The Spiritual Pilgrimage and Essene Tour of Israel November 20-30th 2023 will be an eleven-day moving meditation and spiritual experience in the Holy high spiritual frequency land of Israel. This pilgrimage to the Holy Sites in Israel is going to be an extraordinary spiritual intensive.
One of our goals as we take you to spiritual power points listed in this brochure throughout Israel is to enhance your spiritual frequency and awareness.
On this pilgrimage you will have the opportunity to deepen many levels of spiritual understanding not only through our experience of Essene and Biblical Power Points, but through daily meditations and group sharing, which are aimed at helping you integrate the total experience. This introspective and meditative approach is part of the Essene Way and will be a fun event on many levels for both beginners and experienced people. During the whole tour, I will be serving as your spiritual guide, giving Haniha/Shaktipat one to two times per day depending on the circumstances, leading the morning easy yoga, as well as ongoing spiritual advice. It will be a full-on immersion experience with me as well in this potentially one-time only spiritual and Essene pilgrimage.
In blessings and joy to your spiritual depth and expansion,
Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, M.D.,M.D.(h), main Essene world teacher, and holistic physician of the soul
DAY 1 - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH
ARRIVAL - TEL AVIV
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport
Transfer to hotel - Check-in, unpack, relax, and unwind.
DAY ON YOUR OWN
Lunch on your own in Tel Aviv
Leisure time – enjoy the hotel facilities and explore the neighborhood around the hotel.
Group gathering in the afternoon
Evening group meeting and meditation
Dinner on your own at the hotel or a local restaurant
DAY 2 - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST
TEL AVIV - TOURING
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Walk the Sea-Front Promenade – Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Mediterranean and take in the beach-side sights and sounds, north to the Tel Aviv Port and south to the Jaffa Port.
Carmel Market – Tel Aviv's largest open-air market makes for an unforgettable multi-sensory experience, with hundreds of local vendors selling fresh and prepared foods, household goods and souvenirs, and all kinds of tasty treats.
Lunch on route
Old Jaffa – This historic neighborhood with its charming alleyways, bustling flea market, and the trendy port area is filled with something for everyone. Sit along the water, haggle with local shopkeepers, take in the historical and archaeological sites, stop in a museum, or just soak in the unique vibe of Tel Aviv's sister city.
EVENING ON YOUR OWN
Evening group meeting and meditation
Dinner on your own at the hotel or a local restaurant
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND
COASTAL PLAIN/GALILEE - TOURING
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Har Bracha (Mount Gerizim) - The mountain is mentioned in the Bible as the place where, upon first entering the Promised Land after the Exodus, the Israelites performed ceremonies of blessings, as they had been instructed by Moses
Shiloh – The site where the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant rested for several hundred years after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Visitors can tour the spot where archaeologists believe the Tabernacle stood, a place rich with Biblical history.
Lunch on route
Mount of Beatitudes – This site is believed to be the place where Jesus met his apostles after his resurrection, and possibly the site where he delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Today, it is home to a church and monastery built onto the hilltop overlooking the surrounding area, including the Sea of Galilee and numerous landmarks from the life and ministry of Jesus.
Tabgha – An ancient city with great religious and historical significance. This site is known as the place where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes, as well as the place where he made his third appearance to his disciples after his resurrection. Tabgha is home to the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, which commemorates Peter's leading role among the Twelve Apostles.
Continue to your hotel and check in.
Evening group meeting and meditation
Buffet dinner at the hotel
DAY 4 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD
GOLAN HEIGHTS - TOURING
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Yoga, Reflection, & Meditation – Step outside of yourself and reflect on your surroundings. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the moment.
Mount Hermon – Israel's highest mountain and northernmost point, Hermon boasts the country's only ski resort, tranquil hiking trails, and fascinating geopolitical history. Mount Hermon's highest peak reaches about 2220 meters above sea level, and it frequently remains snow-capped throughout the year. From the top of the mountain, visitors can look out over the Golan and Upper Galilee as well as into Syria.
Lunch on route
Golan Heights Jeep Tour – Off-road tour of the stunning mountain landscapes of the beautiful Golan, highlighting some of the historical and political landmarks of one of Israel's most fascinating and complicated regions.
Evening group meeting and meditation
Buffet dinner at the hotel
DAY 5 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH
COASTAL PLAIN - TOURING
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Capernaum – Known as one of the three cities cursed by Jesus for its lack of faith, this historical village along the coast of the Sea of Galilee is home to an ancient synagogue and church, as well as gorgeous views of the sea and the surrounding area.
Magdala – The ancient port city known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, this town was once a center of trade and culture; it is home to one of only a handful of synagogues that have been discovered dating back to the time of Jesus.
Ramat HaNadiv Nature Park – The gardens, trails, and groves at this hidden treasure nestled into the Carmel mountainside have something to offer everyone. Enjoy a lovely stroll along the endless paths through flower and fragrance gardens, historical monuments, wildlife trails, archaeological ruins, and more.
Continue to your hotel and check in.
Shabbat Ceremony at Gabriel and Shanti's house
Lunch and dinner on your own
DAY 6 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH
ZICHRON YAACOV - DAY OF REST AND REFLECTION
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning Meditation and Torah reading at Gabriel and Shanti's house
DAY ON YOUR OWN
Day at Leisure – Take a day for self-guided exploration and relaxation.
Stay close to the hotel and enjoy some quiet time or a spa treatment or go off-the-beaten-track and discover some of Israel's hidden treasures.
Lunch and dinner on your own
Havdalah Ceremony and Meditation at Gabriel and Shanti's house
DAY 7 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH
JUDEAN DESERT
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Qumran National Park – This archaeological site contains the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Though the scrolls themselves are on display at the Israel Museum, a quick visit to Qumran will highlight the historical and archaeological significance of the site.
Qasr al-Yahud – This spot on the Jordan River marks the site of both Jesus' baptism and the Israelites' crossing into the Promised Land.
Lunch on route
Continue to your Dead Sea hotel and check-in.
Dead Sea Beach
EVENING ON YOUR OWN
Evening group meeting and meditation
Buffet dinner at the hotel
DAY 8 - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH
JUDEAN DESERT
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Masada – After ascending to the top of this mountain fortress via cable car (options for hiking), you'll explore the fascinating remains of King Herod's palace, including the Roman-style bathhouse and the ancient storerooms and watchtowers. Here you'll learn about the significance of the site and the heroic story of the revolt and siege on the fortress.
Lunch on route
Meditation Cave
EVENING ON YOUR OWN
Buffet dinner at the hotel
DAY 9 - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH
WEST BANK AND JERUSALEM
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Hebron - Tomb of the Patriarchs – Visitors can tour the synagogue and mosque built upon the site believed to contain the burial grounds of the Biblical patriarchs and matriarchs. This site has been conquered and rebuilt numerous times throughout history, leaving a fascinating historical and archaeological trail that adds to the religious mystique surrounding the location.
Lunch on route
Mahane Yehuda Market – At Jerusalem's largest and most highly-trafficked open-air market, you can taste wonderful foods from local vendors, buy local goods and produce, and enjoy the quintessentially Israeli chaos of market shopping.
Continue to your hotel and check-in.
EVENING ON YOUR OWN
Evening group meeting and meditation
Dinner on your own at the hotel or a local restaurant
DAY 10 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH
JERUSALEM - TOURING
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Temple Mount (Haram ash-Sharif) – The location of the destroyed First and Second Temples (the epicenter of Jewish ritual life), today this spot is home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque (some of the world's most significant sites in Muslim tradition). Entrance to this ultra-sensitive site is strictly regulated and modest dress is required. (please note: expect long lines through security; entrance is not guaranteed).
City of David – Your tour will begin with a breathtaking hilltop view of Biblical Jerusalem and continue through approximately 3,800 years of history. You will see historical and archaeological finds from both the First and Second Temple periods, and even venture underground to the Gihon Spring.
Davidson Center – An impressive collection of archaeological discoveries from the First and Second Temple periods, including a drainage channel containing rare artifacts from the destruction of Jerusalem.
Lunch on route
Jewish Quarter – Walking exploration of the rich history and culture of the Jewish people through the many fascinating historical, archaeological, and religious landmarks in the Old City, including the Cardo, the Broad Wall, the many synagogues and yeshivas, and the Western Wall.
Western Wall Tunnels – A fascinating walk through ancient subterranean spaces with exquisite archeological findings, such as large stone arches, water pits, an ancient aqueduct, and more.
Evening group meeting and meditation
Dinner on your own at the hotel or a local restaurant
DAY 11 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH
JERUSALEM - TOURING
Morning Yoga and Meditation with Gabriel
Breakfast at the hotel
Mount of Olives – A prominent mountain adjacent to Jerusalem with arguably the best views of the Old City. This site contains numerous landmarks of religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, making it a particularly fascinating spot to discuss the holy city of Jerusalem and its role in these traditions.
Garden of Gethsemane – Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives and known as the site where Jesus prayed on the night of his betrayal and arrest, this site holds great religious significance for Christians around the world.
Old City Christian Sites – Visit some of Jerusalem's treasures of Christian history, including the Pools of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa and 14 Stations of the Cross, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Lunch on route
Mount Zion – Just outside the walls of the Old City, this hilltop is home to a number of significant historical and religious sites, including the Room of the Last Supper (the Cenacle) and King David’s Tomb. Looking out over the Old City, you will have an opportunity to get an understanding of how the three major religions of Jerusalem intertwine.
Final group gathering and sharing
Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport
STARTS: NOVEMBER 20 - 30, 2023
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW—SPACE IS LIMITED.
Tour includes:
- 10 Overnights at 4 4-star hotels. Double room occupancy.
- A single room supplement is available for $750
- English speaking tour guide
- Site entrance fees.
- Transportation (air-conditioned bus).
- 1-2 meals a day
- Tips for hotel staff
Does not include:
- Lunch every day
- Health & Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
Master Essene Teacher and the only Essene Rabbi in the world, Rabbi Gabriel Cousens, M.D., M.D.(H), D.D.(Doctor of Divinity) has been studying the Essenes since the 1970s. He has studied with the leading Essene teachers of the past several decades, with the exception of Dr. Szekely who left his body before he could meet him in person, but did study with his second wife and visited his homes in Mexico and Costa Rica aside from San Diego where he had a healing center. Dr. Gabriel, as a holistic medical doctor and spiritual teacher, fits the Essene archetype as well. He began visiting Israel in 1967 after the 1967 war. Dr. Gabriel has led a variety of tours in Israel over the years and began leading spiritual fasts two times a year in Israel near Qumran in 2004 as well as teaching his Zero Point and Conscious Eating Courses in Israel. In 2007 he and Shanti made aliyah and would stay at Shlomo Carlebach's Moshav for two to four months per year. In 2008 Gabriel was ordained as a traditional Rabbi in the lineage of the Bal Shem Tov. In 2020 Shanti and Gabriel moved permanently to Israel where they presently live in Zichron Ya'akov.
Register & Meet
Your Essene Spiritual Community
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Price $4200
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A deposit of $1200 is due upon registration
$1200
Registration ends on March 31st, 2023. Please make your reservation before to ensure your place.
Have a question?
Payments
A deposit of $ 1200 is due upon registration.
Registration closes April 30, 2023.
The second payment of $ 1000 is due by May 1st, 2023.
The third payment of $ 1000 is due by July 1st, 2023.
The fourth payment of $ 1000 is due by September 1st, 2023.
The final balance is due by September 1st, 2023.
If an alternative payment plan is needed, please contact us.
Terms and Conditions
Once registered, there is a non-refundable fee of $250 per person.
For cancellations between 90 - 60 days prior to arrival - a penalty of 30% will be imposed.
For cancellations between 60 - 45 days prior to arrival - a penalty of 50% will be imposed.
For cancellations between 45 - 30 days prior to arrival - a penalty of 80% will be imposed.
For cancellations from 30 days prior to arrival - NO REFUNDS.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for expenses in the event that you need to cancel your trip for personal, medical, or other reasons.