Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Having been on a Darchei Noam trip in February, and in previous years, I would only be interested if the trip had a strong JRF objective and an itinerary geared to acheiving that objective. That I think would make it special and worthwhile. A generalized trip to Israel to see sites would likely be of little interest to me, but perhaps a separate agenda could be tacked on at the end or the beginning of the trip for those who have not been to Israel previously.

1. Spring or Fall is definitely better than summer or winter (winter trips inevitably end up with sick travelers, summer trips can be debilitating--having done the Roman Ramp Masada climb at 96 degrees plus, with study session at the top, during Melton Israel Seminar was a killer)!
2. Marlene's point about prior Israel travel is well taken. A leadership trip should have two components: 1-general/overview
for those who've not previously been; 2-focus on Recon-related places, groups, issues, and off-the-beaten track opportunities. Thus a 10-day to two week plus trip would make it possible for people with different Israel travel experience to join in for one or both segments.
3. Having said all that, I am interested in the 2nd focus piece.
The issue of subsidy (at some level) is a consideration.

My wife, Debra and two oldest sons (Ben & Ethan, 11 & 10) are in Israel at this very moment. Getting their telephonic reports on the day's adventures -- usually at 7 a.m. -- has reawakened an often dormant curiosity to return to that country for the first time since 1988. For months, I have set aside two weeks in the year 2008 for a rigorous foreign back-pack trip with old friends. That vacation may yet win the day. If it doesn't take place, though --and indeed, even if it does -- this one would be a thrill. No promises, but I'm interested.

I agree that a week is too short--especially when you consider travel time from the West Coast. Birthright is 10 days and jams a lot into those days. My daughter went in 2005 and wants to return, as she felt too rushed.,

It also depends on whether you have been to Israel before. The interests of repeat visitors would be different from those like me, who have not. I would therefore like to stay longer. Perhaps the trip could have two stages: 8-10 days with optional add-ons.

I am planning on being in Israel for the GA/Lion of Judah Conference in November 2008. Unfortunately, I cannot travel to Israel twice in one year. Thanks Judy

one week seems too short.
I need to accomodate the NY City public School calendar - Sally is a teacher - timing would probably have to be July - unless we wanted to do Pesach