February 2026

• Depart the U.S.

Overnight: Flight

• Welcome to Jerusalem: For thousands of years, tourists, travelers, and pilgrims have celebrated as they take in the first view of Jerusalem. Together, we will stop at the Haas Promenade, a scenic overlook of Jerusalem for a stunning overview of the city, including the walls of the Old City. We will celebrate our arrival with the shehecheyanu (Hebrew for a Jewish blessing for gratitude) acknowledging how fortunate and excited we are to have arrived at this moment.
• Check in to the hotel, relax, explore for lunch on your own.
• We will light Shabbat candles and experience a Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcome to Shabbat) service together with your new friends overlooking the Old City.
• Enjoy a delicious Shabbat Dinner with other HMI groups.

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Jerusalem

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• The Five-Legged Table: Reflections on the Jewish Family: This session will provide a thought-provoking framework for the trip and for understanding the foundational aspects of Jewish identity and community.
• Kiddush lunch at the hotel
• Four Quarters, Three Religions, One City: Set off for a walking tour through the Old City of Jerusalem, we will explore the various quarters, to witness diverse communities, their history and holiness.
• Honeymoon Israel Conversation #1 “The Beginning”: During our journey, there will be four Honeymoon Israel Conversations, which is dedicated time for the group to process our experience, explore big questions, and build a sense of community. This will be followed by a memorable Havdalah (separation ritual to differentiate the week from Shabbat) ceremony to end Shabbat together.
• Dinner on your own and evening at leisure. (Refer to HMI’s restaurant guide for recommendations).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight: Jerusalem

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• We’ll hear from Haviv Rettig Gur, an Israeli journalist who will provide an in-depth geopolitical overview of Israel and the region.
• We’ll return to the Old City for lunch on your own and time to explore the shuk (market), a lively maze of shops filled with spices, crafts, and keepsakes that tell the story of this ancient city.
• In the afternoon, we’ll hear from a panel of participants in the Speaker Fellowship with the Task Force on Arab Citizens of Israel. This group of Arab and Palestinian leaders foster honest exchange, mutual learning, and meaningful engagement. They’ll share their stories, insights into their work as changemakers in Israeli society, and vision for their communities.
• We’ll spend some time discussing the day, and then dive into learning all about the Jewish holiday of Purim.
• Dinner on your own and optional night market tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Jerusalem

• • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Our morning will be spent at Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust museum and memorial. Here, we’ll honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust (Shoah in Hebrew) and reflect on how this history shapes the Jewish story — and the world — today.
  • Lunch on your own at Mahane Yehuda Market — Jerusalem’s famous shuk (market), now also a hub of lively cafés and hidden eateries.
  • We will meet for Honeymoon Israel Conversation #2 “The Couple & Building A Home” at the hotel.
  • It’s Erev Purim (Purim Eve)! We’ll enjoy a Purim Shpiel (a festive retelling of the Book of Esther) and do a special service project to assemble mishloach manot (gift bags) for people in need.
  • Dinner on own, Erev Purim activities in the city

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Jerusalem

•  Breakfast at the hotel. 
• As Low as It Goes: We’ll leave Jerusalem and journey down to the Dead Sea Basin — 1,412 feet below sea level — the lowest place on earth. As we drive, we’ll take in the breathtaking beauty of Israel’s desert landscapes.
• We’ll ascend Masada by cable car to explore its extraordinary views and powerful history. Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the final stronghold of Jewish rebels against Roman forces around 74 CE, during the Second Temple period. Together, we’ll reflect on its lasting symbolism in Jewish and Israeli identity.
• It’s the Jewish holiday of Purim! We’ll have the unique chance to hear a Megillah reading (a special reading of the Book of Esther) at the top of Masada.
• Muddy Good Fun: We’ll “swim” (really, float effortlessly!) in the Dead Sea, whose salty waters and mineral-rich mud are famous for their healing properties. Cover yourself in mud — a joyful, time-honored tradition — and feel the magic for yourself. We’ll also enjoy a buffet lunch by the water.
• Drive up north and check into the hotel. Dinner will be provided at the hotel.
• Free evening with optional Israeli folk dance lesson.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Ein Gev and Nof Ginosaur

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Got Questions? Throughout the week, you may have gathered new thoughts, wonderings, or questions about Judaism, Israel, or identity. This is a warm, open space to bring them all. Our Jewish Educator will guide an honest, inclusive group conversation at the hotel.
• We’ll take a tour of Tzfat (also known as Safed or Zefat), the city with the highest elevation in the Sea of Galilee. You’ll enjoy lunch on your own, with time for shopping.
• Northern Israel is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy views of the Sea of Galilee as we discuss the geopolitical realities in the region during a walk at Shvil Ha Pisga along Mt. Meron.
• Purim Party with all Honeymoon Israel cohorts – costumes encouraged!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Ein Gev and Nof Ginosaur

• Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
• We’ll join our partners at Yahel, a non-profit organization dedicated to responsible and sustainable volunteer experiences in Israel, for a day of volunteering and service learning that addresses real needs in Israel. Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is a core value in Judaism. Volunteering – working to repair the brokenness in our world – is a powerful outward expression of Jewish values.
• Our Cleveland cohort will have the unique opportunity to visit their partner city, Beit She’an.
• We’ll head to Tel Aviv — Israel’s vibrant, coastal city where tradition meets modern energy and check into the hotel.
• Take some time to explore on your own or relax before we gather for Honeymoon Israel Conversation #3 “Open Space for Community-Building” at the hotel.
• Dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Tel Aviv

• Breakfast at the hotel 
• We’ll hear from Ashagar Araro, an Ethiopian-Israeli woman who came to Israel as a baby during Operation Solomon. Ashager will share her family’s story and give us a window into the perspectives, challenges, and vibrant culture of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel.
• After that, we will visit the ANU Museum – the Museum of the Jewish People.
• Next, we’ll drop you off at the shuk (market) so you can enjoy some lunch. Wander through the vibrant Carmel Market, the pedestrian craft market of Nachalat Binyamin, and trendy Sheinkin Street, and discover the melting pot of influences that shape Tel Aviv’s unique vibe.
• Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
• As the evening approaches, we’ll come together for Shabbat Candle Lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat (the welcome to Shabbat), marking the transition into a time of rest and reflection.
• We’ll gather for a Shabbat Dinner at the hotel with the other HMI groups, sharing a beautiful meal to celebrate the beginning of Shabbat.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Tel Aviv

• Breakfast at the hotel (don’t miss the special Shabbat bread, jachnun – a Yemenite delicacy!) 
• In the morning we will meet and hear from Gili Roman, an advocate for the Israeli hostages during the war and whose family was personally impacted by the hostage crisis. Gili’s sister, Yarden Roman was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7th, 2023 and released after 54 days. Tragically, Gili’s sister in law, Carmel Gat, was also kidnapped and murdered by Hamas in August 2024. Gili is an educator, an author, and an activist whose perspective is informed by his personal story and cross-sector career in coexistence/peace-building, education, and leadership.
• After that, we will have a conversation with our Israeli Mifgash couples, as part of a special HMI panel.
• Next, we’ll go to the ancient city of Jaffa, one of the oldest ports in the world. From its vantage point overlooking the Mediterranean, we’ll reflect on Jaffa’s rich legacy before enjoying free time and lunch on your own at the famous Flea Market — don’t forget to haggle for a bargain!
• Afterward, we’ll immerse ourselves in the unique Shabbat atmosphere of Tel Aviv and enjoy lunch on our own. As many locals head to the beaches and coffee shops to unwind after the work week, we’ll enjoy the lively yet peaceful ambiance that Shabbat brings to this vibrant city.
• We’ll then come together for our final Honeymoon Israel Conversation, followed by a memorable Havdalah service overlooking the beach and marking our transition back home.
• Dinner at the hotel
• Transfer to the Ben Gurion airport and check in for your return flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Flight