Going to Israel for winter break? Here are some of the best ingredients for an amazing Israel trip:

• Do things that Israelis do—hike. When locals are looking for an activity to do on a Friday afternoon, a date or a family bonding day off, they take to the hills. No fancy equipment or cartography skills are needed but just some water, hats, sunblock and sandwiches, and off they go to relax and enjoy nature. Even in winter one can take in the beauty of the land, the winter fauna and the fresh air. Hike, walk or just make use of the trails. It’s even better when the hike includes climbing and crawling and some Jewish history and Tanach thrown in.
• Meet amazing educators. Join Shani Taragin, master educator and talmida chachama, as she connects Torah with the ancient mikveh you will visit. Taragin’s vast knowledge and insights are even more exciting and impactful when standing on ancient sites. And while the adults are stimulated by Taragin, the kids will do fun, hands-on educational crafts. There are also other incredible educators and speakers to learn from and enjoy. Make sure to catch a shiur in one of the many venues you will visit on your trip. Jerusalem in particular has an incredible amount of English-speaking opportunities.
• Make Torah come alive. Israel is the land of the Tanach. Bring a Tanach and enjoy as your guide, Esti Herskowitz, takes you to the site of Biblical scenes where your children will reenact a perek of Navi and remember it forever. There are numerous other ways in which these scenes can come alive. Whether in a museum (The Israel Museum, Bible Lands, Museum of Biblical Natural History, Machon Hamikdash) or at an outdoor activity (Eretz Breishit, Ein Yael), just open your Tanach or smartphone app and jump into the text.
• Explore the area of the Kotel in new ways. There is newly discovered archaeology, updated tunnel tours, restaurants and new museums to enjoy. The Kotel is ever changing and full of life. And there are shuttles from the First Station if you want to avoid the walk.
• Do your homework. Check if there are any special events or festivals happening that week. You may be able to incorporate them into your visit or know to avoid the traffic.

Join The Eden Center on January 26, from 1 until 5 p.m., for a half-day program that combines all these great elements. Bus and lunch are included in the $40 per person fee, with a family plan available for six or more at $220. Space is limited so register soon at [email protected].

The Eden Center connects women’s health, intimacy education and mikveh, enhancing the lives of Jewish women. www.theedencenter.com

Many of these events are weather permitting.