Derech Eretz

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Derech EretzDon't just walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Walk many miles, hike many miles, bike many miles and climb to great heights to experience the adventures that Israel has to offer.

Puzzle's Derech Eretz trips give you three, ten-day programs, to choose from, each ten-day trip highlighting the Northern, the Central and the Southern regions of Israel.

Intended for those abroad to engage in repeat visits to Israel to ensure deeper Israel engagement, year-by-year, program-after-program, participants will explore the nuances of these regions, building their own Israel experience piece by piece in their personal Puzzle.

Eyal LevyEyal Levy, grew up in Kamun, a village in the Lower Galilee. He served six years as a combatant officer and captain in an elite IDF unit. After, he spent ten months traveling the Silk Road through Central Asia, Nepal, China, and India, also spending time in Mongolia and New Zealand. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Philosophy from Hebrew University and loves hiking, playing soccer, horseback riding, reading and spending time with his friends.

Nikki AvershalNikki Avershal, is from Philadelphia. She grew up speaking Hebrew with her Israeli father and visiting Israel often to see family. In 2009 she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Political Science. Throughout her studies and after, she worked various positions in the Jewish community in Pittsburgh. She moved to Israel to participate in OTZMA, a yearlong volunteer program. Following this, she received her International MBA from Tel Aviv University. She loves yoga, singing and playing guitar, hiking, and reading.

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Nir MargalithNir Margalith, grew up in Yuvalim, a village in Misgav, Israel, surrounded by the magical nature of the Lower Galilee. From 2003 - 2006 he served in the IDF as a driver and assistant to a senior officer. Since he can remember, hikes, trips, and nature have always been important to him. He has traveled extensively independently as well as with his family and friends. Every day meeting new people, discovering new places, and trying new foods helps him to continue his journey of exploration.

Guy MaromGuy Marom, was born and raised in Koranit, Misgav. His appreciation for nature and his love of Israel stems from his grandparents, who helped build the land of Israel after escaping the Holocaust. Guy served 3 years in the IDF and after, he spent eight months traveling around New Zealand and the Far East. His travels gave him a fresh perspective on Israel and what makes his homeland so unique. He holds a B.A. in Behavioral Sciences from Bar Ilan University and loves riding horses, cooking, traveling, and music.

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Tomer ShohamTomer Shoham, was born and raised in the Galilee community, Yuvalim. From 2002 to 2008 Tomer served in various elite units of the IDF and after his release from the army he traveled throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United States. He loves to explore Israel in his 4x4 and takes every opportunity he can to travel. He lives in Jerusalem where he works for Magen David Adom after 10 years of voluntary service and is a licensed tour guide of Israel.

About UsStart dreaming of Israel, as you've never imagined it before. We welcome you to a country bursting at the seams with many languages, distinctive cultures, and breathtaking sights. Five young adults recognized the drastic need for deeper engagement in Israel and Israel advocacy from young adults around the globe. They combined their unique talents to build Puzzle Israel, a travel company specifically for young adults who wish to explore Israel from the ground up.

Derech Eretz HaTzafon Northern Israel, Haifa, the Galilee and the Golan Heights

Home to the Galilee and the Golan Heights some call the North the "Tuscany of Israel". This installment, one of Puzzle Israel's three, 10-day trips will take you on an adventure through the breathtaking sights of Northern Israel.

Journey to the magnificent peaks of the northern Mountains, as we understand the complexities of Israel's borders. Get to know the fascinating history of the Galilee and the Golan Heights and visit the Hula valley, once a vast

swamp, now a nature reserve and migration grounds for millions of birds.

Covering challenging terrain on foot, horseback, bike and jeep we will discover the magic of the Golan Heights while hearing stories of ancient settlements and the settlement movement that followed the Yom Kippur War.Visit famous battles sites from wars ancient and modern alike and lean about the importance of the Kinneret both economically to Israel as its prime water

source and historically to various religions.

In the Southern Galilee we will visit a range of very different cultures living as neighbors. Through encounters and musical evenings with local residents we will experience authentic hospitality, hear cultured folk-tales and learn about the traditions and religions of three separate faiths.

We will follow Biblical stories through the Jezre'el valley that stretches between Mt. Gilboa and the Carmel Mountains. Woven through this unique and unforgettable experience are cooking workshops, music evenings and drum circles, ODT

activities, military workshops, and yoga classes from some of the most beautiful scenes imaginable. Lastly, we visit the city of Haifa in its astonishing location between mountain and sea as we finish our trip together on the shores of the Mediterranean.

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Derech Eretz HaTzafonDaily ProgramDay 1: Tel Aviv • Pick up from Ben Gurion International Airport• Introductory meeting at HaTachanah near Old Yafo• Tour through the narrow streets of Neve Tzedek• Free time in Tel Aviv • Travel North with welcome dinner on the way • Sleep in the Hermon Holiday Village Resort in Neve Ativ

Day 2: Upper Galilee • Watch the sunrise from Mt. Hermon observation point • Breakfast and tour of the Nimrod Fortress • Tour of suspension bridge over Nahalal Banias and team building activities • Trip to Manara• Cable car up Manara Cliffs • Bicycle trip down the mountain• Tour of Hula Lake • Set up camp, campfire dinner and relax around the fire

Day 3: Agriculture in the Golan • Repelling in the Black Gorge• Visit to Robotic Dairy Farm • Visit to Golan Wineries • Music Evening with wine and cheese tasting • Sleep at Khan El Al

Day 4: Golan Heights and History in the Galil • Tour of Ancient city of Gamla • Lunch at Kanaf Sping• Sunset horseback riding at Ramot Ranch • Trip to the Kinneret • Dinner and activities with Misgav host families • Sleep at host families

Day 5: Community Involvement • Learning about and practicing ecological building methods• ODT activities • Introduction to settlements in the Galilee • Evening with host families

Day 6: Volunteering• Day of volunteer work in the Galilee implementing activities and lessons from the previous

day • Evening of Bedouin hospitality • Accommodation in authentic Bedouin tents

Day 7: Cultures of the Galil• Breakfast and coffee in Bedouin tents• Visit to Nazareth with overview of Christian and Muslim coexistence there• Sunset yoga on Mt. Tavor • Druze hospitality and accommodation at Khan Tavor

Day 8: Cultures of the Galilee (continued) • Breakfast on Mt. Tavor• Group activities and missions surrounding biblical stories at Mt. Tavor, Mt. Gilboa, Jez’reel

Valley and the Carmel Mountains• Evening out in Haifa • Accommodations at a hotel in Haifa

Day 9: IDF• Morning tour of Haifa with visit to the Bahai gardens • Day hike from Ha Carmel to Nachsholim Beach • Set up camp on the beach• Military activities with veterans of elite IDF units• Outdoor cooking lesson and camping on the beach • Music evening and drum circle

Day 10: Jerusalem • Drive to Jerusalem • Visit to the Kotel • Tour of the old city • Free time to explore markets and Machane Yehuda Shuk• Wrap up and final ceremony • Return to Ben Gurion International Airport

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Derech Eretz HaMercazCentral Israel, Jerusalem and the Judean Desert

Experience the diversity of the center of Israel from the shores of the Mediterranean to the foothills of Jerusalem.

In small intimate groups we will embark on a journey to the heart of Israel, one of three programs that cover the vastness of sites Israel has to offer from flourishing agricultural settlements, to the magical coasts of an urban metropolis, to the sacred epicenter of three different world religions

In Tel Aviv we will visit the first Jewish settlements that existed before the declaration of the State while continuing our journey as we follow the path of the battles to liberate Jerusalem with unique experiences at Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl revealing the Jewish People's plight from Holocaust to Revival.

With challenging routes and breathtaking views we move onwards to the Judean desert, unearthing history and the magic of past and present with every

step. Water hikes, jeep rides and bike tours will take you into the beginnings of the desert and to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth.

After cooking classes, yoga workshops, evenings of music and drum circles, hearing unique army encounters from real soldiers, and sleeping under the stars this unforgettable and unique experience will come to its end. We say, "Until we meet again" by confronting ancient questions and dilemmas of the Jewish people as we finish our journey atop Masada.

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Derech Eretz HaMercazDaily ProgramDay 1: Introductory Day • Pick up from Ben Gurion Airport and drive to Binyamina• Opening Session• Visit wineries and tour Binyamina• Free evening in Zikhron Ya’akov Artist’s Colony

Day 2: Beach Day• Breakfast• Cycling or 4x4 tour from Binyamina to ancient Caesarea• Tour of ancient Caesarea• Travel to Michmoret• Cruise from Michmoret to Herzliya• Campfire and drum circle on Hertzliya shore

Day 3: Tel - Aviv• Hike from Hertzliya to Tel Aviv• Interactive activities in the streets of Tel Aviv • Arrival at the hotel• Dinner and night out in the city

Day 4: Tel Aviv • Visit to the Palmach Museum • Bicycle Tour from Tel Aviv to Mikorot HaYarkon• Set up camp at Mikorot HaYarkon • Outdoor cooking workshop

Day 5: Aliyah L’Yerushalayim • Jeep trip beginning at Mikorot HaYarkon • Stop at Latrun Tanks Memorial for an explanation of the battle to secure Latrun during the

War of Independence.• Travel to Outpost 21 with explanation of the siege of Jerusalem and the Burma Road• Navigating by night workshop with IDF soldiers • Set up camp and sleep near Kobi Springs • Music evening and drum circle

Day 6: Hike to Aminadav Springs and Chadak Springs• Descend into Sorek Riverbed with visit to Sataf Springs • Walk towards Mt. of Olives • Climb Mt. Herzl• Tour of Yad Vashem and Mt. Herzl• Relaxed tour of the German Colony • Hotel accommodations in Jerusalem Day 7: Community Involvement in Jerusalem• Tour of Jerusalem• Meet with participants from Israeli Civil Service programs • Accommodations with Jerusalem Host families

Day 8: Volunteer Day• Volunteer work in and around Jerusalem• ODT and teambuilding activities • Accommodations at Alon village

Day 9: Judean Desert• Day trip to the Northern Judean Desert through Wadi Kelt• 4x4 desert trip• ODT activities in the desert • Spiritual Workshop• Accommodations at Masada Youth Hostel

Day 10: Masada• Hike to Masada at sunrise• Morning yoga atop Masada• Final remarks and closing ceremony • Travel back to Ben Gurion International Airport

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Derech Eretz HaDaromSouthern Israel, Eilat, the Makhteshim, the Arava Desert

If you thought the desert was desolate, think again! Experience the exceptional adventures the desert has to offer on the southernmost of three long-term Puzzle Israel programs.

In small, intimate groups, prepare to see a desert full of history, archeology, tribal culture and natural phenomena. Follow the path of Abraham and the tracks of Nabatean desert nomads through wild flowers and brush as you watch the history of battles during the War of Independence unfold.

Uncover geological wonders in the Negev's Makhteshim, crater-like formations found only in Israel, while learning navigation and wilderness survival skills. We will visit flourishing farms and bustling factories as we learn about agricultural innovation in the desert.

Evenings are full of drum circles, cooking workshops, yoga amid spectacular desert landscapes, IDF lectures and teambuilding activities and at the end of the journey, after biking, hiking and

jeeping we will find ourselves in Israel's southernmost city asking ourselves: Has the desert bloomed as Israel's first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion had hoped it would?

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Derech Eretz HaDaromDaily ProgramDay 1: Jerusalem• Pick up from Ben Gurion International Airport • Drive to Jerusalem • Opening session with tour guide and Puzzle staff• Evening tour of the old city • Accommodations in Jerusalem

Day 2: Battles and dilemmas around Gaza• Morning drive to Negba• Bicycle tour of Northwestern Negev stopping to highlight important sights from the War of

Independence • Yad Mordechai Museum and lunch• View of the Gaza Strip from "Nabi Marai" lookout point• Visit to city of Sderot • Travel to Be’er Sheva - evening meeting and spending time with students from University of

Be'er Sheva • Accommodations in Be’er Sheva

Day 3: Wilderness - Two days on the Israel National Trail• Airforce Museum • Trip to Tel Be'er Sheva• Trip through the Small Makhtesh • Set up camp, wilderness survival activities

Day 4: Day two on the Israel National Trail• Continue through riverbed to Yorke’am Springs• Rest at Yorke’am Springs• Continue crossing the Small Makhtesh, stop at the Colored Sand Compound for art

workshop • Hike to Mt. Dagcherev observation point to see the Small Makhtesh from the other side• Drive to Khan Hashayarot• Outdoor cooking workshop • Accommodations at Khan Hashayarot

Day 5: Old to New• Camel trip from Khan Hashayarot to the old Nabatean city of Avdat • Introduction to the new challenges of living in the desert • Travel to visit David Ben-Gurion’s grave• Mitzpe Ramon observation point overlooking the Tzin riverbed• Bicycle tour to Be’erot campgrounds • Accommodations at Be’erot campgrounds

Day 6: Community Involvement• Jeep trip down to the Arava desert through Nekarot Riverbed to an agricultural settlement• Active community involvement and meetings with community leaders of one of the

settlements of the Negev • Music evening with local residents• Accommodations with host families or at a local guesthouse

Day 7: Community Involvement (day 2) • Volunteering in one of the settlements in the periphery • Evening visit to Yotvata dairy farm and factory• Accommodations at Kibbutz Yotvata

Day 8: Timna to Eilat• Morning bicycle ride through Timna Park • Scavenger hunt through Timna Park • Jeep trip southwards towards Eilat • Set up camp and sleep around the campfire

Day 9: Eilat• Hike through the Red Mountains to Eilat • Overnight at a hotel in Eilat

Day 10: Eilat• Beachfront activities in Eilat• Wrap up and closing ceremony • Trip back to Ben Gurion International Airport

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CONTACT US:USA No. (215) 764-6412

Nir Margalith 972 (52) 226-1323

Nikki Avershal 972 (54) 453-1236

www . Pu z z l e I s r a e l . c om

Puzz l eIsr a e l@gma i l . com

Contact Us:USA No. (215) 764-6412Nir Margalith 972 (52) 226-1323Nikki Avershal 972 (54) 453-1236w w w . p u z z l e i s r a e l . c o mp u z z l e i s r a e l @ g m a i l . c o m