Returning to Israel for the High Holidays: A Journey of Heritage, Community and Giving Back

By Jordan Kessel Meilichson

For many Jewish families around the world, the weeks between Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot, which this year fall between September 11 and October 2, have always been a time of reflection, renewal and togetherness. Increasingly, they are also becoming a meaningful time to return to Israel—not only to celebrate the holidays where so many of our traditions began, but to reconnect with the country and its communities in ways that extend beyond sightseeing.

Following a challenging and ongoing period for Israel, many visitors are seeking opportunities to contribute during their travels. Alongside experiencing the country’s rich culture, history and cuisine, travellers are increasingly choosing to spend part of their stay volunteering with local organisations, supporting agricultural communities, preparing food parcels, or assisting charities working with families affected by recent events.

This reflects a broader trend identified in a 2023 University of Haifa study, which found that volunteer tourism in Israel combines meaningful volunteer work with traditional travel, fostering a deeper understanding of Israeli society and often reshaping visitors’ perceptions of the country. The desire to give back has grown further in the wake of October 7, with research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, reported by the Associated Press, showing that almost half of Israelis volunteered in the weeks following the attacks, while international visitors increasingly travelled to help meet volunteer shortages. Together, these experiences offer visitors a meaningful way to connect with local communities while making a tangible contribution during their trip, and there is no better time to give back than during the holidays.

Visitors can spend a day harvesting seasonal produce with local farmers, rescue and distribute surplus food, participate in tree-planting and conservation initiatives, assist community organisations supporting survivor families and vulnerable populations, or join local projects responding to the evolving needs of communities across Israel. Many experiences require only a few hours, allowing travellers to weave volunteering into a broader itinerary without sacrificing time to discover the country’s beaches, historic landmarks and vibrant food scene.

For those travelling during the High Holidays, Tel Aviv provides an ideal base. The city’s unique combination of Mediterranean beaches, vibrant cultural life and welcoming Jewish community offers visitors the opportunity to observe the season while enjoying one of the world’s most dynamic urban destinations. Synagogues across the city welcome international visitors, while neighbourhoods such as Neve Tzedek and Old Jaffa provide spaces to slow down between celebrations, family meals and time by the sea.

Many visitors also choose to venture beyond Tel Aviv, whether spending Sukkot in Jerusalem, exploring the vineyards of the Judean Hills, discovering the Galilee, or visiting communities throughout the south and north of the country. For those interested in voluntourism, organisations such as Leket Israel, HaShomer HaChadash, and the Jewish National Fund-USA regularly coordinate opportunities for international visitors, from harvesting crops and supporting farmers to food rescue initiatives and community projects. Depending on the season and current needs, even a single day of volunteering can become one of the most memorable parts of a visit.

Back in Tel Aviv, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv offers a peaceful retreat during this meaningful time of year. Located directly on the city’s beachfront, the luxury hotel combines spacious accommodation, several kosher dining options, a world-class spa and sweeping Mediterranean views with easy access to synagogues, cultural attractions and the city’s celebrated promenade. The hotel also hosts an annual Sukkah onsite for guests to celebrate together, in a home-away-from-home setting. Whether welcoming extended families gathering for the holidays or visitors combining celebration with volunteering, the hotel provides a calm and luxurious base from which to experience the season.

The High Holidays have always been about reflection, gratitude and community. Travelling to Israel during this period allows visitors to experience those values not only through prayer and family traditions, but through meaningful encounters with the people and places that continue to shape the country’s story. By combining celebration with service, many travellers are discovering that the most rewarding journeys are those that leave both the visitor—and the destination—a little better for the experience.