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Home > Wife wants to go to Israel this summer

Wife wants to go to Israel this summer

February 7th, 2007 at 02:13 am

Last year, our Rabbi Emeritus tried to put together a group trip to Israel. In a fit of insanity, I decided that we could go and we put down a $1,500 deposit. Fortunately for our bank account, not enough people signed up and the trip was cancelled. Also fortunate because the latest round of violence started the week we had been scheduled to go.

The Rabbi is now again talking about getting a group together. I'm hoping (and have told him so) that he will plan a more budget-minded trip this year. I think the main reason he couldn't gather enough people last year was the cost. He was doing first class accomodations all the way and the trip would have been nearly $4,000/person. Since there are 3 of us, that meant $12,000 plus expenses. I figured about $14,000 all together. Like I said, I must have been out of my mind when I agreed to that.

If he manages to trim costs and make the trip more affordable, we will give it some serious consideration. As much as I'd like to go, I have a tough time spending that kind of money on anything. We also have our daughter's Bat Mitzvah coming up next year and own 2 aging cars, so I see those costs on the horizon.

We'll have to figure it out when we see the actual price of the trip.

8 Responses to “Wife wants to go to Israel this summer”

  1. Broken Arrow Says:
    1170867313

    Wow, that airfare is steep.

  2. disneysteve Says:
    1170873838

    BA - That's the price for the whole trip including airfare, ground transportation, hotels, tours and most meals. We're on our own for a few meals but most are covered in that $4,000/person fee.

  3. gruntina Says:
    1170875391

    Be sure to check Lonely Planet for World reports and warning for travelers.

  4. fern Says:
    1170878218

    Isn't Israel pretty much a war zone these days?

  5. disneysteve Says:
    1170880921

    fern - Not at all. Violence is only in a very small part of the country on the West Bank and Gaza primarily. The rest of the country is a vibrant, thriving place where life goes on as normal. Tourism is active. Our temple sent a teen group there last year and they had an incredible time.

    The media really gives a very one-sided view of the situation in Israel. By watching the news, you'd think there were bombings going on everywhere all the time

  6. Aleta Says:
    1171129970

    I think that it is great that Israel puts so much on its tourism. They have been hit financially because of all of the violence and it is a way of contributing to their economy. I receive letters telling us of stores and products that we can buy that will help Israel.

    You didn't say whether you have relatives and that maybe you can cut your costs that way. Good luck!

  7. pretty cheap jewelry Says:
    1171464026

    Hmmm...I posted a comment here last week and it's not showing up.

    My suggestion is provide the rabbi with lots of bargain travel info, Let's Go, Lonely Planet, Frommers, elder hostel, there's more of course.

    Or even better-volunteer to do most of the arrangements yourself (but let him think he is in charge, you know rabbis...).

    I've always wanted to go, this is a life lesson for your daughter, do it.

  8. mariannej Says:
    1171776216

    Israel is definitely on my family's agenda in the next several years. My husband really wanted to go when we got married but alas, no money. My hubby lived there for a couple years and would love to move permanently, but I am nowhere near that mindset!

    Our daughter is 8 years old now, so I'd love for all of us to visit before her Bat Mitzvah, but we shall see. Smile

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