Centennial Mission to Israel 2023 > Centennial Mission Itinerary

Centennial Mission Itinerary

Monday, July 3 through Sunday, July 9, 2023  

What You’ll Experience on Our Centennial Mission to Israel

In July, the weather in Israel is warm, similar to New Jersey. You can expect the following temperature ranges in Fahrenheit:  

  • Tel Aviv: 73-88°F
  • Jerusalem: 72-87°F
  • Northern Israel: 74-95°F

See daily itineraries below. We’ve included what-to-wear recommendations, by day, too! Click the button below for the full recommended packing list.

Monday, July 3
Tuesday, July 4
Wednesday, July 5
Thursday, July 6
Friday, July 7
Saturday, July 8
Sunday, July 9

Packing list

Monday, July 3 – Welcome to Israel 

 

  • Pick up from Ben Gurion Airport for designated flights; meet and greet at luggage carousel
  • Early arrivers meet at Tel Aviv hotels
  • Board buses for our Welcome Meet Up with lunch overlooking Tel Mond
  • Tour Caesarea as we go North
  • Centennial Mission Opening with the Israel Defense Forces in the North
  • Check-in and festive dinner at your respective hotel

OVERNIGHT NORTH: Ramot Resort, The Lake House Hotel, Kibbutz Lavi Hotel


Recommended attire:

Touring day with walking and time outdoors, so be casual and cool. Wear shorts/T-shirts and comfortable shoes. If you are coming straight from the airport, please pack a weather-appropriate change of clothes in your carry-on bag. There will be an opportunity to change your clothes at our Welcome Meet Up. Upon evening arrival at your hotel, you can either go straight to dinner or take a few minutes to refresh in your room before dinner.  

Tuesday, July 4 – Bus Travel Day

 

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • Customized track by bus group touring the North of Israel
  • Evening Mega Event at Beit Gavriel Cultural Center: 4th of July Celebration followed by departure to Tel Aviv hotels

OVERNIGHT TEL AVIV: David Intercontinental Hotel, Royal Beach Hotel


Recommended attire:

A day on the go without a chance to return to the hotel before dinner. Wear shorts/T-shirts and comfortable shoes. Bring a change of clothes including a light sweater for evening in your bus bag. Please check your personalized schedule in the Centennial Mission mobile app for updates on any special items you’ll need to wear or bring.

Wednesday, July 5 – Partnership Day

 

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • Partnership visit to either Ofakim, Merchavim, Arad, or Kibbutz Erez: meet with Israelis who have been touched by the generosity of our community, do hands-on projects, and more!
  • Celebrate 100 years of Greater MetroWest at the Agam Museum in Rishon LeZion

OVERNIGHT TEL AVIV: David Intercontinental Hotel, Royal Beach Hotel


Recommended attire:

Same as Tuesday. You’ll get a Federation T-shirt in your size to wear on Partnership Day. Please wear it with pride!

Thursday, July 6 – Personal Track of Interest Day

 

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • Leave your original bus and join your pre-selected Personal Track of Interest
  • Welcome to Jerusalem ceremony
  • Presidential Address
  • Check-in at your Jerusalem hotel
  • Free evening in Jerusalem

OVERNIGHT JERUSALEM: Inbal Hotel, Orient Hotel


Recommended attire:

Depending on your track of interest, you may be mostly indoors or outdoors. But clothing should continue to be casual and comfortable. Please check your personalized schedule in the Centennial Mission mobile app for updates on any special items you’ll need to wear or bring.

We are thrilled President Isaac Herzog will be addressing our group on Thursday after the Personal Track Day activities. Please plan to dress appropriately (business casual – for example a collared shirt or sundress) for this session. Should the clothing required for your personal track not be appropriate, there will be a brief opportunity to change into a nicer shirt or outfit at the venue.

You have a free evening in Jerusalem so you may want to be more stylish than casual if you plan to go out for dinner or meet family or friends.  

Friday, July 7 – Jerusalem

 

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • Visit Har Herzl and the new Hall of Remembrance for a memorial ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers
  • Visit Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Center with tour options available for firsttimers and returning visitors
  • Free time in Machane Yehuda (the Market of Jerusalem or shuk) or Ben Yehuda Street, the city center
  • Kabbalat Shabbat in the Old City
  • Festive Shabbat Dinner at Beit Shmuel overlooking Jerusalem*

OVERNIGHT JERUSALEM: Inbal Hotel, Orient Hotel


Recommended attire:

During the day, touring and walking — both indoors and out. You’ll have the option to return to the hotel to change before Friday evening.

On Friday evening, please wear a white or off-white shirt, such as a polo shirt or white blouse/dress. Sleeveless shirts are not permitted at the Western Wall; long sleeves or a shawl/scarf are required.

Saturday, July 8 – Shabbat

 

  • Breakfast at leisure
  • Optional Shabbat services around Jerusalem
  • Optional activities
    • Visit to the Dead Sea and Masada with lunch (full day, pre-registration required with additional cost)
    • Biking in Jerusalem (half-day, pre-registration required with additional cost)
    • Beach at Tel Aviv (full day, pre-registration required with additional cost)
    • Travel to Tel Aviv for avisit ay Any Museum of the Jewish People (pre-registration required, sign up in the lobby)
    • Start-Up Bible Nations: Bible Lends Museum (pre-registration required, sign up in the lobby)
    • Old City Walking Tours/Graffiti Tour
  • Havdalah and special private showing of the sound and light show at the Tower of David in the Old City

OVERNIGHT JERUSALEM: Inbal Hotel, Orient Hotel


Recommended attire:

Dress according to your chosen Shabbat itinerary. Walk to synagogues and city walking tours. Optional day trips (additional cost/reserve in advance) to Masada and the Dead Sea, an off-road biking trip, or the beach in Tel Aviv. Please check your personalized schedule in the Centennial Mission mobile app for updates on any special items you’ll need to wear or bring.

Our evening activities include Havdalah and an exclusive sound and light show at the Tower of David. Stay casual or if you prefer, a sundress/sandals and shorts/polo shirts work here.  

Sunday, July 9 – Final Day in Israel

 

  • Breakfast and hotel check-outs
  • Encounters with Federation partner program participants
  • Reflection sessions
  • Lunch, shopping, and touring in Jerusalem
  • Farewell dinner in the hills of Jerusalem
  • Transfer to airport

Recommended attire:

Dress comfortably, as always. Some time outdoors, some indoors. Please be sure to check your personalized schedule in the Centennial Mission mobile app for updates on any special items you’ll need to wear or bring.

If you’re leaving on a designated flight home and have checked out of the hotel in the morning, you may want to pack a change of clothes for the flight in your carry-on luggage.