Experience Israel with Congregation Ahavat Olam

Congregation Ahavat Olam is thrilled to invite our community on our first-ever congregational journey to Israel, taking place June 29–July 9, 2026, with an optional post-trip extension to Eilat.

This carefully curated experience will immerse us in the history, culture, spirituality, and natural beauty of our ancestral homeland — traveling together as one CAO community.

A Strong Beginning — and More to Come

Our two Israel Journey Info Sessions were wonderful successes, with CAO community members joining Rabbi Idan and our partners at Authentic Israel. Together, we explored the itinerary, reviewed safety and logistics, and engaged in a lively Q&A about traveling with teens, optional extensions, and what makes this journey so meaningful and unique.

So, whether you attended the first or second info session or are just beginning to explore the idea, we warmly invite you to learn more.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

👉 To learn more and register:
https://www.authenticisrael.com/tours/ahavat/

We will continue to update this page with additional details as plans unfold. In the meantime, if you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Einat at einatif@gmail.com.

🌍 Trip Highlights (A Glimpse of the Journey)

Below are just some of the meaningful experiences planned for our CAO community trip:

✨ Tel Aviv & Jaffa — Where Ancient Meets Modern

– Celebrate your arrival in the ancient port city of Jaffa, overlooking Tel Aviv’s modern skyline
– Explore the vibrant Jaffa Flea Market
– Take a guided Hebrew graffiti art tour through Tel Aviv’s Florentine neighborhood
– Enjoy Ethiopian-Jewish cuisine at Balinjera Restaurant

🕍 Jerusalem — Heart of Our Jewish Story

– Walk Jerusalem’s Rampart Walls for a panoramic view of the Old City
– Visit the Kotel (Western Wall) and the Kotel Tunnels
– Explore the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Quarters
– Experience a spiritual Kabbalat Shabbat in Jerusalem
– Celebrate Havdallah overlooking the Old City at the Montefiore Windmill
– Pay respects at Yad VaShem and visit Mt. Herzl National Cemetery

🌄 Desert & Sea — Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea

– Ascend Masada (hike or cable car)
– Float effortlessly in the Dead Sea and enjoy resort facilities
– Hike the waterfalls of Ein Gedi and see ibex in the wild

🌿 Galilee, Golan Heights & Mysticism

– Visit the mystical city of Tsfat and meet Kabbalistic artist Avraham Lowenthal
– Share a traditional Druze meal in Ein Kinya
– Experience rafting on the Jordan River (or visit Tel Dan’s ancient ruins)

🏟 Maccabiah Games & Coastal Beauty

– Attend a 2026 Maccabiah Games competition
– Explore the Bahai Gardens in Haifa
– Tour the Roman amphitheater and palace ruins at Caesarea National Park
– Learn the story of poet and fighter Hannah Szenes at Kibbutz Sdot Yam

☀ Optional Extension: Eilat & Petra

– Relax at the Red Sea in Eilat
– Optional guided day trip to the ancient city of Petra (Jordan)

We look forward to exploring Israel together as an Ahavat Olam community.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Einat at einatif@gmail.com.