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St. Mark's Church & Temple Sinai
Tour of Israel & Extension to Jordan
Israel: October 30 - November 13, 2022
Jordan: November 12 - November 16, 2022
TRAVELER VERSION
ISRAEL
A journey to Israel & the Middle East is a spiritual journey through ancient history, religious customs and modern practice. On this tour, we will worship and sing in churches and synagogues and interact with Israelis of many faiths and interests. We will tour, experience and exchange with organizations bridging gaps between people and promoting peace in the region and in the greater world. Our journey will expose us to sources of profound human devotion, magnificent achievement, breathtaking natural beauty and music in many forms. Please join us for this very special tour of Israel and Holy Lands.
JORDAN
From Israel, we invite you to journey with us to Jordan. Experience Jordanian hospitality, incredible landscapes, fascinating tradition, and the wonder of Petra, one of the most stunning archaeological sites in the world. Bring friends and family - this is the trip of a lifetime!
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 | Sunday, October 30
St. Mark's Episcopal Church and Temple Sinai's tour of Israel starts with a non-stop overnight flight from San Francisco, California USA to Tel Aviv, Israel:
8:00 p.m. depart San Francisco (SFO) on United Airlines #954 bound for Tel Aviv.
Refer to your MCI tour handbook for tips on making the journey smooth and comfortable.
DAY 2 | Monday, October 31
6:50 p.m. arrive in Tel Aviv-Yafo (TLV) Airport.
Your Music Contact International tour manager will be waiting to greet you. Together, board a private motor coach and transfer to a well equipped Tel Aviv hotel. Check in and refresh from the journey.
A welcome dinner celebrates St. Mark's Church & Temple Sinai's arrival in Israel - We are delighted you have joined this tour of a lifetime!
DAY 3 | Tuesday, November 1
Each day of your tour begins with breakfast in the hotel dining room.
Then, start exploring Tel Aviv on a guided tour. Modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan, Tel Aviv is known for exceptional beaches, Bauhaus-style buildings, a buzzing cultural scene, and its historic Jaffa port district with fascinating Arab heritage.
See highlights including Independence Hall where Jewish independence was declared in 1948, and Rabin Square, Israel’s most famous plaza. Visit the Rabin Center to learn about the development of Israel as a nation. Admire the well preserved Bauhaus architecture and new modern structures with trendy apartments, offices and museums. In Jaffa, walk up Peak Park for views of the beautiful city and seascape below. On Wishing Bridge, grasp your zodiac sign and make a wish legend has will come true!
Then, purchase lunch around the Carmel Market, the largest market or "shuk" in Tel Aviv, where traders sell everything from clothing to spices, fruit to electronics. Also, spend time in Nachalat Binyamin, the largest arts and crafts market in Israel.
Continue discovering enticing neighborhoods of the city - Neve Tzedek, Sarona, and Florentin - each with a distinct flavor and culture. Your guide will make suggestions for where to eat this evening.
DAY 4 | Wednesday, November 2
Drive just south of Tel Aviv to the Ayalon Institute “bullet factory”. In the 1940's the site was a secret ammunition factory disguised as part of a kibbutz to fool the British. At its peak, the factory produced about 40,000 bullets a day. Once the bullets were produced, they were smuggled out of the factory to places all over the country. The factory stopped operating in 1948, and in 1987, it was restored and turned into a museum. Your choirs are invited to sing a song at the Institute to commemorate the sacrifice and courage of those who worked there.
Return to Tel Aviv and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure - eat, spend time at the beach, stroll the boardwalk, or return to a neighborhood that peaked your interest.
DAY 5 | Thursday, November 3
This morning, move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. En route, stop at Haas Plaza for a panoramic view and to sing Jerusalem of Gold overlooking the holy city.
With your guide, begin exploring Jerusalem at the Western Wall or "Wailing Wall", the most religious site in the world for the Jewish people. King Herod built the wall in 20 BC during an expansion of the Second Temple. When the Romans destroyed the temple, the wall survived. Today, hundreds of people pray each day at The Wall offering spoken and written prayers penned on bits of paper placed in cracks on the ancient structure. Admire the relics underneath the walls on a walk through the Kotel tunnels featuring exquisite stone arches, aqueducts and pools.
Break for lunch at lively Machaneh Yehudah marketplace. Then, visit Mount Zion, ancient Jerusalem's western hill and highest point. View the Tomb of King David set among walls from a synagogue-church used by 1st-century Judeo-Christians. See the room where the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples took place, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu where Peter experienced a tumultuous relationship with Jesus.
At the end of this fascinating day, settle into the hotel in Jerusalem before gathering for a group dinner.
DAY 6 | Friday, November 4
Enjoy another day of guided sightseeing! Take in incredible views over the Shrines at Mount Olive, a Jewish cemetery and place for religious ceremonies from biblical times. Walk the Palm Sunday Trail, the path Jesus took to the Garden of Gethsemane and experience the sanctuary where Jesus prayed and was arrested the night before his crucifixion. Journey to Bethlehem, a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. As the biblical birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem is a major Christian pilgrimage destination. Nativity Square also known as Manger Square marks the center of Bethlehem where the Church of Nativity sits on a spot believed to be where Jesus was born. The birth site is marked by an inlaid silver star in a grotto under the 6th-century church, the oldest complete church in the Christian world!
An opportunity for the St. Mark's Church & Temple Sinai choir to sing at the Church of Nativity* is being explored.
Return to Jerusalem to prepare for Shabbat.
This evening, The St. Mark's Church & Temple Sinai group is invited to worship and sing for Shabbat services at Kehilat Kol Haneshama*, a vibrant community of progressive Judaism. After services, share Shabbat dinner in a wonderful gesture of friendship with the local congregation.
DAY 7 | Saturday, November 5
This morning, you have the option to attend Shabbat services with your tour leaders.
Around services, you may want to take a walk on the Old City ramparts offering elevated views of historic Jerusalem and life below. Later, stroll with your guide to biblical sites including the Stations of the Cross where Jesus carried his cross on his way to crucifixion, the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus miraculously healed a paralyzed man, Pilates Judgement Hall where Jesus was tried and condemned to death, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where Jesus was believed to be crucified, buried, and resurrected. Admire the Church of St. Mary Magdalene with its onion domes and the Garden Tomb where some Christians say Jesus was buried.
Enter The Church of St. Anne, marking the birthplace of Mary. The St. Mark's Church & Temple Sinai choir is invited to embrace the beautiful acoustics in St. Anne's and sing a song in the fabulous setting.
DAY 8 | Sunday, November 6
Start the day at church where your choirs are invited to worship and sing for the Sunday service at St. George's Cathedral, home parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Following services, enjoy fellowship time with the friendly congregation.
Later, pay a solemn visit to Yad Veshem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Israel’s largest Holocaust memorial with a chilling collection of photographs, films, letters, works of art, and personal items obtained from the camps and ghettos. Your choirs will be asked to offer a song of remembrance in the Memorial Room of Yad Veshem*.
Dinner for the group will be arranged this evening in Jerusalem.
DAY 9 | Monday, November 7
Start out early for Masada. The foundations of this historic complex and palace tower over the desert affording astonishing views. Ride up to the fortress by cable car or make the challenging walk up the hillside. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a grand look at history through well-preserved ruins of the Ancient Kingdom of Israel and its people in the face of the Roman siege.
After touring Masada, head to a resort at the Dead Sea to swim and float in the salty waters, cool off, and refresh. There will be time for lunch and to purchase locally produced bath salts, mud masks and cosmetics the area is known for.
On the way back to Jerusalem, pass by the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found by a Bedouin shepherd in 1948. If possible, make a stop in Jericho, the oldest city in the western world! Return to the hotel for dinner before going out for the Tower of David Night Light Show, a multimedia extravaganza that brings ancient Jerusalem to life though sound, light and color!
DAY 10 | Tuesday, November 8
Check out of the hotel in Jerusalem and move north. Make a stop in the historic port town of Caesarea before turning inland to Nazareth.
Nazareth, known as the "City of Churches" is said to be where the Archangel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary and where Jesus spent his childhood. It is the largest Arab city in Israel and a beloved destination of pilgrims who flock to its Church of Annunciation.
In Nazareth, enjoy a special visit to the Polyphony Foundation which strives to improve Arab and Jewish relations through music. The organization supports cooperation, cultural exchange, and dialogue as a healthy way to bridge Arab and Jewish communities. A presentation and musical experience for the St. Mark's Church and Temple Sinai group is being arranged with the foundation*.
Following the exchange, continue on to the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is said to have walked on water. The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and second-lowest lake in the world! Enjoy a scenic boat cruise around this natural wonder!
At the end of this exciting day, settle into your Kibbutz style hotel. A group dinner will be served in the dining room. Later, it may be possible to get together for a song session with local residents.
DAY 11 | Wednesday, November 9
This morning discover wonders of The Galilee with guided sightseeing. View the recently discovered 1st-century synagogue and Magdala Stone, a discovery many call the most significant archaeological find in the past 50 years. Then, onto the 2,000-year-old remains of the Capernaum synagogues where Jesus taught. Also see St. Peter's House and the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached his “Sermon on the Mount”.
Spend a musically rich and spiritual afternoon at Rabbi Or Zohar’s Havayah Center – sing, explore, meditate, do yoga, have a healthy meal and refresh mind, body and soul! The Havayah Center of Being in Hararit, Israel is in the heart of the Galilee. surrounded by nature, hiking trails, and vistas. It is a great treat to be spending time at the center and collaborating with Rabbi Zohar on this special encounter for St. Mark's Church and Temple Sinai guests.
Tonight, dinner will be prepared for the group at your hotel.
DAY 12 | Thursday, November 10
Visit the mystical city of Tzfat, a traditional setting of gorgeous synagogues, Kabbalah and artists. People from around the world study Kabbalah teachings and spirituality in Tzfat and the city is infused by their creative energy. See the synagogues and other highlights with your guide followed by time for independent discovery and perusing the artisan shops and galleries in the charming town center.
Later, ascend the Golan Heights with a stop at Katzrin Park, an open-air museum on the site of a 3rd-century Jewish village from the time of the Talmud. Reenactments and story telling are common here.
Return to your hotel in the Galilee for dinner.
DAY 13 | Friday, November 11
Bid farewell to The Galilee and return to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival, there will be an opportunity to visit The Museum of the Jewish People at Tel Aviv University.
Check into a hotel for a final night's stay. The afternoon in Tel Aviv is open to spend as you wish.
This evening the St. Mark's Church and Temple Sinai group will worship and participate in Shabbat services at Beit Daniel* a reform, diverse synagogue.
A Shabbat Farewell dinner is being arranged!
DAY 14 | Saturday, November 12
Those going to Jordan will depart very early around 6 a.m. (see Jordan plan below)
Those returning to California have the whole day in Tel Aviv before transferring to the airport tonight. The flight to San Francisco departs just after midnight.
DAY 15| Sunday, November 13
12:55 a.m. depart Tel Aviv on United Airlines #955 bound for San Francisco
6:00 a.m. arrive in San Francisco, California
JORDAN EXTENSION (OPTIONAL)
Plans for the Jordan extension are underway and we will provide a detailed itinerary as soon as possible. We envision routing like this:
DAY 14 | Saturday, November 12
TEL AVIV TO JORDAN
DAY 15 | Sunday, November 13
TO PETRA
DAY 16| Monday, November 14
FABULOUS DAY IN PETRA!
DAY 17| Tuesday, November 15
PETRA TO AMMAN / FLY HOME
Drive north in Jordan from Petra to Amman sightseeing along the way. Fly home from Amman. The flight departs just after midnight and arrives in San Francisco the morning of November 16.
Israel awaits...
Your Tour INCLUDES:
TOUR PACKAGE PRICES you can rely on
Register Now! Please bring friends and family - the more the merrier!