BY CLAY LARROY
A
vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated.
Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely
looking for travel
ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of
the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and
relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an
exciting vacation contact me!
Experiencing the beauty and
culture of an unfamiliar area of the world is always a remarkable experience.
For those who are purposely exploring a culture through the window of their
faith, it can be even more remarkable. Embarking on a Jewish heritage tour is
one way for Jews, and others interested in Jewish tradition, to see how the
tradition has lived, survived and thrived in destinations throughout the world.
By taking a trip that focuses
on Jewish heritage, a traveler can visit the places, past and present that are
important to Jews as a people and to the traveler as a person of faith. The
Diaspora has a center, but no boundary. Israel, Russia and Poland are important
destinations, but many other counties throughout the world that are filled with
the rich history of the Jewish people: China, Budapest, Italy, France, the
United States, Africa, South America - just about every corner of the world has
something of interest for those exploring their Jewish heritage and history.
A Jewish heritage tour
involves much more than simply visiting the synagogues or Jewish museums of an
area. Educated, informative tour guides will lead travelers to important places
rich with Jewish customs, history and culture that a casual traveler may never
find without professional, guided assistance.
Travelers on a Jewish
heritage tour need not worry about their entire trip being one long history
lesson without any fun along the way. Many tours include other aspects of the
region, like fine restaurants, first-class hotels, shopping and local
recreation. A good tour will balance the traveler’s thirst for knowledge and
desire for an enjoyable vacation.
It is important for many Jews
to continue to observe their religious customs, even while on vacation. Many
tours are able to fully service their needs, offering Kosher meals and access
to synagogues for worship. They can also accommodate those who want to avoid
Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) travel and every type of traveler: families,
couples, singles, honeymooners, students, and even non-Jews who are interested
in learning about the history and culture of the people can all find a tour
that fits their interests.
Popular Jewish Heritage Tour
Destinations
While the Jewish people have
lived in and contributed to many cultures throughout history, there are certain
regions where they have had a concentrated influence, and their stories in
these regions are inherent to understanding the heritage of the Jewish people.
These destinations are some of the best places to start or include in a tour.
Israel
The Jewish race can trace
their roots back to Israel, the land of Abraham, father of Israel. A heritage
tour of Israel will take travelers through Jerusalem, Masada, Galilee, Tel
Aviv, Haifa, and the Golan Heights; the whole of Israel is abounding with
Jewish heritage and culture. A coordinated heritage tour through the Holy Land
helps travelers pinpoint the essential places to visit. Tours will also often
include stays at a Kibbutz, a voluntary Israeli commune, where travelers
experience first-hand one of the modern aspects of Jewish life in Israel.
Russia, Germany, Poland and
the Holocaust
Before the Holocaust, the
Jewish culture in Russia, Central and Western Europe thrived. The Holocaust
destroyed not only families, but also attempted to destroy the evidence of
Jewish life in the country. In the years since, what was lost of Jewish life
has been reconstructed where possible and memorialized where it cannot be
reconstructed. Travelers to Europe can visit Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Auschwitz,
and many of the other cities where the atrocities of the Holocaust attempted to
annihilate the Jewish heritage. Many of these sites are now shrines, and
monuments of repentance and memorial now dot the landscape.
Budapest
Many people may not realize
that Budapest has the third largest population of Jews in Europe. The Jewish
culture in Budapest is not just historical; it is a modern, living, breathing
way of life for nearly 100,000 Jews. The history of the Jewish people in Budapest
dates back to Roman times, and travelers have much to discover in this
beautiful city, including Jewish people’s contributions to its economy,
politics and culture. A Jewish Museum has a wealth of information on the Jews
of Hungary, and a stirring Holocaust Memorial stands in honor of the victims of
the Holocaust.
New York City
In the United States, New
York City is a city rich with Jewish heritage. In addition to touring the
boroughs where the Jewish families live and work, travelers can tour the Museum
of Jewish Heritage, a building designed in the shape of the Star of David.
China
China? Yes, China. The
country has a long and interesting Jewish heritage, and travelers have much to
learn from a tour of the region. For over 800 years the Jews and the Chinese
co-existed peacefully in Kaifeng. Over the centuries, however, the Jews were
assimilated into the Chinese culture and in 1866, the synagogue in Kaifeng was
eventually destroyed. There was a new influx of Jews to Shanghai during WWII as
30,000 took refuge, but then after the war, many left for Israel. Much evidence
of the Jewish culture in China still exists, however, and can be experiences on
a tour through the country.
Italy
Italy has one of the oldest
Jewish populations in Europe; the history of the Jews in Italy goes back over
2000 years. They have left their mark on Italy’s architecture, history, art,
philosophy and cuisine, and a heritage tour of Italy will take travelers to
synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, the Jewish Museum and the old ghettoes dating
back to the 16th century.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
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