Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Panama Yeshiva Week 2026
Quick Answers to Top Questions
- π Dates: January 18-25, 2026 (7 nights)
- π° Pricing: Personalized quotes available - pricing varies by room type and occupancy
- βοΈ Flights: Group rate $499 from NYC (vs. $1,300+ online)
- π¨ Hotel: 5-Star Renaissance Panama City
- π½οΈ Meals: 17 kosher meals included (daily breakfast & lunch + 3 special dinners)
- πΆ Infants: Under 2 stay FREE
- π³ Deposit: Required to secure your spot (non-refundable)
- π₯ Singles: Yes! Singles are welcome and will have company
Our pricing is personalized based on your specific needs:
- Room type selection (Deluxe Room or Suite)
- Number of adults, teenagers, and children in your party
- Single or double occupancy preferences
- Flight options and departure city
Due to the complexity of our pricing structure with various room types, family configurations, and seasonal adjustments, we provide personalized quotes through our online pricing calculator.
βοΈ Add Flights: Group rate $499 per person from NYC
Get Your Quote: Use our pricing calculator to see your exact price based on your specific needs.
- 4 dinners (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) - kosher restaurants nearby, approximately $40-60 per person per meal
- Tips/gratuities for tour guides and hotel staff (suggested $70 per person)
- Personal expenses like spa services, souvenirs, extra drinks
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Flights if not booking through us
17 gourmet kosher meals included, plus the freedom to explore
Sunday
Jan 18 β’ ArrivalMonday
Jan 19 β’ EmberΓ‘Tuesday
Jan 20 β’ Kosher FestWednesday
Jan 21 β’ Beach DayThursday
Jan 22 β’ Canal TourFriday
Jan 23 β’ Erev ShabbatSaturday
Jan 24 β’ ShabbatSunday
Jan 25 β’ DepartureWe handle restaurant reservations for you! One of our most appreciated services is making guaranteed reservations at local kosher restaurants for the nights when dinner isn't included. No need to worry about language barriers or finding availability - we take care of it all. Most families either dine out together (great for socializing!) or grab prepared foods. The hotel rooms have mini-fridges for your convenience.
- Glatt kosher meat
- Pas Yisroel bread
- Cholov Yisroel available upon request
- Separate meat and dairy services
- Shabbat meals prepared before Shabbat
The local restaurants we recommend are also under Shevet Ahim supervision. You can eat with complete peace of mind!
- Gluten-free diets
- Nut allergies
- Dairy-free options
- Vegetarian preferences
- Diabetic meal requirements
Please note your dietary needs when booking, and remind us again 2 weeks before departure. Our chef prepares special meals with the same care and under the same kosher supervision. For severe allergies, we'll work directly with you and the kitchen staff to ensure your safety.
- π’ Panama Canal Tour - Full day with lunch
- π Monkey Island Adventure - Boat tour and wildlife viewing
- ποΈ Beach Day - Transportation and beach access
- π΄ EmberΓ‘ Indigenous Village - Cultural experience
- π³ Rainforest Exploration - Guided nature walks
- π Kosher Fest Gala - Entertainment and dinner
- π All transportation - Luxury air-conditioned buses
- π¨βπ« Expert guides - English-speaking professionals
- Tour guides: $5-10 per person per tour
- Bus drivers: $2-3 per person per day
- Hotel housekeeping: $2-3 per day
- Restaurant wait staff: 10-15% for dinners on your own
Total suggested budget: $100-150 per person for the entire week. We'll collect group tips for guides and drivers to simplify the process.
π Exclusive Group Rate: $499 round-trip from NYC!
Compare to $1,300+ if you book yourself. Save over $800 per person!
- Airline: COPA Airlines (Star Alliance member)
- Route: JFK/Newark β Panama City (PTY)
- Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours direct
- Departure: Sunday, January 18, 2026 (morning)
- Return: Sunday, January 25, 2026 (afternoon)
- Baggage: 1 checked bag included per person
- Use airline miles or points
- Arrive early or extend their stay
- Fly from cities other than NYC
Just select "I'll Book My Own Flight" when booking. Airport transfers are included even when you book your own flights. We'll send you the recommended arrival and departure times to align with the group schedule.
- Miami: Often $399 round-trip
- Los Angeles: From $599 round-trip
- Chicago: From $549 round-trip
- Toronto: From $649 CAD round-trip
Contact us with your departure city for a quote. Group rates from other cities are still typically 30-40% less than booking individually.
We offer two luxurious room categories at the 5-star Renaissance Panama City:
Deluxe Room
- Sleeps 2-4 people
- 350 sq ft
- City views
- Perfect for couples and small families
Suite
- Sleeps 4-6 people
- 650 sq ft
- Separate living room
- Premium views
If your preferred connecting room configuration isn't available, we'll work to ensure your rooms are on the same floor and as close together as possible.
Typically, 15-20% of our guests are singles. We have singles of all ages attending - from young professionals in their 20s and 30s to mature adults in their 50s and 60s. Many singles tell us they initially worried about being surrounded by families but ended up having an amazing time and making great friends.
What singles love about our trip:
- Friendly, inclusive atmosphere
- Organized group activities make it easy to meet people
- Shared meals create natural social opportunities
- WhatsApp group helps coordinate with other singles
- Many return guests who welcome newcomers
- Shared dining: Singles often coordinate dinner plans for non-included meals
- Tour seating: We help singles sit together on buses if desired
- Free time activities: Singles often explore Panama City together
- Shabbat meals: Mixed seating available for those who prefer
Many lasting friendships (and yes, even some marriages!) have started on our trips!
Use our pricing calculator to see your family's personalized rate based on the ages of all travelers.
- Beach day - shallow water, sand play
- Monkey Island - boat ride, animal viewing
- Hotel pool and amenities
- Panama Canal tour (full day, some walking)
- Rainforest walks (uneven terrain)
- EmberΓ‘ Village (boat ride can be bumpy)
Childcare option: The hotel can arrange babysitting services ($15-20/hour) if you want to enjoy adult activities. Several families often share a babysitter to reduce costs.
- No tours or organized activities on Shabbat
- Shabbat elevator available in hotel
- Hot water urns and warming plates provided
- Kiddush after morning services
- All meals prepared before Shabbat
- Room keys can be left at front desk
The hotel staff is familiar with Shabbat observance and very accommodating to our needs.
- In hotel: We organize Shabbat services in a dedicated ballroom
- Main minyan: Ashkenazi nusach, moderate pace
- Early minyan: Available if 10+ people request
- Local shul: 20-minute walk for those who prefer
We'll have Torah readings, and services are family-friendly with youth participation encouraged.
- A deposit is required to secure your spot (non-refundable)
- Final payment is due by December 1, 2025
- Specific payment amounts will be provided with your personalized quote
- Credit card - 3.5% processing fee
- Zelle/ACH transfer - No fee
Payment plans available. Contact us for details.
Cancellation policies will be provided at the time of booking. Please note that deposits are typically non-refundable.
For specific cancellation terms and conditions, please contact us directly.
- Modern, developed city with excellent infrastructure
- Tourist areas are well-policed and secure
- US dollar is the official currency
- Many American expats live there year-round
- We only visit safe, tourist-friendly areas
- Professional guides with us at all times
Renaissance Panama City is in the safe, upscale financial district. Thousands of Jewish travelers visit Panama annually without incident.
- Temperature: 75-88Β°F (24-31Β°C) daily
- Humidity: Moderate (much better than summer)
- Rain: Very unlikely - January is the driest month
- Sunshine: 8-9 hours daily
- Light, breathable clothing
- Sunscreen and hat (sun is strong)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear for beach and pool
- Light jacket for air-conditioned spaces
- Modest clothing for religious sites
Extending your stay: Yes! Many guests add days before or after. We can help arrange:
- Extra nights at the Renaissance (approximately $150/night)
- Side trips to Bocas del Toro (Caribbean islands)
- Visit to Costa Rica (2 hours away)
- Additional Panama City exploration
Let us know when booking if you'd like to extend. We'll help with hotel and kosher food arrangements.
Guests come primarily from the NY/NJ area, but we also have participants from various locations. It's a diverse, friendly group where everyone feels welcome!
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Our team is ready to assist you with any questions about Panama Yeshiva Week.