Dead Sea by vvvita, iStockBiblical InSites, Israel

Dates: TBA
Prices are listed in US dollars.

You think you know the story... until you study it at the very places mentioned, and the scene and scenery make you reread it and bring it alive! We encounter patriarchs and matriarchs, kings, prophets, soldiers and judges - and the land itself! – as we study Tanakh on site, discussing the text and its implications, with insights gained from being in the locations described in the Biblical text. This seminar visits sites not encountered in previous seminars, to further weave a rich tapestry in exploring the land and its narratives.
 
For the itinerary and other details, please see the tabs below. On a mobile device, use the menu icon (☰) to open other tabs.
Please read Melton's comprehensive health policy HERE.
  • Melton travel is open to adults of all ages.

    We are so pleased that you are interested in travelling with Melton! As you may know, Melton provides the educational content for its tours, but is not a travel agency. Gil Travel Agency (“Gil”) is the travel logistics provider for this tour and is responsible for the collection of all deposits and other fees. Because Melton does not collect any travel deposits or fees, it is not responsible for any financial loss associated with a cancellation of this seminar for reasons beyond Melton’s control, including COVID.

    We encourage you to read Gil’s Travel Protection Recommendation thoroughly, advising that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers both “cancellation for any reason” and for “COVID-related” reasons. Even where your destination does not presently restrict travel due to COVID, we still recommend you purchase a policy with such coverage.

    Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to travelling and learning with you.

    The Melton Travel Team


    Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to be notified when registration opens.

  • Tour Includes

    • Accommodations: 10 nights
    • Meals: Breakfast and one additional meal daily
    • Educational Programming: All entrance fees and programs as per the Melton itinerary.

    Hotels

    • In Jerusalem: Dan Panorama
    • In the North: Lavi Inn (Kibbutz Lavi)

    Note: We will do our best to assist you with extensions both before and after the seminar.


    Tour Does Not Include Flights

    We will be pleased to assist you in any and all flight arrangements, including additional travel plans, through our partners at Gil Travel. Please contact Julian Banegas (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 215-568-6655, Ext. 377) with your flight requests.

  • DAY ONE: Monday

    BEREISHIT (IN THE BEGINNING...)

    Afternoon
    Convene and Introductions: Who Are We? (Lekh Lekha Moments)
    Overlooking Jerusalem and the Desert: The View as Text
    The Second Lekh Lekha: Study Session

    Evening
    Opening Dinner: A Biblical Feast at Eucalyptus restaurant
    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY TWO: Tuesday

    THE WORLD OF OUR (FORE) FATHERS

    Morning
    The TaNaKH: An Overview with Rabbi Dr. Morey Schwartz, International Director, The Florence Melton School

    Excursion to Ne'ot Kedumim, the Biblical Landscape Heritage Gardens:
    In the Vale of The Song of Songs  
    OR 
    Exploring the Seven Species (Tour with texts)
    Group Lunch at Neot Kedumim

    Afternoon
    Of Matriarchs and Patriarchs: Hevron as Layered Memory
    Drive to and through southern Judea 
    Visit Hevron (security situation permitting)

    Evening
    Dinner and evening at leisure
    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY THREE: Wednesday

    ENTERING THE TEXT...AND (RE)ENTERING THE LAND

    Morning
    Travel through the Judean Desert and then to the Dead Sea region
    Abraham and Lot at S'dom: Ethical Imperatives (study session)
    Lunch on your own

    Afternoon
    (How) Did Joshua Bring The Israelites Over the River? The Jordan as Symbol
    Visit the Jordan River/Jericho region; study session

    Evening 
    Group Dinner in Jerusalem

    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY FOUR: Thursday

    AND THE LAND WAS QUIET FOR FORTY YEARS

    Morning
    Overview of the Book of Judges
    The Samson Cycle: A Journey Through the Tribal Lands of Dan 
    Travel from Jerusalem to the Beit Shemesh region
    Field trip and study sessions overlooking Tsora

    Continue to Ashkelon National Park:
    Who Is a Philistine? (Study session)
    Picnic Lunch on the Mediterranean

    Afternoon
    ... And on the Way Back, A First Look at Kings…
    David, The Shepherd Become Leader: Clash of Giants in the Valley of Elah 

    Evening
    Group Dinner in Jerusalem
    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY FIVE: Friday
    DAVID: THE YOUTHFUL LEADER BECOMES KING...

    Morning
    So Who Is David For Us? (study session)
    (i) The Ark of the Covenant Returns to Israel 
    Study session near Tel Beit Shemesh 
    (ii) Following David from Kiryat Ye'arim to Jerusalem
    (iii) David in "Ir David, that is Jerusalem
    Additional study sessions on the way

    Afternoon
    Free

    Evening – Lecha Dodi Likrat Kallah…
    Kabbalat Shabbat and Dinner
    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY SIX: SHABBAT - VAYINAFASH

    Morning
    In Jerusalem with many synagogue options, much rest, good food and good company
    Parashat Hashavua - Midday study session
    Lunch at the hotel

    Afternoon
    A Remarkable Discovery: The oldest Biblical text ever found
    Walk to Ketef Hinnom, overlooking the Hinnom Valley

    Se'udah Shlisheet - late afternoon snack and schmooze
    Havdalah

    Evening
    Dinner and evening at leisure

    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY SEVEN: Sunday
    CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP...

    Morning
    Travel to the Coastal Plain, Strategic Route For Ancient Superpowers
    Afek: Between Israelites, Philistines and the Lost Ark
    Lunch at leisure

    Afternoon 
    Deborah, Yael and the Tent Pegs: Women for all Seasons?
    Mount Tavor and surroundings

    Check in at Kibbutz Lavi Hotel
    Processing and review session at kibbutz prior to dinner

    Evening
    Group Dinner
    Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi


    DAY EIGHT: Monday
    ALTERNATIVE CENTERS IN THE NORTH...

    Morning
    Dan as Capital
    Study on site at Tel Dan Nature Reserve
    Lunch at leisure at Dag Al HaDan

    Afternoon
    Hatzor: Royal City 
    Visit Tel Hatzor, ancient throughway for regional superpowers

    Evening
    Dinner at Kibbutz Lavi
    The Bible and its Place in Our Identity
    Discussion with a kibbutz member
    Overnight: Kibbutz Lavi


    DAY NINE: Tuesday
    THE TROUBLE WITH KINGS...

    Morning
    (i)   Testing for Leadership: Gideon's Brook, Jezreel Valley 
    (ii)  Behind Every Successful Man… 
    Jezebel, Ahab and Elijah at Jezreel (bibliodrama)
    Lunch at leisure

    Afternoon
    (iii) Apocalypse Now: The War to End All Wars
    Visit site and study session at Megiddo
    Return to Jerusalem

    Evening
    Group Dinner in Jerusalem
    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY TEN: Wednesday
    THE CLASSIC PROPHETS

    Day commences at 8:00 a.m.
    Morning
    Between Isaiah and Jeremiah (Study session)
    Oh Jerusalem! The Prophets and the Vision of Jerusalem Rebuilt
    An exploration of Zedekiah's Cave, and a consideration of the nature of the prophetic message regarding the "city on the hill"  

    OR 

    In the Footsteps of Isaiah: Visit to Sataf, on the outskirts of Jerusalem, and hike through its water system  

    Group lunch

    Afternoon
    Tying it all Together: An Excursion to the Archaeology Wing of the Israel Museum

    Evening
    Free
    Overnight: Jerusalem


    DAY ELEVEN: Thursday
    BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE
    Mother Rachel and Jeremiah's Promise

    Day commences at 8:00 a.m.
    Morning
    Travel to Kibbutz Ramat Rachel
    Of Destruction and Rebirth:  Rachel as Comforter and Symbol of Optimism
    Visit Kever Rachel (Rachel's Tomb)
    If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem…(Psalm 137)
    Visit Goldman Promenade, overlooking Jerusalem; process visit to Rachel's Tomb
    Lunch at leisure and afternoon break

    Afternoon.
    Closing Session

    Festive Farewell Dinner
    NOTE: Please try to arrange flights from 11:30 p.m. on, and enjoy the final dinner with your group.


    Note: Itinerary subject to change. Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.

  • Need to Know

    • Melton has offered quality educational travel opportunities for over 25 years, but it is not a travel agency and does not handle any payments made towards the seminar. We have contracted this seminar to Gil Travel  and it is essential that you read their Terms and Conditions prior to your actual registration.
    • Melton is not responsible for cancellation of this program for reasons beyond its control and your travel insurance should cover both "cancellation for any reason" and "COVID-related cancellation". This latter policy is being offered by a number of insurance companies (see Insurance, Health & Safety, on this page).

    Please Note

    CANCELLATIONS

    Please refer to the Cancellation policy that appears in the Terms and Conditions of the Registration process with Gil Travel.

    The Gil Travel Cancellation policy states, in part:

    On registration, a non-returnable fee of $500 is required. This will be applied to the overall seminar cost.

    By 30 days prior to the opening of the seminar, the remaining amount should be paid.

    • If an individual cancels more than 30 days prior to the seminar, s/he will forfeit the registration fee only.
    • After that (30 days or less) no refunds will be issued.
    • If the seminar is cancelled by Melton up to 31 days prior to the seminar, the individual will be reimbursed in full.
    • If the seminar is cancelled due to COVID and according to the relevant governmental decisions up to 31 days prior to the seminar, the individual will be reimbursed in full. Every attempt will be made to determine the viability of a seminar at least 31 days prior to its opening date.
    • If the seminar is cancelled due to COVID less than 31 days prior to opening, the monies paid (that is, the full price) will be held for when the seminar is run in the future.

    Please note that all reimbursements on payments made by credit card will carry a 3% processing fee. All notifications of cancellation must be submitted in writing.


    Additional Information

    • Group rates are per person based on double occupancy and a minimum of 15 full paying participants per bus. Should the number of participants drop below the minimum listed above, we will adjust the cost of the trip to reflect the additional expense of operating the program.
    • Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of local guides, drivers, and the tour guide/educator are included.
    • Hotel Accommodations: The tour price includes all hotel accommodations, in hotel rooms with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available hotels while considering value. Although the level of the accommodations may differ slightly from hotel to hotel, we are committed to your comfort. Two-bed rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bed rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended when considering the comfort of those in the room. King-size beds are not available in most hotels; what is considered king-size usually consists of two single beds pushed together and made up separately, but with one headboard. Some two-bed rooms may have two twin - not full- or queen-size - beds.
    • Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. In travel beyond Israel, not all communal meals are kosher certified, but fish- and vegetarian options will always be available and kashrut and other dietary requirements of group members will be taken into account. Participants can order additional kosher meals at prices set by our local agents.
    • All seminars are led by a Melton educator who remains with the group throughout the tour.
    • Gratuities: All gratuities for the educators, guides, drivers, and restaurant staff are included.
    • Baggage: The Travel Agent and/or Tour Operator shall not be held responsible for any damage to, or loss of, luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of the incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. With regard to airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach. Please check with your individual carrier with regard to permitted number of pieces, weights and dimensions. The tour operator is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.
    • Holidays and Museum Closures - Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or religious, state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.
    • Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.

    Not Included

    • Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included.
    • Personal Transfers from / to the airport.
    • Personal Expenses: All personal expenses such as: laundry, valet service, cables, telephone calls and postage are not included.
  • Please note that Gil Travel will obey all protocols/restrictions in place regarding COVID.

    We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Melton is not responsible for cancellation of this program for reasons beyond its control. Your comprehensive travel insurance should cover both "cancellation for any reason" and "COVID-related cancellation". This latter policy is being offered by a number of insurance companies. We refer you to a list published by Forbes magazine, showing those companies that offer this new policy.

    Please note that such policies may require registration for the policy within 14-21 days of your registration for the seminar.

    Gil Travel recommends RoamRight Travel Insurance.

    For more information on the available plans or to enroll, visit  RoamRight Travel Insurance  or contact RoamRight at 1-866-891-6614 and reference Gil Travel.

    Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.


    Additional Information

    • Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. It must also be exactly as it appears on your passport. Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return home.
    • If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
    • Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration website at tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.
  • For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

    T: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4