Sicily: The Land Where the Etrogs Grow
Introduction:
Sitting on the border between the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean, and the border between Europe and North Africa, the Island of Sicily has witnessed all of the major events that have impacted on European Jews throughout history. The Jews of Syracuse were mentioned in the New Testament as one of the first communities to be proselytized by Paul and the Jewish community of Sicily thrived up to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. The Etrog groves (pictured above) are earliest evidence of Jewish settlement in Southern Italy. Jewish life continued in hiding as crypto-Jews struggled to keep their Jewish identities alive. Today, a new emerging community made up the decedents of the ancient community is coming back to life – and will host us for a Shabbat in Palermo. An experience not to be missed.
Itinerary (Outline - subject to change)
Tuesday:
Our trip starts in a citrus grove near Catania. I will introduce the trip and we will also hear how the Etrog groves are the earliest evidence of Jewish settlement in Italy and about the unique role that the humble Etrog played in the citrus industry in Italy. Overnight: Syracuse
Wednesday.
A full day tour of Syracuse including the ancient Greek metropolis, the catacombs, the old Jewish quarter and the highlights of the old city on the Island of Ortigia. Overnight: Syracuse
Thursday:
We head to the city of Agrigento, with its collection of some of the most remarkable Greek temples in the world. Rabbinic Judaism was created the background have Greco-Roman culture. How much of the Greek influence remains in Judaism today? You’ll find the answer in Agrigento. Overnight: Agrigento
Friday:
We head up into the mountains to find the traces of the thousands of people who lead a Jewish life in secrecy during the time of the Inquisition. Traces of Jewish life can be found in many towns and villages, but we will head to the beautiful town Caltabellotta to get an idea of what it must have been like. After lunch we had to Palermo.
Friday night service and dinner with a local community made up of the descendants of the Crypto-Jews of Sicily. Overnight: Palermo
Saturday:
Shabbat morning service and lunch with the local community. In the afternoon we will embark on a walking tour of the old Jewish quarter of Palermo. Overnight: Palermo
Sunday:
We visit some of the highlights of Palermo including the spectacular Monreale cathedral. In the afternoon we will visit the site of the Inquisition Tribunal and prison. We end our day with a visit to an old church located in the former Jewish quarter, recently returned to the Jewish community to enable them to establish a Jewish presence in Sicily once again
Transfer to Palermo Airport.
Flights:
You will need to book your own flights.
The trip starts in Catania airport on Tuesday at 11:00 am and finishes in Palermo airport on Sunday at 17:00. There are direct flights from London to Catania offered by EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian and British Airways. Return flights from Palermo are offered by EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways.
Please note that the direct flight from Gatwick to Catania leave at 6:25 am, which is not to everyone’s liking! You may wish to arrive the day before at a more convenient time, and spend an extra night in Catania before the start of the trip.
Suggested flights:
OUT: Monday (requires extra night in Catania)
EasyJet Depart Luton 7:75
Norwegian: Depart Gatwick 15:15
British Airways: Depart Gatwick 14:55
OUT: Tuesday
EasyJet: Dep Gatwick at 6:25
RTN: Sunday
British Airways: Depart Palermo to Heathrow 18:20
Ryanair: Depart Palermo to Stansted 21:35
I will be on the British Airways flights, departing on Monday and returning on Sunday evening.
Dates: 16-21 May, 2017
5-10 September, 2017 *
24-29 October, 2017
Cost: May Trip:
Basic trip: £870. Single Supplement: £225.
September Trip:
Basic trip: £1120. Single Supplement: £310. (Fully Booked. Waiting List Only)
October Trip:
Basic trip: £870. Single Supplement: £225.
* The September trip is a 'Boutique Trip'. There will be no more than 20 participants int he group and will stay in upgraded hotels.
The tour includes hotels on a B/B basis. Airport transfers. Coaches, guides, Shabbat meals with the local community, It does not include flights, travel insurance, extras in hotels, any other meals, or anything not specifically mentioned.
Registration:
Registration for this trip is now open. This is expected to be a popular tour and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
To book your place please CLICK HERE
Payment schedule and Cancellation policy:
CLICK HERE for full details.
The trip is subject to a minimum number of participants and to Standard Terms and Conditions.
This trip promised to enrich your understanding of one of the most vibrant Jewish communities of all time. I hope you will be able to join me.
E&OE
Sitting on the border between the eastern and western basins of the Mediterranean, and the border between Europe and North Africa, the Island of Sicily has witnessed all of the major events that have impacted on European Jews throughout history. The Jews of Syracuse were mentioned in the New Testament as one of the first communities to be proselytized by Paul and the Jewish community of Sicily thrived up to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. The Etrog groves (pictured above) are earliest evidence of Jewish settlement in Southern Italy. Jewish life continued in hiding as crypto-Jews struggled to keep their Jewish identities alive. Today, a new emerging community made up the decedents of the ancient community is coming back to life – and will host us for a Shabbat in Palermo. An experience not to be missed.
Itinerary (Outline - subject to change)
Tuesday:
Our trip starts in a citrus grove near Catania. I will introduce the trip and we will also hear how the Etrog groves are the earliest evidence of Jewish settlement in Italy and about the unique role that the humble Etrog played in the citrus industry in Italy. Overnight: Syracuse
Wednesday.
A full day tour of Syracuse including the ancient Greek metropolis, the catacombs, the old Jewish quarter and the highlights of the old city on the Island of Ortigia. Overnight: Syracuse
Thursday:
We head to the city of Agrigento, with its collection of some of the most remarkable Greek temples in the world. Rabbinic Judaism was created the background have Greco-Roman culture. How much of the Greek influence remains in Judaism today? You’ll find the answer in Agrigento. Overnight: Agrigento
Friday:
We head up into the mountains to find the traces of the thousands of people who lead a Jewish life in secrecy during the time of the Inquisition. Traces of Jewish life can be found in many towns and villages, but we will head to the beautiful town Caltabellotta to get an idea of what it must have been like. After lunch we had to Palermo.
Friday night service and dinner with a local community made up of the descendants of the Crypto-Jews of Sicily. Overnight: Palermo
Saturday:
Shabbat morning service and lunch with the local community. In the afternoon we will embark on a walking tour of the old Jewish quarter of Palermo. Overnight: Palermo
Sunday:
We visit some of the highlights of Palermo including the spectacular Monreale cathedral. In the afternoon we will visit the site of the Inquisition Tribunal and prison. We end our day with a visit to an old church located in the former Jewish quarter, recently returned to the Jewish community to enable them to establish a Jewish presence in Sicily once again
Transfer to Palermo Airport.
Flights:
You will need to book your own flights.
The trip starts in Catania airport on Tuesday at 11:00 am and finishes in Palermo airport on Sunday at 17:00. There are direct flights from London to Catania offered by EasyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian and British Airways. Return flights from Palermo are offered by EasyJet, Ryanair and British Airways.
Please note that the direct flight from Gatwick to Catania leave at 6:25 am, which is not to everyone’s liking! You may wish to arrive the day before at a more convenient time, and spend an extra night in Catania before the start of the trip.
Suggested flights:
OUT: Monday (requires extra night in Catania)
EasyJet Depart Luton 7:75
Norwegian: Depart Gatwick 15:15
British Airways: Depart Gatwick 14:55
OUT: Tuesday
EasyJet: Dep Gatwick at 6:25
RTN: Sunday
British Airways: Depart Palermo to Heathrow 18:20
Ryanair: Depart Palermo to Stansted 21:35
I will be on the British Airways flights, departing on Monday and returning on Sunday evening.
Dates: 16-21 May, 2017
5-10 September, 2017 *
24-29 October, 2017
Cost: May Trip:
Basic trip: £870. Single Supplement: £225.
September Trip:
Basic trip: £1120. Single Supplement: £310. (Fully Booked. Waiting List Only)
October Trip:
Basic trip: £870. Single Supplement: £225.
* The September trip is a 'Boutique Trip'. There will be no more than 20 participants int he group and will stay in upgraded hotels.
The tour includes hotels on a B/B basis. Airport transfers. Coaches, guides, Shabbat meals with the local community, It does not include flights, travel insurance, extras in hotels, any other meals, or anything not specifically mentioned.
Registration:
Registration for this trip is now open. This is expected to be a popular tour and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
To book your place please CLICK HERE
Payment schedule and Cancellation policy:
CLICK HERE for full details.
The trip is subject to a minimum number of participants and to Standard Terms and Conditions.
This trip promised to enrich your understanding of one of the most vibrant Jewish communities of all time. I hope you will be able to join me.
E&OE