Program Emphasis:  The Emmaus program is designed as a study-program centered upon Jesus’ ministry and the Gospel message within the landscape, culture and context of New Testament Judea and Galilee. In addition to formal lecture times, numerous discussions will take place during travel times while on the bus and at various sites. The focus and design of the Emmaus program is threefold. (1) To visit key sites associated with Jesus’ ministry and the Apostles’ ministry  within Israel  (2) To expose you to relevant geographical, historical, cultural, religious, literary, and rabbinic elements in an effort to synthesize first century AD thought and practice that will allow you to better understand and appreciate the context of biblical messages and discourses. (3) To build a bridge of understanding between Jesus’ ministry and the Jewish, Rabbinic and Roman reactions of acceptance or rejection of his message. A notebook has been prepared for you as a study and learning aid. The notebook will be distributed to you once your registration in the program is complete.

Program Dynamics:  NOTE: This is not your typical “tourist” tour of Israel. The pace is demanding and daily activities often go for a full 8-10 hours. There is limited free time. We have done our very best to maximize this program into a most unique and rewarding trip. Its uniqueness requires both effort and patience on your part.

Group Standards:  As a Christian adult educational program, Emmaus recognizes the diversity of the Christian community in terms of personal indulgences; therefore, except for the modest restrictions stated below, we only ask that you act as responsible adults while associated with the Emmaus program. Alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco products are not allowed during scheduled touring hours and the three daily group meals.

Program Cost and Financial Responsibilities: 

• Because the program will have participants from the USA, Canada, the UK, and from the EU, Emmaus is offering the program at a land packaged price (that is, the Israel portion of the program) “plus” airfare. In other words, you will pay Emmaus for the Israel land program and pay an air agency independently for any and all international air travel arrangements you will need. See the Flier for program costs.
• Plus (+) Air:  Your air travel needs are your personal responsibility; however, Emmaus has enlisted the international services of MTS Travel to assist with your flight arrangements. Emmaus has secured reserved seating on a prearranged flight scheduled out of New York (JFK) on May 18, 2004. You are welcome to contact MTS Travel and purchase one of these reserved seats, or you can make your own travel arrangements with your personal travel agency. Should you not take part in the above prearranged group flight you must make your own ground transportation arrangements from the Tel Aviv airport to the Sharon Hotel in Herzlia (15mi, 25km). Please arrive at the hotel prior to the evening meal of May 19th. If you do utilize our prearranged group flight (JFK), a group bus transfer from the Tel Aviv airport to the hotel has already been prearranged. To utilize the prearranged flight services of MTS Travel, please contact Bonnie Mogle at:

bonniem@mtstravel.com
MTS Travel
124 E. Main Street, 4th Floor
Ephrata, PA 17522  USA

Phone: (800) 418-2929x315

Phone (717) 721-7315
Fax: (717) 733-1909

• Emmaus programs are designed to eliminate the numerous incidental financial responsibilities one often encounters on packaged tours. Tour agencies and their clients often publish a low base price giving the appearance that you have discovered a bargain. On such programs you are held financially responsible for any number of fees not accounted for in the published program cost. These “hidden” or “unannounced” fees can add up to as much as $150-$300 by the end of your trip. In an effort to minimize your individual responsibilities for undeclared fees, Emmaus has calculated such fees and included them into your overall program cost. Except for the daily lunch meal and items related to optional personal choices, your Emmaus program cost covers all such incidental fees. We do this in order for you to have a realistic cost of the Emmaus program and to eliminate the hassle so often associated with “hidden” fees. For clarification please review the Covered and Not Covered features listed below.  
• Items Covered in Your Program Cost:  (a) All scheduled program related activities and group transfers. (b) Accommodations. (c) Private touring bus. (d) Any local guide as needed. (e) Emmaus instructors. (f) All tips. (g) Two meals a day. (h) Admission to sights and museums. (i) Program “Notebook” containing diagrams, notes and articles.
• Not Covered in Your Program Cost:  (a) Roundtrip airfare from and return to your point of origin. (b) Daily lunch meals and specialty beverages or bottle water at meals.  (c) Personal health or accident insurance – Required. (d) Personal travel insurance – Recommended. (e) Any incidental personal expenses for snacks, shopping, etc. (f) Any overnight lodging, ground transportation, flights and meals not included in the program itinerary as outlined by Emmaus. (Should you need assistance with personal health, accident, or travel insurance please contact Bonnie Mogle at MTS Travel.)

Canada Flight Information:  The USA program originates from (and returns to) New York City (JFK Airport). Canadian participants are encouraged (not required) to join the USA group departure from JFK. If you desire to utilize our prearranged flight from JFK please contact MTS Travel to make the proper flight connection(s). Please arrive at JFK in sufficient time to meet at the JFK departure gate a minimum of 1 hour prior to the scheduled 5:45 PM departure time on May 18, 2004. Upon arrival at the departure gate, please “check-in” with Emmaus staff. (See Flight Schedule for a printout version of reserved flights.)

UK and EU Flight Information:  Emmaus encourages you to join the Frankfurt departure flight to Tel Aviv as noted earlier. However, given the UK and EU airline and flight alternatives, it is understandable if you desire a different carrier or flight schedule. Please feel free to contact MTS Travel for the group departure flight out of Frankfurt or for alternative routing. (See Flight Schedule for a printout version of reserved flights.) 

USA Group Flight Schedule: All flights are with Lufthansa Airlines

DEPART         New York/JFK            18 May            LH407             5:45 PM

            ARRIVE          Frankfurt                      19 May                                    7:20 AM

            DEPART         Frankfurt                      19 May            LH686            10:15AM   

            ARRIVE          Tel Aviv                       19 May                                    3:10 PM

            DEPART         Tel Aviv                       02 June            LH691             5:30 AM   

            ARRIVE          Frankfurt                      02 June                                    8:55 AM

            DEPART         Frankfurt                      02 June            LH400           10:00 AM    

            ARRIVE          New York/JFK            02 June                                  12:30 PM

Climate and Clothing:  The weather in Israel during May is mild to warm, with a chance of hot.  Rain is not likely. Daytime temperatures in Jerusalem usually range from a low of 60 F (15 C) to a high of 77 F (25 C). In the Galilee region you can expect a few degrees warmer.  It is best to “layer” your clothing rather than bring an excessive number of individual specialty items. No “dress-up” cloths are needed. Casual ware is customary and more practical. Shorts are OK. No short-shorts please. Because we will be visiting “holy sites” there will be times when you (men and women) must dress more modestly (shoulders and knees covered). “Slip-over” or “wrap-around” clothing is best for such occasions. We will notify you in advance when your “modesty kit” of clothing will be needed.

·     Bath towels and small bar soap are provided at all hotels. Shampoo and hair dryer at some.

·     Electrical supply is 220 volts. Bring a converter and European style plug adaptor.

·     Wear comfortable walking shoes with “treads” as your primary footwear. Tennis or light hiking shoes do well. Avoid heels, dress shoes, or street shoes. If there are no “treads” on your shoes, it is best to leave them at home.

·     Israel web weather at http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/40184.html

Packing and Laundry:  Historically, most people over-pack for international travel. A good rule of thumb is to pack your bags and then eliminate at least 25% of your items – reducing the size of your luggage accordingly – or providing needed space for purchases made during your travel. There is limited space available on the bus for luggage. Please keep your luggage size and contents to a minimum. Luggage is limited to one primary travel bag and one small soft day-bag. In Herzlia, at the Sea of Galilee and in Jerusalem our overnight locales have at least two-nights lodging. You can send out your laundry for cleaning and have it returned to you before our scheduled departure. Expect an average of $3-$4 per major item and $1-$2 for minor items. Please be aware that you are at times required to manage and transport your own luggage. It is recommended you pack for 5-6 days of travel and take advantage of laundry opportunities. Coin operated washers and dryers are available at our Galilee resort.

Passport: 

• Your passport must not expire prior to NOVEMBER 20, 2004. If your passport expires before this date you must apply for a new passport. No exception.
• If you do not have a USA, CANADA, UK or EU passport you must notify Dr. Wink Thompson since special circumstances may apply to your entry into Israel.
• If you have any entry or exit stamps in your passport reflecting previous travels to an Arab or Muslim nation, you must notify Dr. Wink Thompson.

Money:  In addition to your regular tourist-type purchases and your daily lunch expenses ($5-$8), it is recommended you bring a “slush fund” of about $15-$20 per day for incidental spending (snacks, water, soda, maps, taxis, tourist guide books, etc.). US Dollars, Credit Cards, and Travelers Check are fine. You may convert these funds into local currency at our hotels or nearby banks. ATM machines exist but are rare, at times are difficult to locate, or are not readily available during the program. Do not depend on ATM machines to meet your financial cash needs.

Academic Credit:  If you are a registered student at an academic institution you may be eligible for academic credit. You must make your own arrangements for academic credit with the Academic Dean of your institution. For those of you desiring academic credit you must fulfill 4 academic requirements.

1.      You are required to read in advance of the program David Flusser’s book entitled Jesus (Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 2002; available at the JP website www.jerusalemperspective.com). It is not necessary to bring this book on the program; however, you may find it useful as a resource while on the program. A three-page (single-spaced) “book report and critique” is required and is to be received by Dr. Wink Thompson no later than April 1, 2004. Your book report is to be a critical assessment of the book and your personal response to the material presented. (For example): How did this reading offer new insight into your understanding of Jesus and the Jewish world of his time? Have you come to realize new elements that have benefited your understanding of the ministry and message of the historical Jesus? If so, what are they? Explain with examples and comparisons.    

2.      You are required to purchase and read portions of Carl G. Rasmussen’s NIV Atlas of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989 or later; available at most university bookstores). You are to read pages 5-56 and 160-208 of this atlas in advance of the program. You are to bring this atlas on the trip as a lecture and field resource. At the conclusion of the Jerusalem portion of the program you will be required to take an oral exam during which time you are to explain a biblical passage within its larger geographical setting and secondly, its more specific geographical locale within that region. The text will be offered to you several days in advance in order for you to prepare adequately. Group study is recommended but each student will take the oral exam independently. If you do not wish to take the oral exam, you may substitute a “book report.” This report is to be a three-page (singled-space) written report of how the following book has influenced you in your geographical understanding of the biblical world. If you elect to do a report rather than the oral exam, your report is also due no later than April 1, 2004. Report on Denis Baly’s The Geography of the Bible (New York: Harper & Row, 1974; 1957 edition if 1974 edition is not available; both editions are now out of print but can perhaps be found at your university’s library or through an interlibrary loan service).   

3.      An essay exam (“open field notes”) will be offered at the conclusion of the Galilee field study.  This essay exam will ask you to interact with a biblical passage based on your reading and fieldtrip experience.       

4.      A second essay exam will be offered at the conclusion of the Jerusalem field study. This essay exam will ask you to interact with a biblical passage based on your reading and fieldtrip experience.       

Your book report(s) and essays will be graded and evaluated by Dr. Notley and Dr. Thompson.  Dr. Thompson will return to you your book report(s), your two essays, and will inform your Academic Dean (or other) that you have completed the academic requirements for credit and a grade has been assigned. Dr. Notley and Dr. Thompson assume no academic responsibility other than the grading of the Emmaus material assigned and presented. Your home institution is responsible for assigning and grading any additional academic requirements. (For a printout version of this material and procedures for applying for academic credit see Academic Credit Information.)

Hotel List, Phone Numbers, Hotel Web Sites:  A separate document lists all important phone numbers (see Hotels). Mr. David Pileggi, Director of Alexander College, Jerusalem, has offered his cell phone and office phone numbers for emergency contact. He and his office can accept on your behalf Emergency Calls Only. Emergency calls are defined as real emergencies – death, injury, leave the program and return home, etc. Please do not abuse this courtesy. If you are traveling with a personal international cell phone, please limit your calls (both incoming and outgoing) to times when there are no scheduled group activities. Please set up a “time to call” schedule in advance with your family members or business associates, avoiding touring hours (8:00 AM-6:00 PM local Israel time).

Application, Registration, Payments, Cancellation, Refunds:  Please contact Dr. Wink Thompson for all inquiries, application information, financial payments and any administrative or academic need. (See Application Procedures for a printout version of this information.)

• Application:  You may request an Application Form by phone, fax, email, or print the Application Form from our website www.emmausonline.net.  A $200 deposit fee (per person) is required with the return of your application. This fee is applied to your overall program cost. Registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. Should you be placed on the “Waiting List” you will be informed if your status changes. You will receive information and updates by email (unless you request updates by mail or fax).
• Registration:  You are not officially registered as an active participant in the Emmaus program until your application is complete and 100% of all fees have been received. Provisional pre-registration is granted upon reception of your application and the $200 deposit fee.
• Important Dates, Payments, Cancellations: 

Until Feb 8, 2004        Pre-Registration: Application, $200 deposit and 50% of program cost due. Last day to cancel and receive a full refund.

February 9                  This day forward you are subject to cancellation fees.

April 1                         If applying for academic credit, your book report(s) is due.

April 3                         100% of program cost and Application documentation due.

Useful BookS for ISRAEL:             

David Flusser, Jesus, 3rd Edition, Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 2002
Carl G. Rasmussen, NIV Atlas of the Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989 or later
Jerome Murphy O’Connor, The Holy Land, 4th Edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998

Useful ISRAEL Web Sites:

Disclaimer:  The program itinerary is subject to change. In the event of an unforeseen change in the schedule, we promise you every effort will be taken to provide you with the same goals and objectives as outline in the published itinerary. The published program price is subject to change should circumstances warrant. This would include (but not be limited to) changes in airfares, airport taxes, visa fees, rate changes by agents and their suppliers and changes in international exchange rates. For additional information, see Terms and Conditions.

Program Correspondence:  Please note that the primary correspondence between Emmaus and those interested in attending the 2004 program will be conducted by the use of email. If you do not have email, or experience email compatibility problems, alternative arrangements can be made vial mail, phone, or fax. All correspondence is to be directed to the program administrator.