Category: Connect

Making Lifelong Memories on Israel Family Tours

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While some families opt to go on vacations to a coastal resort to relax or a European country to enjoy the cities, other families decide to make memories in a more interesting and exciting way on Israel family tours.

Israel family tours offer more than sitting on the beach, going on hikes, or going to museums. Family vacations to Israel offer the most fun activities with a meaningful history and unprecedented views, all while connecting to the beautiful Israeli culture and ultimately creating a stronger and deeper bond with your family. Whether you decide to go on  private guided tours in Israel, with only your family or with a group of families, parents, kids, and even grandparents are bound to find excitement at every turn! Check out some of the options for family trips to Israel in 2017!

Private guided tours in Israel for the whole family

One of the great things about private guided tours in Israel specific for families, is that your family’s wants and needs will be met perfectly, and the trip will be completely customized to fit your family’s personality. Israel tour guides are also wonderful with kids of all ages, from younger families to families with teenagers. No two families are exactly the same, and as such no two Israel family tours should look exactly the same. Each family should experience Israel in the way that will be most meaningful for that family, and not the way that seems the easiest for the collective. That’s why private guided tours in Israel are often a great option for those families looking for a unique and authentic experience.

Multi-generational Israel family tours

For younger generations, it can be extremely powerful to travel with grandparents to meaningful locations such as Israel. Having on Israel family tours three, sometimes even four generations together makes not only the history of the country come alive, but also the history of the family. This can make a lifelong impact on the younger generations of a family. Logistics for this type of trip aren’t easy, but with the right tour guides in Israel, there is no reason it cannot be done. There are many activities that are enjoyable for every generation, as well as opportunities to allow for the kids to do one thing while the adults do another.

Small group trips to Israel in 2021/22

In order to add another level of fun to Israel family tours, a number of families with common interests can group together. This allows for kids to create new bonds with kids from other families, and parents to enjoy some quality time with other adults and friends. If families are looking into trips to Israel in 2021, customised group vacations might be the best option because planning as a group can be easy and fun. This option is also often more cost efficient for those who are travelling on a budget.

At the end of the day, giving your family a unique and exciting experience in Israel is the best gift you could ever give them, even more than sunbathing on the beach in Mexico or riding a rollercoaster at some amusement park. Israel has something for everyone, and has the unique ability to create a truly strong family bond!

Fall in Love with Israel on Guided Tours in Israel

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One of the most wonderful things about Israel is the Israeli people. Israelis offer a unique perspective on their unique culture, and are not afraid to share their passions with those around them. That’s why the tour guides in Israel are so spectacular – they are passionate about their country and they share that passion with every tourist. Upon planning trips to Israel in 2017, it is certainly worth it to consider guided tours in Israel, so you can not only learn about the country, but you can also fall in love with Israel through the passionate culture and wonderful people. Here are the top three reasons that guided tours in Israel are the way to go when planning trips to Israel in 2021!

Tour guides in Israel are family oriented

On Israel family tours, it is very important to have a guide that knows how to get through to an audience of kids. Tour guides in Israel understand this importance, and as such they are experts on connecting to kids of all ages. A love for Israel and Israeli culture stems from the young generations, so a guide that knows how to impart that passion and love on the younger tourists is a successful guide. It is also no secret that Israel family tours can be difficult because it can be hard to find activities that are appealing and appropriate for all members of the family. Tour guides in Israel are highly aware of that fact, and are experts in making every site attractive to the whole family.

Guided tours in Israel can be customized

While large organized trips to Israel are usually “cookie cutter itineraries”, meaning they are the same for every group every trip. Guided tours in Israel, though, are put together by the guide and tour provider together with the group coming to Israel. That way, instead of getting a generic itinerary that won’t necessarily work for your specific group, you will get an itinerary that is fit to the interests of your group. Just as the tour can be customized, so can the tour guide. Tour guides in Israel fall on a wide spectrum of interests and specialties, so when planning customized guided tours in Israel, you can also find a tour guide in Israel that meets your interests and needs.

Touring with a guide will gain you special access

There are many places that lone tourists cannot go into in Israel. However, with trained tour guides in Israel, almost no doors are closed to tourists. Guided tours in Israel offer all of the activities that might not be listed in the guide books, because tour guides in Israel have all of the insider knowledge. Tour guides in Israel all go through intensive training for two years in order to gain the privilege to pass their knowledge and passion along to tourists, and along the way they learn about all of the hidden nooks and crannies and most beautiful corners of the country. When going on guided tours in Israel, tourists get the exclusive access to those places, as well. 

Organized Trips to Israel for Teens and Young Adults

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For many teens and young adults, going on tours in Israel is a life changing experience. Jewish Israel tours for teens and young adults help to shape both a Jewish identity as well as a relationship with Israel that lasts a lifetime.

There are many options out there for tours to Israel for teens and young adults, and many are organized trips to Israel. It is important to choose the right organized trip to Israel for you, so that you can enjoy Israel in a way that will have a lasting impression. Here are some of the best types of organized trips to Israel for teens and young adults!

Volunteer tours in Israel

Often times, Jewish young adults will do volunteer work in the US for different organizations. However, it is incredible substantial for every young adult to do volunteer work during tours in Israel. It gives a new perspective to the charity work done for Israel from abroad. There are many organized trips to Israel that offer volunteer opportunities, such as volunteer work on a kibbutz, volunteering with youth in danger or with Holocaust survivors . Think of it as an “alternative and meaningful spring break”!

Active tours in Israel

Teens and young adults are the perfect group for active tours in Israel. Israel has hundreds of hiking, rappelling, spelunking, and canyoning opportunities that are great for the young and brave. This is also a great way to discover the country from north to south, and to see the beautiful views and landscapes from vantage points that you won’t find anywhere else. Other types of active tours include cycling tours, yoga tours, and camping.

LGBT tours in Israel

Israel has a booming LGBT scene, with one of the largest pride parades in the world, and Tel Aviv as one of the gay-friendliest cities in the world. There are many organized trips to Israel that take groups to discover this vibrant scene. LGBT tours in Israel are a new way to enjoy a wonderful side of the culturally rich country.

Jewish teen and young adult tours in Israel

Jewish Israel tours are a great option for teens and young adults. Teens and young adults are at a point in life where they can and should be forming a Jewish identity and a relationship with Israel. Jewish Israel tours for teens are created to do just that – help show the many sides of Israel, from culture, to food, to religious sites, to beautiful nature, in order to help each teen and young adult form a well rounded and informed opinion. Also, spending time with other Jewish teens and young adults is a fun added bonus that will create lifelong friendships!

 

The Top 7 Reasons Why Israel Cycling Tours are Recommended

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We’ve all heard about cycling tours in Italy, France, and Spain. Get ready to add Israel to the list of perfect cycling destinations. 

While there are many different ways to travel Israel, one of the most challenging and interesting ways to do so is on a bicycle. Israel cycling tours are different from cycling tours in any other country for so many reasons, here are the top seven according to Puzzle Israel and thier partners at Rent a Bike Israel!

You can cycle from north to south in entirety in just one week

Israel is jam packed with culture and history, but it is still a pretty small country geographically speaking. That fact makes it possible to cycle from Metula to Eilat in just seven days (or even less if you skip visiting sites along the way). It also means that you don’t need to take too long off of work or school to fit in Israel cycling tours, so it is a great option for short active vacations or breaks.

Photo: Ronen Chernyak 

 

You will pass through every type of landscape

From the north to the south, cycling routes pass through roads, meadows, mountains, valleys, desert, forests, cities, villages and more. The variety is endless so you will never get bored from the scenery as each moment will be new and exciting!

Photo: Ronen Chernyak 

Perfect weather throughout most of the year

The weather is almost always perfect all year round! The spring and autumn are just perfect for cycling and while the summers can get very hot, it is possible to cycle early in the morning and avoid the heat. The winter is mild and cool, with little rain. So while hard winters elsewhere in the world prevent cycling enthusiasts to venture outdoors, here in Israel you can just come and enjoy a lovely active winter break, cycling in great cool weather. That’s one of the most unique reasons of going on Israel cycling tours – you can come almost any time of year, and you don’t have to choose between the north or the south, the mountains or the valleys because you can have it all.

You can combine Israel cycling tours with Israel food tours

One of the best parts of Israeli culture is the culinary scene. After a day of cycling, you will surely be hungry. Instead of eating trail mix and energy bars, sit down to eat meals at the best restaurants in the country, or at special authentic Druze and Bedouin hospitality, enjoying local delicious homemade cuisine. If the day ends in a rural area without a restaurant, a countryside or desert picnic can be arranged. Don’t just cycle, cycle in style with the best foods and wines Israel has to offer when you combine Israel cycling tours with Israel food tours.

You don’t have to bring your bike, but you can

If you take a cycling tour that is an organized trip to Israel, bikes can actually be provided for you. There are bicycles of all kinds that can be rented, and logistical help can be provided on organized cycling trips to Israel. You can have a bicycle and a road team on Israel cycling tours which is a pretty sweet deal! If you do decide to bring you bike, many airlines that fly to Israel will allow you to check your bike at minimal cost. Your local bike shop will know the best way to package for air travel. Organized trips to Israel will take this into account when picking you up from the airport, too, so no need to worry about that.

Family members can enjoy other activities during the day

If you come to Israel for a cycling tour but your family doesn’t cycle, tours and activities can be arranged for them separately. While you are cycling, other members of the family can explore the area, participate in workshops, and enjoy touring by hiking, jeep rides and other exciting ways. Then in the evening, you can all meet at the accommodations, whether they be a five star hotel, a glamorous camp site, or a fun cabin.

Safety and comfort above all

Cycling on roads, especially in areas not familiar, can be a dangerous adventure. A cycling tour in Israel is accompanied by an escort car at all times, allowing the cyclists to cycle safely along the roads and not worry about getting lost. And best of all, when you get tired, you can just hope into the car for a rest.

There is no doubt that Israel has become one of the best locations in the world for cycling. When considering your next destination ride, keep the glorious landscapes of Israel in mind!

Best 6 Locations to Have a Celebratory Meal in Jerusalem

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You have decided to celebrate your son/daughter’s Mitzvah ceremony in the Holy City and now you are looking for a great place to have the celebratory meal? Well, search no further, here is Puzzle Israel’s recommended list of the best places for such an event!

Between The Arches

Looking for a high class restaurant to enjoy a celebratory brunch right after a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony at the Kotel without needing to drive anywhere? Between The Arches is just the place for you! This Kosher chef restaurant is located right by the Plaza of the Western Wall, in a special authentic Jerslamite building which was built in the 13th century, giving the place a unique feel.

The owners of the restaurant enjoy giving back to the community and whenever there is a ceremony with soldiers at the Western Wall, the Lone Soldiers are invited for a hot meal at the establishment.

Price: $

Website: Click HERE to view all the menus and prices

Address: Ha’guy 174, Jerusalem

Tel: +972-53-941-9157

Adom

At the Old Train Station compound, a center for culture, fairs, music and much more, built on the foundations of the historical Jerusalem old train station, and only a 10 minutes drive from the Western Wall, you will be able to have a spectacular celebratory lunch at this great restaurant. Operating since 2001, it offers fine cuisine, has an elegant and vast wine menu and a wonderful atmosphere

Adom’s menu offers a variety of cuisines, many with a Mediterranean influence. You will find dishes such as In house aged meats, seafood, fish, gnocchi, fresh pasta and risotto, all prepared by using high quality ingredients. Daily specials menu created by chefs Moti Davis and Elran Buzaglo include a variety of seasonal ingredients.

Price: $$

Website: Click HERE 

Address: David Remez 4, New Train St compound

Tel: +972-2-6246242

Kedma

If you are looking for a restaurant with a beautiful view to the Old City walls and the Tower of David, Kedma is the ideal choice. Kedma is a Kosher Brasserie with 8 years of experience in events production and serves on a daily basis Jerusalemite food, a variety of aged meats and a changing choice of chef’s specials.

At the restaurant there are different spaces available to choose from to enjoy the private event (which some can hold up to 500 guests), and along with the delicious menu, your guests will enjoy every moment and bite!

Price: $$-$$$

Website: Click HERE

Address: Mamila Avenue, 3rd floor

Tel: +972-2-500-37-37

ANNA

ANNA is an Italian Kosher social restaurant opened in the Israel Museum spectacular Anna Ticho House in the center of Jerusalem. ANNA is location in a historic building that belongs and operated by the Israel Museum and a social program for youth in distress.

ANNA was established by Dualis Yozma as a social business that trains and employs youth in distress providing them with an opportunity to acquire a profession and to change the course of their lives.

The restaurant provides the atmosphere, quality and excellence of an haute cuisine at affordable prices. Chef Moshiko Gamaliel, of the Mona Restaurant Group, partnered with them in the founding of ANNA.

The restaurant also offers a private room and balcony suitable for hosting a range of events. Private events such as Bar Mitzvah’s, weddings and other family and business events of up to 200 guests can be held in the beautiful gardens surrounding the building. Anna Ticho House, which was built in the second half of the 19th century, is one of the first houses in Jerusalem built outside the city walls. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the building, which underwent extensive renovation recently. The first floor displays the Israel Museum’s high standard exhibitions including temporary exhibitions and the permanent Ticho House exhibitions.

Price: $$-$$$

Website: Click HERE 

Address: 10 Harav Agan St. , Jerusalem

Tel: +972-53-4872314

Machneyuda

On the edge of the Machane Yehuda open market is one of the best restaurants in Jerusalem, arguably the best in the country. If you fancy a celebratory dinner rather than a brunch or lunch, we recommend the eccentric original and exciting Machneyuda restaurant. Run by celebrity-chef Asaf Granit, the menu and dishes pay respect to the city’s colors, aromas and atmosphere. At the bar you can see the chefs slice, dice, steam, boil and fry while dancing and singing along to the authentic Israeli music played in the background.

Price: $$$$

Website: Click HERE 

Address: 10 Beit Yaakov, located in the Machne Yehuda market

Tel: +972-2-533-3442

Puzzle Israel’s Outdoor Celebratory Meal

Puzzle Israel’s own catering service offers a truly different way to enjoy a celebratory meal. The catering service’s specialty is in producing a chef’s meal for as many people as you would like, any place you want outdoors! Yes, the meal can be on the top of a mountain, in the middle of the forest, at a remote beach or in a secluded spot in the desert. Chefs Nir Margalith and Guy Marom and the catering staff will whisk up a Mediterranean feast for you and your guests that will not only be remembered by everyone for its delicious food but for its originality.

Price: $$-$$$$

Website: Click HERE 

Address: Everywhere and anywhere in Israel

Tel: +972-52-22611323

 

Explore the Shuk: Israel Food Tours in City Markets

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If you are planning your next vacation in Israel, be sure to add one of the great markets, or shuk in Hebrew, to your itinerary. The market is a great place to truly be immersed in Israeli culture at its finest.

Israel food tours are all the rage. But no tour is complete without a visit to a shuk, because it is truly the biggest foodie hub in any city and also offers a truly fun cultural experience. If you are coming to Israel on a culinary tour, the shuk is a great source of high-quality ingredients at low prices. If you are looking for a tasty cultural experience while on your tour, you can’t go wrong with a culinary tour in one the vibrant markets of Israel! Here are just a few of the most known and popular markets, though every major city has a market as it’s where the locals buy the best ingredients.

Tel Aviv
There are a whole slew of amazing Israel food tours that you can take in Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is a young vibrant city, and the culinary scene spreads from homestyle cooking to modern techniques. There are two main food markets in Tel Aviv that are worth checking out not only for a tasty lunch but also for a feast for the senses. The first and most well known is the Carmel Market, one of the most famous in Israel. The Carmel Market is perfect for snacking, getting a whole meal, getting ingredients to prepare a meal, and enjoying a truly Israeli atmosphere. It is located in the heart of the city and attracts visitors and locals alike. The market became the hottest culinary scene in Israel and is the place to try spicy Middle Eastern dishes as well as sophisticated fusion kitchen and exotic delights, such as Vietnamese buns, Venezuelan sandwiches, and Tunisian Buriks. The second is the Levinsky Market, popular among the locals. While the Carmel market is taking on a more trendy and worldly direction, the Levinsky Market is preserving the more traditional food culture. The market represents a colorful mix of different Jewish communities and this is the place where you can meet Persian, Turkish, Syrian and Yemenite Jews working side by side and selling their coffee, herbs, sweets and tea blends. One can get lost for hours in the Levinsky Market enjoying the authentic spice stands and tasty hummus shops. A third and less “popular” market is the Hatikva market – a true local experience and definitely off the beaten path.
Any Israel culinary tour, and frankly any Israel tour, should include at least one of these markets.

Jerusalem
The beautiful city of Jerusalem has done an amazing job of building up a foodie scene. By combining the old and the new, just like the city itself, the culinary scene is full of surprises. Be sure to check out the shuk, best known as Mahane Yehuda Market, for a truly fantastic food experience. Try the cheeses, olives, pastries, and especially the halva during the day, then come back at night to eat dinner at one of the top restaurants and have a drink at one of the bars, not to mention to see the fantastic grafitti murals on the food stall doors. On Fridays, the shuk really comes alive while many of the locals – religious and secular – hurry to purchase all the fresh ingredients for Shabbat dinner. All of the best Israel tours will take you to the Mahane Yehuda Market during the day and night for the full culinary and cultural experience.

Haifa
Haifa’s markets are often forgotten when thinking of the best food markets in Israel, though Haifa is home to one of the oldest fruit and vegetable markets out there. The Talpiot Market in Haifa has been serving the community for as long as Haifa has existed, with fresh produce and low prices every day of the year. Also, head down to Wadi Nisnas, a true gem for all Israel food tours, for the best baklava and falafel around! Be sure to make the drive to Haifa on your next vacation in Israel or Israel culinary tour, and enjoy a food tour in the vibrant city!

Akko Market
The Old City of Akko (Acre) on Israel’s northern Mediterranean coastline is an enchanting mix of cobbled streets that have seen Byzantine, Crusader, Islamic and Ottoman rulers come and go; a vibrant Arab shuk; stunning boutique hotels; renowned hummus joints and even better fish restaurants. Just 90 minutes by train from Tel Aviv, Akko’s Old City – and its market – is a gem that is not to be missed.

There is no better way to experience culture than through the palate. By visiting the vibrant markets on your Israel journey you are sure to appreciate the beauty of Israeli food and culture in this country, from north to south.

A Taste of Traditional Arab Food

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Camla Musa is an Arab Chef from the Galilee, Israel. She lives in Dir El Asad, an Israeli Arab village in northern Israel. She takes great pride and joy in cooking traditional Arab food for Israeli diners. In her cooking, Camla regularly uses natural ingredients that she herself prepares or picks from a nearby field. She avoids cooking with milk and eggs, not out of health reasons, but simply because these are not necessary ingredients for preparing her healthy and delicious dishes.

Although Camla started cooking at the age of twenty, following family recipes that were passed on from generation to generation, she only kicked off her career as a chef at thirty. “I’d been working as a cleaner for seven years when one day the chef of a rural resort asked me to help him prepare a few of the dishes on the menu. I gradually started cooking more and more of my family’s authentic Arab dishes. The people who came on vacation to the resort were very enthusiastic about my cooking. To increase the number of dishes I prepared, I started calling my mother to ask for additional recipes.”

Many may think that both the Israeli and the Arab cuisine are similar, but Camla points out that the latter is unique and quite different than the former: “Both kitchens are completely different as they use very different spices and ingredients. Each kitchen regards health issues differently and that affects the elements used in the cooking as well as the outcome.” She also explains that there are differences in the palate preferences of both cultures. For example, the Israeli palate is accustomed to eating something sweet at the end of a meal while the Arabs don’t have much of a sweet tooth.

Arab cuisine is made up of a rich diversity of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and even Indian food. It was originally based on vegan cooking with no eggs, plenty of olive oil, no yeast, and very little butter. On the other hand, Israeli cooking is very much based on milk, cream, and butter. “We do not avoid eggs because we think they are not healthy, but simply because we have no need for them. In addition, we do not deep fry, except for one dish called Kibbeh (a torpedo-shaped fried bulgur croquette stuffed with minced beef or lamb). However, these days some modern Arab recipes use non-typical Arab ingredients such as mayonnaise, but these trends did not originate in the Arab cuisine.”

Israeli cuisine in comparison is a blend of local dishes created by native Israelis together with dishes brought to Israel by the Diaspora Jews. Over the past decades, it has also adopted many aspects of the Arab cuisine: “The Arab salads are definitely a big hit in the Israeli kitchen — take the Tabbouleh for example (an Arab salad traditionally made of bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped parsley, mint, onion, and garlic and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt). In addition, different leaf salads and stuffed vegetables are very popular in the Israeli kitchen these days.” Camla adds that she has noticed that over the past several years there has been a shift in the Israeli cooking. “I now see that they are starting to follow recipes that resemble the original Arab cooking techniques and ingredients.”

Camla specializes in preparing dishes that are a delightful combination of Israeli and Arab cuisine, specifically dishes made with the local Galilee leaves. “I also enjoy making a dish called Maqluba; a dish you may say represents the Galilee cooking. I prepare it with whole grain rice, meat, and vegetables. This is a completely balanced meal. No one leaves the table hungry!”

Camla goes to great lengths to make sure that her ingredients are fresh and organic. She picks her own leaves from the fields because they are not sprayed with pesticides, even though the leaves are smaller and she must pick more to have enough for a dish. “If I cannot go and pick the leaves myself, I buy them from the local shops.” Camla also makes her own bulgur and freekeh (a cereal food made from roasted green wheat). “My sister and I take wheat from the field and cook it in the yard for 6-7 hours in large barrels. After that we put the barrels on the roof for the wheat to dry. Then we wash and clean the wheat and send it to be ground for the different types of dishes.”

Camla takes great pride in being an Arab Chef who specializes in Arab-Israeli cuisine: “I am lucky to be able to pass on to my daughter my recipes so she too can continue the authentic traditional Arab cuisine, the kind that is not mainstream. There are recipes and menus that can be adjusted to the liking of a specific audience and yet still preserve the qualities of the Arab kitchen.”

We hope you will get the chance to meet Camla on your next Israel journey!

Try cooking one of Camla’s favorite recipes:
Maqluba with chicken or meat
Ingredients:
• 3 glasses of Jasmin rice
• A whole medium-sized chicken
• 0.5 kg cauliflower (split into pieces)
• 8 small onions
• 3 cut carrots
• 100g of pine-nuts
• 2 liter of oil for frying
• A mixture of Ba’ha’rat (cinnamon, Cardamom and Bay leaves)
Preparations:
• Fry the chicken on all sides and strain the oil well
• Fry the onions, cauliflower, and carrot till they turn brown and strain the oil
• Lay the chicken in a cooking pot and stack the vegetables around it.
• Mix the rice together with the pine-nuts, season it and add salt, then add to the pot over the chicken and vegetables. Pour 1 liter of water over it all and cover the pot.
• Place on the stove till it boils and then lower the fire and cook for 45 minutes on a low fire.
• When ready, turn the pot over on a large serving dish and serve for everyone to enjoy!

Organized Trips to Israel for Teens and Young Adults

Posted on by moran

For many teens and young adults, going on tours in Israel is a life-changing experience. Jewish Israel tours for teens and young adults help to shape both a Jewish identity as well as a relationship with Israel that lasts a lifetime.

There are many options out there for tours to Israel for teens and young adults, and many are organized trips to Israel. It is important to choose the right organized trip to Israel for you so that you can enjoy Israel in a way that will have a lasting impression. Here are some of the best types of organized trips to Israel for teens and young adults!

Volunteer tours in Israel
Often times, Jewish young adults will do volunteer work in the US for different organizations. However, it is incredibly substantial for every young adult to do volunteer work during tours in Israel. It gives a new perspective to the charity work done for Israel from abroad. There are many organized trips to Israel that offer volunteer opportunities, such as volunteer work on a kibbutz, volunteering with youth in danger or with Holocaust survivors. Think of it as an “alternative and meaningful spring break”!

Active tours in Israel
Teens and young adults are the perfect groups for active tours in Israel. Israel has hundreds of hiking, rappelling, spelunking, and canyoning opportunities that are great for the young and brave. This is also a great way to discover the country from north to south, and to see the beautiful views and landscapes from vantage points that you won’t find anywhere else. Other types of active tours include cycling tours, yoga tours, and camping.

LGBT tours in Israel
Israel has a booming LGBT scene, with one of the largest pride parades in the world, and Tel Aviv as one of the gay-friendliest cities in the world. There are many organized trips to Israel that take groups to discover this vibrant scene. LGBT tours in Israel are a new way to enjoy a wonderful side of the culturally rich country.

Jewish teen and young adult tours in Israel
Jewish Israel tours are a great option for teens and young adults. Teens and young adults are at a point in life where they can and should be forming a Jewish identity and a relationship with Israel. Jewish Israel tours for teens are created to do just that – help show the many sides of Israel, from culture to food, to religious sites, to beautiful nature, in order to help each teen and young adult form a well rounded and informed opinion. Also, spending time with other Jewish teens and young adults is a fun added bonus that will create lifelong friendships!

The Neshama: Israel Summer Yoga Retreat – A Soulful Adventure

Posted on by moran

Puzzle Israel and Rachelle Tratt of The Neshama Project have partnered up to offer yoga fans from Israel and abroad a special and unconventional way to experience Israel. This coming June, Rachelle will be arriving in Israel to lead a ten-day soulful adventure in the country’s most beautiful locations.
We met Rachelle during her last visit in Israel and asked her to tell us about herself, The Neshama Project, and about her plans for the upcoming yoga retreat, she will be leading together with Puzzle Israel.

Rachelle currently lives in LA but has visited Israel numerous times over the past five years. Several of these visits were part of the Taglit – Birthright youth group trips, and others were to focus on developing and expanding her business — The Neshama Project — a socially conscious jewelry company that gives back to the community.
Rachelle began her yogic journey approximately eight years ago. Upon attending her first yoga class she felt at peace and at home. Intuitively, she knew that yoga was destined to be a prominent element in her life’s journey. Her personal triumphs over the adversities she experienced throughout her life enable her to teach yoga from a place of compassion and understanding.

Rachelle believes yoga to be all about creating peace in the mind, body, and heart.
“When we align our body physically, there is more room to be aligned mentally and emotionally. Yoga teaches us how to be more present with our bodies and our surroundings.”
Rachelle has a special connection to Israel. It started even before she was born, when her parents met on a kibbutz in 1973, and fell in love. As a little girl, Rachelle always knew that Israel would become a big part of her life, especially after her mom passed away when Rachelle was only nine years old. “My first trip here was in honor of her, with intentions of following her footsteps. Now, I have been able to create my own love story with the land, and create meaningful ways to share it with others.”

Rachelle’s personal connection to Israel has a tremendous influence on her business — The Neshama Project. “When I was given a special blue ‘hamsa’ from an Israeli yoga student over five years ago, I intuitively knew that one day I would share it with the world. Every day, someone would comment on the necklace, and it became a conversation starter for something greater. It became a way of sharing my story, my connection to Israel, my outlook on overcoming love and loss, and my desire to share principles of yoga and mindful living with others. I always knew that I wanted this to be more than just another product on the shelves, so I asked myself, ‘How can this special stone give back and inspire?’ Two summers ago I partnered with Innovation Africa, where 10% of your purchases go to support this special organization that brings Israeli technology to African villages.”

Rachelle has set out to lead a yoga retreat in Israel believing that Israel is the spiritual mecca for all walks of life. “Israel is rich with culture, politics, varying ideologies, and a contagious spirit that exists among its people. There are many yoga retreats around the world, but no one travels to Israel.” Rachelle added that the uniqueness of the Neshama: Israel yoga retreat model is the added value the retreat offers by volunteering and giving back while traveling. “This is what we call a ‘soulful adventure’ and I hope to continue to share this special place with people, and make Israel a meaningful destination to travel to.”
Rachelle strongly recommends that Israelis join the Neshama: Israel journey as well so that they can take a few meaningful days of vacation to practice yoga with people from all over the world. “Take this as an opportunity to re-open your eyes to the beautiful country that you live in. Sometimes, all it takes is taking a few days to step outside of your routine in order to find the magic of life again.”

Even though Rachelle has visited Israel many times, she always discovers something new. To conclude our conversation, we asked her to tell us about one new thing she experienced this time around, and one old comforting and familiar experience she picked up on her previous visits. “One new thing: I discovered that I can run a marathon!!!! At the last minute, I decided to take part in my first marathon ever, which took place in Jerusalem a week ago! And one old thing: That I am in love with hummus.”
Rachelle and Puzzle Israel invite you all to join us on a special soulful journey through Israel’s captivating sites.