temple israel of highlands county 1305 temple israel drive ......narola rosenberg [email protected]...
TRANSCRIPT
Temple Israel of Highlands County
1305 Temple Israel Drive
Sebring, Florida 33870
863-382-7744 AUGUST 2017 / 5777
Temple Israel is a Reform Temple that promotes the enduring and
fundamental principles of Judaism.
Through prayer, study and friendship we strive to enrich our lives
and insure Jewish continuity in Highlands County.
Temple Israel’s Web Page www.templeisraelofhcfl.org
Congregational Board
Officers:
President:
Julia Ruden
Vice President:
Howard Salles
Secretary:
Bernice Snoll
Treasurer:
Cathy Blumenthal
Past President:
Herman Pintzow
Trustees:
Phyllis Behrens
Pamela Jay Paralikis
Narola Rosenberg
Sara Rosenbaum
Dora Tarabori
Alan Wildstein
Officiating Cantor:
Cantor Riselle [email protected]
Rabbi EmeritaLorraine Rudenberg
Newsletter Staff:Julia Ruden
Bulletin Board:Howard Salles
AUGUST 2017 / 5777
Fighting for Religious Pluralism in Israel
A Conversation with Anat HoffmanAnat Hoffman is executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the legal and
advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel and co-founder and chair of Women
of the Wall, which has been advocating for women’s rights at the Western Wall in
Jerusalem since 1988. I caught up with Anat during one of her speaking tours in the
U.S.
How did you become such a fighter for social justice?
My drive goes back to my childhood. When I was nine, a swimming team coach from
Tel Aviv saw me performing a gymnastics routine at a Jerusalem community center
and said, “Can you swim?” “Sure!” I said, and into the pool I went, kicking around in
the water. I didn’t know how to swim. “Do you want to be a champion?” he asked me.
“Yes,” I answered, and he said, “I’ll teach you how to swim, and you’ll become a
champion.” He did just that. In my teens, I became a champion swimmer,
representing Israel in the Maccabiah Games. I held titles in nine events. The
demands of swimming took a toll on my schooling, of course, but that didn’t stop
UCLA from recruiting me for its swim team.
Is that where you got involved in Jewish activism?
Yes. I organized the Israeli Student Organization in Southern California to do “Israeli
things” together – Israeli folk dancing, song nights, movie nights. I was a totally
secular Jew – the choice I’d seen in Israel was to be Orthodox or nothing – and there
was a general agreement among us Israelis that we didn’t do “Jewish stuff.” But my
attitude changed when my husband and I got involved with the Westwood Free
Minyan, which met at UCLA Hillel. It opened our eyes to the fact that rabbis could be
friendly and accepting. I also learned that there is more than one way to be a Jew,
and returned to Israel with a compelling desire to be a religious pluralism activist.
What was the impetus for your first social action campaign in Israel?
I proposed to Rabbi Uri Regev, at the time the director of the Israel Religious Action
Center (IRAC), that we open a complaint hotline. He loved the idea and soon
complaints came pouring in from all over the country. Many of them concerned
Israel’s national telephone company, BEZEQ. Consumers weren’t getting itemized
bills and didn’t know what they were paying for. So, we recruited the many callers
into an association, organized conferences, and published a consumers’ action guide
about how to defeat BEZEQ in court. We won 43 out of 46 cases, the telephone
monopoly was broken up, and people began getting itemized bills.
AUGUST 2017 / 5777
The realization that I could promote social change led me into politics. I won a seat
on the Jerusalem City Council and for the next 14 years fought the policies of the
city’s right-wing and ultra-Orthodox administration.
What led you to leave your seat on the city council to become director of
IRAC?
Ten years earlier, I had written an article demanding the resignation of a council
member who had been on the job for 20 years. I accused him of being an ineffective
has-been who didn’t know when to move on. So, I took my own advice, resigned,
and looked for another job – just as the position of IRAC director opened and I
applied.
During the interview, I was asked how a maverick city council member could possibly
work with six different Reform Jewish organizations. I assured the members of the
search committee that it would be no problem. One of them said, almost as a dare,
“Okay, then get us a reference from Mayor Ehud Olmert.” As a councilwoman, I had
initiated 30 court petitions and four police investigations against him. Yet the mayor
wrote a letter of recommendation and even called some members of the search
committee on my behalf. He told them how much he regretted that I was rarely on his
side. I got the job.
What was it about the Israel Religious Action Center that appealed to you?
Advancing religious pluralism in Israel and fighting for social justice is what I wanted
to do more than anything. What could be more satisfying than battling for these
values in the courts, coming to the aid of olim (Jewish immigrants) who face
discrimination by the Orthodox-controlled Ministry of Interior, or fighting to give
women the right to pray and read from the Torah collectively and out loud at the
Kotel, the Western Wall in Jerusalem?
What keeps you going in the face of so much resistance?
I believe if we keep up the pressure year after year, eventually we will win.
Anat Hoffman will be a featured speaker at the Union for Reform Judaism
Biennial in Boston, December 6-10, 2017.
BY ARON HIRT-MANHEIMER , 7/26/2017 REFORMJUDAISM.ORG
This interview took place prior to Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s decision in
June 2017 to negate an agreement passed in January 2016 by the government for
an egalitarian prayer section at the Western Wall, which was negotiated by the
Reform and Conservative movements, the Women of the Wall, the Jewish Agency
for Israel and the Israeli government.
AUGUST 2017/5777Julia RudenDear Friends and Family;
Time seems to go so fast; Our High Holy Days are a few weeks away
September 20th is Erev Rosh Hashanah. The tickets are printed and will
be mailed out soon. If you have not made your dues payment, please talk
to Cathy Blumenthal our Treasurer or to (me) Julie to make arrangements
before September 1st. If you do not receive your tickets by September 1st
please contact me to get those. There will be security for our High Holy
Days Services and they will be checking tickets.
Our Yiskor Book deadline for any changes or additions is September 20th.
Please contact Cathy Blumenthal 863-699-6539, after 2:00 PM with that
information. The cost is Chai $18.00.
We have a trip to Israel scheduled for this year October 16th through the
23rd.
This is a once in a lifetime trip - I encourage you to invite your families and
friends and to embrace this opportunity. We have extended invitations to
other smaller congregations also. There is a copy of the Itinerary and the
end of this newsletter.
*****PLEASE CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS NOW…TODAY ******
make sure they are valid and make your reservation.
For questions Contact Cantor Riselle Bain [email protected] or
813-600-8013. Am Yisraeil Chai!
I hope everyone is safe and enjoys their families and friends over this
summer.
May we continue to go from strength to strength!
Be thankful for everything, everyone, everyday – I am!
Thank you ALL for ALL you Dooooooo!!
Love Julie
Announcements
AUGUST 2017/ 5777 NEXT BOARD MEETING
Thursday, AUGUST 17th at
****************10A.M.
LUNCH BUNCH
The next Ladies Lunch
Bunch Group Monday,
August 28th at 12:15 PM
The Thai House (Fairmount
Shopping Center) US 27
North Sebring
Contact Renee Tepper
863-414-8811 or
and let her know you’ll be
there.
AUGUST Onegs are sponsored by:
8/25 Marvin & Elsa Kahn
Challah, wine, decaf coffee & fruit are
the basics for our onegs. If you
would like to sponsor an Oneg
contact Elsa Kahn 863-385-7322
תודה רבה - Thank You
Alan Wildstein and Alan
Jay Automotive Network
for providing
transportation for our
Temple! And for ALL YOU
Dooo!
Please Contact Cantor
Riselle Bain 813-600-8013
if you need assistance to
get to services.
Happy AnniversaryDonald & Lee Wilson
Phyllis & Bruce Behrens
Dr. Robert & Elisabeth Goldstein
Elsa & Marvin Kahn
Pamela & Stanley Paralikis
Kathy & Ben Kaleky
Barbara & Richard Sherman
August Yahrzeits
** Memorial Plaque in our Shul
Jennie Elias Diana Frank** Arya Mayer Frankel**
Ira Meyer Franbkel** Nathan Garshick Maud Harriet**
Hattie Jankower** Murray Jay Annette Kahn**
Jacob Kaminer Ruth Siloinsky Kirshner** Gustav Levy**
Selma Levy** Neil T. Lewis** William Mazen
Frances Liebeck Joseph Lippman Harry Pearlman
Sally Rotman Joseph Schwartz Annie Sherman**
Jane Sherwood Esther Sibulkin** Abraham Silverman
YAHRZEIT DONATIONS
Given by In Memory OfMary Ann Romer Joseph LippmanLois Lewis Neil T. LewisBruce Kirshner Ruth Silinsky Kirshner
In Loving Memory
Joe and Bernice Snoll planted a tree
in Memory of Beverly Higginbotham
To plant a tree, email your information of who you’re
honoring/remembering to [email protected] .
Mail check ($18.00/tree) to the temple. Write “Tree” in the memo line .
To send a birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy or mazel tov card
contact Dora Tarabori 863-699-0419 leave a message or email
[email protected] while Mary Ann Romer is away for the Summer.
Write “Temple card” in the email subject box.
Send your minimum $5.00 donation to temple.
Anniversary donations for July:
By: Congregation, Catherine Blumenthal, Julie Ruden, Herman and Becky Pintzow,
Howard Salles
To: Jay & Susie Luck, Rabbi Lorraine & Bruce Rudenberg,
Marc & Stephanie Hauser
AUGUST 2017 DONATION CARDS
Cantor Bain’s Schedule:
Future Erev Shabbat Services:(subject to change) 7:30 PM
August 25 – Torah Shoftim
September 8 – Torah Ki Tavo
***** Tickets Required *****
September 20 – Erev Rosh Hashanah
September 21 – Rosh Hashanah
September 29 – Kol Nidre
September 30 – Yom Kippur
October 13 – Sukkot/Simchat Torah – Torah B’reishit
October 27 – Torah Lech L’cha
November 10 – Torah Chayei Sarah
November 24 – Torah Vayeitzei
December 8 – Torah Vayeishev/Chanukah
December 22 – Torah Vayigash
INVOICE
ANNUAL DUESJune 1, 2017- May 31, 2018
NAME: ____________________________
MEMBERSHIP
CATEGORIES
FAMILY: $525.00
SINGLE: $325.00
Please make check payable to
Temple Israel of Highlands County, FL
Dues payable upon receipt of
This invoice.
*If you are able to increase your dues, it would be greatly appreciated!!
DUES $________
*DUES ENHANCEMENT $________
WOMAN’S CLUB DUES $________
($15.00)
NEW YEAR’S
GREETINGS $________
($18.00)
SPECIFIC FUND $________
(Floral, Clergy,
Education. Etc.)
_________________________________
TOTAL PAID $________
NOTE: Installment payments are available, or if special confidential arrangements need to
be made, please contact the Temple Office at 382-7744. Special arrangements must be made
with the President and/or Treasurer prior to the end of the first quarter or by
September 1st 2017
PAGE 1 of 7 This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board
REF: DH/CM 03
May 21, 2017
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to present a quote and program proposal for your Israel tour.
NAME:
Temple Israel of Highland Country
PARTICIPANTS:
10 – 25 guests
ARRIVAL:
Monday, October 16, 2017 (pending flight information)
DEPARTURE:
Monday, October 23, 2017 (pending flight information)
SUGGESTED DETAILED PROGRAM:
The following is a suggested program that can be edited over time and adapted to
your specific needs.
Monday, October 16
Welcome to Israel
After you have collected your luggage, passed through customs control you will be in
the Arrivals Hall. Make you way to the Steimatzky book store to the right. Your
guide will be waiting to welcome you there. He will have a sign with your name
written on it and will escort you to your awaiting driver and vehicle. Travel south to
the coast to Caesarea and its Roman and Crusader antiquities to see the excavated
Roman Theater echoing theatrical performances of long ago. Today, this theatre still
serves as a spectacular venue for concerts and music festivals. Visit the hippodrome
and port, as well as the Crusader City. While here see the Caesarea Harbor project
cinematic exhibition and audiovisual experience that will take you on a majestic
virtual tour of the site. Drive via Haifa’s Panoramic Road from where you will be
able to see the golden dome of the Bahai Shrine that is set amid beautiful gardens,
and serves as a significant landmark of the city. Continue into the Galilee to Safed,
the city of the mystics to visit the synagogues of Rabbi Isaac Luria and Rabbi Joseph
Karo. There will also be time to wander about the alleys, lanes and art galleries of
the Old City of Safed. Travel on to your hotel and check in. Dinner is included for
you tonight at your hotel.
Overnight – Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee.
Tuesday, October 17
The Golan Heights
After breakfast meet your guide, driver and touring vehicle. Start the day by boarding awaiting jeeps to
ascend the Golan Heights. During the course of the expedition, you will pass former Syrian army
headquarters and positions overlooking the Galilee. Then head to one of the sources of the Jordan River
for a nature walk at the Dan Nature Reserve. Proceed to the Assaf Boutique Winery to view the state-of-
the-art on-site laboratory and sample their exquisite wines. Enjoy lunch on the premises of the winery (own
account). After lunch ascend Mount Bental, a volcano, from where there is a superb view of the Israeli –
Syrian lines. Hear of the battles and the history that have taken place between Israel and Syria from 1948 to
date. Return to your hotel where dinner is included for you tonight.
Overnight – Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee.
Wednesday, October 18
Along the Jordan Valley
Check out of your hotel this morning. Drive to the shores of Lake Kinneret, stopping to pay your respects
to famous Israeli artists and poets buried at the Kinneret Cemetery on the waters edge. Travel southward
to Sde Eliyahu situated in the fertile Beit Shean valley. Meet an expert who will take you on a tour of this
unique Kibbutz that boasts clean air and a chemical free environment, view organic farming at its best.
Learn about the biological pesticides that are mass produced as natural enemies for biological pest control.
Also see how Barn Owls are used. Hear how bumble bees help form natural pollination in green houses
and open fields, all this is used to protect the environment. Round off the visit with lunch on the Kibbutz.
Arrive at Kasser El Yahud – "the Jews Passage." This is a beautiful monastery and an important place for
the Jewish people. According to the Jewish tradition at this place the Israelites crossed the Jordan river on
their way to the Holy land. Ascend to Jerusalem. Upon your first view of the eternal Holy City stop for a
moment's reflection and prayer on Mount Scopus. Participate in an age-old tradition by saying the
"Shehecheyanu" and "Borei Pri Hagefen" blessing as pilgrims did when approaching Jerusalem throughout
history. Arrive at your hotel and check in.
Overnight – Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem.
Thursday, October 19
The Old City of Jerusalem
Drive over to the Old City. Just beyond the Western Wall on Mount Moriah, where it is said the Patriarch
Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son, stands the Dome of the Rock with its marble and multi-colored
mosaics, quotations from the Koran and the Golden Cupola. Tradition has it that this rock marks the center
of the earth for the Jewish religion. In Moslem religion tradition says this is the point where Mohammed
ascended to heaven on his horse and is the third holiest place on earth for Islam. In the same courtyard is
the El Aksa Mosque. (pending police confirmation) Note: entrance to the Mosque is for Moslems only. On
to the Western Wall and Western Wall Tunnels for a tour and to see the archaeological discoveries
excavated in a vast concealed tunnel along the Western Wall. Stroll through the winding narrow, busy
streets, and colorful Bazaars filled with small shops. Round off the day with an in-depth tour of the Jewish
Quarter including the Cardo.
Overnight – Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem.
Friday, October 20
The New City of Jerusalem
Start the day with a visit to Yad Vashem, where, accompanied by a local curator tour the central memorial
and museum dedicated to the Holocaust. Continue to the Mahane Yehuda open air market of Jerusalem to
see how the locals do their shopping in preparation for the Shabbat. Take in the sites, smells and noises of
the market. And don't forget to pick up some chocolate rugelach! See some of the neighborhoods of
Jerusalem such as the Nachlaot area where there are quaint small synagogues pressed up against newly
restored residences and colorful alleyways. Return to your hotel to freshen up. This evening feel free to
make your way to the Old City to welcome the Shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall) and notice how
people from all corners of the world gather together with one purpose in mind, to welcome the Shabbat
Bride at the holiest place on earth for Judaism.
This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 2 of 7
Overnight – Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem.
Saturday, October 21
Kings and Rebels in the Desert of Judah
Depart Jerusalem and drive east through the Judean Desert, arriving at the mountain-top fortress
of Masada for an in-depth tour of the site. Ascend the cliff top fortress by cable car. From the top of
Masada, the outlines of the Roman encampments are still visible below. Continue southward and
stop at a hotel on the shore of the Dead Sea for a buffet lunch (included) in the hotel's dining
room. Here you will also have use of the hotel's private Dead Sea beach and private outdoor
pool. You might reserve treatments at the hotel's spa (not included, should be reserved in
advance). In the afternoon travel to the oasis of Ein Gedi for a hike through the cascading
waterfalls, where you may even get to see wild animals roaming freely in the desert. Return to
Jerusalem.
Overnight – Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem.
Sunday, October 22
Around the Old City of Jerusalem
Check out of your hotel this morning. Drive to the City of David, a small hill just outside of the
Ottoman Walls of the Old City that was the site of Biblical Jerusalem and the capital of King David.
Tour this fascinating location and also visit the Canaanite dry tunnel which is 3,400 years
old. This tunnel was replaced by the Hezekiah Tunnel 2,800 years ago, but since the Hezekiah
Tunnel is filled with very cold water you will stay in the dry tunnel. When you come out of the dry
tunnel, you will have a special opportunity to visit the new discoveries recently excavated. Explore
an underground tunnel once used as a drainage tunnel ending at the Southern Wall Excavations.
Proceed to Rehovot to visit the Ayalon Institute ("the bullet factory"), a clandestine operation that
manufactured armaments right under the noses of the British! Drive to Tel Aviv to your hotel and
check in.
Overnight – Shalom Hotel, Tel Aviv.
Monday, October 23
Touring in Tel Aviv
Check out of your hotel this morning. Start the day with a visit to the Independence Hall where
Ben Gurion declared the establishment of Israel on May 14, 1948. Sit in the very same room
where our founding fathers sat on that historic day! Proceed along the well-known Rothschild
Boulevard, where you can see excellent examples of Bauhaus Architecture from the 1930's, some
of which have been recently beautifully restored. Stroll through Neve Zedek, one of the first
neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, for a short tour to see the meticulously restored historic homes. Visit
Jaffa, one of the oldest biblical cities in the world and an important seaport since antiquity. Visit the
restored Old City including the artists' colony and the quaint harbor. Jaffa has much to offer in the
way of art galleries, gift-shops and restaurants found tucked away amongst the winding,
cobblestone streets. Arrive at the spectacular “Palmach Museum”. Through a modern multi-
media presentation on the history of the Palmach from 1941 to the War of Independence learn
about the establishment of the State of Israel. The story tells of the struggle against the British, the
illegal immigration, reflecting the motivation and dedication of the youth in their fight for
independence. Your guide, driver and touring vehicle will take you to the Yemenite Quarter of Tel
Aviv to reminisce over the trips highlights as you enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern farewell
dinner at the Maganda Restaurant. After dinner transfer to Ben Gurion airport for your departure
flight.
Next Year in Jerusalem
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L E T T E R O F Q U O T A T I O N
HOTELS:Accommodation at hotels includes full Israeli breakfast daily and hotel service charge. The price has been based on the following hotels:
October 16 – 18 (2 nights)Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee. (standard rooms)
October 18 – 22 (4 nights)
Arthur Hotel, Jerusalem (standard rooms)
October 22 – 23 (1 nights)
Shalom Hotel, Tel Aviv (standard rooms)
MEALS:
In addition to the complete Israeli breakfast served daily, we have included the following meals:
•Monday, October 16: Dinner at Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee
•Tuesday, October 17: Dinner at Kfar Giladi Hotel, Galilee
•Wednesday, October 18: Lunch at Sde Eilyahu.
•Saturday, October 21: "Lunch and Swim" at a Dead Sea Hotel, Spa.
•Monday, October 23: Farewell Dinner at Maganda Restaurant, Tel Aviv.
ENTRANCE FEES IN ISRAEL:
Entrance fees to the various parks and sites have been included, as per the itinerary.
TOURING SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
•Eight days of touring with a professional English speaking tour guide •Eight days services of a driver, driving a vehicle licensed/ insured for tourism.•Overnight stays away from home base and expenses for the tour guide and driver
•All mileage per the above program.•All tour coordination services.
•Bio tour at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu, Jordan Valley.
•Jeep excursion on the Golan Heights.
•Curator at Yad Vashem
•One group departure transfer from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport. The following is cost per person sharing a double room.
Price includes one free occupancy in a single room and round trip flight ticket
10 – 14 guests: $2,972 including one free on a minimum 10 full paying guests
15 - 19 guests: $2,461 including one free on a minimum 15 full paying guests
20 - 24 guests: $2,149 including one free on a minimum 20 full paying guests
HOTEL POLICY:
The hotel rates above are the "Best Available Rate" as of today and not reserved. Once rooms are
reserved and confirmed the rates may fluctuate slightly, based on the correct price on the day of
booking. We will always do our best to minimize cost increases.
PLEASE NOTE:
The above-suggested program includes many elements that have not yet been booked. They are
pending final booking and confirmation. As such, there may be slight changes in the final program.
The above cost is subject to change at any time as per notice from hotels and other suppliers of
services. If number of participants and/or rooming arrangements and/or flights schedules are
changed, the price will have to be revised.
This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 4 of 7
THE ABOVE TOUR IN ISRAEL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Cost of round trip airfare from country of origin to Israel.
Any expenses of a personal nature.
Meals other than those indicated.
Any gratuities at all.
Spa treatments.
Beverages at meals.
Early check in.
Night outings.
Overtime or over mileage beyond what has been allotted.
Any guests at meals other than the participants of the party.
Personal health insurance, insurance for baggage, personal items, trip cancellation
or interruption.
HOTELS IN ISRAEL:
Please note that check - in at Israeli hotels is 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM and check-out time
is 11:00 AM - 12:00 noon. Should you want guaranteed early check -in or guaranteed
late check-out, this may well involve a supplemental charge. Note also that check-in
at many Israeli hotels on Saturdays is often two hours after sundown. Some Israeli
hotels charge for wireless internet services.
THE TOUR DAY:
The above proposal has been priced out based on the itinerary, mileage and hours to
be traveled, and the other touring elements noted above. Should you veer from the
printed program this may result in over mileage and/or overtime charges above and
beyond what has been budgeted. The base tour day is based on up to ten hours per
day. Such charges will be billed to you at the end of the trip.
GRATUITIES IN ISRAEL:
It is customary to tip your Israeli guide some $18 per person, per day split between
your guide and driver (2/3 guide, 1/3 driver). It is customary also to tip your airport
drivers, bellboys and hotel staff. This is of course left up to your discretion. This is of
course left up to your discretion.
PASSPORT / VISA INFORMATION:
All passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from
the USA. Note that upon entering Israel, your passports are no longer stamped.
Instead you will receive a formal stamped form with a visa valid for 3 months. Please
keep this form as you will need it for hotel check in, car rental, bank affairs, entry to
the Knesset, etc.
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TERMS OF PAYMENT:
1.A deposit of $500 per person is required to assure reservations.
2.60 days before arrival 50% of the total amount is required.
3.Final and full payment is required 30 days prior to arrival.
4.Payment may be made via bank transfer.
5.For payment via credit card please add 3% to the cost.
6.Funds may be wired to:
Bank HaPoalim, 12,
Rehovot Branch #615
Credit to Mabat Platinum Ltd., Touring Services.
Account: #615 515
Bank Address: Herzl Street, 179, Rehovot, Israel
Swift: poalilit
IBAN #: IL870126150000000615515
7.All above prices and all payments must be made in U S dollars.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If cancellation is received in our office:
From date of payment of deposit until 60 days before arrival date – $500 per person
will be charged. Between 60 – 30 days prior to arrival – an additional $500 per
person will be charged.
Within 30 days of arrival - full payment will be charged.
Cancellation of various elements in the program less than 48 hours prior to the event
may well result in a full cancellation charge.
NEW VAT TAX REGULATIONS:
Please be aware that according to the new Israeli tax laws, being strictly enforced by
all hotels, all guests holding Israel citizenship, even those with dual
citizenship/passports both for individual travelers and guests part of a group, or
invited local guests, will be charged VAT tax. Therefore, we need to receive this
information in advance in order to finalize the bill. Should we not get this information
in advance, and hotels charge us VAT tax, be aware that we will charge you with this
extra amount retroactively.
INSURANCE:
Insurance for baggage, personal items, health coverage and trip cancellation and
interruption is not included, but is highly recommended. We suggest obtaining
coverage through your local provider.
This has been approved by the Temple Israel Board Page 6 of 7
RESPONSIBILITY:
Mabat Platinum Ltd., (hereinafter called the Tour Operator), acts only as an agent for
the various companies, owners or contractors providing the means of transportation,
accommodation and other services. All exchange orders, coupons and tickets are
offered subject to the Terms and Conditions under which such services are offered or
provided. The issuance and acceptance of such tickets shall be deemed to be
consent to the further conditions that the Tour Operator shall not be in any way liable
for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in any vehicle, or through the
acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger/s or
of any hotel proprietor, personnel or servant otherwise in connection therewith.
The airline and transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible
for any act; omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their
planes or conveyances. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour announced in this
program and to make such alterations to the itineraries as may be found desirable for
the proper carrying out of the tours. In the event that it becomes necessary or
advisable in the Tour Operator's discretion to alter the arrangements or itineraries for
the passenger/s comfort or welfare or for any reason whatsoever, such alterations
may be made without penalty to the Operator. The Tour Operator reserves the right
to change any hotel/s listed with one of a similar category if circumstances
necessitate. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passenger/s. The right
is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any group at
any time.
I trust that the above is satisfactory. Feel free to forward any comments or questions
by e-mail.
Sincerely yours,
Doron Harel
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