If you’ve been following my adventures for a while, you know that travel of any kind is my thing! It’s what brings my family together, helps me shift perspective, and inspires me. I love knowing where to send people for the best ice cream, a delicious coffee or a hidden gem just about anywhere in the world. 

If you asked me where I would go if I could only ever travel to one country for the rest of my life, my answer, without hesitation, would be ISRAEL! Tiny by comparison to other countries or even states, this one piece of land has it all.

From the moment I step off the plane in Israel- there’s this feeling of home, of belonging. It’s something that’s indescribable unless you’ve experienced it. I always applaud when I land (it’s actually super common on planes upon landing in Israel). My heart feels like it’s going to burst, just oozing with pride and joy, and the idea of showing my girls every inch of this beautiful country (and anyone else that wants to join us) is my mission. 

I take huge pride in helping others see Israel through meticulously planned itineraries. I truly feel it is a responsibility and a privilege. 

Every inch of Israel is filled with a balance of past and present, ancient and future. I have been visiting israel (and lived here for a bit too) since I was 2 years old. I have seen every aspect of this great land evolve, advance and excel. 

Tel Aviv gets all the credit for the best sunsets, and endless days on the beach- but it goes beyond that. Tel Aviv was founded in 1911 and so much modern history took place here. Spend a few days and make sure you do it all.

There are can’t-miss museums dotted all over Tel Aviv. The Anu Museum (Museum of the Jewish People) epitomizes so much of what this trip has been for me. As a Jew, this is a museum to be proud of. It is the largest museum dedicated to the Jewish people--comprehensive, educational, interactive, and you will leave feeling a sense of Jewish pride. This is not a museum about commemoration and tragedy--this is a museum about triumph, achievement, creativity, comedy, art, and everything our people have achieved and continue to champion.

The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation showcases how Israel is truly changing the world, and disrupting industries for the better through techonological advances.The setting and architecture of the building is stunning too.Trying to understand just how much has come out of this tiny country is as simple as looking around you: Rummikub, Waze, the Iron Dome, irrigation and other agricultural advancements ( like mini tomatoes) and so much more. Deloite. got it right when they wrote: “Israel's unique society and culture, strong economy, government support, and "global-first" market approach are just a few of the factors that make Israel's innovation ecosystem one of the most successful in the world.” There are over 25 innovation incubators and the high level of education, creativity and adaptability of the people here means there’s no sign of slowing down!

Of course the most remarkable parts of Israel are not those made by man. Take for example the Dead Sea- it’s far, it’s hot, but where else can you visit the lowest place on earth? As you drive, the tall jagged rocky cliffs to your left, and the beautiful bright blue Dead Sea to your right, take time to notice the layers of salt on top- it’s a white foam unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. It’s just so beautiful- the sandy white rocks. Get in, sit back, and float for a while! You can go to one of the many dead sea spas or access it through public “beaches” and don’t forget to lather yourself in the mineral rich mud!

After visiting the lowest point, going up to some of the highest points in the North is a must. Beautiful views abound, and history lessons await. Take a jeep ride in the Golan and learn about their strategic importance. We did a jeep tour where we saw gazelles, amazing birds, wild donkeys, horses, and jackals. You get a true understanding of the importance of the Golan heights here, and see how agriculture is really booming. 

There’s a beautiful Eli Cohen Memorial- it’s a statue of his wife and 3 kids staring at Syria “waiting” for him. 

We sat on an abandoned tank, opened up a watermelon and ate it all together. We picked and tasted wild cherry plums, sumac, as well as some herbs.  The views from here are just stunning (did I already say that?).

The drive through the Golan winds up & down mountains. We saw vineyards, ancient ruins, fruit trees, horses, cows, wind turbines. Parts of it look like Tuscany, some like Colorado- but on a much smaller scale. You’ll also have a chance to learn about agricultural advances and get up close with the animals. Fruit picking and over 200 wineries will ensure you have something new to see, do and taste no matter how many times (or in what season) you visit.

Speaking of taste…The food- You can find endlessly diverse dining options in Irael. This country is an incredible fusion of so many cultures and nationalities that have all brought their signature dishes, techniques and spices. Over the years, the Israeli food that has emerged from this mixing is sophisticated and innovative enough to be recognized all over the world, earning Michelin stars, and expanding culinary frontier in countries like France, and the US. From the tomatoes, the eggplant, the dates, to the tasty herbs, every bite you put in your mouth is just bursting. All of the most delicious restaurants in Israel are Israeli food--created from the confluence of so many cultures-- with a heavy focus on local ingredients--this is farm to table at its best! 

There’s no greater melting pot in Israel than Jerusalem. People from so many cultures, religions, and nationalities can be seen here. There is no city on earth that has greater meaning to me, and to millions of monotheists than Jerusalem. Jerusalem is all about the old and new seamlessly coexisting- the Old City, the Kotel Tunnel Tours--it’s walking through history enhanced by new technology, like virtual reality. The City of David Tours will have you literally walking through history-2000 years of history - in in the water tunnels where the same waters have been flowing since then!

There’s meaning here everywhere you look- there’s history, there’s gratitude. I took my kids to Ammunition Hill, the site where we were able to liberate Jerusalem in 1967. It was a short drive, a 20 minute movie, and a quick field trip after camp for my kids- this is how I add in meaning and substance to our days here.

Another way I’ve found to bring meaning to our days is the hands on experiences - I like that in Israel it’s so accessible to learn so much, not just about history and archeology, but about practicality. My kids got a huge lesson about bee pollination and organic farming at Bio Tour. They made paper with their own hands at Tut Neyar, and made chocolate bark, lollipops, and truffles at a chocolate workshop at Chocolateshik, where we got a whole history lesson about chocolate. We then got up close to farm animals at a robotic dairy farm! When you work something with your own hands, you appreciate it more, remember it better, and connect to it on a deeper level.

My take on Israel as a microcosm of the world is a bit different than ideas shared by others- it’s seeing topography that exists all over the world- deserts, stalactite caves, beaches, mountains, valleys, cliffs, vineyards, whatever you visit in the world exists on some level here. Israel provides experiences that show how life was (like herding sheep at Nekuda Kafrit), how life is lead today, and then what life might be in the future, always seamlessly linking our past to the present with an eye on the future. 

The distances from one place to the other may be long, but the drives are so beautiful that it doesn’t even matter. Israel has 81 national parks, more than 400 nature reserves, over 200 vineyards and museums, so the next time you hear, “I’ve seen all of Israel,” think again. 

We stayed in the new David Kempinski hotel in Tel Aviv for 4 nights, in a cabin in the Upper Golan for 4 nights, one night in the Six Senses Shaharut in the south, & almost 30 nights in Jerusalem. We swam in the Galilee and Mediterranean Sea, floated in the Dead Sea, & most importantly, explored the biblical & modern history of Israel. We hiked, biked, scooted, and rode horses, and camels.. We ate. Oh wow did we eat! And yet, I know there will be so much more to experience the next time we visit.

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know if there are any specific topics you’d like to explore even further.

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