Shvil Yisrael (Israel Trail)

Imagine hiking across the whole country of Israel!  Shvil Yisrael (Israel Trail) was created by connecting numerous hiking paths from the north of the country to the south.  Together as a group, participants in Aardvark’s Shvil Yisrael program, will start in the northern Golan Heights and hike over the course of the year all the way south to Eilat.  There is no better way to get to know the Land of Israel then hiking it!

When?
This program takes place over the course of the whole year - from September to May – over the course of one long weekend per month, plus the weeks of Sukkot and Chanukah.

Aardvark’s Shvil Yisrael program is an add-on program to the Core Aardvark Israel Gap Year and Semester Programs and includes approximately 30 days of hiking.  Once a month, from Thursday through Saturday, the group will hike together, starting in the north heading south and continuing each month from where they left off on the previous trip.  In addition, the group will hike during Chol HaMoed Sukkot and during Hannukah.  In May, the group will complete their journey by reaching the beach of Eilat.  This program does not conflict with the other add-on programs available on Aardvark – students may register for Shvil Yisrael in addition to other options.

Who?
Students who love hiking and the outdoors, and are in good physical health

Accommodations and Conditions
Every hiking trip will be lead by a certified and experienced tour guide.  Food will be provided.  Meals will be cooked outdoors by the participants and eaten together along the trail.   Students are expected to bring a large hiking backpack and sleeping bag.  All trips will be coordinated with the Israeli nature authorities and appropriate safety and security measures will be taken at all times.

Religious Considerations
All food will be kosher.  Those students who wish to be provided with food which does not require cooking on Shabbat will be accommodated, however, they should understand that there will be some group members who will cook their meals on Shabbat.  Trips will include hiking on Shabbat and carrying outside of an Eruv Shabbat.