Timeframe

“Three to five months is optimal,” advises Efraim Goldstein, an EFCA-ordained minister who pioneered the ministry of Jews for Jesus in Israel. “That will give you enough time to study, travel and build relationships. The best time is between November and April—it’s off-season, so housing is less expensive.”

For those with less time available, considering combining a short course at one of the locations noted below, with personal time spent exploring.

Study

• Jerusalem University College — formerly the Institute of Holy Land Studies, offering courses from two weeks to two years long
• Israel College of the Bible — accredited Messianic Bible College offering degrees in Hebrew and English
• Bethlehem Bible College — four-year school accredited by the Palestinian Ministry for Higher Education and Middle East Association of Theological Education

Tours

Much of Israel can be experienced on a self-guided tour. Guided tours range from study tours and hiking tours, to special-interest tours (archaeology, architecture, food). Some can be booked on a daily or weekly basis, to enable the traveler to pick different parts of the country. A few places to start:

• Israel Ministry of Tourism — extensive travel-planning site with something for every type of traveler
• Tour Plan Israel — local tours
• Sar-El Tours & Travel — the only Messianic Israeli tour company
• Egged — the national bus company that schedules local tours all over the country at a reasonable price and daily schedules
• New Europe Tours — home of the “free tour” as an introductory taste, well as other options

Guides

Whenever possible, hire a licensed tour guide, according to Efraim Goldstein. “That provides insurance that they work for a legitimate tour agency, attended a government-sponsored course and have received a degree.

“The type of tour you want and in what region is more crucial than the particular guide,” he adds. “Many larger companies have several tour guides, and you book the tour and not the guide.”

Must-see itinerary

In addition to extensive time in Jerusalem, several other recommendations include:

• trips to the Negev, and even a camel ride or day hike in the desert
• week or two in the Galilee, with a rental car
• time in the modern Israel of Tel Aviv and Haifa
• a trip to Petra (in Jordan), with a few days in Eilat
• purchase of a national parks pass, to save money on travel to such historic sites as Masada, Caesarea, Megiddo and Mt. Carmel

Pastors might even organize a tour with church families. “Why not make a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah?” asks Karl Walter, an independent Israeli guide based in Tel Aviv. “It doesn’t mean you become Jewish. Bar Mitzvah means that now you’re a grownup person, responsible for yourself. Christians don’t have this [celebration] when they suddenly become adults. It’s a good place to do it—there’s a lot for kids to do here.”

And don’t book your entire itinerary ahead of time. “You might find an unexpected tour or make some contacts that will allow you to take advantage of special opportunities,” advises Efraim Goldstein. “Israelis can be very friendly and helpful, and [those relationships] can really bring a trip alive.”

Safety issues

Tour agencies and bus companies know what the travel restrictions are and have useful recommendations. It is possible to visit Bethlehem with tour groups or as an individual without any problems. Other areas in the West Bank or Gaza would require checking with the U.S. Embassy regarding travel restrictions. “Israel takes its security very seriously, more than any country in the world,” says Steve Hudson, co-director of Global Youth Initiative and veteran of 15 trips to Israel. “It isn’t unsafe anywhere to the degree that the media portrays it. I’m more careful in other western countries around the world than in Israel.”

Final Words

“Get connected with local believers and don’t just stay in a Jerusalem tourist center,” Efraim says. “Be yourself and be available to share the gospel with people in Israel when and wherever appropriate. It is not illegal to witness, so don’t be hesitant or afraid.”

Contact Efraim Goldstein about valuable material for communicating the gospel with Jews, or for more information on planning a sabbatical.