Testimonials | Jewish India Tours and Travel

Read what others are saying about their experience

RAVE REVIEWS FROM OUR TRIPS & VIRTUAL EVENTS

The Best Program Ever

I can't thank you enough for the extraordinary Hanukkah program that you presented today. I had many women come over to say that this was the best program Sisterhood has ever presented.--Bea G, Boynton Beach, FL

Praise for Virtual Tours

"Your tour today was fantastic, so interesting and beautiful and touching! Thank you! I hope to see you and Joshua in person in India soon!"
-Lori M., Montclair, NJ

Spoke to the heart

Very lovely presentation. It spoke not only to the eyes and tastebuds, but also the heart. I love your gentle way of presenting. You do things in such a lovely, elegant way. Shukriya [Thank you].
--Beth C., Philadelphia

Exhilarating

The itinerary was intense and exhilarating. Every day was special and we learned so much. Shabbat in Calcutta was extraordinary. We had a wonderful experience!
–Marilyn L., Long Beach, NY

Luxurious & Great Service

My favorite memories are Shabbat at Knesset Eliyahoo [Mumbai] and in Neve Shalome [Calcutta]; Elephanta; the Taj Mahal and Agra’s Red Fort, the rickshaw rides and walking the streets of Calcutta. All our meals were enjoyable. The luxury of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai and the great service at the Lalit in Calcutta stood out. Joshua was great and Rahel’s leading services was amazing.
–Steven L., Greenlawn, NY

A Unique Tour

This is an incredibly unique tour, a total immersion into past and present Jewish experiences in India with gifted and enthusiastic tour guides and coordinators. Wouldn’t trade the experience! –Sandy B. and Linda R., Chevy Chase, MD

Enjoyable & Educational

An enjoyable and educational experience: the perfect balance between the Jewish and secular aspects of India. Joshua was a superb guide. Rahel’s input was invaluable and spiritual.
–Ronald K., Oakton, VA

Surprise & Revelation

Jewish India was a surprise and a revelation! I had no idea about the diverse group of Jews who live in India and their contributions to Indian society, from David Sassoon to Miss India.
–Ronald G, Cleveland, OH

A True Adventure

Every day was a true adventure under the wonderful guidance of Joshua and Rahel. The itinerary included all the must-sees in India as well as two well-planned Shabbatot in Mumbai and Calcutta. Our needs were met quickly and sometimes even in advance! The best part of this tour is that it was easy. Everything and every meal was included so we didn’t have to make any decisions.
–Ruth and Sam P., Melbourne, Australia

A Wonderful Lecture!

I was among the many women today who were enriched by your wonderful lecture on the Jews of India. I feel so lucky to have benefitted from your captivating information and exquisite voice. You have honored all of us by bringing your very special heritage to our community.
–Elaine J., Boynton Beach, FL

Wonderful discovery of culture

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed your virtual tour. What a wonderful hour of culture and discovery. Just the other day, we were discussing (daydreaming) where we would want to go on our first post-Covid19 trip. We didn’t come up with anything. But now…now we know. Thank you for this uplifting experience!
--Maureen M., Toronto

Amazing!

I can't stop thinking about our amazing trip and the wonderful group of people I met. I listen to Rahel's CD in my car and am transported back to our trip, which was so unique and colorful. I can't tell you enough how glad I am that I went with you. I have been on so many trips that were forgettable shortly after I got home but the memories of this trip are sweet. It was a tour with a heart.
–Celia P., Great Neck, NY

Impressive!

I very much appreciated the thought and love that went into the organization and planning of this trip; it was a very soulful experience. There were so many highlights, from seeing my grandfather’s synagogue and gravestones to learning about Indian history and politics; spending time with people in the group, and getting a chance to see this incredible, beautiful, accepting, friendly and energetic country without ever having to worry about logistics. I am so impressed by how smoothly everything went—all I had to do was get on the bus!
–Joy D, Alexandria, VA

Recommended!

I would recommend this tour. It was planned with great care and love, which to some extent was reflected in the way the group members bonded. Hats off to Rahel and Joshua!
–Linda B., Boston, MA

Exceeded Expectations

The tour exceeded my expectations in exploring Jewish India and seeing the highlights of India. Joshua’s excellent explanations and knowledge as a guide reflected his years of experience and enabled me to see India through his love of his country. Rahel’s spiritual journey offered us a glimpse into what being a Jew in India was like.
–Deborah Y., Arlington, VA

Excellent

Our guides were excellent: well-informed; good-humored; resourceful, diligent, responsive and generous.
–Janet K., Oakton, VA

TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST TRIPS

Everything Amazing

“Highlights of the tour? Everything! Amazing! The trip was beyond words and I'm still processing all we saw, did, experienced and felt. No other tour can have the same impact on you and develop your understanding and appreciation of world history, culture and Jewish survival.”
–Harriet M., Shaker Heights, OH

Excellent Experience

“Excellent experience—all that we anticipated and more!”
–Sid S., Washington, DC

A Wonderful Tour

“A wonderful tour! Highlights included visiting the Taj Mahal, davening with Rahel in Calcutta, singing songs throughout the tour, and experiencing the local culture. Joshua was spectacular. The extent of his knowledge and desire to make the trip personal, meaningful and successful was very evident.”
–Barry B., Walnut Creek, CA

Perfect

"Honestly, I thought the itinerary was perfect! The trip exceeded our high expectations. Just wonderful. Don't be surprised if you see us on a future trip!"
--Lou Ann M., Washington, DC.

Delightful & Memorable

“It was a delightful, memorable and fascinating tour of India with the added bonus of learning about another facet of Jewish history and culture. Joshua was excellent. Rahel was a full hands- on guide, providing the insights as only an insider can.”
--Judith P., Boston, MA

Well-Managed & Stress-free

“The tour was well-managed and stress-free considering we had a lot of ground to cover. I enjoyed the visits to the synagogues and the Taj Mahal; even crossing the streets was a highlight!”
--Carol D., Brooklyn, NY

A Sensory Experience

“What a sensory experience! The tour was a compelling introduction to India through the lens of the history of Jews in India. It was revelatory in many ways, bringing to light how Jews thrived in India.”
--Karen C., Santa Fe, NM

Outstanding Guides

“I loved all the meals and meeting members of the communities! Joshua and Rahel were outstanding guides and brought to life the history of the Jewish people of India. I would highly recommend traveling with them!”
--Loni B., Great Neck, NY

My Eyes Are Open Now

“Thank you for putting this tour together! My eyes have been opened to the Indian Jewish community and to India in general. It’s a great combination. The musical addition was wonderful.”
--Bonnie K., Denver, CO

So Many Highlights

“Highlights included Shabbat at Knesseth Eliyahu in Mumbai, the tour of the Kerala backwaters, the dinner at Flower’s house, and the amazing Moghul palaces around Agra and Delhi.”
--Gabriella J., Jerusalem, Israel

A Superb Experience

“This was a superb experience. My expectations were more than met! I connected with my personal past and gained a better understanding of past and present Jewish Indian life and community. Joshua gave me a strong message that there is a future for the Jews in India.”
— Nancy S., Newton, MA

Trip of a Lifetime

“The trip to India was my trip of a lifetime! Joshua was the best guide I’ve ever met. Rahel’s Shabbat service was lovely and emotional. Our group blended and re-blended at every meal—a real plus.” –Joy P., Great Neck, NY

Special and Personal

“Thank you for providing this opportunity to see India in a special and personal way.”
–Susan E., Valley Stream, NY

Amazing Trip

“Thank you for leading an amazing trip. So glad I was able to participate.”
–Beth E., Roslyn, NY

Five Senses Experience

“This is the trip of a lifetime. I doubt anyone truly knows how hard it is to plan a trip and to deal with everyone’s personal issues (with a smile!). We experienced India with all five senses and jumped fully into everything we did.”
–Shoshana K., Port Washington, NY

The Best!

“Of the many trips abroad that my wife and I have taken, our India journey with Rahel and Joshua was the best! Joshua is the most wonderful travel guide, our exploration into Jewish India was fascinating and spiritually meaningful, and India’s people, colors, food, smells, and wonders were a constant delight!”
--Stephan U., Denver, CO

Fantastic

“Joshua was fantastic. Can’t think of a thing he could have done to better help us. He was constantly aware of what people needed, was resourceful and able to resolve issues on the fly, and wonderfully knowledgeable about both the Jewish histories of India as well as the non- Jewish political and religious histories. He really knows his stuff, and shares it in a fascinating, informative and humorous way. Joshua and Rahel worked incredibly well together, in a beautiful melding of the Bene Israel and Baghdadi traditions. Rahel’s leading the Shabbat morning Torah service in Delhi was a total treat, and singing [Salamone] Rossi in the synagogue in Calcutta was a real gift. Rahel’s personal and musical history in combination with Joshua’s experience as a tour guide really made this a special trip.”
--Fredrica B., Brooklyn, NY

Eye-opening Adventure

“The tour was an eye-opening adventure from start to finish. I enjoyed learning about a Jewish culture and history that was new to me. I also came away with tremendous respect for the vitality, resilience and diversity of the Indian people.”
--Mara W., Wyomissing, PA

A Unique Experience

“The trip offered a very nice balance between Jewish content and Indian sites. The time we spent with members of the Jewish community in Mumbai, Cochin, Calcutta and Delhi made it a unique experience. Rahel and Joshua planned the trip with amazing attention to detail and with love.”
--Karen R., New York, NY

Excellent Accommodations

“We appreciated the opportunity to visit Jewish sites in India that we could not have seen on our own. We learned a lot about India as well. Hotel accommodations were excellent.”
--Marvin and Judy S., Center Conway, NH

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