Places/activities:

We start at Mitzpe Jericho for a panoramic view of the Jordan Rift Valley, providing a geographical overview of the Judean Desert and the tectonic threshold. We will then visit the St. George Monastery lookout where monks still live a life of seclusion and solitude in the desert atmosphere to this day. From there, we descend to Qaser El Yahud to discuss the Jordan River as a physical and spiritual border—from the Israelite crossing to the baptism of Jesus. We’ll continue to Qumran, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, to explore the Essene society that sought spiritual purity in the wilderness. We’ll finish the day at Kalia Beach, which offers a natural beach experience with authentic Dead Sea mud, followed by a potential stop at Gallery 430 to see how modern art is revitalizing the abandoned structures.

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Central question/issue of the day:

How does the wilderness forge the human spirit, belief, and define our boundaries? We will explore the desert as a space of absolute dependency on nature and God, and ask how this extreme environment shaped the lives of those who passed through it—from Biblical figures and the Essenes to desert monks and modern settlers. We will then shift from the spiritual to the physical: How do you find enough water to survive where it never rains? Can a landscape facing a modern environmental crisis be turned into a land of opportunity? We will discover the ingenious ways humans have managed to thrive at the lowest point on earth, from ancient times to the present day.

Places/activities:

We head into the Jerusalem Hills to hike the ancient agricultural terraces of Sataf, seeing how early farmers literally shaped the mountain in order to survive. We’ll visit the village of Ein Karem to soak up its unique atmosphere and explore the spiritual significance of the churches tucked into the hills. From there, we’ll head to the Benedictine Monastery in Abu Ghosh, where we’ll meet a monk to hear their story and learn about the importance of the place. We’ll end the day with an immersive, "escape room style" challenge at the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum. After navigating the citadel, we will climb to its magnificent viewpoint to see the holy sites of the Old City alongside the modern development of Jerusalem.

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Central question/issue of the day:

How do the hills shape the human spirit? We will explore how people overcame the immense challenges of agriculture in this hilly terrain and how the mountain ridge provided both physical sustenance through natural springs and a spiritual sanctuary for different religions. We will meet a monk and learn about their unique way of life and why they chose to live this way in the modern world. As we run through the Tower of David Citadel, we’ll uncover the history and significance of the city beneath our feet. From the viewpoint, we’ll see impact of the stories on the development of the city, and discuss what the past, present, and future hold for this historic ridge.

Places/activities:

We start at Old Jaffa, the ancient gateway to the land for both pilgrims and invaders. We’ll walk through the alleys and visit the port, discussing the biblical significance of the city—from Jonah’s flight to St. Peter’s vision. We will look at how Jaffa was impacted by the events of 1948 and its development from a neglected neighborhood into today’s tourist hotspot. After free time for lunch in the Jaffa Flea Market, we’ll walk toward Neve Tzedek, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the city walls. Here, we’ll hold a Smartphone Photography Workshop, using our cameras to explore the urban development and the organic birth of modern Tel Aviv as it grew out of Jaffa.​

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Central question/issue of the day:

How does the coast act as a bridge between the ancient world and the modern metropolis? We will examine the evolution of the shoreline, tracing the journey from an ancient biblical portal to a global urban hub. We’ll explore the process of urbanization—how the overflow from Jaffa led to the birth of Tel Aviv, and discuss how a empty sand dunes becomes a cultural hotspot. By capturing the city through our lenses, we will look at the layers of history and society to understand how this coastal gateway became the engine of the modern Israeli economy and culture.