Since 1997, the B'nai B'rith International (BBI) Mission and Travel Office has led uniquely focused missions to Cuba, Israel, Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The Cuba missions offer an opportunity to learn about the small but vibrant Cuban Jewish community and its B'nai B'rith lodge, as well as help the community. Members of the mission bring medical supplies, Judaica, and other essentials to the Cuban Jews. All the missions offer the opportunity to understand the Jewish roots and Jewish life in different locales. Visitors absorb the culture and glimpse today's Jewish presence in some unlikely enclaves.
For the 2008-2009 season, there are trips for adults, families, and singles (listed below).
Highlights of Upcoming Trips
Mission to Cuba Dates: December 10-18, 2008 Features: Havana, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara Highlights:
Visit three synagogues in Havana
Visit cultural and historical sites
Opportunity to help in a Jewish community project (January only)
Visit a typical Jewish family in their home
Meet Jewish leaders and learn the history of the Jewish community in Cuba Includes:
Round-trip air Miami-Havana-Miami
Seven nights at a luxurious 5-star hotel in Havana and one night in Miami
All breakfasts and dinners in Cuba
Modern air-conditioned motor coach
Experienced English-speaking guide
Health insurance while in Cuba
License to travel to Cuba
Visa for U.S. citizens Costs:
Double Occupancy: $3,220 per person
Single Occupancy: $3,375 per person Contact: Nina Kaplan, Director at 877-222-9590 or travel@bnaibrith.org. Holland America Southern Caribbean Cruise -- 7 nights on the Westerdam Dates:
Departure Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Return Date: Sunday December 21, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Ports of Call:
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Oranjestad, Aruba
Willemstad, Curacao Costs:
Cat K: Double $683.28, Single $983.28
Cat GG: Double $833.28, Single $1,208.28
Cat D: Double $893.28, Single $1,298.28
Cat VD: Double $1,033.28, Single $1,887.28
Third and Fourth passenger rate - $399.52 per passenger
Quotes for other categories are available upon request.
Prices include cruise fare, port charges, taxes and round trip ground transportation from a designated area in south Florida to Ft. Lauderdale pier. Prices include one bottle of wine per cabin.
Prices are per passenger based on double occupancy and subject to availability. A deposit of $350 is required in order to secure cabin space and is fully refundable up until September 20, 2008 when final dayment is due, after which cancellation penalties apply.
Travel insurance with preexisting coverage is additional and highly recommended. Premium is payable with deposit and is fully refundable up until cancellation penalties apply. Contact: To book please call Bernie at (866) 205-0938 – Pin 8337 OR (201) 457-1931. Questions - contact Nina Kaplan, director at 877-222-9590 or travel@bnaibrith.org. View more information about Holland America Signature of Excellence Cruises.
Argentina/ Uruguay Adventure March 4-15, 2009
Spend Purim exploring this beautiful region, its culture, and its people. See Buenos Aires and experience its Jewish culture. Visit Iguassu Falls and tour historic areas including the bullfighting ring in Colon and Jewish Montevideo, Uruguay.
Israel at 61 April 23-May 3, 2009
Celebrate Israel's 61st Birthday! Enjoy the sights and sounds of Jerusalem, the wonders of the Dead Sea, and the history of Masada. Visit the Roman theatre of Caesarea, enjoy panoramic Haifa, artistic Safed, see the Golan Heights by jeep, and cosmopolitan Tel Aviv.
Spain - A Jewish Perspective June 3-12, 2009
Explore Spain's Sephardic Jewish heritage in Segovia, Toledo, and Cordoba. Visit Madrid, enjoy a traditional Flamenco show in Seville, see the oldest bullring in Spain in Ronda, tour the Costa del Sol and the Rock of Gibraltar, and explore the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Israel Jewish Family Tour August 19-31, 2009
Take your family on a journey of a lifetime! Visit sites that will appeal to young and old in Jerusalem and the Old City. Experience Masada, the Dead Sea, the Galilee, Akko, and Caesarea.
European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage September 6-27, 2009 (tentative dates)
Visit local programs in Europe celebrating Jewish culture. More information available soon!
Turkey Jewish Highlights October 18-29, 2009
Visit this cosmopolitan country with thriving Jewish sections. Tour historic synagogues and modern cities like Istanbul. Take a Bosphorus cruise, see ancient cities like Hieropolis, tour the Temple of Diana, travel to the ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire and experience Izmir's Jewish life.
Panama & Costa Rica Chanukah Tour December 7-18, 2009 (to be confirmed)
Celebrate Chanukah and explore the natural wonders of this region. Visit Panama City and the engineering marvel, the Panama Canal. Enjoy Costa Rica, including the Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs, and Tortuguero National Park.
Since 1997, the B'nai B'rith International (BBI) Mission and Travel Office has led uniquely focused missions to Cuba, Israel, Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. 
Argentina/ Uruguay Adventure
Spain - A Jewish Perspective
Israel Jewish Family Tour
Turkey Jewish Highlights
Panama & Costa Rica Chanukah Tour
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