September 2026: Happy Jewish New Year

Sar-El Tours & Conferences

2026-09-11

The Sar-El Scroll

Rosh Hashana Edition – September 2026

WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Shalom and Shana Tova to our dear friends and partners!

As we celebrate the Feast of Trumpets – Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year – we write to you with a full heart and much gratitude. This is a season of reflection and self-examination for our people, as the sound of the Shofar calls us to prepare our hearts for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, coming ten days from now. Biblically, today is the Day of Remembrance of the Trumpet Call – a powerful reminder that our God is a God who remembers His covenant with His people.

Israel is going through special and significant times. Please continue to pray with us for the peace of Jerusalem, for the war to end, and for normalcy to return to the people of this region – both Israelis and our neighbors.

And yet, as we reflect on the year behind us – we can only give thanks. God has been faithful.

With blessings for a sweet new year,

Samuel Smadja

Owner & President, Sar-El Group

ISRAEL IS OPEN AND WELCOMING YOU

Daily life is normal here in Israel. Sites across the country are open and operating as usual, and Ben Gurion Airport is hitting record-breaking numbers. The country is welcoming visitors, and we are busy serving groups day in and day out.

This summer was one of the most memorable we've had in years. In July, we had the privilege of hosting one of the largest groups in our company's history – over 3,300 visitors from 50 countries who came to tour Israel and show their support for the people of this land. It was a moving and powerful experience for all of us, and we are so grateful for friends like these.

The coming season is looking wonderful, with many groups already confirmed for the months ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting news.

EXCITING FLIGHT UPDATES

Delta and United are back! Delta Air Lines returned to Israel just a few days ago, and United Airlines resumed its flights on Wednesday, September 9th. This is a major milestone and a clear sign of growing confidence in Israel as a travel destination.

Beyond the US carriers, European airlines continue to return, are increasing their frequencies to Israel and deploying larger aircraft on their routes to meet the high demand for travel to the Holy Land.

And here's some big news for our friends from the Far East: While Arkia Israeli Airlines has launched direct flights to the United States, they will be starting direct flights to Manila next month – tickets are already on sale on their website. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Filipino friends and communities to visit Israel directly. We can't wait to welcome you here!

Japan lifts its travel warning against Israel. Japan has cancelled its travel warning against visiting Israel – another meaningful step that will allow more Asian groups and tourists to return to the Land of the Bible. We warmly welcome our Japanese friends and look forward to serving them here.

GOOD NEWS FROM THE GALILEE

We're excited to share that our David's Harp Restaurant on the water in Capernaum is reopening at the end of September! There is probably no more beautiful place to enjoy a meal than right there on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, steps away from where Jesus walked and called His first disciples. We look forward to welcoming your groups there very soon – contact your travel agent to include this special experience in your Galilee itinerary.

COMING SOON: SPECIAL GROUPS AND EVENTS

This weekend we begin welcoming the Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations Convocation, bringing hundreds of prayer warriors from around the world to Jerusalem. What a powerful way to start the new year – with prayer over this city and this land.

Later this season, we will also be hosting the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) Feast of Tabernacles, with special events here in Jerusalem.

More exciting groups are on the way – stay tuned for updates!

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Israel is alive, open, and ready to welcome you. From record airport numbers to historic groups, from returning airlines to new routes opening up – everything points to a season of renewal and blessing.

Now is the time to plan your visit. Contact your travel agent or tour operator to secure your spot – the coming months are filling up fast.

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure.'" – Psalm 122:6

Shana Tova – may this new year bring peace, healing, and many meaningful journeys to the Land of the Bible!