Dates: Saturday, February 20 to Friday, March 5 (2010)
OUTBOUND: Depart on February 20 on the flight of your choice and arrangement. You need to arrive in Israel on Sunday, February 21, so that you will be able to meet with the group Sunday evening and be ready to start out early on Monday, February 22. It is a simple and direct trip from Ben Gurion airport in Israel to the hotel on the Mediterranean where we will spend the first night. Indeed, if you would like to arrive a day early to have time to recoup, those arrangements can be made.
INBOUND: Friday, March 5, again on the flight of your arrangement. We will be staying the final days in Jerusalem at the Gloria Hotel; it is a simple matter to schedule a very reasonably priced group taxi to have you at the airport in plenty of time to make your flight. Again, if you would like to stay extra days, that can be arranged quite easily.
NOTE: This affords us eleven full days of study and travel in Israel—eleven days when we get up in the morning and go to bed at night in the land.
A Distinctive Learning Experience: This will be a deliberate and thorough study trip. Special teaching elements–regular preview and review sessions, instructors/guides who are evangelical Christians and seasoned students of the land and of the history and the culture of Israel, study manuals to enhance the impact of the various regions and sites—are designed to insure that each traveler really learns the land, and thus comes to a deeper appreciation of the way in which the stage on which so much of the drama of the Scriptures was played out properly shapes his understanding of that drama itself.
A Delightful Adventure: Explore the ruins of a crusader castle high above Caesarea-Philippi; push through the tunnel dug 2700 years ago by King Hezekiah to protect the city of Jerusalem; scramble down a cliff overlooking the plain of Genesarret; make your way through an archaeologist's tunnel along the ancient retaining wall that reshaped the temple mount; climb the narrow snake path to Herod's palace fortress atop a table rock in the Judean Wilderness. This trip will be punctuated with hikes and special activities of this sort, available to all who are able and interested!
An Abiding Devotional Experience: With all of the focus on learning the history, geography and terrain of the land, as well as upon exploring every corner and ascending every height in this very special place, we will take the time to ponder what God has to teach us through the biblical narratives we are considering and the biblical personalities we are remembering. God has spoken to mankind, first of all in event revelation (breaking into human history) and then through word revelation (as recorded today in Scripture). As we trace many of those "mighty acts" of God in history—events which we will consider at the very place where they occurred—the truth of who God is and what He has wrought will impact you in a way which will stir your soul afresh and make a difference in your life.
Itinerary: The itinerary in Israel is subject to change, but we promise that it will be very complete. The emphases will be as follows:
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Mon 2/22–Wed 2/24 |
The Coastal Plains and the Galilee - For four days we will very carefully explore the region of Galilee, the area which was so strategic to all of biblical history, but especially the life of the Lord Jesus. We will visit Caesarea on the coast of the Sea of Galilee, make our way up to Mt Carmel, across the Valley of Jezreel, and then the region of the Sea of Galilee, the Hulah Basin to the north, and the Golan Heights to the east. Our host during this portion will be En Gev, a delightful kibbutz on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Before heading south, we will explore the eastern Jezreel Valley and the Harod Valley (Beth Shan, En Harod, Jezreel, Moreh) as well as Nazareth, and then spend one night in Nazareth. |
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Thur 2/25–Fri 2/26 |
The Jordan Rift, Dead Sea and Northern Negev - As we depart Galilee, we will drive down the Jordan Rift, stopping at significant spots such as an overlook of Jericho, Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls), En Gedi (the desert spring where David hid from Saul) and Masada (Herod's mountain fortress). We will stop for a swim in the mysterious lake which is the Dead Sea. After overnight in the region of Masada, we will survey the northern Negev (Arad, Beersheba, Ashkelon) and southern Judean Hills (Lachish and Guvrim). |
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Sat 2/27 |
Benjamin/Jeshimon, and Shepehelah - For the final days of the tour, we will move into the Gloria Hotel, inside the Old City of Jerusalem. First of all, we will consider the all-important approaches to the city of Jerusalem, the Judean Wilderness to the east and the lowlands ascending from the coastal region to the west of Judah/Jerusalem. |
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Sun 2/28–Thur 3/4 |
Bethlehem & Jerusalem - We will give five days to a thorough investigation of the city where God placed His name, as well as a visit to the region of Bethlehem. We will carefully study and explore the city itself, walking the streets and the walls of the Old City, visiting important and instructive sites in the modern areas of the city. These days will be given to getting to know not only the history of this biblically important city, but its unique peoples and timeless culture as well. On our final day in the Holy City we will trace the movements of Jesus during the week of His Passion. |
Download the complete Israel trip calendar here.
Cost: $2,095. Note that this is a trip of 14 days, which includes 11 full days in Israel, with guide/teacher throughout the trip, all lodging, travel, entrance fees and incidentals paid. On the other hand, understand that the cost does not cover travel from and to the airport, lunches or any personal items (gifts, snacks, personal travel, etc). Seminary students may earn 2 units of credit, at no additional charge. Single Room Supplement: $550.
Restrictions and Requirements: This study trip will demand much more of the traveler than the ordinary tourist trip, both in terms of daily schedule and physical exertion. Darkness comes early in the winter and thus our days will begin early and involve several hours of study and hiking. It is important that each traveler be capable of walking 2 to 3 miles a day, often up and down steep hills, and very possibly in rainy weather. Finally, remember that you must be in possession of a valid and unexpired passport (i.e., which does not expire within six months of the departure date).
Deadline Dates:
- A non-refundable deposit of $250 immediately in order to secure a place on the 2010 Shepherds Seminary Study Trip to Israel.
- The balance must be paid by January 15, 2010.
- Cancellations: full refund less deposit & administrative costs.
Registration Procedure: If you would like further information, please contact:
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Dr. Doug Bookman |
Shepherds Theological Seminary, 6051 Tyron Road, Cary NC 27518 |
NOTE: If you would like to register for the Study Trip, please send your deposit to the address above. Make the check out to "Study Trip to Israel," and please include the following information:
- the full name of all travelers (as the name appears on his/her passport)
- complete mailing address(es)
- phone numbers (day and evening)
- e-mail addresses
- passport number(s) and expiration date(s)
- any questions or special concerns you may have
Note: It is recommended that travelers consider purchasing accident/health insurance for the trip. If your health insurance does not adequately cover you when abroad, consider short-term policies that cover only the time you are in Israel; they are quite affordable, and they do provide thorough and accessible coverage. An American company which provides policies primarily for Christian workers is MissionaryHealth.net. The contact is (800) 647-4589, or e-mail to health@missionaryhealth.net, or consult their website: www.missionaryhealth.net. An Israeli provider which has worked well is Chacoty Sasson General & Life Insurance Agency, on the web at www.chacoty.co.il. Click Options, then Insurance for Tourists, download, print and complete the application form and submit it by fax. Allow at least two weeks to accomplish this.