(Courtesy of Pesach in Jerusalem) Over four hundred guests from around the world gathered for Pesach at the magnificent Dan Jerusalem Hotel for what became a deeply meaningful and unforgettable chag. Under the leadership of Dr. Doron Katz and Rabbi Avi Rosalimsky, Pesach in Jerusalem 2025 was a powerful convergence of Torah, family fun and luxurious togetherness, experienced in the heart of the Jewish world.
Nestled atop Mount Scopus, the Dan Jerusalem Hotel offered panoramic views of the Old City and the Judean Desert, providing an uplifting setting for this week-long celebration. Guests were treated to spacious and modern accommodations, including indoor and outdoor pools, an upscale spa, basketball and tennis courts and family-friendly amenities. Every detail—from the kitniyot-free Glatt Kosher cuisine, prepared under Mehadrin supervision, to the elegant sedarim—were designed to elevate the Pesach experience in both spirit and comfort. Courtney Lopchinsky shared, “The Pesach in Jerusalem Program exceeded our expectations in every way. From the delicious food to the outstanding hotel accommodations and amenities, every detail was thoughtfully arranged. The Chol Hamoed activities and trips were fantastic, and we found ourselves attending far more lectures and shiurim than we anticipated. The award ceremony honoring our heroes was incredibly meaningful and deeply moving.”
A key pillar of the program was the lineup of dynamic Torah educators and thought leaders who filled the week with rich shiurim, compelling lectures, and interactive panel discussions. Among the renowned speakers were Rabbi Moshe Benovitz, Rabbi Shalom Rosner, Rabbi Yakov and Lori Palatnik, Rav Aharon Pessin, Tamir Goodman, Rabbi Dov Lipman, Rabbanit Yemimah Mizrahi, Rabbi Judah Mischel, MK Ohad Tal, Rav Doron Perez, Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum, Dr. Norman Goldwasser, Rabbi Jason Finkelstein and Rabbi Jay Kelman. These voices offered unique perspectives on halacha, Jewish identity, resilience and faith, sparking meaningful conversations and deepening the spiritual atmosphere for participants of all ages. Jackie Feigenbaum, Pesach in Jerusalem guest, reflected, “Pesach in Jerusalem was everything we could have dreamed of and more – for every member of our family, from the youngest grandchild to the oldest adult. The davening was beautiful, the day camp kept the kids happy and engaged, the shiurim were uplifting, the basketball clinics were a huge hit, and the Chol Hamoed entertainment was top-notch. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful and inspiring Pesach to share with our children and grandchildren. It was truly unforgettable.”
Throughout Chol Hamoed, guests enjoyed hourly shuttles to the Old City, Mamilla Mall and Ben Yehuda Street, allowing them to explore Jerusalem’s spiritual and cultural heartbeat at their own pace. In addition, the program offered a range of day trips curated to help guests connect with the land and people of Israel. These included a guided tour of Har Hatzofim, featuring Hadassah Hospital and Hebrew University; an eye-opening exploration of the Muslim Quarter of the Old City with Ateret Cohanim; and a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea with the option for exhilarating ATV or jeep rides through the Har Sedom region. For the more adventurous, there was a hike through the striking Nahal Og trail in the Judean Desert.
Adding to the joy of the chag was a top-tier entertainment lineup that brought energy, creativity, and simcha each evening. Mentalist Dan Harel captivated the audience with a spellbinding performance. Comedy fans were treated to a night of laughter with world-renowned comedian Matan Peretz. A high point of Chol Hamoed entertainment was a high-energy concert featuring the soulful Duvie Shapiro, Israeli pop star Noam Buskila, and the one-of-a-kind Netanel Katz, better known as “Simcha on Wheels,” who brought the crowd to their feet.
One of the most emotionally stirring moments of the week took place on Wednesday night of Chol Hamoed, when the program honored the heroes of Israel – those who have sacrificed so much for the safety, strength, and spirit of the Jewish people. The evening paid tribute to Hadas Lowenstern, Rachel Goldberg, Rav Doron Perez, Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, Simmy and Sara Zimbalist, Aron Skoczylas, Rabbi Shai Graucher, Agam Berger and Shlomo Klein. Their stories, filled with courage and emunah, resonated deeply with every person in the room, reminding us that the strength of Am Yisrael rests in both its faith and its people. Reflecting on the experience, Sarah Zimbalist shared, “Everything about the Pesach in Jerusalem Program reflected the tremendous amount of thought, care, and effort that went into every detail. Avi and Doron were exceptional hosts, and together with their dedicated staff, they created a well-organized, impressive, and truly enjoyable experience. We had a wonderful time and appreciated every moment.”
As the final Havdalah of the chag concluded, guests embraced with tears and song, reflecting on a Pesach that was far more than a holiday. Pesach in Jerusalem 2025 was a rare and beautiful fusion of luxury, learning, leadership, and love for Israel. It was a week of transformation, where personal journeys intersected with national memory, and where every guest left feeling part of something larger than themselves.
For those seeking to experience the beauty of chag in Jerusalem, surrounded by Torah, community, and purpose, Pesach in Jerusalem has quickly become one of the most inspiring and sought-after programs in the Jewish world.
To learn more or register for next year’s program, email [email protected] or visit PesachinJerusalem.com.
