A Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey with Rabbi Riskin

As we celebrate Ohr Torah Stone’s 30^th anniversary, we proudly mark our pioneering achievements in the realms of women’s studies and women’s rights in Judaism, the relationship between observant and secular Jews, and the role of the contemporary Jewish leader in Israel and the Diaspora. Together, we have reached this milestone; together we will continue to build. And together we will celebrate the impact OTS has made on the Jewish world, through this thought-provoking trip to Germany and Israel.

Join Rabbi Shlomo Riskin on this once-in-a-lifetime journey of Jewish renewal!

A country with a rich history and a painful past, Germany evokes powerful emotions. It is not only the symbol of the darkest annals of our history, it is also the birthplace of Ashkenazi Judaism. Heritage sites and national landmarks pay tribute both to deep Jewish roots and to the worst anti-Semitism the world has ever known.

Today, in defiance of Hitler and against all odds, a Jewish renaissance is taking place throughout Germany. Join Rabbi Riskin on a once-in-lifetime journey through the complex history of Germany – the third largest Jewish community in Europe – and witness the extraordinary impact OTS graduates are having in its rejuvenation.

Such an emotionally-charged trip can only culminate in the Jewish homeland. The second leg of our journey will take us to Israel, where we will bridge all we experienced in Germany with the very embodiment of Jewish resilience and the cornerstone of the Jewish future.

Read Rabbi Riskin’s letter, “Why Germany?

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GERMANY: RICH ROOTS AND REVIVAL – MAY 19-22, 2014
Experience the stark contrasts of Germany’s historical landmarks and Jewish heritage sites through the eyes of Rabbi Riskin, top historians and tour guides. Highlights:

• In Munich, trace the rise of the Nazi party by visiting the Munich locations where the seeds of Nazism first took root, followed by a visit to the new Ohel Jakob Synagogue and the Jewish Community Center, symbols of Jewish revival. A trip to the Olympiapark will enable you to pay tribute to the 11 Israeli athletes murdered in the 1972 Olympics.
• Visit Dachau, the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Germany.
• Travel to Worms, where our greatest Biblical commentator, Rashi, wrote and taught his transformative insights.
• In Mainz, learn about the life of Rabbeinu Gershom and the revolutionary decrees which forever changed domestic Jewish life, and explore the Gutenberg Press, the world’s first printing press, which revolutionized Jewish learning for the People of the Book.
• In Darmstadt, you will see the unique gardens of the Sisterhood of Mary, Kanaan, which mirror the map of modern Israel, and discover the unique contribution OTS is making to Christian efforts to dialogue with Jews and support the Jewish state.
• Meet some of the extraordinary OTS rabbis and educators working across Germany – and all of Europe – and learn about their important work bringing the light of Torah to Jews everywhere.
• In Berlin, view famous historical landmarks, including Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, the Bebelplatz – site of the infamous 1933 book burnings, the Brandenburg Gate, Paris Square and Holocaust Memorial. Honor the tens of thousands of Jews who were deported from Platform 17, visit the infamous Wannsee Conference House, and explore Daniel Libeskind’s Jewish Museum.

ISRAEL: WELCOME HOME – MAY 23-28, 2014
Our group will arrive in Israel at the pinnacle of the Zionist season and unite with a country dotted by blue and white flags and cloaked in patriotism. Highlights:

• Hear world-famous photojournalist David Rubinger recount the eye-opening historical backstories to his unique collection of pictures which comprise the illustrative narrative of Israel and share what was in his heart and mind as he captured the images.
• Tour Ammunition Hill, enhanced by the in-depth explanations of site director Michael Lanir, who was severely injured in the infamous 1967 battle.
• Experience the magic of Shabbat in Jerusalem with Rabbi Riskin.
• Meet Israel’s policymakers, including a personal briefing from Defense Minister Moshe “Boogie” Yaalon. 
• Let the architect of the Security Fence, Col. (Res) Danny Tirza, guide you on a tour of its route as he shares the rationale behind its construction and analyzes its efficiency.
• Join OTS’ world-renowned educators on inspirational tours in the path of the Torah and walks in the footsteps of Jewish heroes.
• Learn about ways in which halachic Judaism and science are being synthesized in order to meet the challenges of modern living.
• Gain access to a secret side of Tel Aviv in an enchanting tour guided by pioneer, farmer and veteran paratrooper Abraham Silver.
• Meet OTS students on their army bases and in their schools, visit the OTS rabbis- and educators-in-training, witness the work of OTS Jewish cultural facilitators in the Israeli community centers, and hear from agunot who are being represented by OTS women advocates.
• Be part of the OTS celebration of collective achievement at a special 30^th anniversary gala.
• Rejoice in the liberation of Jerusalem with thousands of enthusiastic Israelis on the 47^th anniversary of the city’s reunification.

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Deposit & Registration

Description of the options:        

1)     Full Package, Germany & Israel:  $4185 Includes land arrangements in both Germany and Israel as well as internal flight from Frankfurt to Berlin on Wed. May 21 and international flight from Berlin to Tel Aviv on Thursday May 22.  Flights to Germany and fromIsrael are the responsibility of each participant. Participants  should  plan to arrive in Munich on Monday morning May 19 by 9 AM.

2)     Land Only Package – Germany: $1650    Includes land arrangements in Germany and the internal flight from Frankfurt to Berlin on Wed. May 21. Flights to and fromGermany are the responsibility of each participant. Participants  should  plan to arrive in Munich on Monday morning May 19 by 9 AM.

3)     Land Only Package – Israel: $2185  Includes land arrangements in Israel. Participants should  plan to arrive  in Israel by Friday May 23. Thursday night May 22 at the Inbal is included in the package price.

For your flights to-and-from Germany and/or to-and-from Israel we recommend Claude Hakim at Field Travel in Manhattan at Mrfield@verizon.net or 212-682-2620

Please register and send a $500 deposit per person using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register and pay with MasterCard or Visa online at: www.keshetisrael.co.il/forms/keshet-billing

• Mail:  Send this 2 page registration form, completed and signed with a check payable to Educational Encounters International, Inc.(EEII)  to: Educational Encounters International, Inc.(EEII), 180 East Prospect Ave. # 142, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Please include a scan or photocopy of the first page of each passport. Passports must be valid through Dec. 29, 2014 If you are renewing/applying for a passport please complete and submit the  registration form with the deposit and forward the missing information later.

Payment Schedule (per participant)

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