Luxury Jewish Heritage Tour of Poland and Lithuania
Join world-class scholars, Drs. Abramson and Leiman, to retrace and relive Jewish history in Poland and Lithuania.
Experience the journey of a lifetime with Touro University’s all-inclusive, world-class luxury tour, an immersive exploration of Jewish history and culture in Poland and Lithuania. From Monday, June 30th to Monday, July 7th, this expertly curated adventure invites you to discover more than 1,000 years of Jewish heritage, tracing the lives and legacies of Jewish communities pre- and post-WWII.
Every detail has been meticulously planned for your comfort and enrichment, including 5-star accommodations at the Radisson Collection Hotels in Warsaw and Vilnius, luxury transportation, and expert guidance by world-renowned scholars. Delight in daily lectures and guided tours of historic Jewish sites, from shtetls and yeshivas to majestic shuls, offering unique insights into the depth and breadth of Jewish history and its central role in Western culture.
Savor the finest in kosher haute cuisine, with three gourmet kosher meals daily crafted by award-winning chefs, including an unforgettable Shabbat dining experience. Enjoy full breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, and exquisite multi-course dinners, complemented by wine, tea stations, and attentive on-site concierge services.
Itinerary *Subject to Change
Warsaw
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Jewish Warsaw with our thoughtfully curated walking tour. Wander through the streets of what was once a thriving hub of Jewish life, alive with vibrant religious, political, and cultural institutions.
Highlights of this unforgettable journey include:
Nożyk Synagogue: The sole surviving prewar synagogue in Warsaw, a poignant reminder of resilience and heritage.
Jewish Cemetery (Cmentarz Żydowski): A sacred resting place that echoes the stories of generations past. Discover the gravesites of luminaries like Rabbi Naftoli Zvi Yehudah Berlin (the Netziv) and Rabbi Hayim Ha-Levi Soloveitchik of Brisk.
The Warsaw Ghetto: Walk through history as you visit the remnants of the infamous ghetto, including the footbridge at Chłodna Street, a preserved section of the wall, and the Umschlagplatz, where countless Jews faced deportation to Treblinka.
Janusz Korczak Orphanage: Pay tribute to the legacy of this heroic educator and his orphaned children.
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews: An inspiring exploration of Jewish life, culture, and resilience through centuries.
Treblinka: Visit the haunting site of the second-largest Nazi death camp in Europe, where silence speaks volumes.
Synagogue of Tykocyn (Tiktin): Marvel at the beauty of this historic synagogue, a testament to the enduring spirit of Jewish communities.
Each day ends with engaging nightly lectures, offering profound insights into Jewish history and heritage. This is more than a tour—it’s a journey of remembrance, connection, and discovery. Join us for this deeply moving and enlightening experience.
Lublin
Step into the captivating streets of Lublin, a city where history and culture converge in breathtaking harmony. Our walking tour takes you through the heart of this historic gem, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
Explore Lublin’s iconic landmarks:
Krakovska Gate and Grodska Gate: Architectural masterpieces that serve as gateways to the Old Town’s rich history.
Old Town Square: A picturesque hub filled with vibrant stories of the past.
Lublin Castle: A stunning fortress with centuries of history etched into its walls.
Dive deeper into Lublin’s profound Jewish heritage:
Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin: Visit the renowned institution founded by Rabbi Meir Shapiro, a symbol of Torah scholarship and the birthplace of the Daf Yomi initiative.
Jewish Cemeteries and Gravesites: Pay your respects at the resting places of luminaries like Rabbi Shlomo Luria (the Maharshal), Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok (the Seer of Lublin), and Rabbi Zadok ha-Kohen, whose legacies continue to inspire.
This journey through Lublin is not just a tour—it’s a window into a world of faith, wisdom, and resilience. Join us to explore the vibrant streets and sacred sites of this timeless city and connect with its extraordinary history.
Vilna (Vilnius)
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Vilna, once known as the “Jerusalem of Lithuania,” and uncover its remarkable Jewish heritage.
Explore the heart of medieval Jewish Vilna:
Jewish Ghetto: Stroll through the historic streets that once thrived with Jewish life.
Vilna Gaon’s Legacy: Visit the former site of the Vilna Gaon’s home, Bet Midrash, and the iconic Great Synagogue of Vilna, along with the renowned Strashun Library.
Judenrat Site: Gain insights into Vilna’s complex wartime history.
Dive deeper into Vilna’s Jewish culture and history:
The “Green House”: Discover poignant exhibits at the Jewish State and Holocaust Museum.
Romm Publishing Company: Visit the site of the legendary press that produced the classic Vilna Shas, a cornerstone of Jewish scholarship.
Vilna Cemeteries: Pay tribute at the gravesites of the revered Vilna Gaon and Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski, whose influence shaped Jewish thought.
Shabbat in Vilna:
Participate in meaningful Shabbat services at the Main Synagogue of Vilna, followed by a serene and reflective Shabbat afternoon walking tour.
Visit the site of the Beit Midrash of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, founder of the Mussar movement, and the apartment and Beit Midrash of Rabbi Abraham Yeshaya Karelitz (the Chazon Ish).
Experience the timeless legacy of Vilna and let its extraordinary history inspire your spirit. This is more than a tour—it’s a deeply moving encounter with Jewish resilience, scholarship, and faith.
Kaunas
Step into the past and explore the vibrant Jewish heritage of Kovno (Kaunas), a city rich in history, resilience, and profound cultural significance.
Highlights of Your Journey:
Walking Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter:
Beit Midrash of Rabbi Yisrael Salanter: Visit the site of the spiritual home of the founder of the Mussar movement, a transformative philosophy of ethical and personal growth.
Site of the Slobodka Yeshiva: Stand where one of the most renowned centers of Jewish learning once flourished, shaping generations of Jewish thought and leadership.
Visit the Notorious Ninth Fort: A solemn and moving experience at this historic site, which served as both a place of suffering during the Holocaust and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Japanese Consulate of Chiune Sugihara: Learn the inspiring story of Chiune Sugihara, a true hero who risked everything to issue thousands of life-saving exit visas to Kovno’s Jewish residents during World War II.
Main Synagogue of Kovno: Admire the beauty and history of this central house of worship, a symbol of Jewish faith and community.
This thoughtfully curated tour invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jewish scholars, leaders, and heroes, experiencing the deep spiritual and historical significance of Kovno. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Lithuania’s Jewish past.
Contact, Cost, and Registration
Cost is per person based on double occupancy. The price does not include your flight to Poland and home from Vilna, insurance, and suggested tips.
This trip is contingent on sufficient interest and registration of an adequate number participants as determined by Touro in its sole and absolute discretion. Registration in the program is not valid until a deposit is made. If Touro cancels the trip, you will be notified by March 2, 2025 and receive a full refund of any payments made to Touro. Touro is not responsible for airfare, or any other personal reservations. Touro reserves the right to cancel the program and refund participants to issues related to any force majeure, including but not limited to, hostilities, civil strife, pandemic, instability, war, mandate, or practice that could prevent participants to entering Poland and Lithuania or achieve the full vision of the planned experience.
Current conditions, travel requirements, are as follows (and are subject to change and modification):
Participant must purchase their own flights (a suggested travel itinerary will be provided).
Full refunds can be requested up to 90 days before the trip (but after April 1, 2025 all registration fees are non-refundable), thereafter only a limited percentage of the cost is refundable.
Travel requirements may include confirmation of vaccination and/or additional testing to enter/exit the country.
Each Participant must sign a Waiver of Liability (pandemic and otherwise.)
