israel: ancient and modern

real life yoga

1www.peacethroughyoga.com

Pack your bags, roll up your Yoga mat and join us to savor the sights, sounds and flavors of the Holy Land with fellow yogis and foodies for 7 days and 6 nights. Peace through Yoga’s Culinary Yoga Retreat to Israel is an off-the-beaten path exploration of the cultural and spiritual, contemporary and ancient, and active and restorative aspects of this mystical land. You will discover some of Israel’s most dramatic landscapes in the lush Galilee in northern Israel, along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, between the historic limestone buildings lining the winding alleys of Tzfat - the center of Jewish mysticism - and among the archaeological ruins of sites from the time of Jesus and earlier. The tapestry of our colorful trip will be woven together by Yoga in extraordinary settings, Middle Eastern cuisine, spirituality, the out-of-doors and quality time for reflection. This will be a Yoga and culinary retreat to dazzle the senses and fill the soul.

ISRAEL: Ancient and ModernA Spiritual, Cultural and Culinary Yoga Retreat Sun, October 30–Sun, November 5, 2016

real life yoga


YouR TRIp LEAdER And YogA InSTRucToR Mindi Epstein, RYT 500As a yogi, former resident of Israel and current owner of the three Peace through Yoga studios in the greater metropolitan area of Indianapolis, Indiana, Mindi brings a unique perspective to this artfully crafted epicurean and spiritual yoga retreat.

Mindi fulfilled her lifelong dream of being an archaeologist by working for the Israel Antiquities Authority for 6 years. It began when she volunteered to assist at the Tel Dor excavations, the location of one of King Herod’s port cities north of Tel Aviv. What was intended to be a 2-month escape from the rigors of a professional life turned into a year of intensive studies in Hebrew and Biblical Archaeology at the internationally recognized Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Always one to make the most of each moment, she supplemented her studies by working for the Tel Dor research team and volunteering for the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in their Department of Archaeological Conservation.

One year became six years after the IAA offered Mindi a full-time position in archaeological restoration with a specialization in conservation of mosaics and frescoes, the delicate wall paintings dating primarily from the Roman and Byzantine eras. The work required Mindi to travel to remote archaeological sites, which provided her the opportunity to dig deep into Israeli culture, both past and present.

A new Israeli Prime Minister and Parliament changed the nature of archaeological excavations and the potential for the academic career Mindi was working toward in Israel. Once back in the States, Mindi’s career took her in another direction as she worked her way up the ladder to become Senior Vice President of Communications at a large not-for-profit organization in Indianapolis. Bicycling, running and ultimately, Yoga became her means for finding the tranquility she had experienced on archaeological excavations. While her regular yoga practice complemented her aerobic activities, she discovered it provided balance in her stressful professional life. The equanimity between the physical and spiritual worlds and within herself inspired Mindi to share with others the riches of the Yoga tradition she has come to embrace.

Mindi conceived of Main Street Yoga, her first Yoga studio, as a refuge for people in Speedway, a community west of Indianapolis not yet served by a Yoga studio. Main Street Yoga’s relaxing and welcoming environment was and continues to be inviting to those who otherwise might not be comfortable in a Yoga studio. A bubbling fountain, tranquil music and friendly staff remove many of the obstacles preventing people from experiencing the benefits of Yoga.

Less than one year later, Mindi purchased Peace through Yoga, a well-established entity in Zionsville. Shortly thereafter she identified another community, Danville, as an ideal location for her expanding network of Yoga studios.

real life yoga


ABouT pEAcE THRougH YogAPeace through Yoga meets students where they are — physically, spiritually and geographically. Today, more than 30 certified instructors bring the practice and teachings of Yoga to students of all ages and stages in communities west of Indianapolis, Indiana. Yoga classes, workshops to integrate the tenets of Yoga into everyday life, and certified Yoga teacher training make Peace through Yoga a vital resource for each community. The studios’ relaxed environment, free from judgment and expectations, is home to real life Yoga. Beginners and experienced practitioners seeking the personal attention and safe yoga practices that smaller studios provide have made Peace through Yoga their Yoga home.

This Yoga retreat in Israel is the culmination of Mindi’s unique experience as a Yogi and an archaeologist with a passion for the Middle East. Participants can expect the same warmth and expertise they will find at all three Peace through Yoga studios.

ouR TouR opERAToR: puZZLE ISRAELPuzzle Israel is an innovative tour company serving travelers wishing for a different kind of Israeli experience beyond the customary locations and activities. Lesser-known destinations, experiential touring, personal connections and a culinary twist are hallmarks of a Puzzle Israel trip. Owners Nir Margalith and Guy Marom maintain an energetic, creative and service-oriented team of professional tour guides who have their finger on the pulse of contemporary Israel. The Puzzle Israel team has led numerous yoga retreats. They understand the balance between allowing for a meaningful yoga experience and serving the desire to experience the country in a unique way.

real life yoga


TRIp ITInERARY

dAY 1 – Sun, october 30ARRIVAL/gALILEELanding. Welcome! Your plane will land at Ben Gurion International Airport. For those arriving between Noon and 5:30 pm, you will be met by a representative from our Israeli tour operator, Puzzle Israel. Our retreat begins by traveling north in our private van along Israeli’s scenic coastline. We will drive through Tel Aviv, past the upscale community of Herziliyah and north of the coastal vacation destination of Natanya. As we approach Haifa, we will turn inland (east) and work our way up the Carmel Mountain to reach the Galilee where people of all cultures, Christians, Jews, Muslims Druze and Bedouin, coexist in this bucolic region. We will make a stop or two during this approximately 2.5 hour drive to take a break and enjoy some of the local flavors. Special arrangements will be made for those arriving before or after the specified hours.

Once we arrive at our villa in the rolling hills of the Western Galilee where we will spend the next 3 nights, there will be time to acclimate to your surroundings and refresh from your travels. Rest in the comfort of your room or in a quiet place on the property and settle into the tranquil pace of being on a Yoga retreat far from home, work and responsibilities. We will offer a late afternoon gentle Yoga class for those ready to stretch and open their hearts to this ancient and sacred land. Spa services are available, as you wish, for additional fees.

Our epicurean adventure begins on our first night with a fresh, artfully prepared meal at Bistro Michael located in Moshav Liman. Moshav Liman is a small farming community supplying most of the produce for this Italian-style, farm-to-table restaurant known throughout Israel. We will gather together in the evening to meet our fellow travelers. Representatives from Puzzle Israel, our Israeli tour operator, will join us for dinner so we can become acquainted with some of the professional tour guides who will accompany us on our journey.

Please note that plans for this day are subject to change as they are dependent on arrival times for all of the guests.

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dAY 2 – Mon, october 31gALILEE HIKE: THE gREEn noRTHRise and greet the day with Sun Salutations and a Yoga balanced practice of opening stretches and an invigorating flow. Weather permitting, we will hold as many, if not all, of our classes outdoors. Early risers will find hot coffee and tea prepared and a light bite to enjoy before class. After our Yoga session, we will gather in the villa for a traditional Israeli breakfast, which is always a favorite among visitors. Fresh vegetables, farm-fresh eggs and a variety of yogurts and cheeses (including “Labane,” a popular yogurt-like cheese spread thought to be one of the earliest cheeses made) are featured on our daily breakfast buffet.

After breakfast we will drive to the Upper Galilee. Lunch will be at a stop along the way where we can sample authentic, local food (included). There are a number of beautiful hiking trails in this scenic northern region. Plan on a moderate hike for about 2 1/2 hours.

The mid-to-late afternoon is free time. Enjoy a siesta, discover a private place for meditation, or perhaps find a comfortable seat on the grounds for reading or journaling. Join us for Sunset Yoga, a Vinyasa class of flowing poses in the cool breezes of the Galilee. This night is dedicated to a cooking lesson and boldly flavored meal. We will prepare our own dinner with Chef Nir Margalith of Margolis Catering to learn how to make savory dishes characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine. Our meal will be crowned by a memorable dessert and Turkish coffee, known as “botz” and translated to “mud” due to the settlement of coffee grounds and cardamom at the bottom of the cup.

real life yoga


dAY 3 – Tue, november 1THE MYSTIcAL cITY oF TZFAT Rise and greet the day with a Morning Flow Yoga class. Once again, early risers will find hot coffee and tea prepared and a light bite to enjoy before class. After our Yoga class we will gather in the villa for a traditional Israeli breakfast.

Before leaving our hotel, be sure to bring a shawl or shirt to cover shoulders. We have a special day planned in Tzfat, the birthplace of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah. Once reserved for elite community elders, Kabbalah has since filtered into more main stream society and been made famous by Madonna, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and others. But here in Tzfat, Kabbalah remains untouched and this ancient mystical city is regarded as the spiritual center of the Jewish people.

Tzfat is also home to a thriving artist community. Renowned artists from all over the world have established beautiful galleries and studios featuring oil paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, textiles and photography, many displaying Middle Eastern influences as interpreted by the artist. You will find that there is no limit to the sources of inspiration in Tzfat. You will have time to wander the alleys and visit the many galleries on your own. Together we will taste some of the artisanal delights when we visit a local winery, brewery and cheesemaker.

Our itinerary this day also includes a spiritual workshop with a Kabalistic scholar. Kabalah, an ancient Jewish system of how to achieve lasting fulfillment, teaches principles and values that are universal among all faiths and spiritual practices. For more than 5,000 years, Jewish mysticism has illuminated a path to love and unity. We will learn more about this mystical tradition that is believed to reveal all of the secrets of the Universe.

Once back to our van, we will visit Dir El Assad, a small Muslim village and home to the popular Arab gourmand, Chef Camla. We will join the chef for a workshop on the preparation of foods characteristic of the Galilean region. We can look forward to a lively, robust dinner with all the flavors of the region.

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dAY 4 – Wed, november 2cHRISTIAn noRTHERn SITES/JERuSALEMToday will be our last breakfast at the Villa, and then it will be time to pack up and head out for our tour of several historically and religiously significant sites. You will want to dress comfortably because we will hold our morning meditation and Yoga session at our first stop for the day, a holy site with a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee.

Our itinerary includes a visit to Magdala, a once bustling town in the first century CE known to be the birth place of Mary Magdalene and a place where Jews gathered to hear the teachings of Jesus. A highlight of our tour is Duc In Altum, a place of worship considered to be the most beautiful contemporary house of prayer in Israel. We invite you to spend time here for reflection, if you would like.

Mitzpe Alummot, a living food and health retreat that is the first of its kind in Israel, will be our lunch stop for a meal prepared from fresh, whole foods. The philosophy of Mitzpe Alummot follows the teachings of Hippocrates: “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food.” We have arranged a workshop with Chef Julie Auerbach, known nationally as Chef “Raw-Raw.” Originally from Denver where her family has a long history in the meat distribution business, Julie demystifies the raw food diet. Her knowledge, personal experience with food as medicine (she has alopecia, rendering her bald), gracious sense of humor and deep faith regularly inspire audiences to improve their relationship with their body.

Our next stop is the Old City of Nazareth in the lower Galilee, the childhood home of Jesus. According to tradition, Nazareth is where the angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, Nazareth is considered to be the cradle of Christianity and is a destination for Christian pilgrimages. Our tour will include a visit to the Church of the Annunciation, one of Christianity’s holiest sites, build above the cave that is recognized as Joseph and Mary’s home. We will also visit the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, constructed over the underground spring where Mary drew water and that still flows today.

When we leave the Galilee, we will travel in our private van along the Great Rift Valley. This natural geological trench runs 3,700 miles from Lebanon to South Eastern Africa. The Jordan River begins here and flows south into the Dead Sea on the Israeli-Jordanian border, the lowest point on Earth. Our scenic drive to the City of Gold—Jerusalem—includes a stop at a famous overlook with a mesmerizing view of this spectacular city. Spread out before our eyes will be Jerusalem, modern and ancient, sparkling in all of its historical glory.

Our arrival at our centrally-located boutique hotel is timed so you can relax or wander on your own to discover Jerusalem’s lively streets and public plazas. We will regroup to dine at Notre Dame Wine and Cheese Bar, an international restaurant in the Notre Dame Pontifical Institute of Jerusalem Center featuring imported cheeses, private-label and imported wines and a breathtaking view of the Holy City. After dinner we suggest you explore the city and, perhaps, sit in one of Jerusalem’s many cafés to enjoy an after-dinner drink or dessert.

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dAY 5 – Thu, november 3JERuSALEM: oLd And nEWSunrise brings Jerusalem to life as the sun warms the buildings’ golden limestone, vendors slide up their metal shop doors and Israel’s ubiquitous Egged busses begin to clamber on the streets. Our day will begin with a healthy Israeli breakfast at the hotel. You will need to pack a shirt or shawl and a skirt because the historic Old City of Jerusalem located within the ancient stone walls is our first destination. The teeming Old City market alleys stand in stark contrast to the open plaza in front of the Kotel, the famous Western Wall of the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. It is customary for people of all faiths to bring a prayer written on a small piece of paper to tuck into the seams between the wall’s massive hewn stones.

From the old to the new, and in contrast to the bustling, walled city, we will head to Gan Sacher, the “Central Park” of Jerusalem. Here we will hold our outdoor Yoga session, just as many Israelis do each day. This urban park was created in 1963 and is adjacent to the Israel Government Complex.

Be sure to save room for lunch because this day features a gastronomic feast for the eyes and stomach. Together we will venture to Mahane Yehudah, one of Israel’s most vibrant outdoor markets. Once we step into the bustling market aisles lined with stalls and sellers hawking produce, seafood, meat, spices, bakery goods, cheeses, nuts and olives, we will be transported back in time, back to an era that is still alive in the “shuk” (market) today. With restaurants of every kind, from tables set up in a stall, to falafel stands, to boutique wine-and-cheese bars, the most difficult part of our day will be deciding where to savor the local fare that makes the region so unique. Because there are so many choices and the fun of being in the shuk is tasting and purchasing food from vendors, everyone will be on their own for lunch.

We have allotted time for you in the afternoon for reflection in any number of the city’s temples and churches. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as Al Aqsa Mosque on the Mount, both in the Old City, The Great Synagogue in the City Center and the Tower of David (the Jerusalem Citadel) are all accessible and of great importance. For those who would prefer to shop for souvenirs and unwind, boutiques featuring locally-crafted jewelry, ceramics, scarves and religious items abound. Tired feet are a good reason to enjoy a coffee at an outdoor café where the people-watching is always fascinating.We will spend our evening together at one of Jerusalem’s premiere dining establishments to enjoy the local flavors as the sun sets.

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dAY 6 – Fri, november 4nEoT KEduMIM/TEL AVIV: FRoM THE AncIEnT To THE ModERnOn this day we leave the Holy City and board our van for our next destination. Tel Aviv, known as the White City with its apartment-lined streets, towering office buildings, international boutiques and open boulevards, is Israel’s cosmopolitan center where East meets West. Before heading to this contemporary city that never sleeps, we will visit Neot Kedumim, a lush nature reserve that recreates the biology and environment of the biblical era. This setting is ideal for our Yoga class and a short hike on any of the many trails winding through the park.

Tel Aviv awaits us! We will check into a boutique hotel close to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea and Dizengoff Street, the city’s fashionable shopping district. You can easily fill a day by exploring Tel Aviv’s markets featuring locally-crafted jewelry and gifts, stalls selling everything you can imagine, bustling shopping malls and funky districts featuring vintage shops! Put on your walking shoes and dive in, or alternatively, quietly stroll the length of Tel Aviv’s sandy beaches.

Dinner this night will be a celebration of Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, when the city settles down to a whisper as families come together for a traditional meal. Many cities in Israel almost completely shut down late Friday afternoon until sundown Saturday evening in honor of Shabbat, but Tel Aviv features open restaurants and entertainment. We will enjoy a traditional multi-course Shabbat dinner that we will prepare together at Jaffa Beach. Our meal begins with a variety of Israeli salads and appetizers followed by several meat and vegetarian main courses and fresh fruit. The flavors of our dinner represent the influence of the many cultures in modern-day Israel. Tea or strong Middle Eastern coffee and a tasty sweet wrap up this relaxing meal.

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dAY 7 – Sat, november 5TEL AVIV/dEpARTuREJust as many Israelis do, we will head to the beach in the morning for Yoga beside the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we will pack our belongings and store our luggage with the concierge so you will be unencumbered on this, your last day in Israel. You have many choices of places to visit for your afternoon until we meet again for our farewell dinner. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is world-renowned for its extensive contemporary art collections. For those interested in regional archaeology, the Eretz Israel Museum should be at top of the list. Bicycles are available for rent if you would like to pedal along the Yarkon River and on Tel Aviv’s many cycling trails. Tel Aviv’s old train station, Mitcham Hatachana, was recently converted into a hip leisure center with restaurants and designer boutiques. Of course, like all cities in Israel, Tel Aviv also has a busy shuk. The centrally-located Carmel Market features familiar Middle Eastern fare and is also home to sophisticated fusion cuisine. We have chosen the ancient port city of Jaffa as the location for our farewell dinner. The restaurants dotting the coast are famous for their fresh seafood. These lively restaurants feature al fresco dining with a stunning view of the Tel Aviv skyline. The menu includes a bounty of Middle Eastern salads, a wide selection of fresh-caught seafood and side dishes to complement your main course. Frequently diners can watch fishermen hauling their day’s catch while the waves lap at the coastline. This relaxed dinner is one of camaraderie and fellowship after our journey together through modern and ancient Israel, and from our collective experiences and private reflections.

Thank you for joining us on Peace through Yoga’s Yoga and Culinary Retreat to Israel. Shalom. Om shanti.Itinerary and accommodations are subject to change.

real life yoga


IncLuSIonS• Professional, English-speaking tour guide• Transportation services for 5 days (our days in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are by foot or

public transportation)• All entrance fees to national parks and museums included in the itinerary• Transport to/from Ben Gurion International Airport • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, and 4 cooking workshops (2 lunch, 2 dinner) • Water and refreshments when traveling on our van

pRIcES $2,895 P/P Double ($400 single supplement for entire trip. $100 P/P savings for a triple)

Early bird discount$400 savings for registration before January 1, 2016$200 savings between January 1 and March 31, 2016

note: Please feel comfortable making a deposit to reserve your place on this trip. In the event that our tour operator cancels the retreat due to security reasons in Israel, all deposits and payments will be refunded in full.

noT IncLudEd• Airfare, taxes, trip insurance (recommended)• Gratuities (it is customary to tip hotel staff, tour guide, restaurant staff and taxi drivers)• Any activities outside of those included in the trip itinerary• Spa treatments• Travel insurance—We recommend Travel Guard at (800) 826-1300• Health coverage

TRIp pREpARATIon• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of return from your trip• Travelers holding dual citizenship will be charged the applicable VAT tax. Documentation must be

submitted no later than 14 days prior to departure.

RESERVATIonSTo guarantee your space, call 317.753.1266 or download a reservation form on our website:www.peacethroughyoga.com.$500 initial deposit; balance is due 90 days prior to departure.Please submit a copy of your passport’s identifying page with your deposit.

israel: ancient and modern

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