Passover Program in Sicily, Italy

VERDURA RESORT – Sicily, Italy

A Rocco Forte Hotel & Leading Hotels of the World ENTIRE HOTEL KOSHER FOR PASSOVER

Sicily is an island of volcanic coastlines, idyllic beaches, historic cities, Greek Temples and Roman Sites. The 5 star Verdura Resort is ocean front and sits on a glorious stretch of coastline in Sicily which is just off the toe of Italy’s “boot”. Located in Southwest Sicily, the Vendura is surrounded by countryside on 570 acres and offers style and sophistication for a well-traveled clientele seeking a quiet or active getaway and family time. Activities include world-class golfing, water sports, tennis, and fitness. For relaxation, there is a truly luxurious spa with four thalassotherapy pools and treatments by Irene Forte Skincare. Verdura’s organic farm produce is handpicked daily and used to prepare gourmet meals.

The Verdura features 203 new large and bright rooms & suites, all showcasing spectacular Mediterranean or golf views. The sophisticated rooms feature sitting areas, canopy beds and terraces or balconies. All have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. The room sizes start at 430 sq. feet (40 sqm), Junior & Classic Suites 645 sq. feet (60 sqm),come with separate living rooms, Grand Suites 775 sq. feet (72 sqm). The hotel also has many specialty suites and private villas.

The Verdura provides a wide range of leisure facilities to its guests. Its two-tier swimming pool is one of the largest swimming pools in Europe. The pool looks out over a vast lawn that gives direct access to the resort’s private beach. The beach is part sandy beach, part pebble beach, and equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and some shaded cabanas. The beach is also home to the water sports club which offers a wide range of equipment and courses including flyboarding, SUP, kayaking and jet surfing. The resort boasts 6 tennis courts, sport academies, two 18-hole championship courses and a 9-hole par-3 golf course. It is also an exceptional family friendly hotel thanks to several facilities dedicated to younger guests such as an indoor and outdoor playground and a dedicated swimming pool.

Set amid olive groves, oranges and lemon trees, Verdura Spa is one of Italy’s most advanced wellness centers. The spa has 11 extensive treatment rooms including double treatment suites, a beautiful indoor swimming pool, a double-height steam room, Finnish and infrared saunas, a state-of-the-art gym, a fitness studio and relaxation areas. There are also four outdoor thalassotherapy pools heated at different temperatures, each with varying salt densities, minerals and organisms. According to the philosophy of the resort, the wellness treatments take inspiration from the island, using local ingredients such as pure olive oil, marine salt, lavender, rosemary, oranges and lemons.

The Verdura Resort is an oasis, a center of wellbeing, escapism and indulgence set against backdrop of charming Sicilian villages, ancient Greek and Roman sites and the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea.

The award-winning chefs of the hotel and service-oriented banquet staff will be working in concert with our own outstanding “Kosher Chefs”. They will create a fabulous gourmet culinary experience drawing from the best of Italian, continental and traditional Jewish fare under the Glatt Kosher supervision of Rabbi S. Wilshansky of Milan. Your hosts will, once again, be the Minkowitz family. Whether it’s in the ballrooms or tearooms, a large variety of impressive delights awaits you. Our daily religious services along with thought provoking lectures and discussions, children’s program, plus exciting optional sightseeing tours will round out a truly unique Pesach experience.

PROPERTY MAP

2026 VERDURA SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE & STAFF

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet

Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet has been the senior Rabbi of the Mill Hill Synagogue in London for over 30 years. During that time he has seen the community grow in excess of 2000 members. He has a masters degree in Jewish Studies from University College London and is a certified mediator with the London Institute of Arbitration. He authors numerous articles for newspapers, magazines and journals. He served as Diary Rabbi for the Guardian newspaper and also writes for the Jewish Chronicle as well as a very popular weekly column in the Jewish Weekly. He has featured in numerous national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Telegraph and the London Times, as well as Time Magazine International. Rabbi Schochet can often be seen on television including BBC as a regular panelist for The Big Question and on CNN. Hailed as one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world, Rabbi Schochet has lectured in Russia, Australia, South Africa, Israel and all parts of the US and Europe and has been rated top speaker at the National Jewish Retreat in the US for several years running. He was also keynote speaker at the International Chabad Conference in New York in 2019, where he addressed 6000 rabbis and lay leaders. In 2024, Rabbi Schochet was invited as guest speaker for the International Siyum HaRambam, addressing more than 10,000 attendees in Brooklyn NY. Rabbi Schochet served on the Chief Rabbi’s Cabinet with the portfolio of “Family” and as chairman of the Rabbinical Council in the UK. He is currently the longest serving rabbi in the United Synagogue. He was named by the Jewish Telegraph as one of the ten most influential rabbis in the United Kingdom. The Jewish Chronicle describes him as “one of the most outspoken Rabbis in the world.” He is the author of JoyWorks – Jewish Wisdom for a Happy Life (Mosaica Press) due for release in 2026. He is married with five children and grandchildren.

Jonathan Conricus

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, Senior Fellow at FDD and Co-Founder of the nonprofit ShieldGiving, which works to ensure accurate, balanced, and factual reporting. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, brings 24 years of distinguished experience with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A combat commander in Lebanon and Gaza, he also excelled in military diplomacy, foreign relations, and served as an international spokesperson for four years. As the first Israeli officer seconded to the United Nations (UN), Jonathan provided strategic analysis to support UN peacekeeping forces. While serving as IDF International Spokesman, Jonathan played a pivotal role in international media, offering expert analysis on complex military operations. He has contributed to hundreds of interviews across broadcast, print, and social media, reaching millions globally. Beyond his military career, Jonathan is the host of the soon-to-launch show “The Bottom Line.” A passionate Zionist, he is dedicated to strengthening the connection between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Committed to promoting Israel’s global reputation, Jonathan co-founded the nonprofit ShieldGiving, an organization that engages with journalists through high-level briefings to ensure accurate, balanced, and factual reporting. Through his ongoing efforts in Defending Israel On & Off the Airwaves, Jonathan continues to shape the media narrative, advocating for fair coverage of Israel in the international press. Residing in Israel with his family, Jonathan enjoys exploring new destinations on his motorcycle, embracing his adventurous spirit.

Yossi Glass

Yossi Glass is an internationally renowned Chazzan and Magician based in London. He loves to breathe new life into the classics and create an atmosphere that is both fresh and yet familiar. Yossi has performed his incredible magic and singing all over the world, from New York to Mumbai and beyond, and looks forward to each performance as another opportunity to spread joy and meet new and wonderful people.

2026 ENTERTAINMENT

Ariella Zeitlin

Ariella Zeitlin is an award-winning international violinist, vocalist, and storyteller whose performances bring world-class artistry and soul-deep inspiration to Jewish events around the globe. She has performed throughout Europe, the United States, South Africa, the UAE, and Israel, and her music has reached millions of listeners worldwide. Ariella also appeared on The Voice Israel, where her expressive performances captivated audiences across the country. During Pesach, Ariella will present a musical journey inspired by the themes of freedom, renewal, and Jewish heritage. Her performances blend classical elegance with modern cinematic sound, creating an atmosphere that is both uplifting and deeply meaningful. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable musical experience—one that brings warmth, excellence, and heartfelt connection to the holiday.

Gary Imbimbo

Gary Imbimbo (Gabriele Imbimbo), born in Rome in 1986, is an Italian DJ with more than 17 years of experience. He has performed in many of the top clubs across Central and Northern Italy, carving out a prominent place in the scene with over 1,600 gigs in more than 450 venues. His international appearances include Lugano, Miami, Ibiza, Montecarlo, Chisinau, and many other destinations. Known for his refined technique and deep musical knowledge, Gary’s sound spans electronic dance music, tech house, and progressive house. Professional and dedicated, he works tirelessly behind the decks of the most notable clubs in Rome and throughout Italy. He also collaborates with entertainment companies to provide music for corporate and private events. Gary looks forward to bringing his signature energy, fun, and rhythm to our Pesach program.