- Trip Philosophy
- A Typical Day
- What's Included
- About Shopping
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The Rabbinic MethodThe journey is as important as the destination. Jewish Rabbis (teachers), including Jesus, taught their disciples not by teaching in a classroom, but by walking the land with them, teaching as they walked, using the pictures and metaphors of their surroundings. The study tours try to model that approach, helping us learn and experience from more of an Eastern perspective than the Western perspective we are so used too. We walk the land, learning as we walk. Often, you won’t know what’s ahead, where we’re going next, or how long it will take to get there. That’s to help us focus on where we are, and what we can learn from the present, rather than on where we are going. A “talmid” (disciple) is someone who learns by walking with his Rabbi, who learns by experience, and who has an open heart and a beginner’s mind. We will try to learn like "talmidim" (disciples). And as we try to experience God’s Word as much as possible within the original context of culture and place, we allow God to shape us more like the disciples He wants us to be. This includes understanding our Jewish spiritual heritage, as well as the cultures of Rome, Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt, etc. As we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and set our hearts upon all that God shows us (Ezekiel 40:4), we give God an opportunity to revitalize our spiritual lives, and give us renewed motivation and excitement to study His Word within the framework of the Holy Land. In the words of one recent participant, “I will never read Scripture the same again!” |
A Typical DayA typical day starts with a wake-up call at 6:00 AM, followed by a quick breakfast at 6:30. At 7 AM sharp, we meet together for a short devotion and then our day begins. We’ll travel by bus to the sites where our hikes will begin. Most days will involve significant, sometimes strenuous, hiking – 5 to10 miles/day, with lots of it up hills and mountainsides, and at a fairly quick pace. Although you may feel rushed at times, the goal is to use each minute of every day wisely. We want to see and learn as much as possible in the brief time we are in the Holy Land. We’ll stop every 30 minutes or so for teaching or group interaction before continuing on together. We’ll usually visit a couple sites in the morning and a couple more in the afternoon. How much we do each day is to some extent determined by the condition, stamina, and speed of the group. Generally, we end up packing in far more per day than your standard tourist trips, in spite of the fact that we do more hiking than driving! Lunch is typically not until about 1 or 2 PM, so feel to bring along trail mix or other munchies to keep you going. (But don’t bring anything that will melt – it’s not unusual for the temperature to be well over 100°F.) Usually lunch is not very fancy – typically a sack lunch sitting on the ground near one of the sites we visit. And it won’t be a leisurely lunch, since the daylight hours are so valuable to us. But any shortcomings at lunch are usually made up for by the great buffet dinners at the nice hotels we stay in. Since we travel and learn as a group, we’ll learn first-hand about living in community, and what it means to function as a team for God. It will be hot, and there is little shade, but as we hike the ancient paths together, we give God an opportunity to speak to our hearts in a way that is hard to duplicate within the chaos of our lives back at home. We’ll try to get back to our hotel by about 8 PM, in time for a nice dinner, before we crash in our beds. It’s physically demanding, mentally stretching, and spiritually rewarding. Sound like fun?? It’s not just an adventure, it’s a spiritual journey! And don’t be surprised if it changes your life! |
What’s IncludedBasically, everything you NEED will be included. It is possible for you to do the entire trip without spending $1 more than your trip fee. You’ll have all the water you want to drink, but if you want to buy soft drinks for your evening meal at the hotel, those will be extra. Also, any souvenirs you purchase during our “hunting” opportunities will of course be extra. Tipping is already included, however, at the end of the trip, you we will have an opportunity as a group to give an extra tip, above and beyond the standard tip that is already included. Many participants are very appreciative of the help and service provided by our Israeli and Jordanian guides and drivers, and want to give them something extra as a special gift. However, it is extra and totally optional.  A few weeks prior to the tour, GTI will send you: The fanny packs are very nice, but if you prefer, you are welcome to use your own day pack instead. Remember that you will be hiking in extremely hot weather, in direct sunlight, carrying 2 or more quarts of water. Some people find Camelbacks and other day packs cause their backs to become very hot and sweaty. |
 ShoppingThis is NOT a shopping trip. Our focus will be on God and His Word in the context of the Holy Land. I have found the most cherished souvenir is often a stone collected from a site that was especially meaningful. I have a shelf in my study with a lot of stones, each marked with their location, as a personal reminder of God's lessons to me. That being said, I will try to arrange two very brief opportunities for what my friend George DeJong calls “hunting”. "Hunting" is buying, but you wouldn't call it shopping. You'll have an opportunity to look for something to purchase, but as soon as you see it, you need to "pull the trigger." 
So, I'll try to give you a time to quickly buy something, but you probably won't really feel you've had a chance to "shop", since it won't be done at a leisurely pace. My advice: Forget about the gold...go for the stones!
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