From Miami to Morocco: St. Louis Jews set out on global journeys

Published August 21, 2025

The synagogue in Marrakech was built in the early twentieth century, before World War I, when the Moroccan Jewish community was still important. (Istock)

Over the next year, three organized trips will give members of the St. Louis Jewish community opportunities to travel together while exploring Jewish history and culture in different parts of the world.

Women’s Philanthropy Mission to Miami
Nov. 16–18, 2025
Cost: $1,500 per person (double occupancy); $390 additional for single occupancy

This three-day program will focus on Jewish life in Miami while also highlighting the city’s cultural attractions. The schedule includes a tour of Jewish Miami Beach, a visit to the Wynwood Walls art district and time in the Design District. Participants will also take a sunset cruise and share a specially prepared dinner by chef Olivia Ostrow. Accommodations are at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, and all dinners, tours and ground transportation are included. Participants arrange their own flights.

For more information, contact Sabrina Gornish at [email protected]

Experience Cuba with the Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Jan. 29–Feb. 2, 2026
Cost: $3,275 per person (double occupancy); $500 additional for single occupancy. Airfare not included. A $500 deposit is required to reserve.

The Cuba mission will introduce travelers to the Jewish community in Havana, which has remained active despite difficult political and economic circumstances. The itinerary will include cultural and historical tours, meetings with members of the Jewish community and opportunities to learn about daily life in Cuba. The trip is designed to highlight both Jewish continuity and the challenges faced by a small community in a changing environment.

The all-inclusive land package features deluxe accommodations at Havana’s Gran Manzana Kempinski Hotel with breakfast, all other meals provided, required VISAS/Tourist Cards for travel to Cuba, all necessary documentation for U.S. citizens, VIP expedited passport screening, private arrival and departure airport transfers, a dedicated guide, full-time personal air-conditioned transportation, gratuities for the guide and driver and contributions to support Havana’s three synagogues and the Jewish cemetery. Not included are airfare to and from Havana—though round-trip flights from St. Louis to Havana have been secured through Direct Travel on a first-come, first-served basis, with the requirement that all travelers be on the same group flights between Miami and Havana. (Travelers can get from St. Louis to Miami on their own if they prefer.)

For more information, contact Karen Rader at [email protected] or 314-442-3756

J Next: Discover Morocco
April 23–May 2, 2026
Cost: $5,400 per person (double occupancy, minimum 16 guests / 8 couples); $1,775 additional for single occupancy

This 9-day program is designed for recent empty nesters and will be led by Rabbi Brad Horwitz, chief engagement officer at the Jewish Community Center. Participants will travel through Morocco to learn about its Jewish history and visit synagogues, historic Jewish quarters, and cultural sites. The itinerary also includes excursions to markets, desert landscapes and other well-known landmarks.

The cost includes accommodations in 5-star hotels, most meals (all breakfasts, lunches and dinners except one dinner on your own), group transfers, guided tours, entrance fees, porterage and meetings with local Jewish community members. Wine is provided at the first dinner, Shabbat, and the final gala dinner. International flights, visas, insurance and personal expenses are not included.

For more information or to register, please contact Rabbi Brad Horwitz, [email protected].