For 2023 and the first exotic event after the Covid period, JEP decided to hold a once in a lifetime trip to India. The event began on the Thursday with a traditional Nemaste Indian welcome. On Friday sites in Delhi included the Jama Mosque, the Agrasen Ki Baoli (historical stepwall), a traditional rickshaw ride and a fun experience getting caught in the rains at the Raj Ghat (memorial to Gandhi).  During Shabbat participants learnt from Rabbi and Rebbetzin Sholom Hurwitz about conflict resolutions and the survival of Judaism.

On Sunday everyone travelled to Agra and got up early on Monday to see the famous Taj Mahal at dawn. Tuesday was even more fun, visiting the Amber fort in Jaipur as well as an elephant ride and the Jantar-Mantar observatory featuring the world’s largest stone sundial. This was the end of the main event, but the majority of participants then extended to visit the religious town of Pushkar, which despite logistical difficulties caused by a spontaneous religious holiday, participants got to experience world-famous camel cart racing and see the symbolic Pushkar lake.

The Summer 2023 event began with a tour of central Madrid including the Bernabeu Stadium, Neptune fountain and Gran Via main street. On Friday the day out included a visit to the beautiful city of Toledo and learning about it’s Jewish heritage from before the time of the Inquisition. Here guests enjoyed visiting the 2 historic Synagogues of Toledo. Participants got to enjoy a refreshing and relaxing Shabbat in the hotel, before visiting the Madrid Synagogue on the Sunday to learn about the city’s current Jewish community. The event ended with a traditional Madrid style Sunday experience, with free time exploring the famous local Flea Market.

The event began with a tour of the city’s Nyphenburg Palace and the famous Olympic Stadium site of 1972 summer games and Munich Massacre of 11 Israeli athletes. . On Friday, the group visited the Royal Palace and admired the historic city, before enjoying a relaxing Shabbat together. On Saturday night everyone together with the local VJSB students, to participate in a pre-purim party. For Sunday, to end the trip, participants got to experience an educative tour of Munich’s Jewish heritage and visit the Munich Synagogue.

The event began with a tour of the city’s most famous landmarks including the famous Park Guell with stunning Gaudi artwork. On Friday, the group visited the historic town of Girona, before enjoying a relaxing Shabbat in sunny Barcelona. On Saturday night everyone together brought in the New Year 2023 with our traditional annual Black Tie Ball. On Sunday, to end the trip, participants got to experience an interesting bus tour of the city followed by a walking tour of the old historic Jewish quarter.

The event began with a tour of the city’s most famous landmarks (the Garibaldi district, Corso Venezia, Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala). On Friday, the group visited the scenic Lake Como region and relaxed on a boat cruise admiring the stunning Villa del Balbianello and Bellagio towns, before enjoying a relaxing Shabbat learning about the challenges Rebbetzin Cherry Markovich faced leaving worn-torn Ukraine.  On Sunday, to end the trip, participants got to take a Funicular up to the beautiful old town of Bergamo.

The event began with a historical tour of the city’s most emblematic landmarks (the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar). That evening, participants got to celebrate Lag B’Omer with a traditional BBQ and then fun party celebrations. On Friday, the group shared a stunning Bosphorous cruise, before enjoying a relaxing Shabbat overlooking the Straits of Marmara.  On Sunday, to end the trip, participants got to explore and learn about Turkey’s Jewish historic past and present day.

The event began on Thursday with a fun visit to the Belem district and the opportunity to learn about the Jewish Heritage of Portugal. That evening, participants got to celebrate Purim hearing the Megillah in the Lisbon Synagogue, followed by a tasty Purim Seudah meal and giving of Mishloach Manot. On Friday, the group explored scenic Sintra and the Cape of the Rock, the furthest Western point on Continental Europe.  On Sunday, to end the trip, guests got to explore the city center and hear all about modern Lisbon life, with a full city tour.

The event began on Thursday with a tour of the Warsaw Old Town and the Praga District. That evening, participants got to have a fun night out with bowling, billiards, air hockey and more! On Friday, a visit to explore the Jewish Heritage of the city was followed by a special Shabbat celebrating the New Year’s Eve.  On Saturday night guests celebrated the New Year in traditional Black Tie ECJS style before on Sunday enjoying a historic tour of the Royal Castle.

The event began on Friday with a look into the European Union – exploring different cultures at the House of European History and the political procedures of the Parliament at the Parliamentarian.  A relaxing Shabbat at the hotel included a walking tour of Brussels city center followed by a fun night out partying “like a Jew”!  Finally, a visit on Sunday involved a day trip to the scenic city of Ghent.

The event began on Thursday with a tour of the Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, Navona Square, Roman Forum and arch of Titus. In the evening, guests got to spend the evening in a relaxing beach cafe in Fregene. On the Friday, a day out began with a visit to the Jewish Ghetto including the Jewish Museum, the Great and Spanish Synagogues and Tiber island.  A relaxing Shabbat at the hotel included an interesting question and answer session with a pulpit Rabbi, a Theologist and a Therapist.  Finally a visit on Sunday including a Modern Rome bus tour and a relaxing park visit through the ancient aquaducts of the city.