***Limited spots remain. Please contact Shira Moses in Rabbi Silk’s office at shiram@emanuelhouston.org to inquire about remaining spots and to add your name to the list.***
We are excited to announce a very special adult travel opportunity led by Rabbi Silk and Rabbi Fixler. Join Congregation Emanu El for a Civil Rights Journey to the American South, March 27-30, 2025.
This amazing trip will offer an opportunity to learn about the struggles of African Americans to gain equality in the 1950’s and 60’s, as well as discover how Jews were Involved in the Civil Rights movement.
Starting in Atlanta, we’ll travel to Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. Our guides will be local experts and educators from Etgar 36, a pluralistic, nonpartisan, and nonprofit Jewish educational venture that leads (primarily) Jewish groups to the South. We’ll visit historic sites including the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and Memorial to the victims of lynching, the Rosa Parks Museum, the Martin Luther King Center, the Ebenezer Baptist Church and more. At the Edmund Pettus Bridge we’ll hear from activists who took part in the historic Selma to Montgomery march. As part of this important and emotional journey we will celebrate Shabbat and Havdalah as a community and have opportunities for deep reflection and processing. See the full itinerary HERE.
Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first-served basis for members of Emanu El. Non-members who are interested in participating will be placed on a wait list. If we have not reached our maximum of 34 participants by December 22, then non-members on the waitlist will be contacted and offered a spot on the trip. Final payment is due no later than
January 15, 2025.
The cost of the trip will be $1660 per person for double occupancy and $2030 for single occupant, which includes hotels, all meals (except Sunday lunch), luxury bus, admission fees, guide, and tips. Airfare is not included. Ground travel is by motor coach equipped with a restroom. Deposit is $500 per person. Final payment is due no later than January 15. Deposit is refundable (less any fees paid to Etgar 36) until January 15. Trip insurance is not included. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS RATE: Thanks to the generosity of the Robert Reichek Youth and Young Adult Fund, we are offering a rate of $800 for participants, ages 22-40 (double occupancy). Additional need-based supplements are available. Airfare is not included. Contact Rabbi Fixler to inquire.
Please note this trip can accommodate those with more limited mobility. Please indicate this need during your registration.
When you book your flights, please email the flights to Shira Moses at shiram@emanuelhouston.org. Please contact Rabbi Silk with any questions.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
When are payments due?
The cost of the trip will be $1660 per person for double occupancy and $2030 per person for single occupant. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS RATE: Thanks to the generosity of the Robert Reichek Youth and Young Adult Fund, we are offering a rate of $800 for participants, ages 22-40 (double occupancy). Additional need-based supplements are available. Contact Rabbi Fixler to inquire.
Payments are due as follows:
NOW — Registration is open to EE members and deposits ($500/person) are accepted
December 22 – Registration opens to non-members, subject to space availability
January 15— Final payment is due; all payments become non-refundable
Deposit is refundable (less any fees paid to Etgar 36) until January 15.
What is included in the cost?
The total cost includes hotels, all meals (except Sunday lunch), luxury bus, admission fees, guide, tips and snacks/water on the bus. Airfare is not included. We encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle so that we minimize both the environmental impact and the cost of purchasing bottled water.
Will Etgar 36 make my travel arrangements?
No. Each participant will be responsible for their own flights to and from Atlanta.
FOR THURSDAY NIGHT ARRIVAL: please try to arrive no later than 8:00 p.m. on Thursday,
March 27. A brief welcome and introductory program will begin at 9:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriot Airport Hotel. A hotel shuttle is available from the Atlanta airport.
FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON DEPARTURE: please make sure your flight departs from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport NO EARLIER THAN 3:30 p.m. We will be finished by 12:30 p.m. and we will be driven to the airport by 1 p.m. A 3:30 p.m. flight or later should give you time to get through security.
How much walking is involved?
The longest walk is across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. It is a ¼ mile and an arc. The bus will go across the bridge and people can choose to ride across rather than walk. Most of the other walking is in museums and there are wheelchairs for those that need at the museums.
What are the bus ride lengths?
Atlanta to Montgomery is a 2-hour 15-minute ride. Montgomery to Selma is 1 hour. Selma to Birmingham is an hour and a half. Birmingham to Atlanta is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Can you handle food issues?
We are in the deep South for this trip, but can accommodate the following food needs:
• Vegetarian
• Nut allergies
• Lactose intolerance
• Vegan (snacks/supplemental food should be brought by the participant)
• Dairy/vegetarian only
Will you provide a packing list?
There is no dress code or requirements. Participants should pack for comfort and for the weather. We will be outside quite a lot during the trip and there are important parts that we can’t avoid being outside (such as walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma). At Friday night services, the synagogue is fine with us showing up how we were dressed for the day. They know we have been traveling and seeing sites. They are just so happy to welcome us. For the church service, we recommend long pants (jeans are fine) and a basic top (no graphic T-shirts) or sweater.
