Preliminary Convention Program Outline
Subject to change and logistical considerations
Register online! | Pre-convention tours
OU National Convention Itinerary 2008
Date:
26 Nov, 2008
Description:
Orthodox Union National Convention
Confirmed speakers include:
• Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth
• Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Former Chief Rabbi of Medinat Yisrael
• Rabbi Hershel Schachter, Noted Rosh Yeshiva, lecturer, and author
• Rabbi Zev Leff, Rav of Matityahu, noted Rosh Yeshiva, lecturer, and author
• Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, OU Executive Vice President
• Rabbi Steven Weil, Rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation, Beverly Hills, California and OU Executive Vice President-designate
• Mrs. Shira Smiles, Popular lecturer, teacher and curriculum developer
Learning opportunities include Daf Yomi, Nach Yomi and mishmar.
Tentative Tour Itinerary
(Subject to Change)
Track A: ‘3000 Yrs/36 Hrs’
We will spend our week exploring the fascinating route of Jewish history, from the earliest days of Tanach, until the miracles of the modern State of Israel. Besides touring the relevant sites, many of them new even to seasoned visitors, we will enrich our trip with speakers ranging from archaeologists to experts on the Beit HaMikdash, to people who experienced the War of Independence personally.
Monday, 11/24/08 Jerusalem: THE Eternal City:
Highlights include:
• The newest excavations at the City of David,
• A peek into the troubled world of Second Temple Jewry, in many ways so similar to our own time.
• An in depth look at the Second Temple with a presentation of a model of the Bet HaMikdash,
Tuesday, 11/25/08 Wanderings:
A day in the footsteps of the Jewish people after the fall of Jerusalem.
Highlights include:
• The new excavation at Tel Yavne,
• The incredible site of Tzippori, home of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi,
• Bet Shearim, the necropolis of the Tannaim and Amoraim.
Wednesday, 11/26/08 In the Days of the Judges:
Highlights include:
• Visits to the Mishkan site in Shilo
• “Blessings & Curses” on Mt Gerizim and Mt. Eival,
• A tour of Shmuel HaNavi’s stomping grounds.
• Explore the journey needed to reach the “menucha venahala,” the final holy place in Jerusalem.
Thursday, 11/27/08 JERUSALEM DAY:
The People, The Politics & The Paratroopers…
Visiting w/ Political and Non-Political People and places to further inform our thinking on our capital city.
• In the footsteps of our soldiers in ’67
• ‘Storm the city through Lion’s Gate’
• The Supreme Court building
• The Foreign Ministry
• Ammunition Hill
• The Security Fence
Friday, 11/28/08 Yad Vashem
Track B: ‘Because It is an Exceedingly Good Land; Adventures all over Israel’
Each day we will tour a different region of the country, understanding its historic roots in Tanach and history as well as meeting its people and seeing what new delights it has to offer today. Discover parts of the country you never see on the usual tour!
Monday, 11/24/08 Northern Negev:
Highlights include:
• A visit to Sderot & the Hesder Yeshiva
• ‘Honey and Heroism’ in Kibbutz Yad Mordechai
• The historic and natural wonders of the Besor Park.
Tuesday, 11/25/08 Northern Coast:
A day in the footsteps of the Jewish people after the fall of Jerusalem.
Highlights include:
• Diving for the “techelet snail” at the Dor beach
• A visit to the illegal immigration detention center in Atlit
• Meeting the kids and staff at the Yemin Orde youth village, a center for “kibbutz galuyot” in the Carmel Mountains
• A cultural encounter in the Druse village of Daliyat al Carmel.
Wednesday, 11/26/08 Tel Aviv and the Center:
Highlights include:
• Tours of the early neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, celebrating its centennial in 2009
• A visit to the Yemenite community of Rosh HaAyin
• The deaf and blind theater and restaurant complex in Jaffa.
• Shopping and Hi Tech in Herzliya
Thursday, 11/27/08 JERUSALEM DAY:
The People, The Politics & The Paratroopers…
Visiting w/ Political and Non-Political People and places to further inform our thinking on our capital city.
• In the footsteps of our soldiers in ’67
• ‘Storm the city through Lion’s Gate’
• The Supreme Court building
• The Foreign Ministry
• Ammunition Hill
• The Security Fence
Friday, 11/28/08 Jerusalem Walking Tour
Register online!
Contact:
Allyson Gur-Aryeh
212.613.8124