Day 1: Sunday, August 10, 2008

We meet at JFK Airport at 6:15 p.m. sharp for our 8:20 p.m. flight 201 early evening departure DIRECT to Casablanca, with the reliable Royal Air Maroc Airlines. We can break our fast at 8:30 p.m.

We arrive at 7:50 a.m., and after baggage pickup, we will daven Shacharis with a nice breakfast at the airport or at the girls’ seminary.

Day 2: Monday, August 11

Without wasting any time, we take a relaxing panoramic drive through the beautiful city of Casablanca on our short way to visit the magnificent Mosque King Hassan II – the second largest Mosque in the world!

We then board the bus for a short 60 km bus ride trip northward along the Atlantic coast passing Rabat, the “white imperial city”, neatly laid out and covered with flowers, and then passing Sali, birthplace and home of the saintly Or Ha’ChaimHa’Kadosh.

We then continue on a 220 km trip slightly northeast, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch in a gorgeous park. After dropping off our caterer at our excellent hotel in Fez to prepare for dinner, we continue on our way to pray before sundown (7:10 pm) at the Tzion of the great “Miracle Worker” — the most famous in Morocco – Rebbi Amram Ibn Diwanne, located  9 km northwest of Quezzane. We might even have “Krias Ha’Torah” in the schul next to the Tzion. Immediate return trip of about one hour to Fez, a delicious late dinner and plunk into bed for a well-deserved rest after a very trying day! 

OVERNIGHT:   Fez

Day 3:Tuesday, August 12

Late Shacharis. Embark upon a full day tour of Fez, the most complete medieval city in the world and home to the Rif (R’Yitzchak Al-Fasi, 11th Century) and the Rambam (1160–1165).

We the visit the Em Ha'Banim and Ibn Danan Synagogues, the house of the Rambam, the very important large Jewish Cemetery (opposite the Royal Palace!), the Nejjarine Fountain. We explore one of the most fascinating and famous Souks in the Moslem world with its narrow, medieval, maze-like streets and absorb the mystique of this remarkable eighth-century city, the most ancient of the Moroccan Imperial cities, founded in 790 C.E. by Moulay Idriss II.

OVERNIGHT:   Fez

Day 4: Wednesday, August 13

Another late Daf Yomi and Shacharis and then travel 160 km southwest to Meknes, the Versailles of Morocco, once home to thousands of Jews. We will take a very interesting walking tour of bustling Meknes, exploring all of its major attractions and then have a Kumsitz lunch at the most beautiful, preserved gate in Morocco – the Bab El Mansour.

An afternoon excursion 33 km northward to the city of Volubilis, founded in pre-Roman times to explore the second- and third-century Roman ruins, some of the best preserved in the world!  

Day 5: Thursday, August 14

Depart very early in the morning (sunrise is at 5:30 a.m.) for the longest – and most facinating – trip of our tour, an approximately 280-mile (467 km) trek through the “middle Atlas” region, traveling through many Berber villages to Marrakech. Marrakech is the capital of Southern Morocco, founded in the 11th century, and known as the Soul of Morocco. Legend has it that there was a Jewish presence here in Marrakech as early as 70 CE!

On our way we will stop at the Lake D’ait Aoua, the perfect setting for a Kodak moment; visit Azrou, a Berber village known for its handicrafts and carpet weaving; Moulay Idriss’ hometown and visit Beni-Mellal for a late lunch and a moment of relaxation. We then check into our beautiful five-star hotel, wash up, and have dinner, followed by free time this evening to explore the Djamaa el-Fna Square, the heart of this magical city.

OVERNIGHT:   Marrakech

Day 6: Friday, August 15

Very early Shacharis with the Chief Rabbi of Marrakech, Moshe Gabbai, in the hotel, (swimming for men), breakfast and an enjoyable swim in an exquisite outdoor pool (women only). Begin our first guided tour of this fascinating city, including the Gardens of Agdal and the Menara, the Koutoubia, the Palais el-Badi and Palais dela Bahia.

Stroll through the colorful souks with their enticing array of spices, carpets, jewelry, and crafts. Excursion to Ourika Valley in the high Atlas Mountains with its plush, green fields and peaceful Berber villages, followed by a late picnic lunch in an exquisite spot in the valley. We then visit another famous saint's gravesite the well-known “miracle worker,” Rabbi Solomon Bal Chehnch — the “master of the snake.”

Shabbat preparation and Kabbalat Shabbat at the Central Synagogue in the Gueliz. Seudat Shabbat (1); Dvar Torah: Ha’Rav Dr. Nosson Dovid Rabinowich. Oneg Shabbat with Chief Rabbi Gabbai shlita, his Rebbetzin and some of the locals.

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 7: Shabbat Kodesh, August 16

Late Shacharis (a 45 minute walk) at the Slat Laazama in the Mellah, probably the oldest existing synagogue still in use every day in the entire Diaspora! This will be followed by a sermon given in Hebrew by Ha’Rav Dr. Rabinowich, Kiddush, Parsha class, Seudat Shabbat (2); Guest speaker: the Gabbai of the Marrakech community. Take a well-deserved shluf or explore this fascinating city on your own. Mincha, Seudah Shlishit (3).

Motzoei Shabbat, discover the city's nightlife: try the famous casino, or may we recommend a romantic evening stroll through the world famous Djamaa el-Fna Square — the heart of the city — with its storytellers, snake charmers, fire eaters and non-stop entertainment. Excellent swimming and exercise facilities are also available.

Join us at 11:30 p.m. for a grand banquet Melava Malka with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Gabbai, or enjoy some excellent Moroccan cuisine at the only Kosher restaurant in town, if you like.

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 8: Sunday, August 17

Late Shacharis once again with Rabbi Gabbai at the local schul (swimming for men), breakfast and an enjoyable swim in an exquisite outdoor pool (women only). Free time for shopping until mid-day.

We then embark on a very pleasant 110-mile trip directly westward to the popular 200 year-old coastal city of Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, and once populated by many Jews. Walk along its famous ramparts, explore the Skala du Port, the Ile de Mogador and the famed Purple Isles. Shop at the local bookstore, the only Jewish-owned business in town.

A delicious banquet and free time to enjoy the hotel and the serenity of this lovely coastal town.

Overnight: Essaouira

Day 9: Monday, August 18

At 9:00 am sharp we embark on our last long bus ride, a 351 km  return trip due north to Casablanca. We will pass through El Jadida and Azamour, where we will visit the holy gravesite of Rabbi Avraham Moul Niss (the Performer of Miracles) and then head directly to our excellent hotel in Casablanca to check in, wash up and have a sit-down lunch.

Once again, we head to Rabat and Sali to pay our respects to the many saints buried in Sali’s Jewish cemetery. Afterwards, we take a tour of the splendid Mohammed V Mausoleum (and that of the late King Hassan), the Chellah, followed by a splendid walk along the Ramparts and the Walls of Mechouar that surround the impressive Royal Palace.

We finally return to Casablanca for an early farewell banquet, and a free evening of strolling and shopping.

Overnight: Casablanca

Day 10: Tuesday, August 19

Early wake-up call at 7:00 a.m., followed by breakfast, then off to the airport for our Royal Air Maroc Flight 200, leaving Casablanca at 11:25 a.m., returning directly to JFK Airport (NYC), at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Please note that all prayers and lectures are voluntary.

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Lectures and Shiurim: Rabbi Dr. Nosson Dovid Rabinowich will serve as Rav and deliver short lectures throughout the bus rides and at the hotels. This is all in addition to his daily Daf Yomi shiur, his Hashgacha duties, a major lecture on Shabbos and his insightful comments at all the Jewish historical sites.

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