Central Synagogue Weekend Holiday in London
Encounter England's Jewish story
Shabbat with a Reform Jewish community
- Depart USA for London.
- Various arrivals to London Heathrow Airport, with assistance from a Makor Educational Journeys representative.
- Transfer to the hotel.
- Check in to the hotel.
- Free time for personal exploration and acclimation.
- Opening dinner at Rules restaurant with Mark Landler, New York Times London Bureau Chief.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- An Introduction to the United Kingdom with Jake Wallis Simons, editor of the Jewish Chronicle.
- From Memory to Reality, visit the Memorial Scrolls Trust, hosted by Jeffrey Ohrenstein, Trustee (Chair) of the MST.
- Guided visit through Central London, including Buckingham Palace and the Churchill War Rooms.
- Lunch on own en route.
- Return to the hotel for Shabbat Preparation.
- Shabbat Services at the Finchley Reform Synagogue.
- Private dinner at hotel.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free Shabbat morning.
- Optional tour to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- Lunch on own.
- Afternoon visit to the Tate Modern Museum.
- Afternoon conversation with Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner, Rabbi of Bromley Reform Synagogue, who focuses on -among other issues – interfaith relations, followed by Havdalah.
- Early dinner on your own.
- Attend a performance in one of London’s theaters.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to Oxford.
- Visit the Bodleian Library, which dates to the early 1600’s and is one of the most famous libraries in the world, including a special visit to the Hebrew Manuscripts section with Rahel Fronda, Hebraica and Judaica Subject Librarian.
- Visit one of Oxford’s Legendary Colleges (the group will be divided between Balliol College and Johns College) for an inside glimpse at both the tradition and excellence in an Oxford education, including dialogues with faculty (Dons) and students.
- Lunch on own on High Street in Oxford.
- Return to the hotel, with time for rest and relaxation.
- Dinner with Yael Simon, one of the founders of the Jewish Women’s Business Network at Mint Leaf restaurant.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- The Success Story of a Refugee – From Kindertransport Refugee to Citizen, with —.
- Visit the Kindertransport Memorial at Liverpool Station, dedicated to the 10,000 children who were evacuated from Nazi Germany with the assistance of British Jewry.
- Depart for the East End of London for a visit to the historic core of wider East London, followed by a guided walk though London’s Old Jewish Quarter in the East End, with stories of triumph and tragedy of new immigrants from Poland and the unique London Jewish vibe of the area.
- Lunch on own en route.
- Visit the Holocaust Exhibition at the Imperial War Museum, with a focus on the British government’s relationship to both the Holocaust and mandatory Palestine during World War II.
- Visit The Houses of Parliament, for a guided visit and meeting with a Member of Parliament
- Return to the hotel, for packing and late check out.
- Cocktails with American or Israeli Ambassador to Great Britain at the Oxford & Cambridge Club.
- Wrap up conversation followed by a traditional High Tea at the Oxford & Cambridge Club.
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Depart for London Heathrow Airport for return flights to the United States.
*Program is subject to change, pending confirmations.
*Price is based on 30 participants. *Price does not include airfare.
HOTEL
- 5 Nights, Thistle Hotel, Trafalgar Square, London
LAND PRICE INCLUDES
- Assistance upon arrival and departure at London Heathrow Airport for one group flight
- One Transfer from and one transfer to London Heathrow Airport
- Licensed Government Tour Educator– 5 days
- All group Transportation on a private luxury bus – 5 days
- Hotel Accommodations per above or similar, pending confirmation
- Source Materials, Hat, Bag, Map
- Water on bus daily
- Porterage at hotels
- Makor Staff Person throughout
- All Site Admissions as per the itinerary
- Meals:
- Daily Breakfast
- 4 Dinners
NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
- Flights
- Performance in one of London’s theatres on January 18.
- Tips for guide, driver, hotel or staff
- Meals on own and out-of-pocket expenses
- Travel and Medical Insurance
PAYMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Upon Registration — $750 Deposit per participant (refundable until October 1, 2024)
October 1, 2024 —50% of balance due upon receipt of invoice
December 15, 2024 — Full Payment due upon receipt of invoice
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Rabbi Sarah Berman: [email protected], or
Rabbi Misha Zinkow, Makor Educational Journeys liaison, [email protected], 833-GoMakor (833-466-2567)
TRAVEL INSURANCE INFORMATION
We urge you to check with your provider about your medical coverage while traveling oversees, and to purchase medical insurance & supplemental medical coverage if necessary (which covers pre-existing conditions).
We also urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance. This is a smart way to safeguard against life’s uncertainties.
Please note:
- most insurance policies require purchase within 21 days of your first payment in order to receive maximum coverage (pre-existing conditions, bankruptcy insurance, etc).
- even if you do not yet know the final trip cost (e.g. flights), write down the amount you do know – and then at a later date, the insurance premium can be amended.
- trip dates are for the entire period away from home
- trip costs are all pre-paid expenses (e.g. airfare + land costs)
There are no international group flights organized for this trip. We invite you to use a travel agent of your choosing or to book flights on-line. (*Travel agents can be helpful in the event of changes, and with the purchase of travel insurance**) (**travel insurance is recommended). Below are a few suggested flight options for your Central Synagogue London holiday. It is recommended that you book flights to and from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for ease of transfer to central London.
United Airlines Options:
UA904: 8:10pm EWR departure; 8:25am LHR arrival (next day); or
UA940: 10:10pm EWR departure; 10:15am LHR arrival (next day)
Delta Airlines Options:
DL 1: 7:45pm JFK departure; 7:55am LHR arrival (next day); or
DL5990: 10:30pm JFK departure; 10:30am LHR arrival (next day)
American Airlines Option:
AA106: 8:35pm JFK departure; 8:35am LHR arrival (next day)
United Airlines Options:
UA147: 3:10pm LHR departure; 6:45pm EWR arrival; or
UA941: 4:00pm LHR departure; 7:35pm EWR arrival
Delta Airlines Options:
DL5995: 1:15pm LHR departure; 4:15pm JFK arrival; or
DL5989: 3:50pm LHR departure; 6:50pm JFK arrival
American Airlines Option:
AA107: 3:35pm LHR departure; 6:40 pm JFK arrival
United Airlines Options:
UA147: 3:10pm LHR departure; 6:45pm EWR arrival; or
UA941: 4:00pm LHR departure; 7:35pm EWR arrival
Delta Airlines Options:
DL5995: 1:15pm LHR departure; 4:15pm JFK arrival; or
DL5989: 3:50pm LHR departure; 6:50pm JFK arrival
American Airlines Option:
AA107: 3:35pm LHR departure; 6:40 pm JFK arrival