A Jewish vacation could mean different things to different people. The term is most commonly used to refer to Jewish tours taken by Jewish people to celebrate holidays like Passover or Hanukkah outside of their home country. But it also includes trips that are themed around Jewish history, culture and religion. For example, travelers may visit notable landmarks associated with Judaism, such as the Western Wall in Jerusalem, or take tours that emphasize sites relevant to the Holocaust.
Planning the perfect Jewish vacation is far more than just booking a hotel and purchasing plane tickets. Beyond the typical travel considerations like location, budget, and accommodations, there are also religious and cultural aspects to consider.
As a traveler, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your trip, which means planning ahead. The following tips will help you plan a Jewish vacation that is fun, educational and meaningful.
1. Decide what kind of vacation you want
Are you looking to visit famous Jewish sites? Do you want to immerse yourself in the local culture? Are you looking to make new friends? Or do you want a low-key trip that allows time for relaxation and reflection?
In deciding, also consider understanding your customs. The Jewish faith has many customs that take place on a daily basis. You should know what these are before embarking on your vacation so you can avoid doing anything that may be considered disrespectful or impolite. For example, in order to properly prepare for the Sabbath (Shabbat), food must be prepared long before sundown on Friday night. Also, it’s important to understand how prayers work as well as how holidays are celebrated within the Jewish faith.
2. Decide what's most important
Families have different goals when it comes to travel. Some parents want to educate their children about their heritage and religion; others want to relax on the beach with their kids or kick back at an all-inclusive resort. You should decide what's most important for your family before planning any trip. If keeping Kosher is a priority for your family, for example, make sure that's part of your planning process from the very beginning.
3. Make time for downtime
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, but they don't always turn out that way — especially when families are traveling together. To avoid everyone getting cranky by mid-vacation, make sure you plan some downtime into your itineraries so everyone has a chance to relax, swim or just waste time without feeling guilty about it.
4. Make a list of must-see sights
Is there a synagogue that’s been on your mind? How about visiting the grave of an important rabbi or tzaddik? Or perhaps there’s a Jewish museum or monument that’s on your bucket list. Make a list of these important destinations and then build your trip around those stops.
5. Consult the experts
Talk to friends and family who have visited your destination before. Their advice might be helpful in planning your itinerary. If they don’t know much about it, try contacting a rabbi or community leader in that area for their input on what sites are worth visiting and which ones aren’t.
During Jewish heritage tours, make sure your tour guide is experienced and knowledgeable. Your tour guide should be able to answer any questions you have about your surroundings and offer insight into their historical significance. When you’re visiting religious sites, your guide should share information about how they are used today.
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