About Us
"Us" is Chris Davis and Danny & Judy Kransdorf.I, Chris, am the father of four grown children. One of them, my youngest son, Blake, has been to Israel many times. I homeschooled my three sons throughout their entire schooling experience. I also founded The Elijah Company in 1988, one of the first Christian homeschool supply companies.
Since 2002, I have been taking homeschooling families to Israel annually through my company, Homeschool Travel. The main reason I chose Danny and Judy Kransdorf as my Tour Operators is that they are able to do what homeschoolers want: Create an Experience that homeschooling families will never forget. We believe we have accomplished this and we have the Experiences to prove it!
We, Danny and Judy are the parents of two sons. When we moved to Israel in 1997 we noticed that tour companies were bringing people to Israel to see the "normal" tourist sites; but were bypassing the areas where most of Israel's biblical history took place: the "heartland" of the country. We began a tour company to resolve this oversight. When we began working with Chris, arranging travel for Christian homeschoolers, we soon realized that homeschoolers are not normal tourists. Homeschoolers want Experiences, not tourism.
In 2008 I began working with Diesenhaus Unitours to bring the added influence of Israel's largest travel agency to our Homeschool Travel experiences.
Chris, Judy and Danny believe we have proven over and over again that Israel cannot be experienced any better!
Why We Are Different
Basically, the difference between us and any "tour" you might take is that we know homeschoolers! We have spent years (and many previous trips to Israel) perfecting the Experience of a Lifetime for homeschooling families. If you read the Testimonials page, you will see what other homeschoolers have said about their own Experiences. And, we urge you to go to the References You May Contact page and email any of the families who have traveled with us on our previous Israel Experiences. Don't take our word for it. Let them tell you!
Prearranged 10 Day September Experience
»
For the prearranged 14 Day December Experience click here
Note: When making flight reservations to Israel, be sure you arrive on "Day 2" of the itinerary. Day 1 is your overnight flight from the western hemisphere.
Day 1 - Tuesday, September 1:
We are really going
to Israel!Note: When making flight reservations to Israel, be sure you arrive on "Day 2" of the itinerary. Day 1 is your overnight flight from the western hemisphere.
Day 1 - Tuesday, September 1:
Today is spent journeying from our hometowns to the Land of Promise
Day 2 - Wednesday, September 2: Arrive
at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv
We finally arrive in Israel! Transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv near the Mediterranean Sea and spend the afternoon/evening relaxing and napping after a very long flight. Dinner and overnight in Tel Aviv/Jaffa
Day 3 – Thursday, September 3:
Samaria
After a late breakfast and swim in the Sea our tour of biblical Israel begins. We drive east to the first location in the Promised Land mentioned in the Bible, Alon Moreh. Then we take in the city of Shechem, which was important throughout Bible times, and even to this day, from Mount Gerizim (home of the descendants of the Samaritan people), lunch at the canteen of an Israeli Army base. Then we will be invited to join our tour operator and guide in their home at Maale Levona for a Bar B Que dinner with some of their friends and neighbors. Overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 4 - Friday, September 4: Shiloh
It is fitting that we begin the day with Israeli's first capitol: Shiloh, where Joshua placed Moses' Wilderness Tabernacle and where it stood for the next 369 years. We stop in the ancient sites of Ai and Bethel where Joshua fought his first losing battle and where Isaac dreamed of a ladder and angels. This evening starts Sabbath for Orthodox Jews the world over. It will be our special treat to experience a Sabbath evening in an Orthodox community in the land of Israel. No ordinary "tour" offers this kind of experience! It has been one of the most memorable experiences for every one of our groups-a treasure you will never forget! Traditional Shabbat Dinner and Overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 5 - Saturday, September 5:
Moslem and Christian Jerusalem
As we enter Jerusalem-the "City of Gold"-we will learn the difference between the names Jerusalem, City of David, Zion and the Temple Mount. Today we visit the sites of Jesus' life that occurred in and around Jerusalem. We climb to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. We cross the Kidron Valley to the Old City where we will retrace Jesus' final steps along the Via Dolorosa. There will be time for shopping in the exotic Moslem Quarter. We continue to the Garden Tomb, possible site of Jesus' burial. In the evening we can shop at the Ben Yehudah outdoor mall.
Today is Sabbath for Orthodox Jews the world over. It will be our special treat to experience a true Sabbath in an Orthodox community in the land of Israel. We will talk, play, and just plain relax. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 6 - Sunday, September 6:
David's City
After breakfast, have the unique privilege of working alongside archaeologists as we sift through soil from beneath the Temple Mount looking for ancient Temple-era artifacts. We can shop today in the Jewish Quarter including our favorite shop, Shorashim. Then we will walk through The Cardo-or Roman Jerusalem. We enter the City of David and walk over the area of King David's palace and then take out our flashlights for a walk through one of the marvels of King Hezikiah's reign: the Water Tunnel. Leaving the Tunnel, we will dip our feet in the recently discovered Pool of Siloam.
Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 7 - Monday, September 7:
Dead Sea
We are headed east towards the Jordan River Valley, past the world's oldest town, Jericho, home of Rahab the harlot, and the location where Joshua entered the Land after 40 years in the Wilderness. We will climb the cliffs of Ein Gedi and swim in the beautiful waterfalls then we arrive at the cave where David cut off part of Saul's cloak. Bring your bathing suit. Then it's on to the Dead Sea, the world's lowest point for a swim (float). Continue to Mount Sodom and discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as we walk through the famous "flour" caves.
Dinner and overnight near the Dead Sea
Day 8 - Tuesday, September 8:
Masada, Northern Regions
We arise early and climb to the top of Masada watching the sunrise over the Mountains of Moab, across the Dead Sea in the country of Jordan. We will attempt to understand why King Herod would build such a fortress and discover how the Romans finally captured it after two years, only to find a great surprise awaiting them. Back to the hostel for breakfast, we have packed our bags and we head north along the Jordan River Valley for the northern lands of the Galilee. On the way we will discuss many of the people of the Bible: David's flight from his son, Absolom; Jacob wrestling with an angel; the hometown areas of Elijah and Elisha; Mt. Gilboa, and many more. We will end our day at Yardanit, where the Jordan River flows from the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and which is a possible site of Jesus' baptism. You will have the opportunity to baptize your children (or be baptized) in the River and may also take some Jordan River water home with you if you wish. We will spend some time in Yardanit's wonderful gift shop before ending up on the shore of the Sea of Galilee at everyone's favorite resort.
Dinner and overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 9 - Wednesday, September 9:
Jesus' Ministry Area
This is our day to encircle the Sea of Galilee and become intimately acquainted with the towns and areas of Jesus' ministry as written in the Gospels.
You will never read your New Testament the same after today! We will explore Bethsaida, Tabgha, Capernaum (where Peter's house has been discovered along with the synagogue where Jesus taught), and the Mount of Beatitudes. At the village synagogue of Korazim you may sit in the "Seat of Moses", a stone chair possibly used by Jesus, Himself. Traveling north we visit Banias (biblical Caesarea Philippi) where we will learn what Jesus meant when He spoke of "the gates of hell." Dinner and Overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 10 - Thursday, September 10:
Galilee, Airport
On our last day in the Holy Land we drive through the Galilee to Mount Carmel for a retelling of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. From Carmel, we can look over the peaceful Jezreel Valley. Our next destination: the restored city of Caesarea, built by King Herod and site of the prison that held the apostle, Paul. Here Pontius Pilot ruled. We will sit in the arena and walk the floor of the great Hippodrome where chariot races were held. We end the day in the oldest port town in the world: Jaffa. Here Peter was staying with Simon the tanner when he received his vision to speak to the Gentiles in Caesarea. We will read the book of Jonah as we stand in the very place where Jonah fled from the call of God. We say our final "farewells" at dinner. Before our departure for the airport and our flight home. Goodbye, Israel, until we return again.
You will be asked again and again, "How was your trip to Israel?" If you ever figure out how to answer this question, please let the rest of us know!
Prices for the 10 Day September Experience
$1139.00 per adult
$815.00 per child sharing room with 2 adults
$989.00 per child in a separate room
Child is until 18 years old
$1139.00 per adult
$815.00 per child sharing room with 2 adults
$989.00 per child in a separate room Child is until 18 years old
Price
includes:
· All accommodations
· All travel within Israel
· All entrance fees, admissions and special events
· Experienced Israeli Tour guide
· All meals except lunches (see below)
· All tips
Price does not include:
· Airfare to Israel
· Most lunches (we stop for lunch where several choices
exist)
· Souvenirs and other personal items
· Trip insurance (if desired)
There is room for only 28 more individuals to join this Experience. So sign up now!
Prearranged 14 Day December Experience
For the prearranged 10 Day September Experience click here
»
Note: When making flight reservations to Israel, be sure you arrive on "Day 2" of the itinerary. Day 1 is your overnight flight from the western hemisphere.
Day 1 - Tuesday, December 1:
We are really going
to Israel!
Today
is spent journeying from our hometowns to
the Land of
Promise
Day 2 - Wednesday, December 2: Arrive
at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv
We finally arrive in Israel! Transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv near the Mediterranean Sea and spend the afternoon/evening relaxing and napping after a very long flight. Dinner and overnight in Tel Aviv/Jaffa
Day 3 – Thursday, December 3:
Samaria
After a late breakfast our tour of biblical Israel begins. We drive east to the first location in the Promised Land mentioned in the Bible, Alon Moreh. Then we take in the city of Shechem, which was important throughout Bible times, and even to this day, from Mount Gerizim (home of the descendants of the Samaritan people), lunch at the canteen of an Israeli Army base. Then we will be invited to join our tour operator and guide in their home at Maale Levona for a Bar B Que dinner with some of their friends and neighbors. Overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 4 - Friday, December 4: Shiloh
It is fitting that we begin the day with Israeli's first capitol: Shiloh, where Joshua placed Moses' Wilderness Tabernacle and where it stood for the next 369 years. We stop in the ancient sites of Ai and Bethel where Joshua fought his first losing battle and where Isaac dreamed of a ladder and angels.
Traditional Shabbat Dinner and Overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 5 - Saturday, December 5:
Samaria
Today is Sabbath for Orthodox Jews the world over. It will be our special treat to experience a true Sabbath in an Orthodox community in the land of Israel. We will talk, play, and just plain relax. No ordinary "tour" offers this kind of experience! It has been one of the most memorable experiences for every one of our groups-a treasure you will never forget! Lunch, dinner and overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 6 - Sunday, December 6:
Dead Sea
We will take an early morning hike to the summit of the Sartaba Mountain to reenact a "head of the month" ceremony from the days after the people returned from Babylonian captivity. We are headed east towards the Jordan River Valley, past the world's oldest town, Jericho, home of Rahab the harlot, and the location where Joshua entered the Land after 40 years in the Wilderness. We will climb the cliffs of Ein Gedi and swim in the beautiful waterfalls then we arrive at the cave where David cut off part of Saul's cloak. Bring your bathing suit. Then it's on to the Dead Sea, the world's lowest point for a swim (float).Dinner and overnight near the Dead Sea
Day 7 - Monday, December 7:
Masada
We arise early and climb to the top of Masada watching the sunrise over the Mountains of Moab, across the Dead Sea in the country of Jordan. We will attempt to understand why King Herod would build such a fortress and discover how the Romans finally captured it after two years, only to find a great surprise awaiting them. Back to the hostel for breakfast and then we continue to Mount Sodom and discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as we walk through the famous "flour" caves. The rest of the day will be spent swimming and relaxing. Dinner and overnight near the Dead Sea
Day 8 - Tuesday, December 8:
Arad, Jerusalem
After breakfast we travel for a camel ride in the desert and then we explore Tel Arad, one of the richest archaeological sites in southern Israel. Here Moses' spies began to encounter walled cities and returned to camp with a bad report. In the valley of HaElah, we will each choose 5 smooth stones from the battleground of David and Goliath. As we enter Jerusalem-the "City of Gold"-we will learn the difference between the names Jerusalem, City of David, Zion and the Temple Mount. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 9 – Wednesday, December 9:
Historical Jerusalem from Abraham
After breakfast, we expect to be among the special few allowed entrance to the Temple Mount. Then we visit one of the most amazing archaeological sites in all Israel as we venture deep beneath the Temple walls to discover underground vaults and arches built by kings Solomon and Herod. We enter the City of David and walk over the area of King David's palace and then take out our flashlights for a walk through one of the marvels of King Hezikiah's reign: the Water Tunnel. Leaving the Tunnel, we will dip our feet in the recently discovered Pool of Siloam. We walk through on of the gates of “The City” to the Southern Steps we will be able to have a better understanding of the time when the Temple stood. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 10 - Thursday, December 10:
Current Jerusalem
We have the unique privilege of working alongside archaeologists as we sift through soil from beneath the Temple Mount looking for ancient Temple-era artifacts. We can shop today in the Jewish Quarter including our favorite shop, Shorashim. Then we will walk through The Cardo-or Roman Jerusalem. We will stroll through the shuk, the wonderful outdoor market where native Jerusalemites buy their food. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 11 - Friday, December 11:
Moslem and Christian Jerusalem
After breakfast we will view Bethlehem and visit the sites of Jesus' life that occurred in and around Jerusalem. We climb to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. We cross the Kidron Valley to the Old City where we will retrace Jesus' final steps along the Via Dolorosa. There will be time for shopping in the exotic Moslem Quarter. We continue to the Garden Tomb, possible site of Jesus' burial. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 12 - Saturday, December 12:
Northern Regions
We have packed our bags and said our goodbyes to Jerusalem as we head north along the Jordan River Valley for the northern lands of the Galilee. On the way we will discuss many of the people of the Bible: David's flight from his son, Absolom; Jacob wrestling with an angel; the hometown areas of Elijah and Elisha; Mt. Gilboa, and many more. We will visit Israel's largest archaeological site, Beit Shean where the bodies of Saul and Jonathan were nailed to the city wall after their disastrous defeat by the Philistines. We will end our day at Yardanit, where the Jordan River flows from the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and which is a possible site of Jesus' baptism. You will have the opportunity to baptize your children (or be baptized) in the River and may also take some Jordan River water home with you if you wish. We will spend some time in Yardanit's wonderful gift shop before ending up on the shore of the Sea of Galilee at everyone's favorite resort. Dinner and overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 13 – Sunday, December 13: Jesus' Ministry Area
This is our day to encircle the Sea of Galilee and become intimately acquainted with the towns and areas of Jesus' ministry as written in the Gospels.
You will never read your New Testament the same after today! We will explore Bethsaida, Tabgha, Capernaum (where Peter's house has been discovered along with the synagogue where Jesus taught), and the Mount of Beatitudes. At the village synagogue of Korazim you may sit in the "Seat of Moses", a stone chair possibly used by Jesus, Himself. Traveling north we visit Banias (biblical Caesarea Philippi) where we will learn what Jesus meant when He spoke of "the gates of hell." Dinner and overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 14 – Monday, December 14: Galilee, Airport
On our last day in the Holy Land we drive through the Galilee to Mount Carmel for a retelling of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. From Carmel, we can look over the peaceful Jezreel Valley. Our next destination: the restored city of Caesarea, built by King Herod and site of the prison that held the apostle, Paul. Here Pontius Pilot ruled. We will sit in the arena and walk the floor of the great Hippodrome where chariot races were held. We end the day in the oldest port town in the world: Jaffa. Here Peter was staying with Simon the tanner when he received his vision to speak to the Gentiles in Caesarea. We will read the book of Jonah as we stand in the very place where Jonah fled from the call of God. We say our final "farewells" at dinner. Before our departure for the airport and our flight home. Goodbye, Israel, until we return again.
You will be asked again and again, "How was your trip to Israel?" If
you ever figure out how to answer this question, please let the rest of us know!
NEW Prices for the 14 Day December Experience
$1516.00 per adult sharing a double room
$1039.00 per child sharing room with 2 adults
$1316.00 per child in a separate room
Child is until 18 years old
There is room for only 20 more individuals to join this Experience. So sign up now!
Price
includes:
· All accommodations
· All travel within Israel
· All entrance fees, admissions and special events
· Experienced Israeli Tour guide
· All meals except lunches (see below)
· All tips
Price does not include:
· Airfare to Israel
· Most lunches (we stop for lunch where several choices
exist)
· Souvenirs and other personal items
· Trip insurance (if desired)
Organize
Your Own Group
& Take $1,000.00 or More Off Your Cost
You
may either
join
one of the prearranged Experiences you see on this
web site,
Or...
You
may organize your own group and take at least $1,000.00 or
more off the cost of your own trip!
Here's how it works:
- You will need to
find at
least 20 others to join you (couples, individuals, and/or
families). If
you are bringing families, remember that it takes only 5-6 families to
equal
20 individuals
- For 20
travelers, you may
deduct $1,000 off your trip
- If
you gather more
than 20, we
will deduct more
than $1,000 depending on
the final number
Here's what you
do:
- On
the contact
page check "Forming my own
group"
- We
will contact you and help you choose
appropriate dates
- You may use one of the
prearranged
itineraries on
this site
(substituting your dates), or we can help you change the itinerary in
whatever
way you desire
- Begin spreading
the word!
If
you are
considering this option, we need to
hear from you right
away!
Is Israel Safe?
We
have never taken a group to Israel where anyone felt the first sense of
concern
while in the Land. When asked how secure our people felt in Israel, the
unanimous
response has been as follows (and this is a direct quote from one of
our
group)...
"The
trip was
great, and
never for one moment did I feel that
I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
Tourism
is
Israel's second most
important industry (next to
diamonds), and the State of Israel goes to great lengths to safeguard
every
Pilgrim. Today many people fear to leave their homes to go anywhere,
even
in the U.S. We believe the safest place one can be at any time is
wherever God
wants him to be. So, the real question is, "Does the Lord want you to
go to
Israel?" If so, you are safer in Israel than anywhere in the
world!
What You Will Experience
Most
"tours" visit sites:
Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the
Mount of Beatitudes, etc. But, there is a difference between visiting a
place, and
experiencing the biblical history of that place. An experience should
not only
teach, it should also give an individual - - especially a young person - - a
tie to that
place which he or she will never forget.
This is why
we climb Mount Sartaba on our 20 day experiences to reenact the sending of the signal fire so
those who
remained hundreds of miles to the north in Babylon will know that it is
time to
celebrate the New Moon. This is why we collect five smooth stones from
the brook in the valley where David faced Goliath so we can show those
back home
that we were actually "there". This is why we slosh through Hezikiah's
Water
Tunnel, asking ourselves how such an architectural feat could have been
accomplish so quickly, with all its twists and turns, in 700 B.C.! This
is why we
give part or our time helping archaeologists sift through Temple Mount
dirt,
looking for ancient Temple treasures. This is why we spend a Sabbath
weekend as
the guests of an Orthodox Jewish community, experiencing, first-hand
what it's
like to be a pioneering Jew in the Land of the Jews.
Yet,
with all this, we visit every
site a normal "tour" would
visit &mdash we are just never "tourists".
What You Will Learn
In
Israel, every village, town and
turn-in-the-road leaps out
at you from the Bible. Our guides are Bible scholars as well as experts
in points
of Jewish history and law. The Bible is our Tour Book &mdash we will read from
it daily.
Bring it with you on the bus!
Israel is a place unique in the world. It can be a mirror to one’s soul and travelers to this Land often meet themselves and members of their families in ways they did not expect. When families are hot and tired, personal and family issues tend to surface and each individual, or family, will handle their issues differently.
Also, because Israel’s culture appears “western”, it is easy to forget that you are in a foreign country complete with its own inconveniences, inconsistencies, irritabilities and conflicting spirits.
Disappointments arise from unfulfilled expectations. If you are a person who doesn’t appreciate the unexpected, who doesn’t like surprises or who doesn’t like things to change, then this Experience may not be for you.
However, if you love the excitement of new adventures each and every day, then this is the group for you to join! And, you can be assured that—like virtually everyone who has gone before you—you will definitely meet God in ways you have never known Him.
What you are about to join has been prepared to give each participant the maximum possible experience of the biblical history of God’s People and their Land. This may include participation in archaeological work with Temple Mount artifacts. Also, because Israel’s biblical history has always been related to her political history, you and your students will have the rare opportunity to become educated in the complex relationships of the entire Middle Eastern region. For this understanding, your students will be eligible to receive credits in Biblical and Middle Eastern History and Archaeology.
Testimonials
Each
statement that follows is the
heart-felt expression of a
homeschooling family on one of our previous Experiences:
"I
cannot describe the impact the entire
experience had on me personally"
"Thank
you, thank you, for making
my dream of a family trip to
Israel a reality!"
"I
would most heartily recommend
this tour to anyone. Not just
tourist traps and time-worn sites, but a living history that comes to
life right
from the pages of the Holy Scriptures."
"I have
talked to other
Christians who have toured Israel, and none of them got to know Jewish
families,
participated in Shabbat, or were invited to a synagogue. None of them
heard the
history of the Jewish people, or went to communities and actually dwelt
in the
midst of the people."
"...an
experience I will cherish
the rest of my
life."
"The
trip was great, and never for
one moment did I feel that
I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
"My
expectations were so high
I honestly expected to be disappointed; however, this trip was much
more than I
had ever thought it could be."
"We
have been back nearly four
weeks and we simply cannot seem
to get back to the routine of life. We truly were so amazingly and
profoundly
changed by the trip! We have spent the better part of four weeks
talking about
the Land, the people, and the impact made on our understanding of the
Bible."
"Our
children discovered a world they had only read about and
dreamed of; as parents, we knew their understanding of that world grew
immeasurably."
"Having
a guide who was clearly
devoted to God's word was
central to this experience."
"Having
the opportunities to meet,
spend time with, and talk
to Israeli citizens, especially Orthodox Jews, was a true highlight.
The Shabbat
experience at Ma'ale Levona was one of the best features of the
trip."
"It was
wonderful to not only
walk the land and talk to the people, but to watch us become a
'family'."
"It
was incredible to see the
sites, smell the smells, hear
the Word of God and interact with the people."
"You
may be uncomfortable at
times-thirsty, hot and dirty-but
you come home with such memories that all those things seem
insignificant."
"You
did a fantastic job,
and the experience was over and above all that we could have hoped for
or
imagined. Thank you again for all your work and vision for this
pilgrimage. It
has forever changed our lives!"
"[This
Experience] changed my life
and that of my children
forever. This is an educational and spiritual opportunity I will be
eternally
grateful for."
"The
beauty and history of the
Land is surpassed only by the
depth and passion of the people. As visitors to Israel there is joy in
both
praying at the Wall and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. There is
excitement in
making your way through Hezikiah's ancient tunnel and walking through
one of
Jerusalem's gates for the first time. The smells, flavors and colors of
the
markets and shops are intoxicating. We enjoyed every
minute!"
References
You May Contact
The following names are some
of the many
families who have traveled with us in the past (click on name for
e-mail address).
They have agreed to answer any questions you may have about our Israel
Experience.
They receive no benefit for doing this other than their desire-as
fellow
homeschoolers-to help with your decision to visit Israel.
Perkins Family
Lodien Family
White Family
Roland Family
Hoskins Family
Huff Family
Kowalski Family
Tucker Family
Anton Family
Moore Family
Wiebe Family
McCullough Family
Cotton Family
(Spain)
Foster Family
Who Should Come
Entire
families, extended families
and partial families (even
couples and individuals) have joined our Experiences. Fathers have sent their families (or, sometimes their children) for three weeks and have joined them the first (or last) two weeks.
Who should come?
Everyone who
can...don't put it off!
Recommended Ages
Minimum Age: After
several
years bringing families to
Israel (and asking our travelers each time what they thought), we have
concluded
that our Experiences are most valuable for students age 12 and up. More
than once,
we have had children as young as 8, 9 or 10. However, at the end of our
time
together, their parents admitted they should have waited until the
younger children
were a little older and only have brought the older ones. We did have
one young
lady from Australia who was so mature at age 10, her presence among us
was a real
joy for everyone. We have also had children around this age who were
lacking in the
maturity for the trip to be a meaningful time for them.
Having
said all
this, you
know your own children: The amount
of sharing they are capable of absorbing; their personal attention
spans; their
ability to handle hot climates and different kinds of food; their
ability to be
interested in an experience such as the one we are providing are all
necessary
considerations.
We do not
take
extremely young
children who need the kind of
personal attention that could hinder the experiences of the rest of the
group.
Maximum
Age: We have had
grandfathers
and grandmothers up to age 80 on our Experiences. These individuals
paced
themselves, occasionally choosing not to climb or walk distances; but
they
enjoyed the time with their families. It is a special treat when
children can
have deeply satisfying experiences with a grandparent, such as one of
our
youngsters who was baptized in the Jordan River by her
grandfather.
Materials We Provide
Because
we are homeschoolers
offering this Experience for
other homeschoolers, we know you expect materials from us. Here is what
we
provide for everyone attending one of our Israel
Experiences:
10 sets of "Notes to Travelers" containing everything you will need to know: what to pack and what to expect; what money to bring and how to spend it; what to do when you arrive at the airport; how Jews view Christians and Christianity; a history of Zionism and modern Israel; how to assign credits to your students for their time in Israel; and much more
Earning Educational Credits
You will
want to
give your
student(s) educational credits for
this incredible Experience.
Here's
how to
figure the math for
assigning
credits:
Whenever
you assign credits for
your homeschooled student(s),
consider that approximately 100 hours of academics equals one academic
credit*.
On this
Experience, your
student(s) will be spending around 16
hours/day immersed in many aspects of biblical, historical and
political analysis
(this figure assumes 8 hours of sleep per night). 16 hours per day
times the
number of days on the Experience (plus the number of hours preparing
for the
Experience beforehand, plus the number of hours talking/writing about
the
Experience after you get home) could equal 300-400 hours or more.
Consequently,
the number of hours spent on this Experience could equal 3-4 academic
credits.
Call the
Course
anything you wish
and put it under the broad
category of World History or Political Science. Here are some
suggestions (we
used the first two with our sons):
"Ancient
Biblical History and
Middle Eastern Archeology"
"History of Ancient and Modern Israel"
"Geopolitics of the Middle East"
"Historical and Modern Politics in the Land of Palestine"
You get
the
picture. Think of your
own Course Titles (or use
the ones above) when you return home and enter them on your students'
official
transcript. Give a "Course Description" or descriptions (a more
detailed
statement of what was done, including any books read). You may also
want to have
your student(s) write an essay on his/her experiences for their
official
Portfolio of work done.
*The
Public
School year is
normally about 180 days. However,
educators agree that only a portion (some say a small portion) of those
180 days
is actually spent on "academics". For a homeschooler, 100 days more
than equals
an academic credit-hour.
Note: When making flight reservations to Israel, be sure you arrive on "Day 2" of the itinerary. Day 1 is your overnight flight from the western hemisphere.
Day 1 - Tuesday, December 1:
We are really going
to Israel!
Today
is spent journeying from our hometowns to
the Land of
Promise
Day 2 - Wednesday, December 2: Arrive
at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv
We finally arrive in Israel! Transfer to our hotel in Tel Aviv near the Mediterranean Sea and spend the afternoon/evening relaxing and napping after a very long flight. Dinner and overnight in Tel Aviv/Jaffa
Day 3 – Thursday, December 3:
Samaria
After a late breakfast our tour of biblical Israel begins. We drive east to the first location in the Promised Land mentioned in the Bible, Alon Moreh. Then we take in the city of Shechem, which was important throughout Bible times, and even to this day, from Mount Gerizim (home of the descendants of the Samaritan people), lunch at the canteen of an Israeli Army base. Then we will be invited to join our tour operator and guide in their home at Maale Levona for a Bar B Que dinner with some of their friends and neighbors. Overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 4 - Friday, December 4: Shiloh
It is fitting that we begin the day with Israeli's first capitol: Shiloh, where Joshua placed Moses' Wilderness Tabernacle and where it stood for the next 369 years. We stop in the ancient sites of Ai and Bethel where Joshua fought his first losing battle and where Isaac dreamed of a ladder and angels.
Traditional Shabbat Dinner and Overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 5 - Saturday, December 5:
Samaria
Today is Sabbath for Orthodox Jews the world over. It will be our special treat to experience a true Sabbath in an Orthodox community in the land of Israel. We will talk, play, and just plain relax. No ordinary "tour" offers this kind of experience! It has been one of the most memorable experiences for every one of our groups-a treasure you will never forget! Lunch, dinner and overnight at the Samaria Hostel
Day 6 - Sunday, December 6:
Dead Sea
We will take an early morning hike to the summit of the Sartaba Mountain to reenact a "head of the month" ceremony from the days after the people returned from Babylonian captivity. We are headed east towards the Jordan River Valley, past the world's oldest town, Jericho, home of Rahab the harlot, and the location where Joshua entered the Land after 40 years in the Wilderness. We will climb the cliffs of Ein Gedi and swim in the beautiful waterfalls then we arrive at the cave where David cut off part of Saul's cloak. Bring your bathing suit. Then it's on to the Dead Sea, the world's lowest point for a swim (float).Dinner and overnight near the Dead Sea
Day 7 - Monday, December 7:
Masada
We arise early and climb to the top of Masada watching the sunrise over the Mountains of Moab, across the Dead Sea in the country of Jordan. We will attempt to understand why King Herod would build such a fortress and discover how the Romans finally captured it after two years, only to find a great surprise awaiting them. Back to the hostel for breakfast and then we continue to Mount Sodom and discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as we walk through the famous "flour" caves. The rest of the day will be spent swimming and relaxing. Dinner and overnight near the Dead Sea
Day 8 - Tuesday, December 8:
Arad, Jerusalem
After breakfast we travel for a camel ride in the desert and then we explore Tel Arad, one of the richest archaeological sites in southern Israel. Here Moses' spies began to encounter walled cities and returned to camp with a bad report. In the valley of HaElah, we will each choose 5 smooth stones from the battleground of David and Goliath. As we enter Jerusalem-the "City of Gold"-we will learn the difference between the names Jerusalem, City of David, Zion and the Temple Mount. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 9 – Wednesday, December 9:
Historical Jerusalem from Abraham
After breakfast, we expect to be among the special few allowed entrance to the Temple Mount. Then we visit one of the most amazing archaeological sites in all Israel as we venture deep beneath the Temple walls to discover underground vaults and arches built by kings Solomon and Herod. We enter the City of David and walk over the area of King David's palace and then take out our flashlights for a walk through one of the marvels of King Hezikiah's reign: the Water Tunnel. Leaving the Tunnel, we will dip our feet in the recently discovered Pool of Siloam. We walk through on of the gates of “The City” to the Southern Steps we will be able to have a better understanding of the time when the Temple stood. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 10 - Thursday, December 10:
Current Jerusalem
We have the unique privilege of working alongside archaeologists as we sift through soil from beneath the Temple Mount looking for ancient Temple-era artifacts. We can shop today in the Jewish Quarter including our favorite shop, Shorashim. Then we will walk through The Cardo-or Roman Jerusalem. We will stroll through the shuk, the wonderful outdoor market where native Jerusalemites buy their food. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 11 - Friday, December 11:
Moslem and Christian Jerusalem
After breakfast we will view Bethlehem and visit the sites of Jesus' life that occurred in and around Jerusalem. We climb to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. We cross the Kidron Valley to the Old City where we will retrace Jesus' final steps along the Via Dolorosa. There will be time for shopping in the exotic Moslem Quarter. We continue to the Garden Tomb, possible site of Jesus' burial. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem
Day 12 - Saturday, December 12:
Northern Regions
We have packed our bags and said our goodbyes to Jerusalem as we head north along the Jordan River Valley for the northern lands of the Galilee. On the way we will discuss many of the people of the Bible: David's flight from his son, Absolom; Jacob wrestling with an angel; the hometown areas of Elijah and Elisha; Mt. Gilboa, and many more. We will visit Israel's largest archaeological site, Beit Shean where the bodies of Saul and Jonathan were nailed to the city wall after their disastrous defeat by the Philistines. We will end our day at Yardanit, where the Jordan River flows from the southern end of the Sea of Galilee and which is a possible site of Jesus' baptism. You will have the opportunity to baptize your children (or be baptized) in the River and may also take some Jordan River water home with you if you wish. We will spend some time in Yardanit's wonderful gift shop before ending up on the shore of the Sea of Galilee at everyone's favorite resort. Dinner and overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 13 – Sunday, December 13: Jesus' Ministry Area
This is our day to encircle the Sea of Galilee and become intimately acquainted with the towns and areas of Jesus' ministry as written in the Gospels.
You will never read your New Testament the same after today! We will explore Bethsaida, Tabgha, Capernaum (where Peter's house has been discovered along with the synagogue where Jesus taught), and the Mount of Beatitudes. At the village synagogue of Korazim you may sit in the "Seat of Moses", a stone chair possibly used by Jesus, Himself. Traveling north we visit Banias (biblical Caesarea Philippi) where we will learn what Jesus meant when He spoke of "the gates of hell." Dinner and overnight on the Sea of Galilee
Day 14 – Monday, December 14: Galilee, Airport
On our last day in the Holy Land we drive through the Galilee to Mount Carmel for a retelling of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. From Carmel, we can look over the peaceful Jezreel Valley. Our next destination: the restored city of Caesarea, built by King Herod and site of the prison that held the apostle, Paul. Here Pontius Pilot ruled. We will sit in the arena and walk the floor of the great Hippodrome where chariot races were held. We end the day in the oldest port town in the world: Jaffa. Here Peter was staying with Simon the tanner when he received his vision to speak to the Gentiles in Caesarea. We will read the book of Jonah as we stand in the very place where Jonah fled from the call of God. We say our final "farewells" at dinner. Before our departure for the airport and our flight home. Goodbye, Israel, until we return again.
You will be asked again and again, "How was your trip to Israel?" If you ever figure out how to answer this question, please let the rest of us know!
NEW Prices for the 14 Day December Experience
$1516.00 per adult sharing a double room
$1039.00 per child sharing room with 2 adults
$1316.00 per child in a separate room
Child is until 18 years old
There is room for only 20 more individuals to join this Experience. So sign up now!
Price
includes:
· All accommodations
· All travel within Israel
· All entrance fees, admissions and special events
· Experienced Israeli Tour guide
· All meals except lunches (see below)
· All tips
Price does not include:
· Airfare to Israel
· Most lunches (we stop for lunch where several choices
exist)
· Souvenirs and other personal items
· Trip insurance (if desired)
Organize
Your Own Group
& Take $1,000.00 or More Off Your Cost
We
have never taken a group to Israel where anyone felt the first sense of
concern
while in the Land. When asked how secure our people felt in Israel, the
unanimous
response has been as follows (and this is a direct quote from one of
our
group)...
"The
trip was
great, and
never for one moment did I feel that
I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
Tourism
is
Israel's second most
important industry (next to
diamonds), and the State of Israel goes to great lengths to safeguard
every
Pilgrim. Today many people fear to leave their homes to go anywhere,
even
in the U.S. We believe the safest place one can be at any time is
wherever God
wants him to be. So, the real question is, "Does the Lord want you to
go to
Israel?" If so, you are safer in Israel than anywhere in the
world!
This is why
we climb Mount Sartaba on our 20 day experiences to reenact the sending of the signal fire so
those who
remained hundreds of miles to the north in Babylon will know that it is
time to
celebrate the New Moon. This is why we collect five smooth stones from
the brook in the valley where David faced Goliath so we can show those
back home
that we were actually "there". This is why we slosh through Hezikiah's
Water
Tunnel, asking ourselves how such an architectural feat could have been
accomplish so quickly, with all its twists and turns, in 700 B.C.! This
is why we
give part or our time helping archaeologists sift through Temple Mount
dirt,
looking for ancient Temple treasures. This is why we spend a Sabbath
weekend as
the guests of an Orthodox Jewish community, experiencing, first-hand
what it's
like to be a pioneering Jew in the Land of the Jews.
Yet,
with all this, we visit every
site a normal "tour" would
visit &mdash we are just never "tourists".
In
Israel, every village, town and
turn-in-the-road leaps out
at you from the Bible. Our guides are Bible scholars as well as experts
in points
of Jewish history and law. The Bible is our Tour Book &mdash we will read from
it daily.
Bring it with you on the bus!
Israel is a place unique in the world. It can be a mirror to one’s soul and travelers to this Land often meet themselves and members of their families in ways they did not expect. When families are hot and tired, personal and family issues tend to surface and each individual, or family, will handle their issues differently.
Also, because Israel’s culture appears “western”, it is easy to forget that you are in a foreign country complete with its own inconveniences, inconsistencies, irritabilities and conflicting spirits.
Disappointments arise from unfulfilled expectations. If you are a person who doesn’t appreciate the unexpected, who doesn’t like surprises or who doesn’t like things to change, then this Experience may not be for you.
However, if you love the excitement of new adventures each and every day, then this is the group for you to join! And, you can be assured that—like virtually everyone who has gone before you—you will definitely meet God in ways you have never known Him.
What you are about to join has been prepared to give each participant the maximum possible experience of the biblical history of God’s People and their Land. This may include participation in archaeological work with Temple Mount artifacts. Also, because Israel’s biblical history has always been related to her political history, you and your students will have the rare opportunity to become educated in the complex relationships of the entire Middle Eastern region. For this understanding, your students will be eligible to receive credits in Biblical and Middle Eastern History and Archaeology.
"Thank
you, thank you, for making
my dream of a family trip to
Israel a reality!"
"I
would most heartily recommend
this tour to anyone. Not just
tourist traps and time-worn sites, but a living history that comes to
life right
from the pages of the Holy Scriptures."
"...an
experience I will cherish
the rest of my
life."
"The
trip was great, and never for
one moment did I feel that
I was in danger. The security provided us was superb."
"We
have been back nearly four
weeks and we simply cannot seem
to get back to the routine of life. We truly were so amazingly and
profoundly
changed by the trip! We have spent the better part of four weeks
talking about
the Land, the people, and the impact made on our understanding of the
Bible."
"Having
a guide who was clearly
devoted to God's word was
central to this experience."
"Having
the opportunities to meet,
spend time with, and talk
to Israeli citizens, especially Orthodox Jews, was a true highlight.
The Shabbat
experience at Ma'ale Levona was one of the best features of the
trip."
"It
was incredible to see the
sites, smell the smells, hear
the Word of God and interact with the people."
"You
may be uncomfortable at
times-thirsty, hot and dirty-but
you come home with such memories that all those things seem
insignificant."
"[This
Experience] changed my life
and that of my children
forever. This is an educational and spiritual opportunity I will be
eternally
grateful for."
"The
beauty and history of the
Land is surpassed only by the
depth and passion of the people. As visitors to Israel there is joy in
both
praying at the Wall and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. There is
excitement in
making your way through Hezikiah's ancient tunnel and walking through
one of
Jerusalem's gates for the first time. The smells, flavors and colors of
the
markets and shops are intoxicating. We enjoyed every
minute!"
Having
said all
this, you
know your own children: The amount
of sharing they are capable of absorbing; their personal attention
spans; their
ability to handle hot climates and different kinds of food; their
ability to be
interested in an experience such as the one we are providing are all
necessary
considerations.
We do not
take
extremely young
children who need the kind of
personal attention that could hinder the experiences of the rest of the
group.
Maximum
Age: We have had
grandfathers
and grandmothers up to age 80 on our Experiences. These individuals
paced
themselves, occasionally choosing not to climb or walk distances; but
they
enjoyed the time with their families. It is a special treat when
children can
have deeply satisfying experiences with a grandparent, such as one of
our
youngsters who was baptized in the Jordan River by her
grandfather.
Because
we are homeschoolers
offering this Experience for
other homeschoolers, we know you expect materials from us. Here is what
we
provide for everyone attending one of our Israel
Experiences:
10 sets of "Notes to Travelers" containing everything you will need to know: what to pack and what to expect; what money to bring and how to spend it; what to do when you arrive at the airport; how Jews view Christians and Christianity; a history of Zionism and modern Israel; how to assign credits to your students for their time in Israel; and much more
You will
want to
give your
student(s) educational credits for
this incredible Experience.
Here's
how to
figure the math for
assigning
credits:
Whenever
you assign credits for
your homeschooled student(s),
consider that approximately 100 hours of academics equals one academic
credit*.
On this
Experience, your
student(s) will be spending around 16
hours/day immersed in many aspects of biblical, historical and
political analysis
(this figure assumes 8 hours of sleep per night). 16 hours per day
times the
number of days on the Experience (plus the number of hours preparing
for the
Experience beforehand, plus the number of hours talking/writing about
the
Experience after you get home) could equal 300-400 hours or more.
Consequently,
the number of hours spent on this Experience could equal 3-4 academic
credits.
Call the
Course
anything you wish
and put it under the broad
category of World History or Political Science. Here are some
suggestions (we
used the first two with our sons):
"Ancient
Biblical History and
Middle Eastern Archeology"
You get
the
picture. Think of your
own Course Titles (or use
the ones above) when you return home and enter them on your students'
official
transcript. Give a "Course Description" or descriptions (a more
detailed
statement of what was done, including any books read). You may also
want to have
your student(s) write an essay on his/her experiences for their
official
Portfolio of work done.
*The
Public
School year is
normally about 180 days. However,
educators agree that only a portion (some say a small portion) of those
180 days
is actually spent on "academics". For a homeschooler, 100 days more
than equals
an academic credit-hour.
You
may either
join
one of the prearranged Experiences you see on this
web site,
Or...
You
may organize your own group and take at least $1,000.00 or
more off the cost of your own trip!
If
you are
considering this option, we need to
hear from you right
away!
Is Israel Safe?
What You Will Experience
Most
"tours" visit sites:
Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, the
Mount of Beatitudes, etc. But, there is a difference between visiting a
place, and
experiencing the biblical history of that place. An experience should
not only
teach, it should also give an individual - - especially a young person - - a
tie to that
place which he or she will never forget.
What You Will Learn
Testimonials
Each
statement that follows is the
heart-felt expression of a
homeschooling family on one of our previous Experiences:
"I
cannot describe the impact the entire
experience had on me personally"
"I have
talked to other
Christians who have toured Israel, and none of them got to know Jewish
families,
participated in Shabbat, or were invited to a synagogue. None of them
heard the
history of the Jewish people, or went to communities and actually dwelt
in the
midst of the people."
"My
expectations were so high
I honestly expected to be disappointed; however, this trip was much
more than I
had ever thought it could be."
"Our
children discovered a world they had only read about and
dreamed of; as parents, we knew their understanding of that world grew
immeasurably."
"It was
wonderful to not only
walk the land and talk to the people, but to watch us become a
'family'."
"You
did a fantastic job,
and the experience was over and above all that we could have hoped for
or
imagined. Thank you again for all your work and vision for this
pilgrimage. It
has forever changed our lives!"
References
You May Contact
The following names are some
of the many
families who have traveled with us in the past (click on name for
e-mail address).
They have agreed to answer any questions you may have about our Israel
Experience.
They receive no benefit for doing this other than their desire-as
fellow
homeschoolers-to help with your decision to visit Israel.
Perkins Family
Lodien Family
White Family
Roland Family
Hoskins Family
Huff Family
Kowalski Family
Tucker Family
Anton Family
Moore Family
Wiebe Family
McCullough Family
Cotton Family
(Spain)
Foster Family
Who Should Come
Entire
families, extended families
and partial families (even
couples and individuals) have joined our Experiences. Fathers have sent their families (or, sometimes their children) for three weeks and have joined them the first (or last) two weeks.
Who should come?
Everyone who
can...don't put it off!
Recommended Ages
Minimum Age: After
several
years bringing families to
Israel (and asking our travelers each time what they thought), we have
concluded
that our Experiences are most valuable for students age 12 and up. More
than once,
we have had children as young as 8, 9 or 10. However, at the end of our
time
together, their parents admitted they should have waited until the
younger children
were a little older and only have brought the older ones. We did have
one young
lady from Australia who was so mature at age 10, her presence among us
was a real
joy for everyone. We have also had children around this age who were
lacking in the
maturity for the trip to be a meaningful time for them.
Materials We Provide
Earning Educational Credits
"History of Ancient and Modern Israel"
"Geopolitics of the Middle East"
"Historical and Modern Politics in the Land of Palestine"