Congregational Resources for Rabbis
Planning a Congregational Trip to Israel
The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's website has information about planning congregational trips to Israel, with a specific focus on peace and social justice.
ARZA DVD: Making it Happen
We know that organizing a trip to Israel can be daunting. For that reason, ARZA (US) has developed several resources for Rabbis to encourage and facilitate congregational travel to Israel. The ARZA DVD, “Making it Happen: Your Congregational Trip to Israel,” is designed specifically for Rabbis that have never taken their congregations to Israel, as well as for Rabbis who haven't organized a congregational trip in recent years. Rabbi Orkand states, “It is my hope that the DVD will serve as a source of inspiration and help for those rabbis who have been contemplating a congregational trip to Israel but don’t know where to begin. The experiences of three rabbis who have led trips will, hopefully, encourage colleagues to plan what is always the experience of a lifetime.”
There are three parts to this useful DVD:
- A 30 minute instructional film for Rabbis:
Learn from Rabbi Sirbu, Rabbi Robert Orkand, and Rabbi Debra Hachen as they discuss the ins and outs of putting together a trip to Israel for a congregation. Conversations range from simply committing to organize a trip through the acutal planning of ground logistics. Then follow Rabbi Steven Sirbu of Temple Emeth in Teaneck and a number of his congregants as they tour Israel. Hear testimonials from Rabbi Sirbu and his participants about thier trip and its importance. Orbserve a paper itinerary come to life as congregants visit a food bank to pack boxes for those in need, plant trees with the Jewish National Fund, visit Israeli Reform congregations, tour the Old City of Jerusalem, Har Herzl, Yad Vashem, Safed, dine on Israeli foods, and more. - A 5 minute promotional film:
Illustrate to your congregants how travelling to Israel with their congregation and Rabbi is an incredible way to connect to each other and to strengthen the community as a whole. - A 2 minute video from Israel's Ministry of Tourism:
Showcase Israel's wonders; stir-up excitement for the travel opportunity that can not be replicated anywhere else in the world.
"[The DVD is] an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the elements of a great congregational trip to Israel. It solidified my commitment to these experiences, and I will be offering two trips in the next calendar year!” Rabbi Hachen
"Making it Happen: Your Congregational Trip to Israel" was produced in partnership with the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
To request your copy of the DVD, click here.
Israel Always - Israel Tamid An ARZA Program Guide for Rabbis for Pre- and Post-travel to Israel