The 'News Flash' bulletin regarding the BT trip to Israel has been sent out by the Israel Trip committee to the general congregation! You should have already received this announcement flyer, indicating the basic important information:- The date of the trip
(March 14 - March 25, 2012) - The length of the trip (10 days and 9 nights, w/2 days for travel)
- The price per-person ($3999)
- The dates of our initial information sessions (Sunday March 20th 2:00pm, Wednesday March 30 7:00pm)
Now, I will let you know some of the background details...
I am sure you must have many questions, more than I can answer in one post. So I will try to answer a few now, and then I will try to post again real soon...
Who is heading the committee?
We are in VERY CAPABLE HANDS! The Israel Trip committee is being co-chaired by Anita Rosnick and Paul Antell. Both of whom have extensive experience with travel to Israel, having made multiple trips themselves, both individually and with large groups on missions with various organizations. Their experience makes me feel very comfortable knowing that this trip is going to be planned right, and will have a great itinerary hitting all the best destinations and most interesting sites.
Were Options weighed? Prices Compared?
YES INDEED! You should know that the committee solicited proposals from three different travel agencies and tour operators, before coming to a decision on the selected agency/operator and on the date for the trip. The efforts of both Paul and Anita were instrumental in getting Bnai Torah the very best possible package price, in conjuntion with the best accomodations and amenities, for the dates we wanted as our top choice. Both co-presidents were involved in greeting the possible vendors, hearing their presentations, and we also participated in the decision making process. I want to commend the committee for quickly coming to consensus and moving the process forward to its next step:
GETTING YOU EXCITED AND SIGNED UP TO GO!!
How were the dates chosen?
Within a NARROW WINDOW... It had been decided early on, in coordination with Rabbi Colin, that the best window of opportunity for the date of the trip in 2012 was between Purim and Passover, as the synagogue calendar is usually lighter during that period. The weather in Israel is not too hot and not too cold during March, and it is before the high priced season for tour travel.
The committee decided the right length for the trip was to be 9 nights: any less and much would be missed; any longer and people might have a hard time taking vacation time away, or affording the trip. The start date was selected as a mid-week day, in order to secure the best airfare prices, and the return date was selected so as to leave enough time upon return home to prepare for Passover. Additional consideration was made for anyone who might have a desire to extend the length of their trip, and stay in Israel longer, to still have time upon returning home to prepare for Passover.
Who is already signed up for the trip? How many can go??
IT STARTS WITH ONE! It was also decided that this trip would be geared toward adults (first-timers and repeat travelers), and most importantly, would be lead by our very own Rabbi Colin. I am very happy with the committee's decision on that - I personally could not imagine planning or traveling on this BT trip without our Rabbi, and spiritual leader, leading the way. So the Rabbi's schedule was checked and cross-checked (No B'nai Mitzvot being planned during this calendar window), and the Trip was born!
First and foremost (and G-d willing) the Rabbi is a definitive YES!
And who else is going? Our Committee co-chairs Anita and Paul, along with their respective spouses Hal and Gale are signed up for sure. Co-president Beverly Fein is also a YES, though husband Michael is unsure yet, leaning toward NO (Obviously needs some outside pressure :) As for myself, I am currently a YES (I state with confidence, surprising even myself!), and I am still in the process of trying to convince Terri to come as well...I'd say she is better than 50/50 at this point, but still needs a little more coaxing too :)
In addition, from surveys that have been conducted previously, the committee is aware of some BT members who have already expressed an interest in a BT community trip. Now that the trip has a date and a price, and is a reality, some of these interested members may begin signing up very soon. But, space on the trip is limited: At a minimum, we need to get 30 people signed up, which is what our price is based upon. However, if we get to 40 people, we will be able to have even more amenities included in our package for the same per-person price!! And, I am thinking positively that we WILL get to 40!! At a maximum, the trip can hold 45 people.
Initially, the trip will be offered exclusively to BT members and their families. Only if we do not get the needed signups, will the trip be opened up to members friends, and then, only if needed, to outside people.
What does the Price include? What Hotels will be booked? What Cities will be visited? What Sites will be seen? Will we have any free time planned? What airline will we fly on? Can I use my Frequent Flyer mileage? What if I am a single? Will I be SAFE??
WHOA! Lets save some of these for the Next Post... The information session may also help to answer some of these.In the meantime, if you have some comments or questions that YOU want to be answered, please feel free to comment NOW, and definitely ...
COME TO THE INFORMATION SESSIONS TO FIND OUT MORE!!!
Jeff Levi
Co-President
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