From March 22 to April 2, one-hundred members of the Stephen Wise community — a record-breaking number — are exploring Israel as part of our congregational mission. Led by Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and joined by Rabbi Rena Rifkin, director of our Religious School, participants experience Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Eilat and Petra, Jordan, b’nai mitzvah on the ancient site of Gamla, Kibbutz Lotan, the Golan Heights, Masada and the Dead Sea, dialogue with journalists and political figures, and more. 

“There is nothing like Israel to create a sense of community and Jewish identity,” Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch said in a Facebook Live greeting from the Golan Heights on Monday, March 27. Here, our travelers share quick impressions and photos from their journey so far. To see more, look for the hashtag #SWFSIsrael2017 on social media.