Fired Up for July 4th in Israel

Beth Shalom trip from Golan to Dead Sea to include IDF base

By Michael Jacobs

If the synagogue trips to Israel we told you about Feb. 6 don’t fit your timetable, your itinerary or your general needs, Congregation Beth Shalom has another option for you.

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It’s a chance to spend the Fourth of July celebrating Shabbat in Tel Aviv.

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman and his wife, Linda, are leading a one-bus trip to Israel from June 23 to July 6 through Israel Tour Connection because “the best way to stand with Israel is to stand in Israel.” The trip is open to anyone in the community, but you have until only March 1 to sign on.

The trip includes elements for travelers of all ages, regardless of how many times they’ve visited Israel.

“The best thing about our trips is igniting a love for Israel among first-time visitors, understanding the complex makeup of the land and its people, and creating a strong bond with our fellow travelers,” Rabbi Zimmerman said.
The Zimmermans usually lead a trip to Israel every other year, with the last one taking place in June 2013. Rabbi Zimmerman estimates that he has led 250 Atlantans to Israel over the years. Each time, he adds something new, such as jeep rides, Golan wine tastings and visits to a Druze village.

The exact itinerary for the trip will be finalized at a meeting of the full travel group, but it will include a visit to an Israel Defense Forces base (most likely in the Golan), a Shabbat in Jerusalem in addition to July 4th in Tel Aviv, and an overnight by the Dead Sea to allow people to get an early-morning start if they want to ascend Massada by foot.

“We have an incredible, friendly guide joining us who has an extensive background in archaeology as well as a passionate love for the land and people of Israel,” Rabbi Zimmerman said.
The trip is priced at $3,495 per person without airfare or $5,385 with it. You can email rabbi@bshalom.net or LindaZimmerman314@gmail.com or call Rabbi Zimmerman at Beth Shalom at 770-399-5300 to get more information or sign up.

As a reminder, the other trips reported Feb. 6 are with Temple Emanu-El, Congregation Or Hadash and The Temple; read about them at atlantajewishtimes.com/2015/02/travel-atlanta-synagogues-prepare-summer-israel. Send information about other synagogue Israel trips to mjacobs@atljewishtimes.com.