Light, Nature, and a Family Experience

Photos: Or Ben Dor, Tomer Avni, Vered Lens

About the Activity

Three days of Hanukkah in the mountainous north—hikes through breathtaking landscapes, fascinating sites, festive candle lighting, activities for the whole family, and a special winter atmosphere at Hermon Field School.

Friday | 4 December

14:30 | Har Keta–New Majdal
We will begin the vacation with a special tour in the Har Keta area, near Nimrod. We will hike through a unique area just before the expected changes there, discover Jurassic-period fossils, and learn about the geological and human story of the site.

17:00 | Arrival at Hermon Field School, room check-in and settling in

17:30 | Hanukkah and Shabbat candle lighting
We will begin the holiday evening with festive candle lighting, singing, and a family atmosphere, alongside Shabbat candle lighting.

19:00 | Dinner

20:00–21:00 | Family evening activity
An experiential activity for the whole family about birds migrating during the winter.

Saturday | 5 December

8:00 | Breakfast

9:00 | Nimrod Fortress National Park–Qal'at Nimrod
We will set out to discover the secrets of the large and impressive fortress that has survived in Israel from the Middle Ages. We will walk among the towers and ancient inscriptions, visit the northern tower, discover what is hidden in the water cistern, and learn what the impressive inscription of Baybars tells us.

13:00 | Big Juba and Odem Forest
We will continue with a short, accessible hike at Big Juba, a unique natural phenomenon in the heart of Odem Forest. We will understand how the crater was formed in the middle of the forest and enjoy the basalt landscapes and northern nature.

Afternoon | Free time
Time to relax, take independent walks, and enjoy the winter air of the Hermon.

18:30 | Hanukkah candle lighting

19:00 | Dinner

20:00–21:00 | Family evening activity
An experiential and bonding activity for the whole family—a lantern tour around the Field School complex.

Sunday | 6 December

8:00 | Breakfast and check-out

9:30 | Naftali Mountain Ridge–Overlooking the Hula Landscapes
We will say goodbye to the Hermon with a hike overlooking the Hula Valley. We will drive along a scenic route and stop at points of interest along the way—springs, a fascinating geological site with colorful sand, and, finally, the Hasmonean fortress at Keren Naftali.

13:30 | Wrap-up and farewell

The hospitality includes full-board accommodation and, of course, high-quality, professional guiding based on an intimate familiarity with the nature of the area.

The vacation includes full accommodation at Hermon Field School:

🔹 Air-conditioned ground-level guest rooms, each with a shower and toilet
🔹 An existing protected space on the premises
🔹 A kosher kitchen and dining room
🔹 Air-conditioned classrooms equipped for instruction, study days, and conferences
🔹 A lounge with a coffee/tea corner and television
🔹 A synagogue
🔹 Dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch

For questions and inquiries about the vacation: [email protected]

Important to Know

Activity area
Upper Galilee

Difficulty level
Easy

Walking duration
Flat walking and a gentle ascent

Route length
Approximately 3–5 km

Required equipment
Suitable shoes for walking in muddy and wet conditions, very warm clothing, an umbrella, a flashlight, a bag/equipment for carrying a packed lunch, and 1.5 liters of water per hiker for each day.

Please Note

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel reserves the right to cancel or modify the activity according to weather, security, and safety conditions, and at its sole discretion.

The activity will take place subject to a minimum number of registrants. Notification will be provided up to one week before the activity.

Please note: We are unable to provide food for people with life-threatening sensitivities. Please prepare accordingly.

Children up to age 2 participate free of charge. Please indicate the number and ages of the children at checkout.