Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Panama Yeshiva Week 2026

Pricing & Payment

How much does Panama Yeshiva Week cost?

Our pricing is personalized based on your specific needs:

  • Room type selection (Deluxe Room or Suite)
  • Number of adults, teenagers, and children
  • Single or double occupancy
  • Flight options
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family-Friendly: Special rates for children β€’ Infants under 2 stay FREE
✈️ Flights: Group rate $499 from NYC (vs. $1,300+ online)

Get Your Personalized Quote

Is there a single occupancy option?

Yes! Singles are absolutely welcome. We offer single occupancy rates with a supplement. Many singles attend our trips, and you'll have plenty of company. Use our pricing calculator to get your personalized rate.

What's NOT included that we should budget for?
  • 4 dinners on your own (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
  • Tips/gratuities (suggested $70-100 per person)
  • Personal expenses (spa, souvenirs, drinks)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Flights if not booking through us
πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Budget an extra $500-750 per person for the week to cover dinners and incidentals.
What are the payment terms?
  • Deposit required to secure your spot (non-refundable)
  • Final payment due December 1, 2025
  • Payment methods: Credit card (3.5% fee) or Zelle/ACH (no fee)
  • Payment plans available upon request
What's your cancellation policy?

Deposits are non-refundable. Full cancellation terms provided at booking. We strongly recommend travel insurance for protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Meals & Dining

Which meals exactly are included?

17 gourmet kosher meals included:

Sunday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Lunch β€’ Dinner on your own
Monday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Lunch β€’ Dinner on your own
Tuesday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Lunch β€’ βœ“ Kosher Fest Gala
Wednesday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Lunch β€’ Dinner on your own
Thursday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Lunch β€’ Dinner on your own
Friday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Lunch β€’ βœ“ Shabbat Dinner
Saturday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ βœ“ Shabbat Lunch β€’ βœ“ Saturday Night Party
Sunday
βœ“ Breakfast β€’ Departure day

Total: 7 breakfasts + 7 lunches + 3 special dinners = 17 meals

What do we do for dinners that aren't included?

Panama City has excellent kosher restaurants near the hotel. We handle restaurant reservations for you - no language barriers or availability issues! Most families dine together or grab prepared foods from the kosher supermarket.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Many families coordinate group dinners via our WhatsApp group - more fun and often cheaper!
Is everything strictly kosher?

Yes! All meals are under Shevet Ahim supervision (Panama's leading kosher certification). We maintain the highest standards including:

  • Glatt kosher meat
  • Pas Yisroel bread
  • Cholov Yisroel available upon request
  • Separate meat and dairy services
  • Mashgiach on-site for all preparations
Can you accommodate food allergies?

Absolutely! We regularly accommodate gluten-free, nut allergies, dairy-free, vegetarian, and diabetic requirements. Please note dietary needs when booking and remind us 2 weeks before departure.

What's Included

Are all tours and activities included?

Yes! ALL scheduled activities are included:

  • 🚒 Panama Canal Tour - Full day with lunch
  • πŸ’ Monkey Island Adventure
  • πŸ–οΈ Beach Day
  • 🌴 EmberΓ‘ Indigenous Village
  • 🌳 Rainforest Exploration
  • 🎭 Kosher Fest Gala
  • 🚌 All transportation in luxury buses
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ« English-speaking expert guides

No hidden fees! All entrance fees and permits included.

Are airport transfers included?

Yes! Round-trip transfers between Tocumen Airport (PTY) and the hotel are included, whether you book flights through us or independently.

What about tips and gratuities?

Tips are not included but customary. Suggested: $100-150 per person for the week. We'll collect group tips for guides and drivers to simplify.

Flights & Travel

Tell me about the $499 flight deal!
πŸŽ‰ Group Rate: $499 round-trip from NYC!
Compare to $1,300+ if booking yourself - save over $800!
  • Airline: COPA Airlines (Star Alliance)
  • Route: JFK/Newark β†’ Panama City (PTY)
  • Duration: ~5.5 hours direct
  • Dates: Jan 18-25, 2026
  • Includes: 1 checked bag
Can we book without flights?

Yes! Many guests use miles, arrive early, or fly from other cities. Airport transfers included regardless. We'll provide recommended arrival times.

What about flights from other cities?

We arrange flights from most major cities:

  • Miami: Often $399
  • Los Angeles: From $599
  • Chicago: From $549
  • Toronto: From $649 CAD

Contact us for quotes - still 30-40% less than booking individually!

Accommodations

What room types are available?

Two options at the 5-star Renaissance Panama City:

  • Deluxe Room: Sleeps 2-4, 350 sq ft, city views
  • Suite: Sleeps 4-6, 650 sq ft, separate living room

All rooms include: mini-fridge, safe, coffee maker, free WiFi, daily housekeeping

Can we get connecting rooms?

Yes! Connecting rooms available. Select this option when getting your quote. If unavailable, we'll ensure rooms are on the same floor and close together.

For Singles

Are singles welcome? Will I be alone?

Singles are absolutely welcome! Typically 15-20% of guests are singles, ranging from young professionals to mature adults. You'll have plenty of company!

  • Friendly, inclusive atmosphere
  • Organized activities make meeting people easy
  • WhatsApp group helps singles coordinate
  • Many return guests who welcome newcomers
Is there special programming for singles?

While we don't segregate singles, they naturally connect through shared dining, tour seating, and free time activities. Many lasting friendships (and yes, some marriages!) have started on our trips!

Families & Children

What are the age categories for pricing?

Special family-friendly pricing with reduced rates for children and teenagers. Infants under 2 stay FREE! Use our pricing calculator for your family's personalized rate.

Are activities suitable for young children?

Great for all ages: Beach day, Monkey Island, hotel pool

Better for 5+: Panama Canal tour, rainforest walks, EmberΓ‘ Village

Childcare: Hotel babysitting available ($15-20/hour)

Shabbat & Religious

Is this fully Shomer Shabbat?

Yes, absolutely!

  • No tours on Shabbat
  • Shabbat elevator available
  • Hot water urns and warming plates
  • All meals prepared before Shabbat
  • Room keys can be left at front desk
Where are services held?

Multiple minyanim available!

  • Services in hotel ballroom
  • Ashkenazi nusach, moderate pace
  • Early minyan if 10+ request
  • Local shul 20-minute walk

General Questions

Is Panama safe?

Yes, very safe! Panama City is one of the safest capitals in Central America. The Renaissance is in the upscale financial district. We only visit tourist-friendly areas with professional guides.

What's the weather like?

Perfect - it's dry season!

  • Temperature: 75-88Β°F (24-31Β°C)
  • Rain: Very unlikely
  • Sunshine: 8-9 hours daily

Pack: Light clothing, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, swimwear, light jacket for AC

Can we extend our stay?

Yes! Many guests add days. We can help arrange extra nights (~$150/night) or side trips to Bocas del Toro or Costa Rica.

How many people typically attend?

We typically host 300-400 guests - a wonderful community atmosphere with families, couples, and singles from primarily NY/NJ area and beyond.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help!