Dear Friends,

I am excited to announce a very special opportunity to sail into the heart of Germany, once known as Ashkenaz by the early Jewish settlers of the region, and then down the Rhine River to ShUM, a medieval association of the Jewish communities in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz, commonly referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Rhine.” This meticulously crafted journey seamlessly blends history, art, music, food, and wine to create a truly bespoke experience. One of the pinnacles of this journey together will be a heartfelt visit commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp. This will be followed by a moving private orchestral performance, curated by our partner on this sailing, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra and Maestra Sebrina Alfonso.

This exclusive and highly curated experience explores the culture and history of the Jews of Ashkenaz, who gave us the joys of Yiddish, the inspired intellect of Rashi, and Jewish Halakhic jurisprudence. They also influenced the birth of Reform Judaism and the rebirth of Zionism.

This region also inspired the greatest of German poets, Goethe and Heine, and composers like Mozart, Liszt, Schumann, Beethoven, and Wagner. This will be illuminated through incredible private performances, specially arranged visits, and talks by scholars from across the region.

We will spend two nights at the luxurious Le Meridien Munich before setting sail for six nights aboard the stunning vessel, The Gentleman. Our elegant floating hotel will sail through enchanting Bavaria, visiting the picturesque cities along the Rhine and disembarking in cosmopolitan Düsseldorf.

We have collaborated with our partners at Transcend Cruises to create a fully customized experience, and every detail has been exquisitely designed while offering exceptional value. The “Jerusalem of the Rhine: The Heart of Ashkenaz” starts at just $3,999 per person, offering an all-inclusive voyage that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.

Members of our congregation who voyage with us will delight in knowing that a portion of their travel supports our Temple.

It will be my honor to host you on this timeless, unparalleled journey as we embrace the beauty, romance, and culture of the region. This program is expected to sell out quickly. We encourage you to contact our partners at Transcend Cruises for more information or to book your participation at 954-737-4709 or via email at reservations@transcend.cruises.

Bon Voyage!