Paradigm Israel 2026
#Shifting the Paradigm - July 6-15, 2026
DESTINATION
Israel
Who’s Going
Paradigm Early Childhood Educators
Trip Type
Professional Development & Jewish Heritage Exploration
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Group Size
25+
Price
4600 USD Double Occupancy
Your Journey
#Shifting the Paradigm in Israel
Join fellow Paradigm Educators on a transformative journey that weaves together Israel’s timeless story and its vibrant, contemporary life—an exploration of identity, purpose, and the art of nurturing growth.
Designed for meaningful connection and professional inspiration, this immersive experience invites educators to engage deeply with the beauty, complexity, and resilience of the Jewish homeland. From planting trees in ancient soil to exploring Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood environments and meeting Israel’s most innovative educators, every moment offers new perspectives on learning, community, and hope.
As we travel through sun-lit deserts, spiritual centers, and dynamic classrooms, each day invites reflection, conversation, and celebration. Together, we’ll encounter Israel’s living history, its challenges and triumphs, and the creative spirit that continues to shape Jewish education worldwide.
Whether this is your first visit or a long-awaited return, this journey balances exploration and rest, learning and laughter, renewal and relationship. Walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, connect with colleagues and mentors, and return home renewed—with fresh vision, deepened purpose, and stories that will inspire your classrooms and communities for years to come.
This is more than a trip—it’s a living expression of connection, courage, and creativity, woven through the heart of Israel and the soul of every educator.
Tel Aviv
Jerusalem
The Dead Sea & Masada
Negev Desert & Ramon Crater
Sde Boker
Haifa & The North
Quick links
Register
Pay deposit
Trip Highlights
Tree Planting at Neot Kedumim
Join us in planting a tree to mark our arrival—a symbol of growth, hope and our shared dedication to nurturing the next generation.
Exploring the Negev Desert
Hike through Ein Avdat National Park, visit Ben Gurion’s home and tomb in Sde Boker, and reflect on his vision for Israel’s southern frontier.
Jeep Adventure in Ramon Crater
Take an unforgettable off-road ride through the world’s largest erosion crater and witness the beauty of Israel’s desert landscapes.
Bedouin Culture & Hospitality
Ride camels, share tea, and hear personal stories of Bedouin family life, education, and resilience.
Stargazing Under the Desert Sky
Gather around a bonfire and explore the wonders of the Negev night sky with guidance from an astronomy expert.
Resilience and Reflection in the South
Visit the JNF playground in Sderot, the Nova Music Festival site, and the Car Wall memorial—bearing witness to strength and hope in the face of tragedy.
Sacred Stories & Living Memory
Experience powerful moments at Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl, Rachel’s Tomb, and the Cave of the Patriarchs—connecting history, spirituality, and identity.
Shabbat in Jerusalem
Celebrate Shabbat with home hospitality, shared meals, and reflection in the heart of Israel’s capital.
Dead Sea & Masada Experience
Hike Masada’s ancient fortress, cool off at Ein Gedi’s waterfalls, and float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea.
Markets & Creativity in Jaffa and Tel Aviv
Explore Carmel Market, Nahalat Binyamin Artist Market, and Jaffa’s ancient port—immersing yourself in local art, color, and culture.
Innovation and Early Learning in Tel Aviv
Meet educators at CityKids Hadar Yosef and learn how Israel’s urban centers are reimagining early childhood education.
Haifa and the North
Visit the Baha’i Gardens overlooking Haifa Bay and reflect on beauty, diversity, and coexistence in Israel’s northern region.
Itinerary
DAY 1
Monday - July 6 – Welcome to Israel - ברוּכים הבאים לישראל
Read more
DAY 2
Tuesday - July 7 – Ben Gurion’s Dream
Ein Avdat NP - Canyon in the Negev Desert of Israel. Archaeological evidence shows that Ein Avdat was inhabited by Nabateans and Catholic monks. Numerous springs at the southern opening of the canyon empty into deep pools in a series of waterfalls. The water emerges from the rock layers with salt-tolerant plants like Poplar trees and Atriplexes growing nearby.
Drive to Makhtesh Ramon
Visit "Gan Ya’ar" - join a simple, hands-on forest experience, with Israeli kindergarten teachers participating in the training, they spend three full days outdoors, sleeping in tents and preparing meals in the field. Meeting them after such an immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about their journey, motivations, and the impact of stepping far outside their comfort zone.
Lunch on your own at Mitzpe Ramon
Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center - The Mitzpe Ramon Visitors Center offers a powerful experience, combining breathtaking views of the Ramon Crater with an inspiring exhibition honouring the life and legacy of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
Jeep Ride @ Ramon Crater - We will have an unforgettable jeep ride in the crater, allowing us to explore the crater from a different angle.
Bedouin Experience at Ben Midbar - Ride a camel through a desert trail to see a new view of the crater
Dinner at the hotel
Stargazing- At night, we'll have a mesmerizing experience – watching the stars in the desert with a telescope guided by an astronomy expert. While we sit around a bonfire and drink coffee and tea.
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DAY 3
Wednesday - July 8 – What is it Like to be Living in the South?
JNF Bomb Shelter Playground in Sderot
Nova Music Festival Site
The Car Wall - We will visit a structure made of burned vehicles west of Moshav Takuma, near the Gaza Strip, resembling a wall. It was created from cars destroyed during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, particularly from the Nova Festival massacre and Route 232. Originally a removal site, it later became a memorial, marking the largest terrorist attack in Israel’s history. Hundreds of additional burned and abandoned vehicles nearby serve as a further reminder of the tragedy.
Lunch – at Rahat
Bedouin City of Rahat – Meet with a representative from the community who will share the reality of woman life as a Bedouin in Israel 2025. We will also hear stories about the events on October 7 that affected the Rahat settlement, and meet with the heroes that came to rescue people. We will also talk with a local guide about the Bedouins culture, and how it is to be a woman and a mother in the Israeli Bedouin community.
Drive to Jerusalem
Shehecheyanu Ceremony
Check in to your hotel
Group Dinner
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DAY 4
Thursday - July 9 – The New City of Jerusalem
Visit A Local School – Shira Ackerman
Lunch on your own - Ramat Beit Hakerem Jerusalem
Yad Vashem Guided Tour - Local professional guide at the national Holocaust memorial.
Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery - Here we’ll visit the graves of some of the most influential leaders of Israel and learn about the history of the country.
Dinner on your own
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DAY 5
Friday - July 10 – Impaired by Our Fathers and Mothers
Rachel’s Tomb - Visit Rachel’s Tomb, a sacred and emotional site for prayer and reflection, deeply connected to Jewish heritage, motherhood, and longing.
The Cave of the Patriarchs - Step into one of the most sacred and ancient sites in the world—the Cave of the Patriarchs (Ma'arat HaMachpelah) in Hebron. Believed to be the resting place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah, this revered site holds deep significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Built over 2,000 years ago by Herod the Great, its towering stone walls and tranquil chambers bear witness to centuries of devotion and history. Walking through its halls, you’ll feel the enduring connection between past and present—an encounter with faith that transcends generations.
Viewpoint from the Tower of David – From this powerful vantage point, we overlook one square kilometer that shapes the hearts, headlines, and hopes of the entire world every single day.
Lunch on your own – Mamila (Aroma)
Free time for shopping before Shabbat
Shabbat begins at 7:12 PM
Shabbat Dinner at your hotel
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DAY 6
Saturday - July 11 – Shabbat in Jerusalem
Shabbat options
Option 1:
- T’fillah in a Synagogue
- Free morning
- Lunch Home Hospitality - Ya’ara Shilo
- Old City Part 2- Continue to discover the Old City and the significant sites at each quarter, including the Muslim Quarter (security permits) with the colorful Arab market, the Christian Quarter with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Via Dolorosa
Option 2:
- Drive to the Dead Sea
- Masada- Learn about this amazing archeological wonder, where King Herod built his summer palace and the Zealots from the Great Revolt spent their final days.
- Ein Gedi NP - Enjoy a short hike in the refreshing waters and the beautiful waterfalls
- Lunch – on your own at the Dead Sea
- Dead Sea at Ein Bokek - Have a float at the Dead Sea, use the famous mud or just enjoy an outdoor pool.
Return to Jerusalem
Shabbat ends at 8:29 PM
Dinner on your own
Read more
DAY 7
Sunday - July 12 – Jerusalem of 3 Religions
Old City Tour – With your guide
Lunch on your own at the Old City
School Visit - City Kids Hadar Yosef - City Kids brings high-quality English-language early childhood education to Israel, rooted in Zionism and a commitment to building society from the ground up. Its team of olim from around the world creates a warm, professional environment that supports both children and parents. CityKids reflects Israel’s diversity and helps shape its future.
Check into your hotel
Time to rest
Group Dinner- At the roof of the Tel Aviv City Hall - We’ll meet the department team on the rooftop of City Hall to hear how Tel Aviv is building a city where every child, from birth to age three, has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and receive the care and education they deserve—regardless of where they live or what language they speak.
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DAY 8
Monday - July 13 – The Kibbutz Scrapyard and Touches of Home
The Scrapyard - we will visit a kindergarten in the kibbutz, meet the educational staff and learn about the unique way in which local children grow up.
The "Ofek" School - Waldorf educational principles are adapted to the spirit of the time, place and Israeli culture. At its core, this concept sees childhood as a time of special value in itself and in the child - a developing being with a body, mind and spirit. The school strives to be a home for the children, a space where a happy, warm and healthy atmosphere exists that allows the presence and optimal fulfillment of each boy and girl.
Lunch – In the Kibbutz Givat Haim Ichud Dining Room
Emek Hefer Geopolitical Tour - You will have a chance to see, hear and feel the geopolitical situation at the narrow shoulders of Israel along the West Bank (less than 9 miles from the see to the 1967 border)
Visit the Central Synagogue of Haifa, a synagogue tied to Reggio Emilia, Italy
Baha'i Gardens - We will view the gorgeous Baha'i Gardens, overlooking the Haifa Bay and northern Israel, where we will learn about this special religion and why its world center is on Mt. Carmel.
Drive to Tel Aviv
Nighttime debriefs on the day’s school visits
Dinner on your own
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DAY 9
Tuesday - July 14 – Tel Aviv on Market Day
Visit a kindergarten with Naama Zoran Jaffa.
Carmel Market- The most colorful food market of Tel Aviv where we will have the chance to walk around and enjoy the smells and the colors of this special market.
Nahalat Binyamin Outdoor Artist Market – This market has become a place for young artists to show their works, a great place for unique and not too expensive souvenirs (opens on Tuesdays and Fridays only).
(Time Permitting) "The White City" - In July 2003, UNESCO proclaimed " The White City", the unique urban and historical fabric of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, as a World Cultural Heritage site. With this proclamation, the world recognized the special architectural qualities of the buildings, streets, squares, and avenues of Tel Aviv. "The White City", the world's largest grouping of buildings in the International Style, also known as Bauhaus, was planned by the famous Scot, Sir Patrick Geddes. About 4,000 buildings were constructed in this area, beginning in the 1930s until the establishment of the State of Israel. The "White City" is located between Allenby Street in the south, Begin Road and Ibn Gvirol Street in the east, the Yarkon River in the north, and the Mediterranean Sea in the west.
Jaffa - The ancient port city was the gateway to the Holy Land. We will walk through the port, down the small alleyway, visit the artist colony and all the beautiful galleries. We’ll explore the enchanting flea market, where we might find a few bargains and have an amazing overlook of the first Hebrew city of Israel: Tel Aviv.
Speaker– Dana Dvorin Rays of Light - A documentation of female heroic stories from October 7th - a voluntary project whose purpose is to commemorate them.
Dinner on your own
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DAY 10
Wednesday - July 15 – Tel Aviv Food, Rhythm, and Home Hospitality
A visit to Na’amat Kindergarten
Culinary Tour with Your Guide Reut Raz Biran
Guru Zuzu - A curated playlist of contemporary hits provides the beat to a final walkthrough of Tel Aviv’s dynamic street culture.
Final Dinner – Home hospitality with Raz Wasserstein at his parents' house
Drive to the Airport
Flight Home - נסיעה טובה – N’siya Tova
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Activities List
- Tree Planting
- Historical Site Visits
- National Park Hikes
- Outdoor Learning Experience (Gan Ya’ar)
- Jeep Ride in the Desert
- Camel Ride & Bedouin Cultural Exchange
- Stargazing Night
- School & Early Childhood Visits
- Reggio Emilia–Inspired Education Encounters
- Heritage & Religious Site Tours
- Geopolitical and Educational Tours
- Market & Cultural Exploration
- Culinary Tour
- Guest Speakers
See more
Pricing & Accommodations
Price per Participant in Double Occupancy
- 4600 USD per person
Single Supplement:
- +1500 USD per person (Total = 6100 USD for Single)
*Based on a minimum of 25 participants
**Should the number of participants fall below 25 Mayever reserves the right to update the price per person
Includes all land costs and meals as outlined in the itinerary. See below terms for what else is and isn't included.
Note on Pricing - Trip costs are based on the NIS-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate as of September 2, 2025. Final prices will be recalculated using the exchange rate at the time of payment and may be adjusted accordingly. Any changes will be communicated to the group by email.
The South, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv
Terms & Conditions
Payment & General Conditions
Payment Conditions
- Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 500 USD per person is required to register and secure your spot. (The deposit is non-refundable but remains as credit for future use for an unlimited time).
- Second Payment: 50% of your total balance is due by Friday, March 7, 2026
- Final Balance is due by Friday, May 1, 2026
- All participants must travel with valid passport expiration dates that are at least 6 months from date of departure from Israel or other destination.
Note on Pricing - Trip costs are based on the NIS-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate as of September 2, 2025. Final prices will be recalculated using the exchange rate at the time of payment and may be adjusted accordingly. Any changes will be communicated to the group by email.
General Conditions
**The schedule, activities, volunteering, and speakers are subject to confirmation and can still change throughout the trip due to unforeseen factors, including, availability, supplier updates, weather conditions, government restrictions, and other necessary adjustments based on on-site conditions. **
Flights
Travelers are responsible for their own flight arrangements. If you need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us at info@gomayever.com.
Cancellation Conditions
All cancellations must be made in writing via email to Mayever.
- 90 days or more prior to departure: Full refund, minus the 500 USD non-refundable deposit
- 60-89 days before departure: Refund minus 500 USD of the deposit plus any penalties requested by suppliers.
- 25-59 days: A 10% refund will apply to cancellations made prior to arrival in Israel.
- 0-24 days of arrival: No refunds will be provided.
Unused services during the tour: No refunds will be granted for any unused services while in the destination.
Hotel Cancellations - if a participant cancels for any reason outside of Israel not allowing ‘visitors’ - participant will pay the hotel cancellation fee. (We will provide the once hotel updates cancellation fees - as they may vary based on how close to travel date cancellation occurs)
Travel Insurance
We highly encourage all our group members to purchase travel protection.To give you peace of mind and financial protection, we offer two travel insurance options. Each provides a different type of coverage and flexibility. Please review both below to decide which best suits your needs.
Option 1: Mayever’s In-House Land Cost Insurance
Price: $500 per person
Coverage: Land tour cost only (does not include flights or medical coverage)
Key Benefits:
- Cancel your tour for any reason and receive a full refund of the land cost, minus your deposit.
- Your deposit is converted into a travel voucher for future use.
- No medical forms, documentation, or paperwork required—simple and stress-free.
Example:
- Tour cost: $6,100
- Deposit: $500
- You receive:
- $5,600 refund (no questions asked)
- $500 travel credit for future use
Important Notes:
- To explore this option, contact your tour’s Experience Maker within 21 days of your initial deposit.
- This insurance is designed for flexibility, not for medical emergencies.
- Flights and any medical-related issues are not covered.
Option 2: Comprehensive Travel Protection
Coverage: Trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more
- To explore this option, request a quote from Liana DiCurzio at Liana@traveland.net.
Key Benefits:
- Trip cancellation coverage due to unforeseen medical illness (of you or a family member).
Medical expense protection while traveling abroad—especially valuable since most U.S. health plans do not cover international travel. - Additional coverage includes:
- Trip interruption or delay
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Medical evacuation
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- And more
Important Notes:
- Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is available—but must be purchased within 13 days of your initial payment. Contact Liana today!
Available only to U.S. residents, due to licensing requirements.
Services Included
- 9 * Nights of 4-5-star hotel accommodations based on double occupancy
- Breakfast at the hotels daily
- Meals as shown below
- Professionally licensed guide educator with the group on a 24/7 basis (all accommodation and tour expenses included)
- Professionally Armed Guard/Medic with the group on a 24/7 basis (all accommodation and tour expenses included)
- 1 * Deluxe motor coach with air conditioning daily
- Mineral water and snacks on the bus are included
- Entrance fees and activity costs according to sample itinerary
- Gratuities for guide/driver
- Porterage at the hotels
- Tour Operator available 24/7 during trip planning and while on the ground
Services not Included
- International flights (can be quoted upon request)
- Personal extras, hotel incidentals, room service, and spa treatments
- Meals specified as "on your own"
- Last minute amendments/cancellations to the program (90-0 days before arrival in Israel)
- Transportation in the evenings when dinner is on your own/there is no programming/there is optional programming
- Value Added Tax is not included in our proposal and is currently not applicable to tourists visiting Israel. Should the law change, you will be notified accordingly and V.A.T. will be added to your final invoice.
- Travel insurance – available through Mayever or our partners
Important Information
Please keep the entry visa you get at the airport on arrival, if you can’t present it at the hotels you will be charged 17% VAT by the hotels. According to Israeli law, tourists do not need to pay this tax, the entry visa is the only way to prove it and you will be asked to show it at each hotel.
Ready to book
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Mayever and The Paradigm Project as early childhood educators travel through Israel—where heritage, history, and learning come alive. Whether you’re joining as part of a school community or as an individual educator, this thoughtfully curated experience will deepen your connection to Jewish life, culture, and the practice of teaching with heart, purpose, and wonder.