A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
February 1 to February 11, 2009.
Leader: The Rev. Dr. Raymond Gotko
Travel Organizer: Dr. William Johnson
Israeli Guide: Doron Heiliger

To download the registration form click here. (PDF)

(For additional information or clarification please contace Dr. William Johnson at israelfeb1@gmail.com

To View the Itinerary Click Here

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Walk the ground and view the land of the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Jesus of Nazareth. The stories of Holy Scripture will come alive as we walk on Mount Carmel, the banks of the Sea of Galilee, the cliffs of the Dead Sea, the ancient ruins of civilizations past, the lanes of modern towns, and the bustling city of Jerusalem. Each day brings a new adventure. Each evening offers a prelude to the next day’s journey offering an exploration of the historical significance of each locale using historical data and references from Holy Scripture.

The Rev. Dr. Raymond Gotko (Associate Rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia) will serve as the spiritual leader and educator. Ray’s previous trip to the Holy Land coupled with his deep knowledge of Scripture and of world religions and traditions will provide travelers provocative insights.

Dr. William Johnson (a parishioner of St. James’ Episcopal Church) is a frequent global traveler. As a retired math and science teacher, Bill offers his organizational and administrative skills to make for a smooth pilgrimage.

Doron Heiliger was born in Jerusalem 57 years ago. He is married, has two children and three “adorable grandchildren.” He speaks Hebrew, German, and English.  He graduated from guide school 35 years ago and has since worked as a guide in Israel (mainly Christian groups) and a lecturer in the states. Doron says that over the years “many groups from different parts of the world came to Israel through me.”
 

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Payment may be made by personal or corporate check only. Make checks payable to St. James’ for Israel Pilgrimage and mail to Israel Pilgrimage, St. James’ Episcopal Church, 161 Church Street NW, Marietta, GA 30060

Four days and nights in The Galilee visiting Tiberias, Caesarea, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, Cana, Korazim, Mount of the Beatitudes, Tabgah, St. Peter’s Primacy, Capernaum, Gergesa, Jordan River, Caesarea Philipi, Tel Meggido, Sehporris, Mount Tabor, Bet-Shean.

Six days in Jerusalem visiting The Mount of Olives, Church of Pater-noster, Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane, Mt Zion, King David’s Tomb, The Upper Room, Caiphas’ house, Church of the Nativity, Shepherd’s Field, Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall, Temple Mount, Pool of Bethesda, Praetorium, The Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jewish Quarter, Western Wall, the Garden Tomb, Holocaust Museum, The Israel Museum.

Day trips to Qumran, where the Dead sea scrolls were discovered; the fortress of Massada; the last stronghold of Jews; Ein-gedi; the Dead sea; Ein-Karem, birth place of St. John the Baptist; John the Baptist Cave.

Sturdy shoes for walking on uneven, rocky ground are essential. The temperature is moderate in the Galilee and along the coast: days in the 60’s, evenings low in the 40’s and 50’s. Jerusalem is 2500 feet above sea level making the evenings cool if not cold. Night-time temperatures can be in the 30s, day-time highs in the 50s. Layered clothing is suggested to make one comfortable during the possible beautiful/cold/rainy/shiny days. A rain jacket and hat are suggested as are a sweater and comfortable socks.

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Israel is a very secure place to visit as a tourist. Our guide will never put the tour group at risk. Israeli security is very thorough and efficient. DO NOT test the system by straying from the airline guides for international travel or the suggestions of our guide.

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The New Israeli Shekel / Sheqel – abbreviated as NIS or ILS, is Israel’s currency. There are coins of 5, 10, 50 agorot (like cents), and 1, 5, 10 shekels, as well as 20, 50,100 & 200 shekels notes. Note that 200 Shekels notes are not easily traded, and one should try to avoid receiving them when exchanging money. Money can be exchanged at any of the street exchange bureaux, ATMs or any of Israel’s major banks (i.e.- Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount bank, FIBI and Hamizrahi).

Banks - When exchanging money at a bank, you will be charged a fixed exchange fee, and if you choose to use an exchange place on the street, you will not be charged for the transaction, but will receive a lower rate than the banks supply. If you do choose to use the bank, try not to exchange money on Sundays. The reason is that while the Israeli banks are open on Sundays, there is no world currency trade on Sunday, and the banks charge a commission that is 10 times higher than on any other day of the week.

ATM – There are many ATMs around Israel that are all connected to European and American banking systems. When using an ATM, you will be charged by your credit card provider, as well as an ATM fee (usually 3.5% plus 4% of the total amount). Your credit card provider (i.e. VISA, Mastercard, Diners club, American express etc.) will also determine what the exchange rate is, and it will usually be the highest rate possible for that date.

Exchange bureaux - Generally speaking, exchange places are always cheaper than the banks and ATMs, but if you choose to exchange money at a change spot, make sure to look at the rates of a few places before making your choice.

Travelers’ cheques – some Israeli businesses will accept Travelers’ cheques, although most of them won’t. If you insist on using travelers’ cheques, this leaves you with the alternative of cashing them at any of the Israeli post offices which are the only commission – free way to cash travelers’ cheques in Israel. Cash can also be sent to post office branches using Western Union services. (Source: Israel Travel Tips)

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