Congregational Trip to Israel

Travel Dates: Sunday, November 16-Sunday, November 23
Led by Rabbi Art Nemitoff and Rabbi Heath Watenmaker

Join Rabbi Art Nemitoff and Rabbi Heath Watenmaker for a once-in-a-generation experience on a week-long congregational trip to Israel for one week (November 16-23). Participants will spend time exploring the “matzav” (situation) on the ground, talking with Israelis and Palestinians. The itinerary will begin with a visit to Hostage Square (if it still exists!), followed by a day visiting the Gaza Envelope and Nova Festival site. Travelers will also spend time visiting with hostage families, journalists and commentators, government representatives, and regular Israelis and Palestinians.

The trip is open to any member of Beth Am (in good standing), and is limited to 40 people. We anticipate the cost to be less than $3,800 + airfare. (We are currently in the process of working out exact pricing).

Why now? If the recently U.S.-proposed 20-point peace plan is accepted by Hamas in the next month, we will be in the enviable position of being “on the ground” and talking to people, understanding their hopes, dreams, fears… and that will help shape our Beth Am conversation. Even if the peace plan falters, listening to those most affected by the events of the past two years will inform our dialogue.

The purpose of our trip will be 4-fold to:

1. Express solidarity with the Israeli people;
2. Learn from the government and other officials what this possible shift in the Middle East may mean;
3. Learn from leadership of the Reform movement in Israel, striving to understand what is needed from us to help move forward a liberal Jewish agenda in Israel; and
4. Meet with a variety of Palestinians who will share their views of this (potentially) remarkable moment in their people’s history.

A $150/per person deposit is required to hold your space on the trip (refundable until October 12, 2025). For more information (including an itinerary) and to register, please visit bit.ly/israel-trip2025. Or, contact Rabbi Art Nemitoff at rabbinemitoff@gmail.com.