goldfarb, tour guide: 052-868-5448 Safety To stay safe in Israel, as in any foreign country or place with which you are not familiar, we want to encourage you to take some extra precautions. • Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. • Travel with friends or fellow Tour participants. There is safety in numbers – and your taxi will be cheaper. • Stay in public places and be aware of your surroundings. • Keep your valuables close. Do not leave your bags unattended. • Carry some type of identification with you at all times. • Most Israelis speak English. If you are lost, ask for help or stop in any hotel for directions. • Use common sense and trust your intuition – if you feel like you might be in a bad area – leave. If you have any concerns about your safety call Gabe or Jared at any time. For those who are continuing their stay in Israel after the tour is over, the trip will end at Ben Gurion airport and from there you are on your own. There are plenty of travel options including taxis and trains.
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Upcoming Hazon retreats & events SAN DIEGO RIDE
April 2, 2017 Coastal Roots Farm, Encinitas, CA The first Hazon Ride in San Diego will launch from Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas. This day-long, fully-supported ride will take riders through the coastal beaches and inland paved trails, culminating in a group lunch and celebration at the farm, including an interactive marketplace of local, sustainable vendors.
PASSOVER AT ISABELLA FREEDMAN
April 10-19, 2017 Isabella Freedman
Spend the holiday with family and community, enjoy gourmet kosher for Passover food, inspiring seders, and the beauty of the Berkshires.
SHAVUOT RETREAT
May 30 – June 2, 2017 Isabella Freedman Join us for a musical celebration of revelation that includes allnight learning, sunrise shacharit, Adamah Foods, a midnight hike to the top of the mountain, a pilgrimage parade with costumes and goats, outdoor fun for kids, and more.
CAMP ISABELLA FREEDMAN
July 10-23, 2017 Isabella Freedman
Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center has been offering annual summer camp experiences for senior adults since 1956. We are honored to continue this tradition by providing you with a warm and welcoming atmosphere for one of the best summer vacations you’ll ever have.
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LET MY PEOPLE SING!
August 3-6, 2017 Isabella Freedman
Join us for a weekend of song sharing and learning. Together, we will sing and share a wide array of Jewish song traditions, inclusive of the full range of Jewish ancestry and religious practices.
NEW YORK RIDE & RETREAT
September 1-4, 2017 Isabella Freedman
Join the People of the Bike for our annual fully-supported ride and retreat. This exciting, diverse community Shabbat and cycling experience is open for people of all cycling levels and ages.
ROSH HASHANAH RETREAT
September 20-24, 2017 Isabella Freedman
This Rosh Hashanah, treat yourself to the transformative experience of welcoming in the new year with lively prayer services, deep teachings, immersion in a relaxing wooded venue, tashlich in our stream, community celebrations, and fabulous farm-to-table feasting.
SUKKAHFEST!
Octotber 4-15, 2017 Isabella Freedman Sukkahfest is a singular event – perhaps the most joyous, and almost certainly the most diverse celebration of the holiday of Sukkot on planet Earth.
THE ISRAEL RIDE
October 31 – November 7, 2017 Enjoy five glorious days of riding with routes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced cyclists. All routes are fully supported with rest stops, mechanics, and lead riders.
Visit hazon.org/calendar for a complete list of upcoming events! Hazon Sustainable Israel Tour 21
Notes
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April 22–29:
A WEEK OF EARTH ACTION Join Hazon and other Jewish communities as we celebrate a week of action for the Earth. Shabbat of Earth Day, April 22 – People’s Climate March & Shabbat, April 29 As we make our journey from Pesach to Shavuot, from freedom to responsibility, Jews will be sending a message to our legislators to address the ravages of climate change – and create a world with good jobs, clean air, and safe communities for all. GET INVOLVED: 1. March with Jews at the Climate March in DC. Sign up at hazon.org/advocacy to receive information about a Shabbatfriendly bus (or buses leaving on Saturday). 2. Ask your rabbi to speak about climate change on Earth Day and the People’s Climate Shabbat. 3. If you can’t travel to DC, organize a solidarity event! Invite an environmental speaker for either Shabbat, plan a sustainable meal, educate your youth group or preschool, or contact a local climate justice group for advocacy opportunities.
JEWISH INSPIRATION. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.