Exploring Jewish life in Panama

Contemporary Panama’s “reason d’existance” derives from the famous canal which created an aquatic passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, thus shortening travel routes for much of the world’s shipping routes.  Considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of its time, its story combines a fascinating perspective on American history and the history of technology.  Anyone really interested in the fascinating history of the construction of the Panama Canal should read David McCullough’s, The Path Between the Seas.

 

Panama has become a focal point of vacation traffic. Kosherica’scruise to Mexico and Panama is scheduled to depart from San Diego on Friday December 21. While the canal generally overshadows any other points of interest, we thought our readers might like to know a little about Panama’s Jewish character.

Here are a number of facts you may have never known about the Jewish community in Panama:

1.  That there is such a thing;
2. It’s the only country outside of Israel that elected two Jewish presidents in the 20^th century;
3. With an estimated Jewish population of 7,000, it has 8 kosher restaurants;
4. A record 85% of its Jewish population maintain kosher households;
5. It boasts a large and very well stocked kosher supermarket which has over 10,000 food items from Israel, Europe and Panama;
6. It has 5 Jewish schools for elementary through high school students.

Like much of South and Central America, Panama’s earliest Jewish settlers were Spanish and Portuguese Marranos- Jews who during the Spanish inquisition in the middle ages - had officially converted to Christianity while clandestinely maintaining their Jewish faith and rituals.  

Panama and other destinations in the southern hemisphere were a haven because they could finally end the double lives they were living and resume their identities as Jews.   The end of Spanish colonial rule in 1821 resulted in Panama becoming part of Columbia which heralded the arrival of Sephardic Jewish settlers from Jamaica and Ashkenazim from Central Europe.  The lack of a large community served as a catalyst for many of them to either intermarry or integrate within the general population.  

Again in the middle of the 19^th century the Jewish population base was replenished by immigrants from the nearby Caribbean region and the Netherlands.  The first synagogue, Kol Shearith Israel (Voice of the dispersed of Israel)- a most appropriate name, was established in 1876. Today, this community has about 160 families.

In 1911, around the time that the canal was being completed, there were over 50 Jews living there. In 1933, unrelated to events in Europe, a small contingent of Jews from Syria and (what was to become) Israel established a second congregation, Shevet Achim – (Brotherly unity), which is modeled on Orthodox tradition and is today the largest congregation.  But the pressures of intermarriage negated the influx of newcomers which occurred after the end of the First World War.   By 1936, the two synagogues had a combined population of 600.  A third synagogue – Beth El- (The house of the Lord), also Orthodox was founded by Jews who arrived escaping from Nazi dominated Europe.

By the mid 1990’s the Jewish population had risen to over 7,000. The the three synagogues joined by several international Jewish organizations like Bnai Brith and WIZO, are united under the Consejo Central Comunitario Hebreo de Panama -  Central Jewish Community of Panama which supports a vibrant and independent Jewish life.

If you are interested in taking a Glatt kosher cruise to Panama with Kosherica this winter, you can find out more info about that cruise and others on Kosherica's website. It will most certainly be an experience of a lifetime!

Have you been to Panama before? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. Also, if you want to see some amazing pictures from previous Kosherica cruises, check out our Pinterest.

Jewish Prayer in St. Thomas

St. Thomas, one of the most beautiful and best traveled of the Caribbean Islands, is a favored port of call on Kosherica cruises to this part of the world. The island boasts a bustling nightlife, breathtaking mountain top scenery and delightful souvenir shopping.  It’s also a great place to enjoy water sports offering snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, as well as fishing, kayaking and parasailing. 

In addition to the Island’s exquisite amenities, St. Thomas offers the Jewish travel a rare opportunity to see history come alive in a most unusual synagogue.

The one thing that strikes visitors to the synagogue in St. Thomas is the sand that is spread evenly on the sanctuary floor.  At first sight it looks almost comical, given the fact that it is located on this traveler’s paradise which boasts some of the world’s most beautiful and exquisite beaches.  But the sand on the floor of the Beracha Veshalom Vegmiluth Hasidim Synagogue is no laughing matter.

There is a difference of opinion as to the origin of this custom.  Some posit that the sand recreates the Israelite journey through the desert when they left Egypt on their way to the Promised Land.  The more commonly accepted explanation ascribes this custom to the Marranos – Jews in medieval Spain who were forced to outwardly convert to Catholicism.  Those who continued to practice Judaism met underground and used sand to muffle their prayers.  That would certainly fit in with the national origins of the local Jewish population.

The first Jews in St. Thomas arrived in 1655 when it was ruled by Denmark.  The community was founded in 1796 by Sephardic Jews who came to the Island in order to bankroll trade between the New World and Europe.    Built in 1883, it is the second oldest synagogue in North America (the oldest is the Touro Synagogue in New Port RI built in 1759). The congregation reached its high point in the mid- 1800’s when its population peaked at 400 members and declined in the later part of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  The island boasts two famous Jews: Camille Pissarro, the French Impressionist painter and David Levy Yulee, Florida’s first senator.

In addition to its sand covered floor, the synagogue has magnificent benches, and ark and center podium (Bimah) made from mahogany, and a candelabrum (Menorah) which dates back to 11^th century Spain.  The sanctuary is graced with decorative chandeliers from Holland and four pillars representing the matriarchs of Jewish tradition: Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca and Leah.  The architecture of the building is consistent with the accepted Sephardic style which has congregants facing each other as opposed to western style row seating. Shabbat services have been maintained weekly since 1833, the only lapse occurring in 1995 during Hurricane Marilyn.

Interested in exploring St. Thomas for yourself? Check out all five Kosherica’s 2013 luxurious cruises to the Caribbean Islands and the Bahamas featuring five star cruise accommodations combined with outstanding Jewish entertainers and scholars.  For more history, take a look at last week’s blog post to find out about Jewish history in the Bahamas.

Have you seen the synagogue in St. Thomas? Are you planning on taking a Kosherica cruise this winter? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. Also, if you want to see some amazing pictures from previous cruises, check out our Pinterest.

Photo credit: asparagir

The Bahamas – A Jewish Perspective

What are you doing this winter? Well, if you haven’t heard yet, Kosherica Cruises is offering its Bahamas cruise for only $599! Yes, you can cruise the beautiful Bahamas on a five star, totally kosher cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Sky.

Now, just in case you are looking for a little something beyond relaxing at sea, amazing scenery and the incredible kosher food that Kosherica promises, you’ll also find a lot of history in the Bahamas. As a matter of fact, there is a lot of Jewish history too.

The Luis De Torres Synagogue in Freeport in the Bahamas is named after the first Jew who was alleged to have set foot in the new world.  While his neighbors knew him to be a practicing Catholic, he was actually a Marrano (a crypto-Jew) who was forced to abandon his ancestral religion in favor of Catholicism out of fear of the Spanish Inquisition.  That probably explains his enthusiasm in joining Christopher Columbus’ voyage where he served as an interpreter given his fluency in Hebrew, Chaldean, Spanish Portuguese, French, Latin and his native Spanish.  As a member of the Santa Maria crew he arrived in San Salvador which was eventually included in the over 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas.

While he arrived there in 1492, the Bahamas were actually settled in 1620 by British soldiers.  During the 1700’s the islands were occupied by a small number of Jews who did not yet constitute an indigenous community.  Those that did settle there were in the main prosperous. Moses Frank, who achieved prominence, served as attorney General and Chief Justice of the Islands in the 18^th century.     

A somewhat larger group of Jews from Poland, Russia and the British Isles arrived after the First World War and settled either in Nassau or in Freeport. These original immigrants were the ancestors of the 300 or so Jewish residents of the Bahamas today.

While there are a number of Jewish congregations on the islands, the Luis De Torres, built in 1972 is the primary functioning synagogue.  The synagogue has a website: www.grandbahamasynagogue.org, email: jberlind@coralwave.com and a telephone number: 1-242-373-9457.  Services are held during the High Holy Days and extend through May.   

There is another community in Nassau, called The Bahamas Jewish Congregation.  Nassau also has a corner of the general cemetery sectioned off for Jewish graves.

This winter’s kosher cruise to the Bahamas is going to be a trip you will not want to miss! To find out about other Kosherica cruises this winter, check out our website: http://www.kosherica.com/.  To see some amazing photos from previous Kosherica cruises, check out these albums on Pinterest.

If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below, on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

Are the airlines charging too many extra fees?

Anyone that has flown recently has noticed that extra fees are piling up from the airlines. Whether it's a fee for an extra piece of luggage, a pillow, a headset or a meal, almost every major airline is nickel-and-diming its customers. How do you feel about these extra charges? Head over to the New York Times to see people's reactions.

Cruising in Europe

Unfortunately for Europe and the rest of the world, the old continent is undergoing a financial crisis similar to the recent recession in the United States. For Americans, this is good news on a personal level, as the dollar has never been stronger against the Euro and other currencies. Now is the perfect time to book a kosher cruise to the Mediterranean or Northern Europe. Although the general economy is down, the cruise industry is still thriving. The cruise passenger capacity for 2012 for ships sailing in Europe is approximately 5.7 million, up 5 percent from 5.4 million in 2011, compared to a 9 percent increase from 2010 to 2011.

Whether it's a kosher cruise to the beautiful Greek Islands, an historic journey to Stockholm, St. Petersberg and Copenhagen, or a cruise along the French Riviera, it's an affordable and fun option for individuals, couples and families. Our customers love the fresh kosher food available on each cruise as well.

Check out the different choices today!

Dr. Mendy Ganchrow named a Scholar in Residence

We're happy to have the famed Dr. Mendy Ganchrow as our scholar in residence on the Baltics and Russia kosher cruise, departing July 31! A little about Dr. Ganchrow:

Mendy Ganchrow, M.D. is a retired colo-rectal surgeon, served as president of the Orthodox Union from 1994 through 2000. He served as chairman of the board until 2002. The Orthodox Union is the world's largest Orthodox Synagogue group and consists of over 1000 synagogues.

In 1968, while serving as an army combat surgeon in Vietnam, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and promoted to major. Upon the death of a Jewish chaplain, in light of his education at Yeshiva University and Orthodox upbringing, he was pleased to volunteer to serve as acting Jewish chaplain.

Civilian life lead him to a surgical practice in Rockland County, NY. As his practice grew, he simultaneously became deeply involved in the community. He served as president of his synagogue and local day school among his many different communal responsibilities.

In 1962, he organized the Hudson Valley Political Action Committee, which for a time was the largest local pro-Israel PAC in the US. He served as its president for 21 years.

During this time, he was extremely active in AIPAC on behalf of a strong US-Israel relationship.

He is former Chief of Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern NY. He was a clinical associate professor of surgery and wrote 19 surgical papers. He has served on many boards and commissions.

In addition to his 3 books, he has written numerous Op-Eds on political, religious and general themes. His Op-Eds have been published in many newspapers. A few samples are reprinted at the conclusion of his latest book, "Journey through the Minefields." His newest book COMING OF AGE-VESHINANTEM LEVANECHA-VEDIBARTA BAM an anthology of Torah thoughts for Bar-Bas Mitzvah will be published March 2012.

Mendy is a well known public speaker and scholar-in-residence at synagogues throughout the US, Canada and other countries.

Book today!

The cruise of a lifetime

Join Kosherica this winter on the cruise of a lifetime! See a good portion of the world on our Panama Canal cruise - departing from San Diego, California, one of our most popular kosher cruises heads all the way down Mexico through Central America.

One of the highlights is the intricate crossing of the Panama Canal, where the beautiful ms Statendam will be raised through a series of locks up to the world's most famous canal. From there, we'll cross the entire continent and emerge in the beautiful Caribbean Sea and continue up the coast, eventually ending up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This epic journey will be shared among your family and friends for a lifetime - the cruise sells out every year so book today!

Greek Islands Kosher Cruise

One of our most popular kosher cruises is the annual visit to the legendary Greek Isles. Departing from Venice, Italy, you'll see some of the most famous landmarks and towns of the Roman and Greek age. Here is a sampling of the destinations we'll visit - this kosher cruise is less than a month away!

Venice, Italy

St. Mark's Square is Venice's heart, with palatial arcades. Tour the exquisite Doges Palace, once home to the dukes of Venice. Ply the canals in a gondola or shop for exquisite Venetian glass. Sample shore excursions: Gondola Serenade; Islands of Venice: Leisurely Venice; Murano, Burano & Tocello.

Bari, Italy

A principal harbor for over two thousand years, Bari is a charming city on the Adriatic coast. The old town, Barivecchia, is cherished for its medieval characteristics and buildings. As one of Southern Italy's more prosperous cities, Bari offers a wealth of shopping options.

Katakolon, Greece

Gateway to Olympus, site of the original Olympic Stadium and host to some games of the 2004 Olympiad. Sample shore excursion: Ancient Olympia & the Village.

Santorini, Greece

Your harbor on this island was created by a volcano in 1500 BC., and the effect is still explosive: steep cliffs rise from sea level, cubist white houses glow in the Aegean sun. Sample shore excursion: Panoramic Santorini.

Rhodes, Greece

Fortresses flank your entrance to this most beautiful of the Ionians. Lose yourself in the Venetian old town or head north for dramatic seascapes. Sample shore excursion: Achillion Palace & Private Villa.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Magnificent medieval walls protect this World Heritage Site and former naval city-state. VISIT ON OF THE OLDEST SHULS IN EUROPE, EXPLORE the Sponza Palace and graceful stone palazzi. Sample shore excursion: Dubrovnik & Croatia's Countryside.

Money Tips for World Travelers

CREDIT cards and A.T.M.’s may have eased the challenge of spending and exchanging money on a trip abroad, but that doesn’t mean we don’t occasionally find ourselves in a foreign country, fuming in front of machines that have just rejected our plastic cards. Fortunately, American banks have recently begun issuing credit cards that are more widely accepted around the world. Here are some tips on managing your cards and cash based on my recent trip to Japan and Hong Kong.

Otto Steininger

GET A CREDIT CARD WITH A CHIP
 Many globe-trotting travelers have discovered that American credit cards, with their outdated magnetic stripes, are not always accepted now that most of the world has shifted to cards that use a smart chip instead. While merchants in Asia, Europe and elsewhere are supposed to be able to swipe our vintage plastic, many automated kiosks can’t do that, which can be a problem at train stations and subways.

The future has finally arrived — or at least the first wave of progress. Just before I left on my Asia trip, I got a FlexPerks Visa card from U.S. Bank that has a chip and a magnetic stripe, one of a growing number of American credit cards that now offer a “chip and signature” option. This isn’t entirely a solution because the global standard is “chip and PIN” technology, meaning you enter a PIN, or security code, after a payment terminal reads the card’s chip.

When I called U.S. Bank before my trip, I was told that I could get a PIN, but that any purchase using this code would be treated like a cash advance with 21 percent interest — obviously, not an option! Fortunately, the card worked fine when I used it without a PIN to buy a train ticket from an automated kiosk in Hong Kong. As I later learned, even without a PIN, a chip-and-signature card will work at most automated kiosks around the world because a signature is not required for purchases under $50. And at payment terminals used by stores and restaurants, the chip essentially tells the machine, “This card doesn’t have a PIN, so spit out a receipt for the customer to sign.”

The annual fee on my card is $49. Other chip-and-signature cards with annual fees under $100 include three options from Chase — the J. P. Morgan Select Visa, the British Airways Visa and the Hyatt Visa — and Citi Thank You or Executive/AAdvantage MasterCards. For a more complete list, visit FlyerTalk.com and search for “chip and signature” cards; the frequent fliers who trade tips there keep a running list of these cards and their annual fees.

CHECK YOUR CARD’S FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE
Another consideration is whether your credit card issuer charges a foreign transaction fee — usually 1 to 3 percent of every purchase, including the 1 percent Visa or MasterCard fee that banks pass along to their customers. But now that the government requires card issuers to disclose these fees clearly, some companies have gotten rid of them.

The personal finance site NerdWallet.com lists dozens of cards that do not charge a foreign transaction fee, including all of the credit cards issued by Capital One (which bucked this trend long before other banks). Alas, many of the credit cards that travelers use because they earn frequent-flier miles still impose this charge, like the American Express Delta SkyMiles card, and the ones that don’t often have high annual fees, like the Chase British Airways Visa ($95 per year). But unless you travel abroad frequently or spend a lot on your credit card, it’s probably not worth paying a high annual fee to avoid this charge. Since most of my hotels were billed in dollars with no fees, and I paid cash for most purchases, I paid only $10 in foreign transaction fees during my trip.

TELL YOUR BANK WHERE YOU’RE TRAVELING
 Before I left for Asia, I made four phone calls to let my bank and credit card companies know that I would be traveling abroad — a step banks advise customers to take so an unusual spending pattern doesn’t trigger a fraud alert. As I waited on hold after working through the automated phone menu, I wondered why banks don’t make this chore easier and offer a travel notification tool online.

It turns out, some do. Jim Bruene, who blogs at Netbanker.com, posted the results of an informal test he conducted, finding it took him about a minute each to register travel notifications online with Capital One and Chase, and 7 to 10 minutes to do it over the phone with Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank (which don’t offer online options). Citi is another bank that does.

Someday, Mr. Bruene predicts, banking apps will provide a better solution to this problem.

“Your mobile banking app will sense where you are and your card will be able to work there,” he said. In the meantime, look for a “travel notification” tool in the customer service area of your bank’s Web site before you pick up the phone.

LEARN THE EXCHANGE RATE BEFORE YOU LAND
 Every time I travel abroad, I stumble off the aircraft, find an A.T.M. in the airport, press the button for English and get stumped when I’m asked, “How many yen (or pesos, or Brazilian real) do you want?” You can’t tell the machine, “Give me the equivalent of $200.”

After landing in Tokyo, I had to cancel the transaction and find a billboard down the hall with the current exchange rate; since $250 is about 20,000 yen, I had panicked about entering such a high number in a fog of jet lag at the A.T.M.

Save yourself that anxiety by visiting a currency conversion site like xe.com before your trip and writing down how much you want to withdraw once you land. I’d also recommend reading the “money” section of a guidebook to see if the country you’re visiting has any financial quirks. For instance, in Japan, many A.T.M.’s don’t accept foreign bank cards, and the ones that do are scarce. At the main train station in Tokyo, an information booth attendant gave us a map and highlighted the route we’d have to follow (down the escalator, left at the second corridor, up the stairs, etc.) to find an “international A.T.M.”

We had 10 minutes before our train left for Kyoto, and after that sprint I learned to keep an eye out for a Citibank or the local version of 7-Eleven, the two main operators of international A.T.M.’s. Belatedly, I noticed that information was mentioned in my guidebook. But it’s good advice anytime you’re in a foreign country, especially if you’re heading off the beaten path: don’t wait until you’re almost out of cash to look for an A.T.M

Frequent Flier Tricks

Don’t fly enough to earn elite status on an airline? There are plenty of other ways to buy those perks and preferred treatment, either à la carte or through the right credit card. Here is how you can fly like an elite passenger, even for one trip a year, on several airlines. (Carriers without an elite program were not included.)

American Airlines
 

UPGRADES Passengers who buy a full-fare economy ticket can request an upgrade 24 hours before departure for $30 per 500 miles at AA.com if seats are available.

A BETTER COACH SEAT “Preferred seats” in the first few rows of coach can be bought at booking from $4 extra, depending on the length of the flight and the time of day. American is also beginning to sell Main Cabin Extra seats with 4 to 6 inches of extra legroom for $8 to $108, starting with its Boeing 777-300s.

LOUNGE ACCESS Free with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card; day passes are available for $50; $90, plus tax, for the Arrivals lounge at Heathrow Airport in London; 30-day memberships are $99; annual memberships are $500 or 80,000 miles for non-elites.

PRIORITY BOARDING AND SECURITY Preboarding is available for $9 each way; American offers expedited security lines along with other V.I.P. services like lounge access for $125 a person through its Five Star Service program.

CREDIT CARD The Citi Platinum Select/AAdvantage ($95 annual fee) offers priority boarding, double miles, and a first-checked-bag free for you and up to four traveling companions. In addition, the CitiExecutive/AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard ($450 annual fee) offers 10,000 elite qualifying miles when you spend $40,000, free access for you and two guests to Admirals Clubs, dedicated check-in and airport screening lanes, where available.

Delta Air Lines

UPGRADES First-class upgrades can be bought at Delta.com when booking online or when checking in, if seats are available. Prices start at $50 each way for customers who purchase a nearly full-fare coach ticket for a short flight.

A BETTER COACH SEAT Exit-row seats and bulkhead, aisle and window seats toward the front of the plane can be bought 24 hours before departure from $9 to $29 for domestic flights and $39 to $59 for international.

LOUNGE ACCESS Free with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card; day passes cost $50; 30-day memberships are $90; annual memberships are $450 or 70,000 miles.

PRIORITY BOARDING AND SECURITY Preboarding is available for $9 each way for several markets, including Las Vegas; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix; and San Diego. Delta does not offer priority security lines for non-elite customers.

CREDIT CARD The Gold Delta SkyMiles card from American Express ($95 annual fee) comes with priority boarding and double the miles when you fly, and lets you and up to nine people in your reservation check a bag free. In addition, the Delta Reserve card from American Express ($450 annual fee) offers concierge consultants, elite qualifying miles and free access for you and two guests to Delta Sky Clubs.

Southwest Airlines

UPGRADES Southwest offers only coach.

A BETTER COACH SEAT With its open-seating policy, those who board first get the best seats.

LOUNGE ACCESS It doesn’t have lounges.

PRIORITY BOARDING AND SECURITY Passengers who buy a premium Business Select ticket are guaranteed to board first, followed by frequent fliers and passengers who bought a $10 one-way “early bird check-in” pass. Business Select ticket holders also have access to express security lines where available.

CREDIT CARD For every $10,000 charged to the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier card from Chase, you earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-list status, which comes with priority check-in and boarding.

United Airlines

UPGRADES First- and business-class upgrades can be purchased from booking to check-in time, if seats are available. Prices are usually based on the difference between the fare the customer paid for coach and the lowest available first- or business-class fare at the time. For example, the cost to upgrade to first on a one-way coach ticket from New York to Chicago was $135 in a recent search.

A BETTER COACH SEAT Economy Plus rows, with 4 to 6 inches of extra legroom, cost $9 to $169 one way, depending on the flight.

LOUNGE ACCESS Day passes cost $50; annual memberships are $475.

PRIORITY BOARDING AND SECURITY United began selling a variety of perks a couple of years ago, including expedited security and preboarding (from $9), but has temporarily suspended the “premier travel” program. It plans to reintroduce most of the à la carte services later this year

CREDIT CARD The United MileagePlus Explorer card from Chase ($95 annual fee) offers a free checked bag, priority boarding and two passes a year to United Clubs. The United MileagePlus Club card ($395 annual fee) offers designated airport check-in lines; preboarding and express security lanes; United Club access each time you fly; and your first and second bags are free.

US Airways

UPGRADES Domestic upgrades can be bought 24 hours before departure for $50 to $500, if seats are available. International business-class upgrades are $600 to $750, depending on the length of flight and availability.

A BETTER COACH SEAT Choice seats, mostly window and aisle seats toward the front of coach, which may include exit rows, cost $5 and up, depending on the flight length, destination and time of day.

LOUNGE ACCESS Free with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card; day passes are $50 at the club or $29 at usairways.com; 90-day memberships are $120; annual memberships are $450.

PRIORITY BOARDING AND SECURITY PreferredAccess offers priority check-in, security lanes and boarding, where available, including most gates in 21 cities, for $10 a person.

CREDIT CARD The US Airways Premier World MasterCard ($89 annual fee) comes with first-class check-in privileges, priority boarding, double miles when you fly and discounts on award travel.

More travel tips on kosherica.com

Baltic kosher cruise!

Join Kosherica on our Baltic kosher cruise, departing June 24! One of the highlights is a side excursion to Moscow as one of our special Jewish Interest Tours. See the fascinating history of Judaism within Russia up close an personal - also on the itinerary are cities such as Helsinki, Stockholm and Berlin. Book today!

Eurodam one of Kosherica's Signature Ships

The msEurodam, a state of the art cruise ship under Holland America, is quickly becoming a favorite of Jewish travelers on Kosherica's journeys.

Launching her maiden voyage in July of 2008, the ms Eurodam marks Holland America Line's new Signature-class ships. The ms Eurodam furthers the evolution of our sophisticated mid-sized ships with 11 passenger decks, a new topside Pan-Asian restaurant and lounge surrounded by panoramic views, an Explorer's Lounge bar, a new Italian restaurant adjacent to the Lido, elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, an enhanced and reconfigured show lounge and a new photographic and imaging center. On the technical side, the ms Eurodam features the latest state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems. The ship is powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod® propulsion technology. Guests on the ms Eurodam will be able to "show and tell" their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows®. Free workshops led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts" will show even the most novice camera or computer user how to take better vacation photos, make movies, edit pictures and create scrapbooks using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services. Guests will learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking - so friends and family can see where they've been cruising even before they return home. Learn more at Kosherica.com!

Amsterdam A Hit With Kosher Travelers

One of Kosherica's most popular destinations is Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, is a major tourist destination.
Known for its liberal and laid back lifestyle, the city is a treasure trove of museums, art galleries and 17th century canals.

In fact, in 2010, the city’s canals received UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status.

While the city’s most popular sites include the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, The Anne Frank House, Rembrandt House and the infamous de Wallen area, there are many lesser known places, such as the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, a secret attic church, and the Museum of Bags and Purses, which is a must-see.

However, it is the shopping areas in the city that may end up keeping most people occupied, leaving little time to see the attractions that the city has to offer.

The city boasts of a diverse range of shopping places, right from antiques, second-hand items, luxury items to trendy good, you can find them all in Amsterdam.
The different shopping districts of the city make one want to jump the first frugal flight and visit. The money that you save on purchasing your ticket can be used to splurge on shopping!

Perhaps, the most popular and well-known shopping street that offers a unique shopping experience is the De Negen Straatjes, or The Nine Little Streets. Located in the Central Canal Ring area, this is the ideal place to look for designer boutiques and vintage shops.

If your quest visit Amsterdam was to spend the saved money on doing some trendy shopping then head to Utrechtsestraat. This street lies in the Eastern Canal area. It is a long street that runs over multiple canals and is popular for its boutiques and specialty stores. Here you can buy household linen, silverware, bath accessories and good quality clothing, mostly casual.

Another shopping mecca in Amsterdam can be found at Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat. This street is in the Museum Quarter of Amsterdam and boasts of high-end retailers, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermes. You can also shop for luxury jewelry from Chopard and Cartier here. Designer shoe lovers will love this street, as it is home to the only Christian Louboutin retailer in the entire city.
De Jordaan is a labyrinth of tiny streets where you can find galleries, Bohemian-style shops, studios belonging to artists, second-hand stores and small boutiques. In this area, Haarlemmerstraat is the street to buy good quality clothing without making a dent on your bank balance.

The street also has many places to eat, so after shopping, you can sit down and relax those tired feet and nourish your body. The many wares of this street make it worth the time to investigate.
The city is an antique lover’s paradise, though this is a fact most visitors are unaware of. There is an entire area dedicated to antiques and work by local artists. This area is quite close to Rijksmuseum and is known as Spiegelgracht and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat.

Here you can shop for art, books, Delftware and furniture. You can also visit the many art galleries lining the Kerkstraat to pick work from local artists.

How To Save Money On A Car Rental: 7 Valuable Tips

As summer quickly approaches, the entire travel industry is ramping up its fares in anticipation. Car rentals are no exception, as the demand quickly overtakes supply. The average price of a car rental increases by as much as 56% from March to July, according to Abrams Travel Data Index.

Tip #1: Avoid Brand Names
Most rental car companies get their inventory from similar sources, and they all need to undergo a professional inspection. So why pay up to twice as much for a well known brand? Booking at rental agencies such as Payless and Fox Rent A Car can save you hundreds of dollars on the same model or style of car.

Tip #2: Look For Online Deals
Search for discounts and coupons on sites like Promotionalcodes.com and CouponWinner.com, or type in the name of a rental company and “coupon code” into Google to see what turns up. Also try frequent flier sites and others - savings can up to more than 50%.

Tip #3: Use Autoslash.com
As experts have known for a while, Autoslash.com is a very valuable tool to keep on top of any rate changes, as well as the most competitive rates in specific cities and airpports.

Tip #4: Don't Rent At The Airport
It's easier said than done at many small cities, but most larger cities offer convenient public transportation and/or a reasonable cab fare into town. Once away from the airport, the rates can be reduced drastically.

Tip #5: Add A Day To Your Rental
It's an odd concept, but adding a day to your rental may lower the average rate drastically. The strategy takes advantage of lower prices aimed at leisure travelers who are more likely to travel on weekends.

Tip #6: Negotiate
This underused tactic can snag you a free upgrade if other travelers are forcing issues with the inventory. There are many reasons that an agent may offer you a different vehicle, but without asking you'll never know.

Tip #7: Prepay For Your Car
Companies love to receive payment as quickly as possible, and will offer discounts if the amount due is paid up front. In a recent search for weekly rentals at Boston Logan International Airport in mid June, for example, Hertz was offering economy cars for $173 a week at the “pay now” rate. The “pay later” rate was about $30 more.

For more general travel info and Jewish travel tips in particular, head over to Kosherica.com.

A number of travel sites will help you get money back if the price of a room or flight drops after you reserve. Many travelers have experienced the frustration of booking the best deal they could find on a room or flight after an exhaustive search, only to see or hear later that the deal could have been much better. These three services show you how to get a refund if the price drops. So which one is right for you? Here’s a guide to the sites, brought to you by Kosherica.

1) Tingo.com

How it works: Once you've booked a room and your card has been charged, Tingo keeps an eye on the rate and will automatically refund the difference to your card if the price drops (which happens to 1 of every 3 2-night reservations).

Benefits: Powered by super-site Expedia, there are a huge variety of hotels to choose from. The process is automated as well, meaning you have the security of not having to monitor rates on an hourly basis. Finally, there is no cancellation fee charged by Tingo itself (only charges per the hotel's policy)

Drawbacks: Tingo doesn't bring in to play actual rates offered by the specific hotels themselves, so you may miss out on a better rate by not booking directly with the hotel.

Summary: Amazing service. The flexibility and lack of risk within their cancellation policy means it's worth using the service, even if you plan to possibly book direct at a later time.


2) CheapAir.com

How it works: The megasite offers a new Price Drop Payback which gives customers a refund of any difference if the customer finds the fare has dropped before they travel.

Benefits: Prices can be quickly checked with the click of a button to see if the fare has changed.

Drawbacks: The service costs the user $9.95, and they payout is not automatic. The customer is forced to check manually for drops and request a refund. Most importantly, the refund is not given in cash - rather, it's given in the form of a rebate to apply to future bookings on the site.

Summary: Due to the fact that there is a $9.95 fee charged to use the service, and the refund not paid back to your credit card, we find the service to be inadequate.


3) Orbitz.com

How it works: The Price Assurance guarantee (you've probably seen the commercials) offers travelers a refund if the price of a flight or hotel drops after the book, similar to Tingo and CheapAir.

Benefits: The payout is quick and easy once the process is activated and completed.

Drawbacks: The biggest "Catch" to the policy is that someone must use Orbitz to book the lower fare that you can see before the policy is activated. If your $150 hotel booking is seen at $100 after you book, it won't matter unless someone else uses Orbitz to book the room at $100.

Summary: A quality service with quick payouts - however, the reliance on another person booking the same room at the same hotel (or flight) as you can lead to massive frustration. Overall, a good service to use, especially on popular destinations and routes.

 For more info on great quality Kosher cruises, Passover hotels and more, visit Kosherica today.

Summer Is On Its Way

April is already coming to a close, which means that summer is just around the corner. Time seems to be flying in 2012, and it's time to think about a vacation as the weather warms up.

Kosherica's June 24 Alaska kosher cruise is the perfect opportunity! America's grandest state is beckoning, and whether or not you've been before, Alaska always has more to offer. Eagles soar over massive glaciers, mountains and waterfalls while grizzly and black bears forage in the dense forests. The last true wilderness in the United States can be enjoyed from the comfort of a luxury cruise liner, departing from Seattle. With numerous day trips from the ship, whale watching and much more, Norwegian Cruise Line's Pearl will be your home for a week as you cruise through the beautiful Inside Passage. Rabbi Mordechai Shifman is Kosherica's featured Scholar In Residence and will add another level of excitement to the cruise. Learn more today!

When should you book your trip?

Everyone seems to have advice on the subject of the best time to book a trip, but what is the real truth? For every person that tells you to wait until the last minute for the best deal, another person will tell you that you should book as far in advance as possible. A new study was recently completed by the Airlines Reporting Corporation that compared hundreds of travel sites, airlines and agencies to finally reveal the best window to book your trip.

For domestic flights within the U.S., it turns out the most ideal time to book is roughly 6 weeks from the date of travel. The study gathered data from the past 4 years and found the average lowest price was in the "sweet spot" of 6 weeks. So, is the 6-week rule in play for international flights as well? The answer is no, as the study found that the ideal booking time was much farther in advance, in the range of 24 weeks from the date of travel. Although it's long been a tactic to try and wait for a last-minute sale for international flights, experts say that is becoming a risky approach with less chances of success than in previous times. A trip to Europe in the summer should be booked as early as possible, with fare increases common throughout the Spring. The ideal window is 21-22 weeks out for flights to major European cities.

If you're looking into traveling to the Caribbean to escape the cold U.S. winter (perhaps for a kosher cruise), plan on booking 11 to 12 weeks in advance. The most popular destinations, such as Costa Rica and the Bahamas, are exempt from airfare wars generally. Unfortunately, the fares are high year-round and deals are very difficult to come by.

Several tools are available to assist you in your airfare research. Bing.com offers a Price Predictor that uses algorithms to determine how likely a fare is to rise or fall during the next seven days. It applies to flights from more than 250 cities in the United States and to top domestic destinations and major hubs in Europe.

For the cheapest dates to fly, go to Itasoftware.com, which allows you to scan an entire month’s worth of fares. To buy, you must go to the airline’s Web site or online agencies like Travelocity.

Rabbi Mordechai Shifman On Alaska Cruise

RABBI MORDECHAI SHIFMAN has been added to the June 24 Alaska kosher cruise!

After studying in Jerusalem under Harav Yochanan Zweig Shlit'a, Mr. Shifman moved to California where he is currently the Head of School Emek Hebrew Academy Teichman Family Torah Center in Sherman Oaks. In addition to seeing the beautiful scenery of America's wildest state, you'll be in the presence of an amazing scholar in residence. Learn more about this amazing Alaska kosher cruise today!

Baltic Russia and Norwegian Fjords Kosher Cruises

Join Kosherica for our 2012 Glatt Kosher Cruises and Tours to the Baltics.Sail this winter on our five star Glatt Kosher Baltics Cruises. Visit destinations from Russia to Norway, Denmark to Finland and the rest of Northern Europe.

Baltic Capitals Round-trip Copenhagen Kosher Cruise - 6/24/2012 aboard Holland America's ms Eurodam for 10 Nights Join the Glatt Kosher cruise leader on this incredible cruise. Depart from Copenhagen. Spend Two days in Russia! Explore cities like Stockholm, Berlin, and Tallin with our specialized Jewish interest excursions and uncover the wonders and history of the Baltic. This cruise is a once in a lifetime Glatt Kosher Vacation!

Russia & Baltic Adventure Kosher Cruise Kosher Cruise - 7/31/2012 aboard Holland America's ms Eurodam for 10 Nights

Baltics and Norway Kosher Tours - 7/31/2012 aboard Holland America's ms Eurodam for 17 Nights

Norwegian Fjords Kosher Cruise - 8/10/2012 aboard Holland America's ms Eurodam for 7 Nights Kids Sale Free (3rd/4th on Aug 10 Eurodam. Expires March 20)

New Room Type for Jewish Singles Cruise Travelers

Kosherica is happy to announce that we now have a new room type available for our Western Mediterranean Kosher Cruise. It is a Single Stateroom for the Jewish Singles Cruise Traveler--all prices are normally Double Occupancy, but now we have a room for the Single person – and the Single Supplement (normally about 170 percent of the two-person rate) does not apply! Learn more at www.Kosherica.com.

Jewish Vacation Cruises Featured in Cruise Magazine

Kosherica, the leader in the Glatt Kosher Cruise & Industry, is proud to have received honorable mentions in a recent article featured in Porthole Cruise Magazine. The article brings to light the rising trend in Jewish cruises for singles and kosher travel cruises for families.

"It's everything you ever wanted to know about Jewish-themed cruises but were afraid to ask your rabbi."

Kosherica offers unique Jewish travel packages and some of the best kosher travel cruises all around the world.

Exotic kosher cruise vacations

I sat high atop an elephant plodding through the jungles of Thailand last month, not hearing the distant rush of a waterfall, not smelling the scent of raw nature, not seeing the palm trees and natives in their tropical habitat--just trying to remember what exactly I was planning to do for dinner.

Would I have a succulent tongue appetizer? Hot zucchini soup? Fresh salad with pears and glazed pecans? Barbecue ribs? Hot brownie dessert with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and a strawberry on top?

Yes, that was it. I looked down at my insulated lunch bag with the word Kosherica emblazoned on it and smiled with satisfaction. What would I do without Kosherica? I wondered. Tuna and crackers, I knew. And maybe some vigorously washed and peeled fruit from a local market.

For someone who loves to travel and appreciates world-class vacations, Kosherica’s pampering and handling of all the cumbersome details presents the ideal solution. They take care of everything for you - from five star kosher meals to minyanim, intriguing Jewish lectures, the logistics of spending Shabbos away from home, and interesting groups of people that are a pleasure to get to know. I love it.

And now, in addition to their ever-popular cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, the Baltics and the Mediterranean (be sure to reserve a spot for this summer - they sell out fast!), Kosherica continues to pave the way in glatt kosher cruising with even more exotic destinations like the Asian Orient cruise in January and the Australia & New Zealand cruise come December 2012.

Every Day a New Destination
Our Asian Orient cruise departed from Singapore on January 8 and ended in Hong Kong 14 days later, with numerous stops along the way in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong.

The adventure began with a pre-cruise Shabbat magnificently hosted by Rabbi Mordechai and Simcha Abergel at Singapore’s beautiful Jewish center. The venerable synagogue next door is a well-kept edifice built in the 1800s in Britain's Late Renaissance style by wealthy Jewish merchants from Iraq. It is currently run by the rabbi and his wife and a diverse yet remarkably united Jewish community.

Kosherica also arranged a Sunday morning tour around Singapore where we took in the sights such as the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Botanic Gardens, Chinatown and other cultural areas before dropping us off at the cruise terminal.

At our first port of call we found Thailand to be every bit as titillating as they say it is. There are palaces and temples, noisy markets and lively aromas wafting everywhere. The wildlife is as varied as it is exciting; we rode elephants through the jungle, interacted with monkeys that blithely climbed towering trees and picked coconuts, watched a fierce tiger show and discovered exotic birds and marine life. Thailand’s beaches are particularly alluring and they are known for their spectacular resorts featuring distinctive Southeast Asian service.

Cambodia, our next country, is a poor kingdom recovering rather quickly from a bitter civil war known as the Khmer Rouge. Tourism is their second-greatest source of income after the textile industry, and we certainly did our part to contribute to the effort. We docked in Sihanoukville in the southeast, a city that features several popular beach resorts and the photography-inducing Tumnuk Rolok fishing village.

As an American, our next country was a particularly compelling destination. Vietnam’s portrayal of the Vietnam War, in museums and other historic sites, is decidedly one-sided; particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, where you can view fascinating representations, and the many gruesome repercussions, of modern-day warfare. Vietnam has invested a great deal in the tourism industry, so if that’s not your thing you can find many other worthy attractions. These include traditional water puppetry performances, the coastal region of Nha Trang and the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Halong Bay, which translates to “Bay of the Descending Dragon.” The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands, their jagged cliffs rising mystically out of the water on what was for us a perfectly overcast, misty day. A stop at one of these islands reveals the Thien Cung Cave with its illuminated stalagmite and stalactite formations, which locals have the habit of naming and sometimes worshipping.

Our second-to-last stop was Sanya, a lush city considered to be the “Hawaii” of China. Located at the southern tip of the massive Hainan island, the palm trees, beaches and splendid vistas do indeed evoke that sense of paradise. Several world-class hotels are sprouting up along the coast, including an over-the-top seven star hotel being built by the designers of the world’s first seven star hotel in Dubai. Although the city could benefit from a few improvements to be comfortable for westerners, a tour of Sanya can include a pleasant visit to the ethnic minority village with its vibrant native dance performance, the Pearl Culture Museum, the Seashell Exhibition Center and Butterfly Valley.

Our final stop, Hong Kong, is a portrait of consumerism at work. The skyline glows with flashing skyscraper lights and laser shows, merely hinting to the excessive focus on brand names and “stuff” in this part of the world, but the sheer energy of the city is rather captivating. Some people in our group headed straight to the airport while others stayed on to check out the many attractions the city has to offer, including dinner at the JCC and the Peak Tram pulled by steel cables climbing 1,200 feet above the vivid skyline.

In all these exotic countries of the far east, there were ample opportunities for bargain-hunting at the colorful outdoor markets. Ladies loved the difficult-to-distinguish knock-off purses and men enjoyed designer shirts on the cheap. One of my favorite experiences was visiting the Chabad Houses in these far-flung communities, each one a testament to the pure dedication of the Rebbe’s shluchim. The Chabad Houses are often the best source of information about local culture and attractions, and are a great place to meet fellow Jewish travelers - always a joy when you’re so far from home.
All You Can Eat
I know what you’re thinking: With all these exotic destinations, Kosherica might arrange kosher food, but - it can’t be that good. I mean, are you really served kosher succulent tongue in middle of the South China Sea?

Actually, we are. And that’s only one of the choices for the appetizer of a five course meal, which we have every night at dinner time. Not to mention the full spread at breakfast and the lunch buffets, as well as afternoon and late night teas. Each meal is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. For days when you’re out exploring on land, Kosherica gives you a lunch bag to be filled as you wish.

Best of all, it’s glatt kosher, chalav Yisrael and pas Yisrael under the strict supervision of MGK (Maritime Glatt Kosher).

Luxury Liners, Lavish Amenities

What does one do on a ship for 14 days, you ask? Glad you did. Well, besides for the incredibly liberating ability to travel to multiple destinations without having to pack and schlep suitcases between each one, every ship comes loaded with places to hang out and be entertained.

Looking for excitement? Today’s cruise ships come with anything from water slides and pools to rock climbing walls and even ice skating rinks. There are shows every night after dinner and shops where you can purchase necessities as well as luxury splurges. A spa and fitness center will help you stay in shape, while the casino and numerous lounges will give you opportunities to let your hair down and relax. Libraries, free movies, cooking shows and classes are available on many ships as well.

Ships also have a shore excursion desk to assist you with planning your days at port. If you’re bringing your brood along, children’s programs and teen areas will keep them busy during the days at sea. For the rest of the time, your private luxury cabin will keep you rested and comfortable with a level of service not often found on land. Think adorable folded towels and thoughtful turn-down service every night. Trust me, you’ll miss it.
People and Programs Just Like Home

Kosherica knows there’s nothing like a vacation with all the spiritual components built in. You won’t need to go looking for a minyan for mincha or a chavrusa for daf yomi - that’s all arranged for you. Their lecturers offer a wide range of topics that will inspire you, entertain you and enlighten you. They’ve hosted both historians and world Jewish leaders, as well as kosher cooking gurus and spiritual luminaries. They’re also famous for their popular music festivals at sea, featuring Jewish superstars like Avraham Fried, Dudu Fisher and Chazan Yitzchak Meir Helfgot. These singers infuse the already-packed trips with the sound of music that elevates you to new heights. On Shabbos you’re treated with extravagant meals and meaningful services.

Every morning at breakfast you’re greeted by the familiar faces of the members of your group. At night you have dinner with them and recount the adventures of your day. After a few days they begin to feel like family. Over the years I’ve kept in touch with people I met on cruises long after we first got to know each other. Now I have friends to visit in the UK, Gibraltar, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Israel and all over the U.S.

I’ll probably visit some of them on my next kosher cruise vacation.

Rochelle Ginsburg enjoys writing and travel - especially combining the two. Her love of working with people is evident in her varied capacities as journalist, public relations and marketing consultant, tour guide, volunteer and executive editor. She resides in New York and, as often as possible, explores the world. rochelleginsburg@hotmail.com | linkedin.com/in/rochelleginsburg

Itching to do a dream vacation like this? Contact Kosherica now to reserve a summer or fall cruise - they get booked months in advance. They’ve got a deal with coupon code RG5772 that gives you $50 off your next reservation. Go to www.kosherica.com or call 877-724-5567.

Alaska Kosher Cruises for Jewish Travel

Aboard the wonderful Norwegian Pearl.

You will see Alaska's breathtaking natural beauty- glaciers glowing blue and magnificent wildlife-from your vantage point aboard the five-star Norwegian Pearl. Whether you're touring the rainforests of Ketchikan, helicopering over the stunning Mendenhall Glacier or seeing whales up close, you'll understand why Alaska is so sought after. THE PERFECT CRUISE FOR FAMILIES!

6/24/2012 aboard Norwegian's Pearl for 7 Nights- Scholar Rabbi M. Shiman

8/5/2012 aboard Norwegian's Pearl for 7 Nights- Scholar Rabbi M. Scheiner

8/12/2012 aboard Norwegian's Pearl for 7 Nights- Scholar Rabbi S. Goldin

8/19/2012 aboard Norwegian's Pearl for 7 Nights- Scholar Rabbi A. Trugman
 

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