The Team

Zev, the director of Israel Maven Tours, founded the company as a living legacy in honor of his late father, who dreamed of visiting Israel. With a background in Jewish education and as a licensed tour guide, Zev is passionate about creating meaningful connections between visitors and the land of Israel. His unwavering commitment to honesty and personal service makes him not just a business ower and tour-guide, but a trusted partner in your journey, ensuring that every experience is as enriching and unforgettable as the one he would want for his own family.

JJ, co-founder of Israel Maven Tours, made Aliyah at a young age and has been passionate about sharing Israel's story ever since. After years of working as an educator and a Shaliach, he transitioned into guiding and eventually established Israel Maven to bring a higher level of professionalism and education to Israeli tourism. JJ is driven by his passion for Zionism and the joy of creating unforgettable, meaningful experiences for visitors. Known for his friendly, personable nature, he has a genuine ability to connect with everyone he meets, making him a friend to clients and colleagues alike.

Myya serves as the Team Leader of Operations Managers at our tour company, where her expertise in logistics shines. Maya is efficient, easygoing, and always ready to help, ensuring that every task is completed seamlessly. Her warmth and dedication make the team stronger, and any client or supplier is fortunate to have Myya on their project.

Leora, born and raised in Jerusalem, grew up immersed in the worlds of food and travel. As one of the longest-standing employees at Israel Maven, she combines her professionalism, extensive knowledge of sites and activities across Israel, and her refined taste for exceptional culinary experiences. This makes her our go-to expert for culinary recommendations, ensuring every trip she helps plan is a true feast for the senses.

Reut, the only native Israeli on our team, is a vital member of the Operations Manager team. She brings her authentic love for her homeland to every project, combining efficiency with a practical approach to get the job done. Kind and sensitive, Reut has a unique ability to connect with both colleagues and clients, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved. Her deep understanding and love of Israel adds invaluable insight to our operations. Reut’s dedication and practicality make her an essential part of our success.

Fiona, hailing from New York, is an integral part of our Operations Manager team known for her detail-oriented approach and vibrant personality. She brings laughter to the office while efficiently getting the job done, always the first to volunteer for new projects. A history buff at heart, she loves seeing how the itineraries she plans bring ancient history and modern Israel together, creating unforgettable journeys for travelers eager to explore the rich tapestry of the land.

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Rachel, originally from London and with a background in Social Work, joined Israel Maven Tours to work in a supportive and meaningful environment. She thrives in a setting that prioritizes excellence and is dedicated to helping visitors experience Israel for the first time. Rachel genuinely puts her heart and soul into trip planning, always on the lookout for new ideas and activities. As our greatest hotel critic, she ensures that every accommodation meets the highest standards, wanting nothing but the best for her clients. Her warm demeanor and passionate dedication make her a wonderful contact for anyone looking to plan a comprehensive and unforgettable tour in Israel.

David, was raised in New Mexico and moved to Israel in 2008. David  holds a degree in Psychology  and upon moving to Israel he recognized that his true passion is in tourism to Israel. As the Team Leader for the Travel Specialist department, David brings extensive knowledge of Israel and trip planning to every client he works with. His long-standing involvement with Nativ has further strengthened his connection to Jewish heritage and community. With a deep love for Israel’s deserts and a firm belief in the country’s uniqueness, David is dedicated to helping others discover its magic. His kindness, wit, and genuine approach have made him a beloved figure among his clients, making it an honor to have him as your travel specialist.

Deena, a former social worker, loves that she is able to combine her passion for working with people and her love for Israel. With a sensitive, warm, and thoughtful approach, Deena is intentional in every aspect of trip planning, ensuring that each journey is meaningful and tailored to her clients’ needs. She particularly enjoys working with youth groups and synagogue trips, finding excitement in the diversity of itineraries. Most of all, Deena loves meeting people and experiencing Israel through their eyes, making each trip a unique adventure.

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Marc Kaye is the director of School Programs and a travel specialist with a deep commitment to Jewish education and extensive experience engaging young people from diverse communities around the globe. He enjoys facilitating discussions on Jewish values, identity, Zionism, and personal development. Marc holds a BA in Languages and an MA in Education and Psychology from the University of London. Marc's experience working with youth enables him to effectively manage long-term youth groups, creating unforgettable experiences in Israel. Through his fun and approachable attitude, Marc inspires young people, ensuring their journeys are both enriching and memorable.

Deb, originally from Australia, has been passionate about sharing Israel with others since she made Aliyah in 2007. With over a decade with Israel Maven, Deb has transitioned from a travel specialist to managing the company’s marketing and social media, always on the lookout for experiences to capture and new ideas to share. Deb loves meeting clients, and hearing how their experience has impacted on them. Her enthusiasm for Israel and dedication to creating memorable experiences make her an invaluable part of the team.

Racheli is our dedicated Accounts Manager at Israel Maven, bringing over eight years of bookkeeping expertise to the team. With a deep understanding of our systems, she efficiently manages our financial operations and ensures everything runs smoothly. Racheli is the go-to person in the office for getting things done, always tackling challenges with a positive attitude and a smile. Her professionalism and commitment make her an invaluable asset to our team.