January 2013 Alternative Winter Break for College students – Join us as we explore Croatia in partnership with University of Maryland Hillel for this life changing experience. For more information email Amy Weiss at aweiss@marylandhillel.org
Read the blogs and enjoy the photos as we venture on our trip
Tentative Intinerary
January 9. Wednesday. Arrive to Zagreb. Transfer to the Hotel. Afternoon Jewish tour in Zagreb (2-3 hours).
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia with 1000 years of history, friendly people and beautiful parks, will surprise you with it’s rich and fascinating Jewish history.
Take a walk through ages, starting at 11th century foundation of Zagreb, over to the 14th century and the first arrival of Jews to Zagreb, through the golden years of late 19th and early 20th century, when Zagreb developed rapidly, with Jewish community reaching it’s peak – just before almost completely perishing in the Shoah.
Dinner in the Hotel.
January 10, Thursday. Full day tour to Plitvice National Park.
PLITVICE: Discover why million people every year visit this pearl of world’s natural heritage that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Experience a unique blend of continental and maritime Croatia on sixteen remarkable cascade lakes. Timeless beauty of waterfalls thrills in every season in a different way. The perfect picture nature has been creating for several millenniums, leaving everyone breathless. Experience the birth of a vivid rainbow while getting refreshed with the scattered drops of 78 meters high waterfall. Find out why and how the Lakes change colors from emerald green to azure blue. Enjoy thousands of sparkling falls, clean pure air, the great Splasher, idyllical boat ride on Lake Kozjak, endemic flora and fauna.
Dinner in the Hotel.
January 11. Friday.
Morning:Visit the Jewish Community Elderly Home.
4:14 P:M Candle Lighting. Kabbalat Shabbat.
Followed by dinner in the Hotel.
January 12. Shabbat Kodesh.
9:00 AM. Morning Service in the Synagogue.
Lunch
Afternoon walking tour in Zagreb.
The old town tour covering the main sights and vibrant part of everyday life in Zagreb. We will visit the oldest parts of town, hear genuine Zagreb stories and legends, and enjoy a walk through the green promenade.Find out why people in Zagreb hear Gric cannon each day at noon and discover the hidden courtyards of old town. Enliven the stories from ancient times such as the struggle of Gradec and the Kaptol, or the story of the Golden Bull.
4:00 PM Seudah Shlisheet with Israeli Students from Zagreb.
Motzei Shabbat: 5:23 P:M
Evening: Zagreb by night- Surprise activity.
January 13. Sunday.
Day trip to Slovenia. Visit the capital city.
LJUBLJANA: Ljubljana has all the characteristics of a modern European capital yet still preserves the spirit of a small community that will enchant you with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Experience the harmonious blend of baroque, art nouveau and new architectural styles; the cathedral, dragon – the powerful city symbol, Park Tivoli, one of the best known creation Triple Bridge, and other bridges over the river with seven names. Discover charming cafes, clubs and nightlife, visit the opera, ballet or theater and do not forget to check the programs of numerous Ljubljana festivals. Ljubljana today has a tiny but active Jewish community that is deeply involved in the development of modern day Slovenia.
Dinner in the Hotel.
January 14. Monday. Chesed in Zagreb.
Afternoon: Lauder Jewish School.
After it: Cooking Class in the School and dinner.
January 15. Tuesday.
Morogoj Cemetery and trip to Lekenik.
MIROGOJ CEMETERY: The Mirogoj Cemetery is a cemetery park that is considered to be among the more noteworthy landmarks in the City of Zagreb. The cemetery inters members of all religious groups: Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Latter Day Saints and irreligious graves can all be found. In the arcades are the last resting places of many famous Croatians. The cemetery was created in 1876 on a plot of land owned by the linguist Ljudevit Gaj. Architect Hermann Bollé designed the main building.
The Jewish section of the cemetery is like an open book, telling us the turbulent history of the Zagreb Jewish community.
LEKENIK: It’s known by SOS Children village and for the „Fiddle on the Roof.”. Film producer Norman Jewison chose Lekenik to represent Anatevka in 1971, after visiting other sites in Austria, Canada, and Romania.
Learn about the Jewish past, see the different sites of the movie and visit the SOS Children village.
Story about the project from the beginning until present day – interaction of children in SOS village with the children from Zagreb Jewish School.
Chesed in Lekenik/ Teaching English 4:00-6:00 PM in two groups.
Dinner in the Hotel.
January 16, Wednesday.
Morning: Visit the Chabad Kindergarten after it free time for shopping
Dinner in the Hotel.
January 17. Thursday. Morning transfer to the Airport.