Arrivals at Ben Gurion Airport (Shutterstock)
Why do many travel to Israel for Passover?
Israel has long been a popular vacation destination for Passover. The Torah (Hebrew Bible) commands Jews to go up to Jerusalem for three pilgrimage festivals:
“Three times a year shall all your men appear before the Lord your God in the place that God will choose [referring presumably to the Temple in Jerusalem], on the festivals of Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks), and Sukkot (the Festival of Booths). They shall not appear empty handed. Each shall bring his own gift, appropriate to the blessing which the Lord your God has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:16).
Jews from around the world continue to come to Israel and visit the Kotel (Western Wall) during the three pilgrimage holidays. Thousands of people flock to the kotel on chol hamoed Sukkot and Pesach to be there for Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony with hundreds of Kohanim.
Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel on Passover
There is something truly special about being in Israel for the Passover holiday. The weather is idyllic, not too hot and not too cold. It very rarely rains at all on Pesach in Israel. There is so much to see and do over the holiday. Since Israel is a Jewish state and goes according to the Jewish calendar, there are many festivals, performances and special activities throughout the week of chol hamoed. The country is small so nothing is really very far from wherever you are but leave early because there can be a lot of traffic as the entire country is on vacation. There are museums and national parks in all parts of the country and they have shows and activities for kids and families for the holiday.
Many restaurants are open and kosher for Passover for the holiday
Tourists all year round enjoy the Israeli food scene, which has exploded in the last decade. Passover is no different. Most restaurants turn over their kitchen, making it kosher for Passover. Always ask to see the Kashrut certification that specifies that it is kosher for Pesach. One thing to beware of is that most Israelis eat kitniyot but most tourists do not. Just ask before you go in to eat if the restaurant serves kitniyot or not. Most restaurants in Jerusalem do not serve kitniyot because they are catering to the tourists. B’teavon!
Tel Aviv
Passover 2024 Programs in Israel
You still have seven weeks to organize your Pesach vacation in Israel for this year. Check online and book tickets. Don't’ worry about the rest because TJT has your guide to Passover programs in Israel.
- The Vert (Crowne Plaza) Dead Sea Hotel & Spa with Davidman’s Pesach: Enjoy the beautiful weather, experience floating in the Dead Sea and relax at the pool. Davidman’s provides gourmet meals, fabulous programming for kids, teens and adults.
- The Neve Ilan Hotel with Zvi Lapian: The newly upgraded hotel in the Jerusalem hills is conveniently located near Jerusalem and many other sites and activities. Zvi Lapian offers great kids programming, food, lectures and shiurim.
- The Hacienda Forest View Hotel with Zvi Lapian: The hotel, spread across sprawling grounds in the Western Galilee, features a pool, gym, mini golf and kids’ club. The program offers delicious food, shiurim and lectures and entertainment.
- The Daniel Hotel & Shizen Spa Herzliya with Ophir Tours: The hotel boasts newly renovated rooms, state of the art facilities, luxurious spa and beautiful views of the sea. Enjoy delectable cuisine, lectures, kids club, activities and entertainment.
- Nof Ginosar Hotel with Kosher Travelers: Luxury accommodations with a private beach on the Kinneret, pool, tennis and basketball courts. Amazing trips and activities in the area. Program offers delicious meals, minyanim, shiurim, lectures, kids' programming and entertainment.
- Dan Carmel Hotel Haifa with Tour Plus: Luxury hotel with stunning views, pool, gym and spa. Great location with many tourist sights to keep you busy on Chol Hamoed. Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by international chefs.
- Dan Panorama Hotel Tel Aviv with Tour Plus: Luxury hotel, across from the beach, has pool, spa, fitness room and kids activities. Enjoy lavish gourmet meals prepared by expert chefs, cooks and confectioners.
- Kfar Maccabiah Hotel in Ramat Gan with Tour Plus: Hotel, conveniently located in the center of the country, has a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, tennis courts and kids' Gymboree. Enjoy a truly gastronomic experience with gourmet meals by international chefs and confectioners.
- Golden Crown Hotel in Nazareth with Tour Plus: Hotel, overlooking the Jezreel Valley and ideally located to visit the historical sights of the Galilee and northern Israel. Hotel has swimming pool, renovated spa complex and kids' Gymboree.
- Jerusalem Leonardo Plaza Hotel with Tour Plus: Pesach hotel in the center of Jerusalem near the Old City, Jewish heritage sights and shopping. Enjoy the hotel pool, spa, wellness facilities, library and gourmet meals.
Now is the perfect time to plan a trip for Passover 2024. As all Jews around the world end their seder, “Next year in Jerusalem.”