Celebrate Hanukka with a 'kosher' spirit

Celebrate Hanukka with a 'kosher' spirit

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
12/08/2010 12:03

L'Chaim! Toast the holidays as more and more liquor manufacturers receive the kosher certification of approval.

Kosher drinkers have more to cheer about this holiday season as a growing number of spirits producers seek and receive the seal of approval from Jewish dietary authorities.

"It's an additional process and expense that raises the bar on quality," said Ralph Mizraji, a Miami-based branding specialist who this year brought out a new vodka that is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union, the largest certifying body in the world.

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Called L'Chaim, Hebrew for "To life!", Mizraji's vodka is a corn-based product imported from Israel and made according to a generations-old Russian recipe brought to that country by Jewish immigrants.

L'Chaim is distributed in Florida, New York and New Jersey and within the first three months sold 2,400 cases, says Mizraji. He is in the process of developing kosher wine, tequila and rum.

"We celebrate life," said Mizraji. "This is not a kosher-only or Jewish-only project. It celebrates everyone, everywhere."

Mixologist James Shearer of Miami's Zuma restaurant heard of L'Chaim from a friend and has been serving it for a few months.

"My first sip was after we had made a dry martini out of it. I was shocked as to the crisp, rich taste it gave," he says.

And he likes the idea of having something new behind the bar. "I am a firm believer and supporter of products with a creative background. I love the ideas behind L'Chaim," he said.

Among those appreciatively watching the trend is Joshua Hatton, president and founder of the Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society. He was pleased to see single malt whiskeys from producers Ardbeg and Glenmorangie recently achieve kosher certification.

"You're seeing it more and more," he said, noting that there are two trends intersecting. More producers are discovering that there is a market for kosher liquors. Meanwhile, more Jews are becoming interested in keeping kosher, which seems to be related to the general increased interest among Americans in what they are eating and drinking.

Hatton recently helped pour Glenmorangie at the Kosher Fest event in Secaucus, New Jersey. The tastings were popular, "not just because they were pouring booze, but some of the comments I heard were, 'It's so nice to see that this is certified kosher. It's nice to know that someone's watching my back.'"

At the New York-based Orthodox Union, Rabbi Moshe Elefant is seeing strong interest in kosher spirits, with certified alcoholic products growing by about 10 percent a year.

Unlike wine, which has to pass a number of regulatory requirements before being certified, liquor made from grain or sugar starts out relatively close to kosher. For certification, the equipment must be inspected to make sure it meets standards; for instance, if a tank held a product containing dairy ingredients for more than 24 hours, it would have to be sterilized, and there also are business procedures which must be followed.

Flavored liquors require more scrutiny, since the ingredients may not be kosher. With whiskeys, the aging process has to be reviewed since use of nonkosher sherry, port or wine casks would be a problem.

Elefant finds that people are more interested in keeping kosher these days. But unlike earlier generations they are not willing to sacrifice premium products. "They want the scotch and they want the liquor and they want the highest level of kosher," he said.

The result, says Elefant: "Kosher liquor is hot."

Next time in Jerusalem

Next time in Jerusalem

By HAROLD GITTELMON
11/09/2010 22:33

How a 48-year-old out-of-shape businessman got fit to run the New York marathon, and why he thinks you should go for it too.

I ran the New York marathon on Sunday, my first, at 48. A short sentence that does nothing to convey either the agonies or the highs of the day. As often happens in these situations, there was a catalyst to my decision, a conversation with a customer, Helen Bull, who was setting up a charity and wanted some assistance. The cause was noble, the prospect somewhat enticing; who hasn’t watched the marathon live or on TV and not fantasized about participating? Well, at 48, you are fast approaching the unassailable fact that if you don’t get on with it now, you probably never will. So, full of bravado and good intent, I signed up. That was six months ago.

The first part was quite fun. I hired a trainer and got going on the hills and downs of Clifton, Bristol, where I work. My executive lifestyle involves much travel, and in truth I had gained some unwanted pounds over the years. So the initial weight loss and rapid progress served to reinforce the wisdom of my decision.

Then the niggling injuries begin, and the early excitement wears a bit thinner as the temperature drops and the rain starts. The hills at 6 a.m., wonderfully depicted in all movies with great soundtracks playing and the lighting just right, are not quite as attractive or rewarding in real life. Still, I persevered; the sponsorship money had begun to flow in, and was being put to excellent use on a daily basis. There was no backing out now.

As the big day approached, I have to admit to wondering whether I was good enough, whether I was up to it. The niggles in knees and achilles were more pronounced and my body was beginning to complain about the new strains I was putting on it. I did my last training run of any length three weeks before the big day, and having got to 22 miles, convinced myself I would at least finish.

The posh English headmistress would not allow the kids to accompany me (I know, I shouldn’t have even asked). So with wife and mother-in-law in tow, off we set. The other runners on the flight out were a really scary sight – lithe, toned and clearly ready for the off. In contrast, I was beginning to panic.

They say that in life you have to stick with what you are good at, and for 48 hours in New York, I found what I was good at. Or should I say I rediscovered it. I refer, of course, to the carb loading, ensuring that your body has all of the fuel it needs to get through. Except, in my case, the pounds gained as a result of this eleventh-hour stock-up made the schlepping round the course all the more difficult.

Before you have the race, you must do the obligatory Marathon Expo – an enormous event in Manhattan’s Jacob Javitz Convention Center where you come to register and pick up your electronic shoe tag and bib number. Here you consider buying a ticket for all of the other events going on, wonder whether you will partake of the free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee all day for runners, and then quietly and obediently empty your pockets and challenge your credit card limits in favor of vendors selling you running accessories you had no idea existed or, in my case, even knew how to use.

THE BIG day dawned. Five-thirty a.m. pick up from the hotel for a 10.40 a.m. start. That is the only way to gather 45,000 runners and to overcome soon-to-beclosed New York road systems.

It was absolutely freezing, so cold you could hear your teeth chatter. The hat and gloves bought on Friday on the streets of New York did their best, but what do you want for 10 bucks?

This being the US, three helicopters and a plane hovered overhead. The crowd waved enthusiastically – keen to see themselves on the evening news. The banner trailing from the plane read, “Breathe in and appreciate the moment.” I am never quite sure about the cheesiness of some of the US sayings, but at that moment, overwhelmed by fear, it worked a treat for me.

And then came one of those life-affirming sights that you often get as a Jew: A sign on the top of an opensided tent that said “Shacharit 8.15 a.m.” And davening inside, amid all the people in tefilin and running gear, there was that special bonding atmosphere – Jews from everywhere, drawn together for a common purpose, and knowing that you probably knew their sister- in-law’s cousin without even having to go through the process of discovery. That was the positive Jewish experience.

In contrast, as we weaved our way through the five boroughs, the more religious Jewish areas were noteworthy less for the ethnic diversity than, unfortunately, for the sense that the hasidim were unfriendly bordering on hostile; perhaps it was because of the women runners being dressed in shorts? The support, encouragement and cheering elsewhere was not to be found in the religious areas such as Williamsburg. What a shame – a lost opportunity, taken by all of their neighbors, for a big impression to be made. The gospel singers by the side of the road, dressed in their Sunday best, so obviously full of life and love, made for a sharp, positive contrast – in a reaching out, handsacross- the-nation, one world kind of a way. The hasidim need a new PR agent, I think.

Anyway, no more negativity. The two million New Yorkers who take to the streets and encourage you are really inspiring. I had taken the advice of those who went before me and had my name and city of origin printed on my T-shirt, as well as the cause for which I was running. And when the cramp kicked in, during Mile 18 – the notorious “wall” – the encouragement made a big difference, I can tell you. A cute girl holding a “Proud of You, Total Random Stranger” banner can have a very uplifting effect when you need it most.

As I ran, I thought of Helen, who ran the marathon last year riddled with cancer and with the aid of two Macmillan nurses. As I felt the pain, I thought of the bravery of Helen battling the course. I thought that if she could this, with such health challenges, then these pains for me should be nothing. She inspired me to be brave and push through, however much I wanted to give up.

Aside from some very fast chaps from Ethiopia and Kenya, almost everyone was running for a reason, a cause that they believed in. As I ran, I watched the other runners – not for insights into technique, but to see what causes they were running for. They came from the far corners of the world. And they brought supporters with them too, urging them on with homemade signs that had taken time and thought to create. There was something of the positivity of humanity here that you couldn’t help being overwhelmed by at times. The strangers in the poorest areas handing you a tissue or a candy – that is what I will carry with me.

IT IS an incredible day: Random strangers becoming best friends. Going to the very edge of exhaustion but refusing to give in to it. And the feeling when you limp through the finish line – to get the medal, and the foil blanket, and the obligatory Prime Grill steak dinner – make it a day you will never forget. And no matter that I missed out, by five minutes, on the target I had set myself: 4 hours, 45 minutes; the Monday New York Times publishes the names of all runners who beat it.

Since finishing I have discovered that Jerusalem is hosting a marathon for the first time in March. I might currently be on a high and somewhat irrational, but I look forward to meeting readers there – either watching or as fellow runners. Take my advice, give it a go.

The writer, who lives in London, is the managing director of Harding Brothers, a specialist cruise line concessionaire that runs the gift shops on 54 of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships. Married to Jacqui, with daughters Emily and Gabriella, he has been improving his fitness over the past couple of years and always packs his trainers when visiting his offices in Sydney and Fort Lauderdale.

He ran to raise funds for The Magic Wand Foundation, a special fund within the UK’s Willow Foundation that grants special days to adults with terminal cancer. The fund was set up Helen Bull, a customer of his, who has run several marathons since being diagnosed with cancer.

www.justgiving.com/Harold-Gittelmon

Jerusalem's ever-evolving market!

Jerusalem's ever-evolving market [video] | culture

When people in Jerusalem say they're going to the suk, they can only mean that they're on their way to the Mahane Yehuda open-air market.

Harvey Stein wended his way through Jerusalem's 100-year-old colorful and intoxicating market for ISRAEL21c and found one-of-a-kind boutiques proffering clothes and accessories alongside juice bars, pungent spices, candy and halva, exotic cheeses, fish, meat, poultry and Judaica.

Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90.

Israelis enjoy a summer festival held weekly through the summer months at the Mahane Yehuda market in Jerusalem.

There's also the 'etrog man', selling juice as well as creams, sprays, lotions and potions made from the sweet-scented etrog, or citron.

At the end of the 19th century the first merchants sold their wares in the area on an empty lot and in the 1920s, the British cleaned up the market, building the first permanent stalls and roofing.

The neighborhood around the market is filled with history, and still contains many old buildings and pilgrimage sites.

Jerusalem's Light Rail train, scheduled to begin operation in spring 2011, will stop right outside the Jaffa Street entrance to the market.

In addition to the clothing, artists cooperatives and trendy café chains have joined the traditional fresh fruits and vegetables so that today, the shopping experience in Jerusalem's suk has evolved into a leisure outing.

State of Israel Bonds in honoring Igal and Iris Hami, Gil Travel

Consul General Kutner joins State of Israel Bonds in honoring Igal and Iris Hami, Gil Travel

Last week, Consul General Daniel Kutner and Dr. Shirley Kutner joined the State of Israel Bonds in honoring Igal and Iris Hami of Gil Travel, who were recognized for extraordinary achievements in promoting the State of Israel. Their generous support for worthy causes, particularly helping handicapped young people, is well known and well respected.

The event was attended by family, as well as an impressive list of local personalities from the world of business, the Jewish community (including many Israeli veteran residents in the city) and others. Senator Bob Casey made a surprise appearance to offer his warm congratulations and voice his strong support for Israel.

In congratulating Iris, Igal and their family, CG Kutner expressed deep apreciation for their work on behalf of Israel and their heartfelt support for those in need, adding that they embody in themselves all that is to be admired in the Israeli sense of solidarity and readiness to help those who need it most.

Congratulations also to the State of Israel Bonds for honoring such a worthy couple and organizing a very successful event.

Christian pilgrims to be in Jerusalem for Succot

Throngs of Christian pilgrims to be in Jerusalem for Succot

Throngs of Christian pilgrims to be in Jerusalem for Succot

By RON FRIEDMAN
09/21/2010 03:57

International Christian Embassy festivities will add $15-20 million to tourism coffers.

Thousands of Christian pilgrims will visit Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles celebration later this week.

According to the Tourism Ministry, roughly 7,000 Christian from 100 countries will participate in the event, which is sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

The thousands of pilgrims, who will stay in Israel for more than a week, are expected to contribute tens of thousands of overnight stays in hotels around the country and the overall income to the Israeli economy is estimated at between $15 million and $20m.

“Christian tourism to Israel, in all its streams, represents the main target audience on which the Tourism Ministry focuses its marketing efforts in order to increase incoming tourism,” said Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov. “In the framework of the new branding of Israel as the Holy Land with Jerusalem at its center, the ministry operates in all spheres in order to turn these pilgrims into ambassadors for tourism to Israel in their home countries.”

The ministry will operate an information booth at the Jerusalem International Convention Center, distribute information and flyers to pilgrims about the country’s tourist attractions and provide assistance as required.

On Thursday, Meseznikov will host a festive reception at the convention center for the heads of the Christian communities and will present a gift to Brazilian evangelical minister Renê Terra Nova, who with 1,000 participants leads the largest group of pilgrims coming to the event.

This week the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem marks its 30th anniversary.

The week of festivities will be Israel’s largest annual tourist event and the largest solidarity mission to Israel.

“The Christian Embassy has established a remarkable record of standing in support of Israel and a united Jerusalem over the past three decades, whether through our many humanitarian projects across the land, our advocacy efforts worldwide, or our annual festival gathering in Jerusalem. This event has drawn well over 150,000 Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem during the past 30 years, with a cumulative financial impact in the hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Rev. Malcolm Hedding, ICEJ’s executive director. “We look forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary with our Israeli friends and guests.”

Yossi Weiss, chairman of the Israeli Tour Guide Association, said that Christian pilgrims make up an essential part in the demand for Israel’s tourism product.

“Their support for Israel is not only political or faithbased.

They support us with their money, too. According to the figures we have, they make up a higher percentage than Jewish tourists and their patronage represents a significant contribution to the sector,” he said.

According to Weiss, many of the pilgrims stay at high-end hotels and nearly all of them hire licensed Israeli guides.

“The evangelical Christians in particular tend to come to Israel for relatively long stays of seven or eight nights and also tend to spend all their money in the Israeli shops.

The pilgrims tend to spread their touring all around the country and like to see all the places mentioned in the Old Testament. You won’t see them relaxing on the beach in Tel Aviv or Eilat.”

Ami Etgar, director-general of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, said that pilgrimage was the second largest draw for tourism to Israel, following only vacation and travel as the main motivation for visiting the country.

Etgar said that the peak seasons for pilgrim tourism to Israel were in the fall and in the spring, in time for Easter celebrations.

While Meseznikov said that the ministry would be focusing on bringing in additional Christian tourists, it is also looking to develop tourism from the Far East. On Monday, Tourism Ministry director-general Noaz Bar-Nir signed a tourism cooperation agreement with his counterpart, Mr. Dao Suaming, director-general of the Shanghai Tourism Ministry. In the agreement, the two sides declared the importance of tourism as a means of promoting ties and agreed to work together to advance tourism between Israel and Shanghai, in addition to the exchange of information, advertising and the encouragement of investments and joint initiatives.

“The Chinese tourism market holds enormous potential for Israel and, despite annual growth, we have not yet begun to realize this potential.

The tourism industry in China in general, and in Shanghai and Beijing in particular, displays great interest in and is happy to cooperate with Israel. Simplifying the bureaucratic procedures and increasing airline traffic will facilitate a significant increase in incoming tourism from China,” Bar-Nir said.

In 2009, 10,000 Chinese tourists visited Israel and more than 7,000 have visited so far this year.

Music, movies, karaoke and the beach

Music, movies, karaoke and the beach

Eilat aims to make new international student festival an annual event.

Eilat usually stops to catch its breath during the first week of September, taking a short break between the intensity of the summer vacation and the rush of the High Holy Days.

This year, however, there is no break in sight, as 6,000 students from across Israel and Europe are expected to converge on the city for FunJoya 2010 – the first international student festival of its type in Israel.

In an effort to produce a festival that will make a mark on the student vacation calendar and start a new annual tradition, organizers have planned three days packed with activities, including concerts, parties and conferences.

The festival, which will take place from September 2-4, with an investment of NIS 4 million, will include two nights and three days full of pool parties, movie screenings, karaoke parties, stand-up performances and live shows by artists like Mashina, Eddy Watta, Tislam and a variety of deejays from around the world.

The students will also participate in workshops and debates on various political, diplomatic and advocacy issues.

“Our intention is to produce an international festival that will enter the global consciousness.

We want students around the world to know that, just as there is an annual Beer Festival in Germany, there is FunJoya in Israel,” said Guy Beser, director-general of Peles, the Israeli Student Union’s economic division and the festival’s director.

“Our main goal is to promote tourism to Israel. We aim to do this by providing a mixture of pure fun alongside serious debate,” said Beser.

According to Beser, the festival was aggressively marketed both in Israel and abroad, through student union bodies and in cooperation with the festival’s major sponsors.

“We worked with organizations like the World Union of Jewish Students and Taglit-Birthright, as well as companies like Issta and El Al,” said Beser. “We also partnered with the Israel Hotel Association and the Ministry of Tourism.”

According to Beser, thousands of hotel rooms in six participating hotels in Eilat have been reserved for the festival, which is expected to generate millions of shekels in revenue for the resort city.

In addition to the festival experience, the organizers have set some other goals. These include branding Israel as an attractive tourism destination for students; improving Israel’s image among this target group and facilitating multi-cultural encounters for students from Israel and European countries.

Beser said that for those who were interested, the festival would also offer serious conferences dealing with issues like the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, regional co-existence and worldwide Israel advocacy.

Beser said that so far, most of the foreign students who had signed up to the festival were Jewish, but they would be happy to have people from all religions attend.

When asked if they had experienced any difficulties marketing the festival on university campuses abroad, Beser responded that nothing had come up and suggested that since the event was focused on fun and not on politics, it was well received.

“I guess people have an easier time swallowing things that have to do with Israel when they are orientated towards non-divisive issues,” he said.

Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov was enthusiastic about the festival.

“The student festival is of great importance to the city of Eilat and to the State of Israel, both in terms of promoting student tourism to the resort city, which will in turn contribute to the local economy, and in the encounter these tourists will enjoy with Israel and its touring, cultural and entertainment options.

“We will work to ensure the festival is an annual event and to bring new sectors to Israel in general and Eilat in particular and expose them to an attractive and quality vacation in Israel,” he said.

Festival package prices differ depending on the point of origin, but Beser said that an all-inclusive package, including flights, food, hotels, and entrance to all the events, would cost someone arriving from Amsterdam ¤600.

For Israelis the price ranges from NIS 450-NIS 900 depending on the hotel and the number of people per room.

Music, movies, karaoke and the beach

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Voted Best By Readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine

According to the prestigious New York-based Travel+Leisure Magazine, Jerusalem is ranked as the best city in Africa and the Middle East – and Tel Aviv is ranked number three.

In an annual readers poll published last week, the capital was ranked number one in the category Best Cities in Africa and the Middle East (after ranking third in 2009), while Tel Aviv moved up from seventh place in 2009 to take third place (after Cape Town).

Readers ranked the cities on characteristics such as sights, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people, shopping and value.

Jerusalem attracts over two million tourists a year, with about 80% of all tourists visiting the holy city. The city also contains within it the most visited sites in Israel, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa, Yad Vashem and the Mount of Olives. Tel Aviv is the second most visited city in Israel, with about 60% of all tourists visiting the “White City”, so-called for its unique collection of International (Bauhaus) buildings which received UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2003, and enjoying the entertainment and leisure options of the “city that never sleeps”.

An interesting article on Seville Spain for Jewish Travellers

clink on the link to view article:
http://chutzpah.epubxpress.com

Vote for the Dead Sea in the Finals of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Competition!

Vote for the Dead Sea in the Finals of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Competition!

The Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth and one of Israel’s most popular tourist sites, is one of the 28 finalists in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, an international online competition to grade the seven natural wonders of the world
(http://www.new7wonders.com)to/ To reach the final shortlist, this unique tourism site had to beat off about 440 sites from 220 countries (more than the number of countries competing in the Olympics).


The lowest place on earth will compete through 2011 for the hearts and votes of over a billion people from around the world, against 27 other sites including, among others, the River Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, the Grand Canyon and the Maldives.


It is hoped that the candidacy of the Dead Sea in the competition will promote tourism to the region and raise public awareness around the world of the problems facing the sea, which has lost about one meter in height every year for the past 30 years.


Over the next 2 years, the Tourism Ministry will lead the campaign for the Dead Sea to be selected as one of the winners in the contest, via its 14 representative offices around the world, its websites in 11 languages and focused marketing activities that emphasize the unique attributes of the Dead Sea.



Voting can take place directly at the competition website:

http://www.new7wonders.com/


At over 400 meters below sea level and with luxury hotels in the Ein Bokek area, the Dead Sea is known as the lowest and largest natural health spa in the world. This natural phenomenon offers tourists and health-seekers black Dead Sea mud and thermo-mineral hot springs which ease muscular tensions, improve blood circulation and alleviate rheumatic pain; desert-dry, pollution and pollen-free air that is rich in oxygen, bromine and magnesium and offers relief to those suffering from asthma, lung and heart diseases and year-round sunshine, whose harmful UVB rays are filtered through the extra layers of atmosphere offering relief to those suffering from skin diseases – as well as tourists looking to get a safer tan.



Tourist attractions in the area, among others, include the Roman fortress at Masada, the Ein Gedi and Einot Tzukim nature reserves and Qumran, home to the Essenes sect and the area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

Intriguing Facts about Israel

Israel’s generosity extends to thousands. In fact, Israel once airlifted a total of 22,000 Ethiopian Jews at risk in Ethiopia to safety in Israel. People all around the world visit Israel only to be engulfed by its beauty. For this reason, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth.

Read more interesting facts about Israel here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1600302/posts

Gil Travel can take care of planning an unforgettable tours to Israel. For more information please visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.

A historic must see during your next trip to Cairo

In addition the splendors of Egypt, there is now yet another reason to take a tour to Cairo. The historic Maimonides' synagogue in the ancient Jewish quarter has been reopened after two years of restorations.

The synagogue, known in Egypt by its Arabic name of Musa bin Maymun, is named after the 12th century Jewish scholar, philosopher and physician. Maimonides was born in Cordoba, Spain, in 1135 and fled from persecution to Egypt where he died in 1204.

Read more here: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3859474,00.html

For more information on our guaranteed tours of Egypt and Jordan, call 800-223-3855.

Interesting feature on CNBC on Israel's economic growth

Came across an interesting interview with Dan Senor, the co-author of 'Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle.'

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1311023934&play=1

Dan shared some interesting theories about some of the factors helping Israel's economic growth-- very interesting facts. Whether you take an Israel tour for pleasure or business, Gil Travel can help plan your trip.

How to Plan Jewish Heritage Travel for Children & Teens

Planning an Israel family vacation presents an exciting opportunity for children and teens to learn about culture and history. Israel offers a unique atmosphere of culture and adventure to give younger family members an educational experience that is not only informative, but fun.

Susan Blum, manager of the Israel Department at Gil Travel a leader in Israel tours and Jewish heritage travel since 1974, shares insight into how an Israel vacation can be fun for all ages, especially children and teens.

Choose An Israel Tour Guide That Has Experience With Children.

According to Blum, choosing the right tour guide can play a major role in the overall quality of the tour.

“Some guides have more experience with children than others, but across the board the tour guides in Israel are the most renowned in the world. Many of our guides have taken psychology courses to better relate to and interact with children,” Blum reports. “We make a strong effort to match each guide with the type of people on a particular tour, in order to find the guide that is most suitable to each group’s age range and interests.”

Incorporate Adventure Into Your Family Tour To Israel.
“Jewish heritage travel is packed full of history, and we aim to present the information in a way that is interactive and fun for children,” Blum says. “Of course, not every group wants to dive into the water or go for a plane ride, but for those that do have an adventurous side, Israel offers many exciting opportunities to experience extraordinary adventure.”

Just some of Blum’s favorite educational Israel adventures include:

· A donkey ride at Kfar Kedem, where travelers can actually hitch a plow to one of the donkeys and work the land or put their shoulder to the wheel of an ancient grindstone to prepare the whole-grain flour.

· A jeep ride up the Golan Heights, one of Israel's most beautiful and controversial regions.

· A chance to pet the kangaroos at Gan Guru.

· A swim in the Gan Hashlosha water springs.

· A trip to the new Jerusalem Zoo and Wohl Archeological Center

· A (surprisingly affordable) plane ride over the Dead Sea.

Have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah In Israel.

“Celebrating your special day at a historic place, as part of an Israel tour, strengthens your family’s ties both to each other and to Judaism,” Blum explains.

“We have guided countless families in arranging for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Israel,” she reports. “From helping find a Rabbi for the ceremony to arranging all the details of the celebration, we’re experienced in every aspect of Bar or Bat Mitzvah planning. We can also plan anniversary parties, wedding vow renewals and any other special family celebrations in Israel.”

For more information about Jewish heritage travel, please visit Gil Travel at http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.

The New Israel Museum That We Can’t Wait To Show You! Built By Israeli Architect, Ron Arad

Exciting news for travelers scheduled to embark on their tours to Israel in March! The stunning Design Museum of Holon, the very first museum for contemporary design in Israel, will open its first exhibit to the public in March of 2010. The exhibit, “The State of Things” will feature over 100 objects representing issues of contemporary international design.

Designed by Ron Arad, the Design Museum of Holon will include exhibits of contemporary design ranging from two-dimensional works of art to complete cars.

Arad is known as one of the top five designers in the world, and you only have to see the museum’s exterior to understand why.

The building itself is a stunning work of contemporary design, featuring magnificent details that include 350 tons of steel bands designed to emulate the movement of ribbons. It is no wonder that the museum is already garnering international buzz, but it may come as a surprise that it is designer Ron Arad’s very first commercial development!

Born in Tel Aviv, Arad graduated from the Jerusalem Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in 1973. His worldwide design portfolio features an impressive collection of furniture, products and structures.

We can’t wait to show you his latest work. Contact us at 1-800-223-3855 to find out about our great rates on Israel tours.

5 Must-Try Wines For Your Next Israel Tour

In a land rich with history, culture and tradition, new developments continue to give travelers a fresh perspective each time they take a tour to Israel.

Over the past decade, one of the most prevalent new developments in Israel has been the growing number of wineries. In a land that was among the earliest regions to produce wine, Israel wineries have sprung up so quickly that 85% of the country’s current wineries were founded in the last ten years!

The rebirth of the Israel wine industry presents an exciting opportunity for travelers to explore the breathtaking regions of Gaililee, the Judean Hills, Shimshon, the Negev desert region and the Sharon Plain while sampling a wide variety of Israeli wines, many of which are kosher.

According to Robert Parker, a highly influential American wine advocate who has reviewed wines from over 40 Israeli wineries, you don’t want to miss these 5 wines on your next Israel tour:

• Red 2003 Yatir Forest: This wine is made by the Yatir Winery in Tel Arad. Located west of the Dead Sea, the Yatir Winery grows its own grapes on 100 acres of vineyards. Varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Malbec, Carignan, Tempranillo, Mourvedre and Viognier.

• 2005 Gewurztraminer Heights Wine Yarden: This dessert wine is made by the Goaln Heights Winery, one of the largest wineries in Israel. Each year, The Golan Heights Winery produces six million bottles of wine from its 1,600 acres of vineyards.

• Grand Vin: This wine, described by Parker as “beautiful” and “bursting with flavor” is made by Domaine Du Castel. Domaine Du Castel is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in the Judean Hills. Two other highly regarded wines from this 30-year-old winery include:

o Petit Castel: Described by Parker as “impeccably balanced”.
o Blanc du Castel: Parker’s favorite dry white wine.

Of course, a number of Israeli wines are receiving rave reviews from critics and tourists alike. Try them for yourself! Visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855 to find out more about touring the beautiful Vineyards in Israel.

How To Prepare For Your Israel Christian Tour: Gil Travel Shares Tips For Holy Land Travel

For many Christians who dream of traveling to the Holy Land, a guided Bible tour of Israel presents the opportunity of a lifetime. Sharon Cheeseman, General Manager of Gil Travel, a leading provider of Israel tours since 1974, shares insight into what travelers should know in order to experience the best possible Christian Israel tours.

1. Bring your Bible. “It may seem obvious, but bringing a Bible is absolutely critical for any Christian Israel pilgrimage,” says Cheeseman. “It is truly an exceptional, indescribable experience for travelers when they see the Bible come to life before their eyes.”

Cheeseman emphasizes that having a Bible on the tour helps Christian travelers to embrace the significance of the gospels, from the annunciation of Christ to His crucifixion on the cross at Calvary. As tourists walk in the footsteps of Jesus, this enables them to follow along verse-by-verse to gain a renewed appreciation for His sacrifice and a deeper understanding of Israel’s culture, land and people.

2. Dress for Comfort. “The more comfortable you are during your trip to Israel, the more fulfilling and enjoyable your experience will be,” Cheeseman explains.

Israel’s rough terrain, rocks and sandy hills require that travelers wear comfortable, rubber soled shoes. Travelers should dress in plenty of layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in a single day. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended.

According to Cheeseman, dress is casual and modest, although many Holy sites require more formal attire. For men, hats are usually provided. Women should generally wear scarves to cover their heads and skirts that fall below the knee when visiting these Holy sites.

3. Choose a Comprehensive, Guaranteed Tour. Cheeseman emphasizes that tourists should choose a guaranteed tour in order to avoid having their trips cancelled or rescheduled at the last minute because of low participation.

Additionally, she recommends that Christian travelers take the time to research a tour’s itinerary to ensure a complete Israel tour experience. “Israel offers so many opportunities for the traveler to fully explore the land of the Bible,” she says. “It is important to choose a tour that includes a complete look at the Holy Land’s key Christian sites.”

Just a few of the sites on Cheeseman’s must-see list include:

Caesarea, the capital of Judea under the Romans. (Acts 9.30 Acts 10 24-48)

Tabgha, where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Bread and Fish. (Matt. 13, Mark .33-45, & John 21)

The Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5, 6, 7, 8)

Ein Karem, the birthplace of John the Baptist. (Luke 1.39-80)

The Banias Spring and Waterfall, where Jesus was recognized as The Messiah by His Disciples. (Matt. 16.13 and Mark 8.27)

Nazareth and Cana of Galilee. (Luke 1.26, 4.16-29, Matthew 2.23) (John 2.1-11)

Mount Zion, where travelers can see the tomb of King David and the nearby Room of the Last Supper. (Mark 14.13, Luke 22. 10-38, Matt 26 17-29, Acts 1.13 and Acts 2 The Pentecost).

For more information about Christian Israel tours, please visit http://www.giltravel.com or call 1-800-223-3855.

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Tel Aviv Listed by Forbes Magazine as a Top Party City

Described by City Guide Israel as a "hedonistic, multi-cultural Mediterranean metropolis", Tel Aviv was recently named by Forbes magazine as one of the world's top party cities.

Tel Aviv is listed amongst other well-known party cities including New York, Berlin, London and Rio, and is said to have a "a steamy nocturnal playground not for the faint of heart." Part of what keeps the party atmosphere going is that "bartenders in Tel Aviv, in general, are notoriously generous with alcohol servings."

Read the full article here: http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/21/top-party-cities-lifestyle-travel-nightlife.html

Named among the hot spots in Tel Aviv was the Barzilay Club, an underground club in Tel Aviv. Originally founded on Barzilay Street, the club was shut down and reopened in an iron warehouse in Harechev street and continues to have a strong following amongst Israel's alternative scene.

Want to party at the Barzilay Club & other hot spots in Tel Aviv? Gil Travel has winter special Israel tours, that feature a stay at the Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv. Book Now or call 1800- speak with one of our Israel travel experts today.

Images of a Shuk--Spice Vendors

Colorful spices are always a beautiful site to see in a visit to the shuk. Our tours to Israel, include visits to historic local shuks, such as the Mahane Yehuda Shuk in Jerusalem.

About Gil Travel

Israel tours & Jewish heritage travel experts, Gil Travel can plan your dream tours of Israel, whether a holy land pilgrimage, Christian tour of Israel or Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour. We also offer exclusive vacation packages for Russia, Europe, Egypt & more.


Visit us online at http://www.giltravel.com or call 800-223-3855