Eretz Yisroel
- shimonsolof
- Feb 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 14, 2025
Day 1 - Erev Yom Kippur:
We woke up a bit late and took our time getting ready in the morning, especially after our eventful arrival at Ben Gurion, where most of our luggage had been left behind in Turkey. After our first seudah, we loaded our food for the second seudah into the oven and headed out to the Kosel. The feeling of coming home was incredible for both us and our children. We then returned home for the Seudah Hamafsekes before Yom Kippur.
Day 2 - Yom Kippur: We spent most of the day indoors, but as the temperature cooled, I took the kids to a local park to stretch our legs and enjoy a change of scenery.
After breaking our fast and refreshing ourselves, we walked to the daled minim shuk located just past Kikar Shabbos. Although there was no women’s section, I managed to catch a glimpse from above, and our son thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was amazing to see how Ge’ulah came alive just moments after Yom Kippur ended; the Yom Tov atmosphere was beautiful!
Day 3:
Stop 1: We headed south toward Masada, taking in the stunning desert views. Once we arrived, we took the cable car to the top of the mountain. We leisurely explored the area, soaking in the breathtaking views and the fascinating history at the peak. The beautiful mosaics found in various homes, the mikvaos, and the stone pots were highlights. As it got too hot, we took the cable car back down to continue our trip.
Stop 2: Our next stop was the Dead Sea Salt Views, where piles of sea salt extended into the water.
Stop 3: We then visited the Segregated Beach at the Dead Sea, where men and women swim separately. It was exhilarating to float in the water! Be sure to bring towels and shampoo for a shower afterward, as the salt can cling to you for the rest of the day.
Stop 4: We then had a bit of a drive into the desert toward Kfar Hanokdim. After enjoying a private camel ride and tour, we explored a Bedouin-like village, learning about traditions, culture, and daily life. We were treated to a Bedouin meal, but we felt uneasy about the kashrus, except for the pita.
Day 4:
We enjoyed strolling through Machne Yehudah shuk, picking out Shabbos treats. Of course, we came home with lots of delicious halva!
Day 5 - Shabbos:
We continued exploring the neighborhood parks and discovered that Yerushalayim’s parks are far superior to those in NYC.
Day 6 - Erev Sukkos:
We set out early, eager to hit as many places as possible, and hired a driver for the day to avoid driving to Chevron on our own.
Stop 1: It was wonderful to be back at the Kosel! After a heartfelt Shachris, we headed up the stairs into the Old City to pick up some brunch for the road.
Stop 2: Next, we visited Kever Rochel. We showed our son what it used to look like compared to the current building. We briefly explained the fortification around Kever Rochel and why the building was updated. We then entered under the original Kever Rochel sign to visit Mamme Rochel’s resting place.
Stop 3: After Kever Rochel, we drove toward Chevron. Even with a driver familiar with the area, seeing the numerous security posts along the way made us realize the potential dangers. Once in Chevron, we headed straight to the Me’aras Hamachpailah, stopping briefly outside to daven at Yitzchok Avinu’s resting place before entering.
Throughout the day, our son was captivated by how everything he had learned over the years was coming to life!
We also ventured past the Jewish section of Chevron, making a quick stop at Kever Rus and Yishai.
We then returned to Yerushalayim to prepare for Sukkos, walking to the Kosel for Mincha/Maariv and enjoying the beautiful walk back.
Day 7 - Sukkos:
We spent time at a local park and walked around the neighborhood.
Day 8 - Sukkos:
We enjoyed more time at the local park and explored the neighborhood. In the evening, we also attended Simchas Bais Ha’shoeivah events at various local shuls.
Day 9 - Chol Hamoed:
Stop 1: We arrived at the Kosel in time for Birchas Kohanim. The area was packed! We had hoped to stand on a staircase for a better view, but the police prohibited standing there for safety reasons. Instead, we headed to the rooftop of a family friend’s place in the Old City, where we enjoyed a perfect view of the hundreds of kohanim and thousands of Jews below.
Stop 2: Next, we visited Gan Hachayot/Biblical Zoo, where the kids had a blast watching the animals, climbing on Noach’s teivah, and exploring the animal sculptures around the park. The walk through the zoo offered magnificent views of Yerushalayim.
Stop 3: We returned to what we expected would be a much emptier Kosel, only to find a lively Simchas Beis Ha’shoeivah event in full swing. We had a great time singing and dancing along with the music.
Day 10 - Chol Hamoed:
We headed north to Tiverya. At the Kinneret, we rented a pontoon for our family and had a fantastic time driving the boat. Our son even got a turn at the helm! We then enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, taking in the beautiful mountains surrounding the Kinneret.
Next, we visited Meron to Kever Rashbi. A Na Nach truck was parked right outside, and we had fun climbing aboard and dancing to the blasting music. We then headed inside to the kever.
After a heartfelt Mincha/Maariv, we drove to the hotel where we’d be staying for the next few days, Kinar Galil—a kosher l’mehadrin resort located right on the shores of the Kinneret.
Day 11 - Chol Hamoed:
We started the day at the hotel beach, enjoying the warm, clear waters of the Kinneret. Next, we headed to Tzfas, beginning our visit in the cemetery. We started at the bottom and made our way up the stairs, stopping to daven at the kevarim of many gedolim.
After reaching the top, we wandered through the old city of Tzfas, stopping at various art shops in the shuk to admire their works. We then returned to our hotel to prepare for Shabbos.
Day 12 - Shabbos Chol Hamoed:
We enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the expansive hotel grounds, taking in the gorgeous views of the Kinneret.
Motzei Shabbos we drove back to Yerushalayim.
Day 12 - Hoshanah Rabbah:
We drove to Eretz Hachaim cemetery near Beit Shemesh to daven at my grandfather’s kever, my son’s namesake. Afterward, we returned to Yerushalayim, stopping at Har Hamenuchos to daven at more of our grandparents’ kevarim.
After preparing for Simchas Torah, we headed to Yemin Moshe for the requisite photoshoot in this beautiful, historic neighborhood, admiring the large windmill at its entrance.
Day 13 - Shemini Atzeres:
We enjoyed hakafos at the shul we davened at and continued at various other shuls. My husband and son moved freely, but due to overcrowding, women needed tickets to enter many of the larger shuls. At night, we participated in Hakafos Shniya, enjoying music and dancing at many of the shuls we visited.
Day 14 - Simchas Torah:
We enjoyed our American minyan. However, as soon as we left the shul, we felt discombobulated, watching all the Israelis going about their daily routines while we still got to enjoy the Yom Tov spirit for another day. After Simchas Torah concluded for us, we strolled through Geulah and Meah She’arim, exploring the many interesting shops.
Day 15:
While the rest of Eretz Yisroel returned to routine, we took a trip up north.
Stop 1: Our first stop was Rosh Hanikra, where we found the caves and grottos formed by the waves to be beautiful and fascinating! We rented a golf cart and rode along the waterfront, taking in the stunning views. We stopped at a beach bar to enjoy some refreshing drinks while the kids played in the sand.
Stop 2: We visited Hecht Park in Haifa so the kids could run around. The climbing equipment and playground were fantastic, and we all had a great time. Afterward, we crossed under the train tracks to reach the beach, where we enjoyed throwing pebbles into the water and splashing about.
Stop 3: We then headed to the Haifa Cable Cars.
Be mindful: there’s a tourist option that costs money and a local one that is part of public transit and much cheaper. Both provide stunning views of Haifa Bay.
Day 16:
Stop 1: We began our day at the Ir David water tunnels, fascinated by the ancient ruins. Afterward, we ventured into the tunnels, which can be quite dark. The flashlights provided aren’t always strong enough, so we used our phone flashlights for better visibility.
After emerging from the tunnels, we changed into dry clothing.
Stop 2: We then explored the Old City, walking through alleyways and checking out ancient ruins. We also visited the Churvah shul, going up to the balcony inside and outside. The shul is beautifully restored.
Finally, we headed to the Kosel one last time to say our goodbyes before heading to the airport.
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