Lights, Nature, and Stories

Photos: Or Ben Dor, Tomer Avni, Vered Lanes

About the Activity

A Hanukkah vacation in Upper Galilee combining a magical tour of Safed, nature and spectacular landscapes, heritage sites, a festive candle-lighting ceremony, and a family activity in the spirit of the holiday. Please note: there is no meeting point, and the billing percentages appear to be incorrect.

Wednesday | 9 December

15:00 | Spectacular Hanukkah menorah tour in Safed – meeting at the Saraya parking lot

We will set out on a tour through the picturesque alleys of Safed, one of the four holy cities. We will learn about the city’s history and the connection between people, nature, and spirit; hear stories about the Kabbalists; and visit the Abuhav and Ari Ashkenazi synagogues. At sunset, we will encounter the Hanukkah lights reflected in the city’s windows and discover Safed’s secrets in the spirit of the Zohar and liturgical poetry.

18:00 | Arrival at Hermon Field School and room check-in

18:45 | Festive Hanukkah candle lighting

We will begin the holiday evening with a communal candle-lighting ceremony in a festive, family atmosphere.

19:00–20:00 | Dinner

20:00–21:00 | Family Hanukkah evening activity

A special activity for the whole family in the spirit of the holiday – an interactive quiz.

Thursday | 10 December

8:00 | Breakfast

9:00 | Osishkin House

We will visit a museum combining the nature, history, and heritage of the Hula Valley and the surrounding area. During the visit, we will watch a film about the area’s unique natural and heritage treasures, play games, and enjoy a spectacular view of the valley.

11:00 | Ramim Ridge – Landscapes and Geology

We will continue along a route on Ramim Ridge, overlooking the landscapes of the Hula Valley. We will hike among the Galilee landscapes, visit Ein Ro'im, and learn about fascinating and colorful geological phenomena along the way.

14:00 | Just Before We Say Goodbye

We will summarize our vacation experiences and say goodbye, already looking forward to the next time.

The hospitality includes full board, as well as high-quality, professional guidance based on intimate knowledge of the area’s nature.

The vacation includes full hospitality at Hermon Field School:

• Air-conditioned, ground-level guest rooms, each with a shower and toilet
• A protected space on the premises
• A kosher kitchen and dining room
• Air-conditioned classrooms equipped for instruction, study days, and conferences
• A clubroom with a coffee/tea corner and television
• A synagogue
• Full board

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

Important Information

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 backpack/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 change the activity according to weather, security, and safety conditions, and at its sole discretion.

The activity will take place only if a minimum number of participants register. Notification will be provided up to one week before the activity.

Please note: We cannot 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.