Scholar Led Tours
Worldwide Traveling University
Ayelet’s Worldwide Traveling University is the premier Jewish Scholar travel program.
Featuring tours to Jewish Heritage destinations worldwide, our Traveling University offers participants the chance to not just explore, but also enrich – through insightful scholarly presentations, as well as interactions with the local Jewish communities.
For decades, we have connected discerning travelers with outstanding scholars, resulting in travel experiences that simply cannot be matched. “Enroll” in your Journey below!
Tracing Our Roots: A Jewish Heritage Journey Through EASTERN EUROPE
October 19 – 30, 2025
Program led by:
Prof. Yale Strom & Elizabeth Schwartz
Up Close in CUBA: Culture, Community & Connection
December 6 – 13, 2026
Program led by:
Prof. Stephen Berk
Melodies Across Millennia: A Musical Jewish Journey Through GREECE
February 22 – March 7, 2026
Program led by:
Prof. Yale Strom & Elizabeth Schwartz
CIAO ITALIA: A Travel Seminar in ITALY
March 4 – 15, 2026
Program led by:
Prof. Marc Michael Epstein
Echoes of Sepharad Tracing Jewish Footsteps Across MOROCCO
March 8 – 20, 2026
Program led by:
Dr. David Mendelsohn
A Jewish Heritage Journey to ARGENTINA
March 16 – 26, 2026
Program led by:
Dani Rotstein
The Jewish Heritage Tour of UZBEKISTAN
May 3 – 11, 2026
Program led by:
Dr. David Mendelsohn
The Jewish Mosaic: A Heritage Tour in MEXICO
May 12 – 19, 2026
Program led by:
Dr. Sara Aroeste & Elizabeth Berman
Musical Trip to ROMANIA
May 17 – 29, 2026
Program led by:
Prof. Yale Strom & Elizabeth Schwartz
Our Scholars
Our scholars bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every journey, enriching the travel experience with their expertise in history, culture, and religion. Many of our scholars have been leading tours with Ayelet for years, offering
participants unique insights and a deeper connection to each destination. They are dedicated to providing thoughtful, engaging educational experiences that enhance the entire travel adventure.
Prof. Stephen Berk
Professor Stephen Berk is a distinguished scholar and professor of Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Union College in Schenectady, New York. He is renowned for his expertise in modern Jewish history, Russian history, and the history of the Middle East.
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With a career spanning decades, Professor Berk has authored numerous publications and lectured extensively on topics related to the Holocaust, Israel, and Jewish identity. His engaging style and deep knowledge have made him a sought-after speaker, guiding educational tours and providing participants with meaningful insights into the complex histories of the regions they explore.
Prof. Natan Meir
Dr. Natan Meir is a respected scholar of Jewish social, cultural, and religious history, specializing in the lives of Eastern European Jews. Currently based in Oregon, Dr. Meir has earned international recognition for his groundbreaking research and his consultancy work with institutions like Moscow’s Jewish Museum.
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His most recent book, Stepchildren of the Shtetl, sheds light on the marginalized communities within Jewish Eastern Europe, including the disabled, mentally ill, orphans, and beggars. Dr. Meir’s research now focuses on folklore, magic, and gender in European Jewish culture. Known for creating an inspiring intellectual environment, he is also a skilled linguist and leads Jewish heritage tours across Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltics, where he offers participants a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history.
Prof. Yale Strom
Professor Yale Strom Professor Yale Strom is a distinguished ethnographer, musician, and scholar of Jewish and Romani cultures, currently teaching in the Music Department at San Diego State University.
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Renowned for his pioneering research on klezmer music and cultural traditions in Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Professor Strom has conducted over 75 field expeditions across more than three decades, documenting the rich histories and traditions of these communities. His work spans multiple artistic disciplines, including violin performance, composition, filmmaking, and writing. His thirteenth book, “Shloyml Boyml and His Purim Adventure”, a bilingual children’s book in English and Yiddish, reflects his dedication to preserving Jewish folklore. In addition to klezmer music, Professor Strom’s work explores the influence of Arab musical traditions on Jewish music. A sought-after lecturer worldwide, Professor Strom also previously taught at NYU, where he developed the course “Artist Ethnographer Expeditions,” sharing his insights and experiences with students and audiences alike.
Elizabeth Schwartz
Elizabeth Schwartz is a celebrated vocalist and performer of Yiddish, Ladino, Hebrew, and English music, widely recognized for her expressive artistry and mastery of klezmer vocal techniques.
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Known as “The Edith Piaf of Yiddish,” Schwartz has toured extensively as the lead vocalist for Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, and North America. Her recordings, released by Naxos World, Arc Music UK, and Transcontinental Music, have garnered critical acclaim. In 2012, Schwartz became the first woman invited to sing at New York’s historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, breaking a longstanding tradition at this iconic venue. She is also the subject of the Romanian documentary “Searching for Schwartz” by Radu Gabrea. As a writer, Schwartz co-created the award-winning audio dramas “The Witches of Lublin” and “Debs in Canton” and contributed to “Shpil: The Art of Playing Klezmer” with a chapter on klezmer vocal techniques.
Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Rabbi Menachem Creditor is the Pearl and Ira Meyer Scholar in Residence at UJA-Federation New York and the founder of Rabbis Against Gun Violence.
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A highly respected author, speaker, and scholar, Rabbi Creditor has reached millions through his online videos and essays and was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s fifty most influential rabbis. His work includes numerous books and six albums of original music, featuring the globally embraced anthem “Olam Chesed Yibaneh” and the COVID-era anthology “When We Turned Within”. Rabbi Creditor and his wife, Neshama Carlebach, live in New York, where they are raising their five children.
Prof. Marc Michael Epstein
Professor Marc Michael Epstein holds the Mackie P. Davis and Norman H. Davis Chair in Religion and directs Jewish Studies at Vassar College.
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An Oberlin College graduate with a PhD from Yale University, Professor Epstein conducted much of his research at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. A leading scholar in Jewish visual and material culture, he authored “Skies of Parchment, Seas of Ink: Jewish Illuminated Manuscripts”, which won the National Jewish Book Award, and “The Medieval Haggadah: Art, Narrative, and Religious Imagination”, recognized by the “London Times Literary Supplement” as a top book of 2011. Currently, he is completing “People of the Image: Jews & Art”. Previously the Director of Hebrew Books and Manuscripts at Sotheby’s Judaica department, Professor Epstein continues to consult for libraries, auction houses, and museums worldwide, including curating the inaugural exhibition for the Herbert C. and Eileen Bernard Museum at Temple Emanu-El in New York City.
Prof. David Mendelsohn
We are thrilled to have Dr. David Mendelsohn join many journeys alongside our local guide, to enrich our exploration with his deep expertise.
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A seasoned scholar and educator, Dr. Mendelsohn specializes in Islamic Studies, Arab-Israeli culture, Bedouin law, and the intersection of language and culture in Arabic and Hebrew. He also lectures on the history and relationships between Middle Eastern nations and militant organizations. Dr. Mendelsohn holds a Ph.D. in Classics/Linguistics, an M.A. in Archaeology/Linguistics, and an Honours B.A. in Classical Studies. A recipient of Canada’s prestigious Trudeau Prize, he lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Ronny, and their three children. For over 25 years, Dr. Mendelsohn has researched Jewish communities across the world, including in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Egypt, and India. Combining his expertise as a historian, archaeologist, and sociolinguist, he uncovers the unique influences of local cultures while identifying the shared threads that connect these diverse Jewish communities.
Dani Rotstein
Dani Rotstein is a content producer, entrepreneur, and storyteller from New Jersey whose global travels eventually brought him to Mallorca, Spain, in 2014 to work in TV commercial production.
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Expecting little Jewish presence on the island, Dani instead discovered a rich hidden heritage, inspiring him to co-direct “Xueta Island: A Hidden History”, a documentary in which he is also featured. Dani became an active part of Mallorca’s Jewish community, founding Limud Mallorca and Jewish Majorca, a company that provides educational tours of the island’s Jewish heritage sites, sharing its history with visitors from around the world.
Ester Azaria
Ester Azaria is a dynamic professional with a passion for creativity, collaboration, and communication. With a background in acting, history, and culture, Ester has over a decade of experience in volunteering and educational programs, where she has refined her skills in expression, empathy, and teamwork.
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Her diverse career has included roles in customer care, game organization, and retail management, building her strengths in communication and leadership. Since her introduction to Improv Theater in 2015, Ester has embraced new avenues in acting, performance, and team building. Since returning to her hometown of Thessaloniki in 2019, Ester has become a partner, improv trainer, producer, and performer at Ya Impro, Thessaloniki’s first Improv Theater Training Centre. She is also a team member at The Creatives – 360 Marketing Agency, where she channels her enthusiasm for innovation. As a tour operator and local guide, Ester curates unique experiences in Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, highlighting the region’s rich Jewish heritage. Through her multifaceted skills, Ester continues to make a positive impact in creativity, performance, and education.
Susan Barocas
Susan Barocas is a writer, chef, and educator dedicated to exploring and preserving Sephardic cuisines and cultures. As the founding director of the Jewish Food Experience, she has played a pivotal role in promoting Sephardic food traditions, notably serving as guest chef at three of President Obama’s Passover Seders.
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Barocas’s writing and recipes have been featured in prominent publications, including the *Washington Post*, *Lilith*, *Moment*, and *The Nosher*, as well as in several cookbooks. Through her work, she strives to highlight the rich culinary heritage of the Sephardic community.
Sarah Aroeste
Sarah Aroeste is a contemporary voice for Sephardic culture, inspired by her family’s roots in North Macedonia and Greece. Singing in Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish dialect of Sephardic Jews, Aroeste blends traditional Mediterranean sounds with modern influences like rock and jazz.
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Trained as a classical opera singer, she shifted focus to Ladino music after studying with Nico Castel, a renowned Ladino singer, and has since dedicated herself to preserving and revitalizing this fading language. Her innovative compositions and performances have made her a prominent figure in the global Sephardic music scene. Over her two-decade career, Aroeste has released eight albums, performed internationally, and collaborated with acclaimed artists. Her projects span various forms, from multimedia productions to music and food pairings, and her children’s works have earned significant acclaim. Aroeste’s 2021 album, Monastir, won Alma’s Best Jewish Album of the Year, and she continues to push boundaries with initiatives like The Monastir Project, honoring Sephardic communities lost in WWII. She is also an author of Sephardic-themed children’s books, making Sephardic culture accessible to new generations through music, literature, and educational programs.
Dr. Sara Aroeste
Dr. Sara Aroeste is a leading Jewish tour guide in Mexico City, known for her expertise in Jewish history and culture. With a PhD in Art History and an MDA in Judaic Studies, she brings a deep understanding of the vibrant Jewish communities that have shaped Mexico’s history.
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Her tours highlight significant landmarks, synagogues, and cultural institutions, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the Jewish experience in Mexico. Dr. Aroeste’s engaging storytelling and academic background make her tours both educational and memorable, appealing to travelers with a keen interest in Jewish heritage. Having spent years researching the Jewish diaspora in Latin America, Dr. Aroeste combines historical insights with personal anecdotes, providing a unique perspective on the lives of Jewish immigrants and their contributions to Mexican society. Her passion for preserving and sharing this rich heritage has made her a sought-after guide for our groups looking to explore Mexico City’s Jewish roots.
Welcome to Ayelet’s Travel University
Inspiring the Next Chapter of Jewish Journeys.
At Ayelet Tours, we know that travel is more than just seeing the sights—it’s about uncovering new meaning, building community, and deepening your connection to Jewish history, heritage, and culture.
That’s why we created Ayelet’s Travel University—a place for curious, passionate travelers like you to explore the world with purpose.
Learn. Connect. Explore.
Our Travel University is your gateway to Educational travel that blends Jewish learning, cultural encounters, and historical context. You’ll also experience exclusive access to scholars, guides, and local voices who bring each destination to life.
Who Should Join?
- Life-long learners seeking experiences that nourish both heart and mind
- Jewish travelers eager to connect with our shared past and present across the globe
Why Travel With Ayelet?
For nearly four decades, we’ve brought thousands of travelers to Israel, Europe, South America, and beyond—creating powerful experiences rooted in Jewish values and lifelong learning.
Explore. Engage. Enrich.
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