Taglit-Birthright Israel - Israel Experience Young Adults with Special Needs

Join us on a slightly slower paced trip geared towards young adults with developmental disabilities. This trip is being coordinated by the Compass Project of JCCA, The Special Needs Department of Jewish Family and Children's Service of Southern New Jersey and the Rosenthal JCC. We'll explore Israel from North to South, visiting Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada and more! Relax at the Hot Springs of Hamat Gader, marvel at the magnificent natural beauty of the grottos of Rosh Hanikra, learn about the history of Israel by taking a ride in the Time Elevator, enjoy both Druze and Bedouin hospitality while understanding more about the various populations that make up the modern State of Israel and so much more. This trip is appropriate for applicants with developmental disabilities but with full physical mobility.

Day 1

Arrival
Meet Israeli participants
Drive to Neve Shalom
Orientation

Day 2

Drive to the north with a break
Lunch in Tsfat
Visit Tsfat synagogues & the famous candle factory
Program - Security and Incidents on the border of Lebanon
Check in to the hotel
Preparation for tomorrow

Day 3

Ben-Tal overview (6 Day War briefing)
"Valley of Tears" – movie about Yom Kippur War
Hike at the Dan Nature Reserve
Drive to the hotel
Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony
Time to rest (at hotel)
Shabbat Dinner
Oneg Shabbat

Day 4

Breakfast (optional)
Free Time & time for families visit
Group Activity
Kinneret Courtyard
Havdalah Ceremony
Free Night in Tiberius

Day 5

Drive to the Western Galilee
Rosh Hanikra Grottos
Drive to Usafiya – Mt. Carmel
Lunch and Druze Hospitality
Overview at Haifa
Drive to Tel Aviv
Laundry
Group Activity

Day 6

Jaffa
Neve Tzedek
Independence Hall
Rabin Square
Free Night in Tel Aviv

Day 7

Breakfast
Drive to Beit Guvrin
Dig for a Day
Drive south
Camel ride & traditional Bedouin hospitality
Preparation for Masada

Day 8

Tour Masada (cable car)
Lunch at the Dead Sea hot springs
Swim at the Dead Sea & hot springs
Drive to Jerusalem
Rest at the hotel
Preparation for Yad Vashem

Day 9

Yad Vashem
Mt. Herzl
Knesset & Menorah
Rest at the hotel
Time Elevator

Day 10

Tour of the Jewish quarter
The Burnt House
The Herodian Mansions
Southern Excavations
Preparation for Shabbat
Kabbalat Shabbat
Shabbat Dinner
Oneg Shabbat

Day 11

Breakfast (optional)
Israel Museum
Havdalah
Program Summary
Festive Dinner
Departure