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.
Wife wants to go to Israel this summer
February 7th, 2007 at 02:13 am
February 7th, 2007 at 04:55 pm 1170867313
February 7th, 2007 at 06:43 pm 1170873838
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February 7th, 2007 at 08:42 pm 1170880921
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
February 10th, 2007 at 05:52 pm 1171129970
You didn't say whether you have relatives and that maybe you can cut your costs that way. Good luck!
February 14th, 2007 at 02:40 pm 1171464026
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.
February 18th, 2007 at 05:23 am 1171776216
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.