What is the trip like in terms of religious observance?
Food on the program is kosher. Shabbat is often the “spiritual” highlight of the trip. We experience Shabbat (and holidays) together in a traditional way…we bring in Shabbat overlooking the sunset on the hills of the Galilee, we dress a bit nicer than the rest of the week, have meals together with singing, dancing, and good conversation, go to local families for Shabbat lunch. There are some historically significant synagogues that some like to go to on Shabbat, but synagogue prayer services are not officially part of the program. We generally spend Shabbat in “religious” areas where restaurants and shops are closed that day. It’s an opportunity to slow down a bit from the busy touring schedule, focus on getting to know others in the group better, and to experience Shabbat in Israel. For the Passover trip, Passover dietary laws are carefully observed. Livnot does not serve kitniot (legumes) on Passover according to the Askenazic tradition.
