SOUTH AFRICAN BOARD OF JEWISH EDUCATION

TEACHER ISRAEL TOUR PROJECT

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. ZIONISTIC ENRICHMENT. RECREATION.

For more information, contact Eliyahu Lipshitz at [email protected] INTRODUCTION

Israel Experience® is the leading company for educational group travel to Israel. As a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency, we have been educating and engaging youth, adults and educators since the field of educational tours to Israel was started some 60 years ago. We see ourselves as a one-stop-shop for educational experiences related to Israel, Jewish Identity and Israel Education. Our years of experience, our volume of operations and our name in the field give us the ability to plan and implement tailor made programs that combine the most popular and exciting tourist sites together with the most innovative and meaningful experiences. Therefore we are pleased to offer a holistic approach to the SABJE Teacher Israel Tour in which the Torah Division of Israel Experience will oversee, plan and implement the successful running of this initiative. COMPANY BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE As a subsidiary of the Jewish Agency, Israel Experience has been bringing groups to Israel since its founding in 1958. Israel Experience facilitates programs in Israel for over 30,000 participants from around the world each year & has brought close to 300,000 participants on various programs since the year 2000. Israel Experience is a financially stable company that is audited annually by the Israeli Tax Authority.

Israel Experience works with Jewish organizations from around the world. These include: The Jewish Agency, Taglit-Birthright Israel, Masa Israel Journey, Aish Hatorah, Ohr Sameah, OU, NCSY, JJCA, UJIA, Israel Center South Africa, Jewish day schools (King David-Melbourne, Liebler-Yavne-Melbourne, King Solomon High School- London, Yavneh College- London, JFS- London), Jewish Federations, BBYO, Zionist youth movements, AUJS and many familie and community trips. OUR CLIENTS INCLUDE EXPERIENCE RELATING TO TENDER

As an educational tour operator we successfully implement hundreds of Educational tours a year. This is our expertise – from the planning stages, to the logistics coordination as well as the educational content that turns the trip into an experience.

As the largest company in our field we have years of experience in overseeing and coordinating large operations. Programs such as 'Bac Bleu Blanc' bringing over 1,000 French matric students to Israel for a week long program including tours, learning and a mega-event is just one example as to our organization and coordination abilities in running large scale initiatives.

As a company of educators we have been tasked in the past with the building of curriculums that facilitate and expand on the Israel tour. We have created Tanach (Bible) learning sessions that served as a pre-requisite to the places the groups later visited. We have created an Israel Tour that brought to life the Zionist philosophy of Rabbi Yosef Dov Ber Soloveichik, and allowed for elaboration in the classroom before or afer the trip (sample trip attached). REFERENCES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich to Lipshitz, Eliyahu

Just wanted to thank you again for putting together a wonderful trip! The chevra was truly inspired and I couldn’t have asked for more!

Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich Associate Rabbi; Congregation Beth Jacob Atlanta office: 678.244.6646

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Rabbi Andrew Davis- Head of Jewish Studies, Yavneh College, London: +44-2087365583

• Mr. Jamie Peston- Director of Community Liaison- JFS, London:+44-2082063240 EDUCATIONAL STAFF

Daniel Benhaim Director, Torah Division Daniel has been with Israel Experience since 1998. Was JAFI director in France 2009-2011. Has been running advance study workshops in Israel for French Teachers for the past 16 years.

Eli Lipshitz Director of English Speaking Desk, Torah Division Eli been with Israel Experience since 2007. He has overseen and run, amongst many other projects, the Israel Encounter project together with SA Israel Center for the past four years as well as the South African Jewish School's Principals mission in 2009. HOW WE OPERATE

Daniel Benhaim PROPOSAL SPECIFICS

As mentioned in the introduction, Israel Experience would like to offer its services for all three opportunities and serve as the coordinator and facilitator of this SABJE project. The best way to make this unique initiative come together in the form of a comprehensive and cohesive journey for your teachers is for one experienced organization to see it through from vision to fruition.

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATIONAL DIRECTION AND EXPERIENTIAL TOUR EDUCATION COURSE COORDINATION EDUCATIONAL RATIONALE AND GUIDELINES

We would like to base this initiative on what we view as one of the fundamental guidelines of Jewish education, the oral tradition, as detailed in the universally recognized, opening paragraph of the 'Ethics of the Fathers' (Pirkei Avot). In this Mishna, or Rabbinic saying, the sages describe how tradition and knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. At the end of this description, the leaders of their generation make a final statement regarding the importance of continuing this chain of education – 'raise up many disciples' (Tractate Avot 1,1). We feel that this description and these guidelines can be our guide to enhance your teachers professional capabilities, introduce them to various types of educational traditions and innovations as well as helping them in raising up many disciples. PROPOSAL FOR ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE We are pleased to be able to offer an interactive online course in order to provide all participants with a basic level of knowledge and understanding as to the complexities and narratives that make up the modern State of Israel.

Course Topics include: History Geography Israeli Culture Israeli Politics Israel-Palestinian conflict ! The course will be on a basic level in order to provide a common focal point upon which we can base the experiential tour in Israel. It will also be a means for the tour guides escorting the trip to have a clear understanding as to what the participants have learned already and what can be expanded on during the trip. COURSE PLAN

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE History Geography Israeli Culture

Israeli Politics Israel-Palestinian conflict

The course will be built based on the 5 topics mentioned above. Each topic will consist of a number of lessons (amount of lessons depending on the content of each topic).

I Each lesson will be in the form of a PowerPoint presentation that will include texts as well as visual components such as pictures, video clips, maps and recorded lectures.

II Each presentation can be opened and run by each teacher at their own convenience.

III At the end of each topic there will be review questions in the form of multiple choice questions.

IV Upon completion of all the topics there will be an assessment test that will combine questions from the five topics. COURSE SYLLABUS

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE History

This course will cover the historical connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel from Biblical to present times. It will cover sites, and terms that we will visit or discuss during the tour and will give the participants an understanding of the historical connection to the land.

CLASS I Abraham to Joshua – Forefathers, the covenant of the Land of Israel, Entrance to the land, battles and conquest, dividing of the land to the 12 tribes. CLASS II Era of the Kings, First Temple period, the divided kingdom to the Babylonian exile. CLASS III 'Shivat Tzion'- the return to Zion, 2nd temple period, sages and the oral law.

CLASS IV Destruction of the 2nd temple until the early years of Zionism.

CLASS V Early Zionism to the declaration of the State of Israel.

CLASS VI The modern State of Israel COURSE SYLLABUS

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE Geography

This course will enable a visualization if Israel borders and neighbors as well as it's natural resources assets and vulnerabilities.

CLASS I General information: Demography, Geology, Terrain, climate and natural resources.

CLASS II Population centers – major cities, divers populations and places of interest.

CLASS III Israel in the Middle East – Borders, neighbors, allies and enemies, International trade and commerce. COURSE SYLLABUS

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE Israeli Culture and Society

This course will discuss the varied and complex issues facing Israel's society. It will touch on the demographics of the population, the diversity among the Jewish population in Israel as well as the diversity of Israel's minorities and their relationships. CLASS I Overview of Israeli Society CLASS II 'Aliyah' an immigrant society. Various groups of mass Jewish immigration, their contribution to Israeli society and their challenges. CLASS III 'Church and State' – the place of religion in Israeli law and religious-nonreligious relations. CLASS IV Minorities – Arabs (Muslim and Christian), Druze, Bedouin CLASS V Army/State relations. The place of the IDF in Israeli society "A people that build an army that builds a people". CLASS VI Israel's economy - from a growing state, to the German Reparations, to 'Start up Nation' CLASS VII Social Gaps – socio-economic gaps and other social issues CLASS VIII Israeli Culture/ Pop culture – Television, Film, Music and the arts COURSE SYLLABUS

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE Government and Politics

The course will give a background as to the political system in Israel, the parties their beliefs and introduce major political figures.

CLASS I The Israeli model of Democracy- A 'Jewish-Democratic State'. Separation of Powers (Executive, Legislative and Judicial).

CLASS II The Israeli political map

CLASS III Political leaders throughout the years – visions and actions. COURSE SYLLABUS

ONLINE ISRAEL EDUCATION COURSE Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

This course will cover the historical connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel from Biblical to present times. It will cover sites, and terms that we will visit or discuss during the tour and will give the participants an understanding of the historical connection to the land.

CLASS I The British Mandate, the different proposal for partition and the declaration of the State of Israel. CLASS II From the Declaration of the State to the Oslo Peace Accords (1948-1993)- The Israeli Narrative CLASS III From the Declaration of the State to the Oslo Peace Accords (1948-1993)- The Palestinian Narrative CLASS IV The Peace Process – 1993-2013

CLASS V Current Situation – the Future of the Conflict PROPOSAL FOR EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

TAILOR MADE MEALS TRANSPORTATION Itinerary proposed for high school teachers. For the various A modern fully equipped 3 kosher meals a day teachers the specific schools/ bus will be linked to each will be provided speakers will differ though the group. Busses range in throughout the trip. tour outline will remain the same. size from 30 seats to 60 seats.

ACCOMMODATIONS TOUR GUIDE SECURITY Hotels in the proposal are An English speaking All our activities are carried not confirmed since the experienced certified tour out in compliance with dates are not final but can be guide will be linked to each regulations and standards used as an example of group. A group of 60 will set by the Security accommodation standards. necessitate 2 tour guides. Department of the Jewish Agency. PROPOSAL FOR EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

EXPERIENTIAL TOUR 2 North (Galilee & Golan Heights) We will then travel north, following Joshua's footsteps. We will be introduced to Israel's borders and neighbors and visit sites that will touch the past as well as shed light on the future In order to meet the educational of education, agriculture and technology. rationale and requirements for the experiential tour, the group will travel to 3 Central Israel (Jerusalem & Tel Aviv) the three main areas of Israel. Finally, we will arrive in Israel's capital Jerusalem. We will experience and witness the complexities of a holy city and the attempts at tolerance and cooperation. We will then visit Tel Aviv and have 1 South a taste of the young vibrant city and high tech hub that it has become. While using the Mishna in Avot as our guide we will start in the south and touch on the educational value of Following this path we can take the receiving the Torah and our knowledge participants from receiving knowledge in in the wilderness. We will see Ben- the desert, around the borders of Israel, Gurion's dream of a blooming desert the era of the sages and onto the come to life and meet different cultures, teachings of the Men of the Great traditions and people dealing with various successes and trepidations. Assembly (Knesset Hagdola) and the modern State of Israel. PROPOSED ITINERARY

EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

“Following me into the wilderness, into an Desert challenges and opportunities Between North and South unsown land” (Jeremiah 2,2)

Sunday Monday Tuesday DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 Drive to Sderot Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport Check-out Overview and explanation Caraso Science Park, as to situation in Gaza Welcome activity and meal at Beer Sheva Abraham's Tent Sderot Media Center (www.sci-park.co.il/) (www.genesisland.co.il/home) tour (sderotmedia.org.il/) Dead Sea swim Qasr El Yahud – Jordan 'Shvil Hasalat' – agricultural River biblical crossing innovation Massada tour point and baptism site. (www.salat4u.co.il/?t=PV&L1=8) Drive to Kibbutz 'Sde Boker' Ein Gedi – Judean Desert Oasis Drive North Meet teachers and students at Drive To Beer Sheva and Sde Boker environmental Check in at Leonardo check-in at Leonardo Negev high school. Tverya Hotel Hotel Visit Ben-Gurions tomb – reflection time and processing Kinneret Boat Cruise and Rest and relax Return to Beer Sheva and free time overnight at Leonardo Negev Hotel PROPOSED ITINERARY

EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

The Golan Heights Upper Galilee Ancient settlements and Unique communities and up and Welcome to Jerusalem strategic importance coming industries Wednesday Thursday Friday DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 Mitzpeh Ofir – Visit the city of Safed – Check-out Overlook into the Galilee tour ancient synagogues from the Golan hills and alleyways. Drive to Jerusalem Meet with Branco Weiss Candle factory & shopping Mt. Scopus lookout – at-risk educators at Tefen Industrial park – view of Jerusalem from the Branco Weiss school, Katzrin Stef Wertheimer's model Hebrew University campus (www.brancoweiss.org.il/) industrial park Machane Yehuda Market – Katzrin Talmudic village – (goo.gl/BJX4ox) taste and smell the city educational activity and Visit teachers and students in the preparing for the Sabbath Talmudic lunch Tefen School – a 'different' Check-in at Prima Kings Hotel Mt. Bental – viewpoint into Syria school forging a community and receive a hands on of students from rural Jewish, explanation and visualization as Arab and Druze villages. SHABBAT to the close proximity of the Rosh Hanikra – Friday night Services at The fighting in Syria. famous grottos on the Western Wall Mediterranean sea and Return to Tverya for the Lebanese border Dinner processing session and overnight at Leonardo Tverya Overnight at Leonardo Tverya Processing and reflection time Hotel Hotel Overnight – Prima Kings Hotel PROPOSED ITINERARY

EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

A Holy City A Tale of Two Cities Memory and meaning

SHABBAT Sunday Monday DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 Optional prayers at Student/Staff Basketball game Check-out Jerusalem's Great Synagogue and workshop at Jerusalem's Bi-Lingual school 'Yad B'Yad. Yad Vashem Holocaust Optional tour of sites around A divided city – Tour along memorial center – Jerusalem (Catholic sites: the pre-67 Jerusalem border Museum visit and pedagogic Church of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as todays security enrichment in Holocaust study. Room of the Last Supper, fence. Gethsemane etc., Protestant City of David – Presentation Mt. Herzl – Israel's national sites: Garden Tomb. General: and archeological site cemetery Temple Mount, Mount of Olives). (www.cityofdavid.org.il/en) Drive to Beit Shemesh Option to organize tour of Hebrew University colleagues – reception and Meet with staff and students at Bethlehem networking with teachers of P2G twin schools. Walking tour of Jerusalem's 'new' similar subjects in conjunction neighborhoods – Yemin Moshe, with The Melton Center for Drive to Tel Aviv Nachlaot Jewish Education. Israeli Culture through Check-in at Tel Aviv, Golden Free time on the Town – cinema – through Israeli box Beach Hotel Jerusalem's night life office films as well as student films. Namal Tel Aviv – Tel Aviv night Overnight – Prima Kings life (www.namal.co.il/en/ Overnight – Prima Kings Hotel Hotel default.aspx) PROPOSED ITINERARY

EXPERIENTIAL TOUR

Co-existence in a mixed city Israel's Many Faces Taking it Back to School

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 Birds eye tour of Tel Aviv from Drive to Haifa Neil Lazarus lecture – the roof of Azrieli Mall Exciting talk on Israeli politics and advocacy Jaffa tour – visit the original port Visit the famous Bahai city and experience the Gardens (awesomeseminars.weebly.com) challenges of minorities living in Facilitate and take part in a Israel co-existence project at Lunch and tour of Google TLV the Leo Baeck School in campus – a taste of Educational workshops at Haifa. (leobaeckec.org/) Start Up Nation CET – Center for Educational Technology – Enhancing the Learn about the Druze Independence Hall – classroom (cet.org.il/pages/ community over dinner in the Home.aspx) Isfiya Druze village. the site where the State of Israel was declared Return to Tel Aviv Dialogue in the Dark – Trip summary and final experience other's challenges processing at the famous Blind Museum Reflection time and night out Screening of the Israeli film – Farewell Banquet 'Ajami' followed by discussion Overnight at Golden Beach and processing Hotel Departure PROPOSAL FOR EDUCATIONAL DIRECTION AND COORDINATION

EDUCATIONAL DIRECTION AND COORDINATION

As stated earlier, we believe that our experience and expertise in the field of educational experiences enable us to direct and coordinate all aspects of this initiative. We feel that it is necessary that the person coordinating this project will be certified as a tour guide as well as an educator and that our organization has the ability to find the right person and facilitate this project. We will provide the appropriate staff within the Torah Division to coordinate with the various parties and communicate with the SABJE and all the components of the tour. PRICE PROPOSAL

The prices quoted below are based on the materials and content outlined in the above proposal. We must take into consideration some unknowns such as changes in the prices of tourism services in the Israeli and world markets. Additionally, without final dates it is hard to commit to accommodation prices so the quoted prices are in place to assure the quality of the program and may change in accordance to your budgetary needs.

Price quote for educational direction and coordination First year, project development, management and coordination - $40,000 a year Following the first year and the pilot program - $20,000 a year.

Price quote for development and creation of online course $100,000 for the 25 classes outlined in the proposal.

Price quote for Experiential Israel Tour $2,075 per participant for the 12 day program outlined above. THANK YOU

Thank you for considering working with Israel Experience, the number one Educational Tourism company in Israel.

! ! ! ! ! Please feel free to contact us with any comment, question or request. Daniel Benhaim, [email protected] Eli Lipshitz, [email protected]

www.israelexperience.org ! ”כי מציון תצא תורה…“ "From !Zion the teachings will come forth"