Spain
Explore the Ancient Jewish Community of Catalonia
What: The Jewish community in Spain enjoyed a “Golden Age,” until it ended in 1492 with the horrific Spanish Inquisition. On this trip to Barcelona and the surrounding areas, you will explore the ancient Jewish community of Catalonia, learn about its personalities, and interact with the new community that has arisen since the Spanish expulsion. The trip will combine culture, history, food, and all the excitement that Barcelona has to offer. Students will see the Modernista architecture that has made this city so famous, and art lovers will appreciate the city’s wealth of museums. Sports lovers will enjoy an insiders look of Camp Nou and being in the presence of the world’s greatest soccer team.
Why: While we usually don’t think in these terms, Spain represents an almost 500-year-old Holocaust. The Spanish Inquisition perpetuated a physical and spiritual annihilation of the Jews whose impact spans centuries. Consider the fact that Spain still has not formally apologized for what they did to the Jews. A once thriving center of Jewish life, the birthplace of the Rambam and other notable Jewish scholars, the impact of the exile and persecution of the Jews of Spain can still be felt today in Sephardi communities throughout the world.
More International Trips Available
Spain
Fall Semester — 5 Days
Today, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. From its wacky architecture to its vibrant sidewalks to great Rabbis and to great tragedies, the region of Catalonia is a great destination for learning about the Spanish Jewish community, which experienced both a Golden Age and a brutal inquisition.
Nepal Cultural Exchange
Spring 2024/Fall 2024 - 2 weeks
“It is spiritually and ethically unacceptable that millions of people in our world don’t have sufficient nutrition, clean water, housing, basic health, or education. This reality can and must be changed.” ~Tevel B’Tzedek, Aardvark’s Israeli partner organization for the Nepal Cultural Exchange program.
United Arab Emirates
FALL SEMESTER — 5 DAYS
Ethiopia
Spring Semester — 5 Days
Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its authentic, ancient cultural identity and is considered by many to be the cradle of humanity. Our trip to Ethiopia will combine history, culture, food, and Zionism.
Zambia
Spring Semester — 2 weeks
Poland
End of Spring Semester — 6 Days
For centuries, the Jewish people had a vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust. This trip will explore that rich history, understand its eventual destruction, and also look at the re-birth of the Jewish community and of Poland itself.
Italy
Spring Semester — 5 Days
From art to food to politics, Italy’s impact on the world has been immense. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia, sunshine, Roman ruins, and Renaissance palaces, and a centuries-old Jewish community, Italy is one place you can never forget!
USA Plus Summer Camp
Spring semester — 2 Months
Combine your experience in Israel with a summer working at an American Jewish Summer Camp (particularly relevant for non-American participants). Start off the trip with six days exploring Washington, D.C. and New York City!
