Pesach in Jerusalem Books Fast

Dates: April 11–19, 2025 (8 nights)

This program covers Erev Pesach (Friday) through Motzei Yom Tov the following Saturday night, following Israeli schedule (no second days). Overseas guests are welcomed through April 20 with second seder at no extra fee.

AACI also offers a Jerusalem Vert option in the same date range.

Glatt Mehadrin (Rubin & Kehillot hashgacha)

Program notes: "Glatt meat (Rubin/Kehilot), mehadrin products, no kitniot, bug-free vegetables, yes to matzah balls!"

Group seder is included, with option for private seders if desired. Second seder provided at no extra cost for overseas guests who stay through Sunday.

Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Doron Perez, Executive Chairman of World Mizrachi

Rabbi Perez will deliver shiurim and lectures throughout Pesach. The program is run by AACI (Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel), known for an English-friendly environment.

Religious Program: Organized tefillot and shiurim daily

Entertainment: Evening entertainment is promised during Chol Hamoed nights - likely singers or performers

AACI's seasoned tour leaders (Meira or staff) are on-site to ensure a smooth experience.

The Vert Lagoon Netanya is a modern 5-star resort situated on Netanya's cliffs.

Rooms: All rooms have sea-view balconies. Deluxe doubles, family rooms, and suites are available.

Facilities:

• Semi-Olympic outdoor pool
• Children's pool
• Deluxe spa
• Fully equipped gym
• Elegant design with large lobby
• Direct access to the beach via a short walk

Family-friendly program with the following features:

• Children's playroom (Gymboree, PlayStation, etc.) on-site
• Organized kids' activities (likely day camp or magic shows)
• Teens can enjoy the pool, beach outings, and potential teen-focused trips

Netanya is close to Caesarea, Ramat HaNadiv gardens, etc., and AACI could organize tours. The presence of Rabbi Doron Perez suggests strong youth and family engagement.

Meal Schedule:

• Full board on Shabbat and Yom Tov (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Half board (breakfast & dinner) on Chol Hamoed
• Afternoon tea room or snacks likely available

Communal seder included, with second seder available for overseas guests. Meals are held in Vert's ballroom overlooking the sea.

Shmura matzah provided at sedarim, with dry red/white wines included for dinners and lunches on Chag/Shabbat. The food standard is high – catered by the hotel under supervision of Rabbi Drori (chief rabbi of Kiryat Shmona).

For International Guests: April 11-20, 2025 (9 nights)

For Israeli Residents: April 12-20, 2025 (7 nights)

The program includes:

• Erev Pesach (Fri Apr 11): Welcome lunch + Shabbat HaGadol dinner
• First days Yom Tov: Sat night Apr 12 first seder; second seder Sunday night Apr 13 for overseas guests
• Chol Hamoed: Apr 15–17 (Mon–Thurs) with activities
• Last days: Apr 18–19 (Fri–Shabbat) Yom Tov, ending Sunday morning Apr 20

Mehadrin supervised by Rav Efrati's organization, with Shmita l'chumra standards for produce

They clarify: "All food... under Mehudarim Hashgacha – No Kitniyot, and all Matzah products are machine shmura."

The program explicitly mentions serving matzah ball soup and waffles/crepes at their "sweet hour." A Mashgiach temidi and team of rabbis are on-site.

Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Dr. Aharon Adler (prominent educator and talmid of Rav Soloveitchik)

Program Directors: Mr. Danny Kaizler and Mr. Arnie Draiman (15+ years Pesach experience)

Educational Directors: Rav Josh and Margot Botwinick, who run discussions and a daily 2-minute Dvar Torah

Entertainment: Live shows every Chol Hamoed evening - two each night: one for children earlier, one for adults later (magicians, comedians, musical acts)

The program is fully English-speaking – noted as the only all-English program at the Dead Sea. Lenny Davidman (program owner) is present throughout; this is his 30+ year running this program.

The Vert (formerly Crowne Plaza) Dead Sea is a 5★ spa resort right on the Dead Sea shore. The hotel is fully booked out by the program.

Rooms: Many categories – all with Dead Sea views. Renovated deluxe rooms, family rooms (some with bunk sofas), and suites. Each room has a balcony or large window facing the sea.

Facilities:

• Spa: One of the best Dead Sea spas, with sulfur pools, indoor Dead Sea water pool, wet and dry saunas - guests have free access
• Pools: Large outdoor freshwater pool + kids' pool + new beach facilities
• Swimming: Both family and separate swimming times are scheduled to accommodate religious standards
• Other: Free WiFi throughout hotel, on-site synagogue for daily minyanim

The Dead Sea beachfront is directly accessible from the pool area (no shuttle needed).

Kids Club: Full day children's camp (ages 4+) with English-speaking counselors. Activities include arts & crafts, games, computer fun. Kids under 5 need a parent present for certain activities.

Kids Shows: Each Chol Hamoed evening at ~7pm features a children's show (puppets, clown, etc.)

Sweet Hour: Every afternoon, there's a "Sweet Hour" with waffles, crepes, fruit, and treats

Teen Activities: Sports (basketball hoop, volleyball on beach), dedicated teen programming in the activity schedule. Program directors ensure "something every hour for every age"

Tours: Near Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran with optional excursions (jeep rides in desert) during Chol Hamoed

Dates: April 11–21, 2025 (10 nights)

Check-in April 11 (Friday) for first Seder April 12, check-out April 21 (Monday). Full 10-night program at the Gomeh on the Kinneret with full board on Yom Tov/Shabbat and half board on Chol Hamoed.

Partial stays according to availability - contact them if you only want first days or last days.

Kashrut by Rabbanut Migdal – Mehadrin

Their site explicitly states: "Kashrut: Rabbanut Migdal. No Kitniyot with Gebrachs (gebrochts)." Legumes are excluded, but gebrochts (wet matzah foods) are permitted. This is typical of programs in the Tiberias area.

All Seders and Shabbat meals use Shmura matzah (only matzah meal is gebrochts). The program provides daily tea lounge and children's early meals that are kosher l'Pesach as well.

Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Chanan Atlas of Ra'anana (dynamic Modern Orthodox rabbi with international experience)

Guest Lecturers:

• Professor Edward L. Greenstein (Biblical scholar)
• Dr. Beverly Gribetz (renowned educator)

Entertainment: The program will have evening entertainment and activities. The promotion mentions "Tiyulim, Entertainment, Kids Club & more"

Tours: Keter is partnering with FIDF to sponsor lone soldiers, and they mention organized day trips (pre-register)

Michael Smigel is the program director with 30 years experience, so expect a well-run, Anglo-friendly program.

Isrotel Gomeh (opened 2020) is a stylish, modern hotel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee near Migdal.

Rooms: 212 rooms total, many with Kinneret views. Rooms are chic but not huge, fitting couples or families of 3-4. Some family units available. All rooms have A/C, WiFi, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee/tea set (Pesach kashered).

Facilities:

• Direct beach access to the Kinneret (a short walk from the lawn)
• Beautiful outdoor pool (half-Olympic size) facing the lake
• Children's pool
• Well-equipped gym facing the Sea (open 24/7)
• Large lobbies and outdoor deck for relaxing

The hotel is in a somewhat secluded location, which is great for family bonding and nature.

Family-friendly by design with a Kids Club included (ages 2-12) with early dinners and activities. Expect supervised kids activities at least part of the day – arts & crafts or holiday-themed fun in a playroom.

A "Daily Lounge" may include a teen hangout area as well. The property's lawns and sports facilities encourage outdoor play.

Local Activities: Keter lists many available options:

• Wineries
• Aqua Kef water park (floating obstacle course on Kinneret)
• Biking and hiking
• Historical sites
• Volunteering at Leket
• Paintball, laser tag
• Kayaking on the Jordan
• Jeep tours in the Golan

They will coordinate these outings on Chol Hamoed (likely optional sign-ups).

Included: Full board on Yom Tov and Shabbat, half board on Chol Hamoed:

• Apr 12 (Sat) – Shabbat/Yom Tov meals
• Seder night(s) with full catered meal
• Daily breakfast buffets
• Dinners each night (with wine/grape juice included)
• Lunches on Chol Hamoed are not included (many Pesach cafes available in Galilee)
• Daily afternoon lounge with refreshments
• Children's early dinner provided Erev Yom Tov and Erev Shabbat

Dates: April 12–20, 2025 (7 nights standard)

Check-in April 12 afternoon (Shabbat/Holiday starts), check-out April 20 after Chag. Partial stays are available according to availability.

Goren Tours also offers a Carlton Tel Aviv option for those who want first days in Tel Aviv. So you could do a split stay (e.g., first days Tel Aviv, last days Galilee).

Previous years Goren offered a Shabbat HaGadol add-on, so check-in Friday Apr 11 might be possible.

Under the supervision of Rabbi Tzfania Drori (Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Shmona)

They explicitly note: "Glatt l'Mehadrin, Rabbinate (of Kiryat Shmona), Shruya/legume-free". This applies to all three hotels.

On-site mashgichim ensure high standards, and rabbis are available to answer questions. Rabbi Drori is known for stringent standards; even leafy greens are likely Gush Katif bug-free.

Seders: Communal sedarim at each hotel (likely led by rabbi staff). Private family seder rooms can be booked at additional charge.

Goren Tours focuses on creating a "meaningful holiday" with the following features:

• Activities: Prices include "excursions, classes, lectures and more"
• Children's program: Kids' activities and possibly day camp
• Evening entertainment: Likely features local musicians or performers on Chol Hamoed nights
• Tefillot: On-site synagogue at each hotel with organized minyanim (they bring their own Sefer Torah if needed)

Because three hotels are involved, Goren might have shared programming or separate activities per hotel. It's likely separate at each location with some overlapping trips.

Goren's programs are family-oriented with the following features:

• Kids Club: Likely set up at each hotel (playroom with counselors, maybe from morning until afternoon)
• Excursions: Families can join hikes, jeep tours
• Sports: Pastoral and HaGoshrim have sports facilities (basketball, ping-pong). Kfar Blum has the advantage of Kfar Blum Kayaks adjacent
• Teen Activities: Teens often enjoy exploring the hotel grounds, and Goren might organize teen tournaments or bonfires
• Evening Shows: Might include magic or talent show that kids enjoy
• Nature: "Waking animals" (likely meant "awakening animals") in the promo text – indicating nature walks where kids might see wildlife

Pricing: Custom quotes via Goren Tours. Historically, Goren's prices are moderate for Israel:

• Possibly $2,200–$2,800 per adult for 7 nights, full board
• Kids perhaps 50% of adult rate
• They might offer special rates for second room for families
• A deposit (maybe 20%) required, balance close to Pesach

They explicitly state "prices exclude tips" – so you'd tip staff at end. Partial stays are available on request.

Meals: Full board, with lavish Israeli-style dining. Breakfast and dinner daily, plus lunch on Shabbat and holidays.

Dates: April 11–21, 2025 (10 nights)

Zvi Lapian runs two 10-night Pesach programs: one at Neve Ilan (near Jerusalem) and one at Hacienda Forest View (Ma'alot in the north). For this Ma'alot location:

• Check-in: Friday April 11
• Program: April 11 through Monday April 21 breakfast

They explicitly say they provide second day options for overseas guests. If someone can't come by Apr 11, they'd need to arrive Motzei Shabbat Apr 12 – Zvi likely arranges a bus from Jerusalem after Shabbat if needed.

Rabbanut Mehadrin (probably Matte Asher or Tzfat Rabbinate)

They specify: "top quality, glatt kosher cuisine, using only shmura matza meal and without kitniyot".

This suggests they do serve gebrochts (e.g., cakes, kneidlach) but only from Shmura matza meal, to be extra strict. No kitniyot at all.

Hashgacha is likely by local rabbanut Mehadrin (maybe under Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu of Tzfat or similar). Very high standards; Zvi Lapian is known for quality and not cutting corners in kashrut.

Seders: Communal seder included. Overseas guests can request Second Seder and second day lunch (these are not included in base price but can be arranged).

Zvi & Esther Lapian personally host the program (20+ years experience). They pride themselves on:

• Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Itiel Oron (dynamic young rabbi from Jerusalem)
• Minyanim: Well-organized 3x daily
• Lectures: High-level shiurim in English and Hebrew
• Entertainment: "Fun-filled, cutting-edge entertainment" each night of Chol Hamoed (magic shows, kumzitz, talent show, game night, Motzei Yom Tov concert)
• Special Davening: Possibly a Kol Nidrei choir style or youth choir for parts of davening

Youth Programming: Excellent day camp for children with English-speaking counselors (madrichot). Kids programming morning and afternoon so parents can attend shiurim or relax. Teens might have special sessions or trips.

They mention activities "for all the family" and "evening shows for all the family". Possibly a mentalist, comedy, bingo, etc.

Hacienda Forest View (C-Hotel Ma'alot) is a unique 4★ resort in the Western Galilee forest:

Rooms: 168 rooms and suites, fully renovated in 2023. Styled like a Spanish hacienda. Rooms are spread out in a garden setting (some in low-rise buildings). Ideal for families; some suites have multiple bedrooms.

Grounds: 17 acres of forests and gardens – lots of space for kids to roam safely. There's mini-golf, sports courts, and playgrounds.

Facilities:

• Large outdoor pool + toddler pool (April can be mild in Galilee; if weather permits the pool will be open Chol Hamoed)
• Excellent spa with variety of treatments
• Gym
• Kids Club room which Zvi's team will utilize

Location: Western Galilee – close to Ma'alot, about 20-30 min from Nahariya/Akka. They might offer trips to places like Rosh Hanikra, Akko Old City, Keshet Cave hike, etc.

Because the hotel was renovated thoroughly in 2023, guests in 2025 will enjoy new furnishings and updated facilities. Zvi mentions they hosted their program here in 2023 and loved it.

A major focus of the program, with the following features:

• Day Camp: Run by experienced English-speaking staff, likely broken by age groups (5-8, 9-12, teens separate). Activities can include sports, crafts, maybe magic workshops.
• Family Bonding: Since it's an intimate setting, kids roam in packs on the lawns, and teens hang out after night activities.
• Special Activities: They also likely do an Afikoman hunt on the property, kids carnival, etc.
• Nature: For teens and adults, there may be organized nature hikes in the mornings (the hotel is near a forest with trails).

Meal Structure: Full board on Chag and Shabbat, Half board Chol Hamoed:

• Breakfast: Daily lavish buffet (Hacienda is known for great breakfasts)
• Lunch: Provided on Yom Tov days and Shabbat (communal lunch). On Chol Hamoed, lunch is on your own (people often take day trips; the hotel can provide picnic lunch for extra or there are Kosher L'Pesach eateries in Nahariya/Akko)
• Dinner: Provided nightly – Seders, Chol Hamoed dinners, etc. Communal dining room for all included
• Tea Room: Zvi's programs usually have a continuous lounge with cake, fruit, hot/cold drinks throughout day

They mention "three sumptuous meals on Chag and Shabbat, plus half board on Chol Hamoed". Seder night dinner is included and very elaborate. If you want a private Seder, likely can be arranged.

Second day meals: If you're from abroad, they will arrange a second seder and second day lunch but charge extra (since majority doesn't need it, they consider it add-on).