Wadi Qelt is a canyon or gorge in the Judean Desert located in the West Bank southeast of Jerusalem. The Prat Stream gushes through the fertile gorge forming natural rock pools along the way before flowing eastward to the Jordan River, north of the Dead Sea. The stream is fed by the Ein Prat spring at the upper part of the gorge, the Mabo’a spring, and the Qelt spring. This perennial stream has been an important water source since Biblical times. The Hasmoneans and Romans used aqueducts to channel the precious freshwater through the harsh desert to Jericho and between 1927 and 1970 British-built pumping stations supplied Ein Prat water to East Jerusalem. Remains of the ancient aqueducts and British pumping station can still be seen in the Ein Prat Nature Reserve.Biblical Wadi QeltSome believe that Wadi Qelt could have been the “valley of the shadow of death” as mentioned in Psalm 23. It also would have been on the route that featured in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29). According to Christian tradition, Wadi Qelt is where the prophet Elijah hid from Queen Jezebel (Kings I 19).Ein Prat Nature ReserveThe constant flow of Ein Prat creates a cool oasis of lush vegetation along the edges of the babbling stream that can be enjoyed by hiking through the Ein Prat Reserve. There are several marked hike trails through the canyon that pass the remains of ancient aqueducts, magnificent monasteries, waterfalls, and overflowing rock pools where you can swim. Visitors to the reserve can abseil (rappelling) on the cliff of the northern bank of Ein Prat stream.Ein Maboa and Ein QeltThe Ein Maboa pool is a unique natural phenomenon. Every few hours the spring’s stone pool empties and refills as the flow of the spring changes. At the lower section of Wadi Qelt canyon is the Ein Qelt spring which flows into a waterfall and natural pool. A trail from the village of Mizpe Yericho leads down to the spring.Faran MonasteryFaran or Chariton Monastery was the first of the Byzantine monasteries to be built in the Judean Desert, the Biblical wilderness. It was founded in 330 AD by Turkish monk Hariton who was captured by robbers and held in a cave in Wadi Qelt. When he was miraculously released, he stayed on in the cave, and eventually, the monastery was built on the southern cliff of the canyon. Monks secluded themselves here, each in solitary cave-like dwellings meeting weekly to pray in the monastery church. The Faran Monastery was destroyed by the Persians in 614 AD and rebuilt towards the end of the 19th century by the Russian Orthodox Church. Eventually, the monastery was abandoned until the 21st century when a chapel and Hariton’s tomb were restored.St. George MonasteryOne of the highlights of Wadi Qelt is the breathtakingly beautiful Monastery of St George of Choziba (or Koziba) built clinging to the side of Wadi Qelt’s cliffs about 69m above the valley floor. The cliff-hanging Byzantine monastery was established in c.480 AD by John of Thebes. In 614 AD it was destroyed by Persians and 40 of the monks were murdered. George was a Cypriot monk who survived and continued living in the monastery ruins. After his death, the monastery was named in his honor. Then in the 12th century, the Crusaders rebuilt the monastery which was later abandoned. In the last 19th century Greek Orthodox monks reclaimed the monastery and have continued to maintain it as a place of solitary prayer and reflection. The monks welcome visitors on guided tours of the monastery.Want to visit Ein Prat and Wadi Qelt? Book our Bethlehem & Jericho Private tour.

The Gilboa Nature Reserve encompasses the area around Mount Gilboa, south of the Sea of Galilee in Lower Galilee. The reserve covers a lush landscape with hike trails, mesmerizing views, and breathtaking wildflowers. The main attraction is Mount Gilboa, which is part of a boomerang-shaped ridge stretching for 18kms and separating the southeast part of Jezreel Valley from the west. The ridge is Israel’s watershed where tributaries of the Kishon River flow down towards the Mediterranean. At the foot of the ridge, is a geological fault that separates it from the Harod Valley. Several springs originate in the fault line, the largest being Harod Stream.Ancient History of Gilboa Nature ReserveMount Gilboa is mentioned in the Old Testament as the place where the Israelite King Saul fought the Philistines (Samuel I 28-31) in the 11th century BC. The battle ended with Saul and three of his sons being killed, leaving his son David to be the next King of Israel. The peaks of the Gilboa Range bear the names of Saul and his sons, Johnathan, Avinadav, and Melchishua, as well as biblical events.Archaeological remains and ancient Roman burial caves found nearby show that the area was inhabited 2,000 years ago. The ancient agricultural communities were wine producers who left behind many ancient wine presses. In 636 AD, an Arab conquest drove the settlers away, and it was 250 years later when several small Arab villages were established in the area. In 1183, the Crusaders fought Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria at the foot of Mount Gilboa. The Battle of Ain Jalut was fought here in 1260 when the Egyptian Mamluks, led by Beybars, successfully repelled the Mongols in their westward advance. If the outcome had been different, Europe would be unrecognizable today!Modern History of GilboaIn the 1920s the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) began acquiring land in the area, and four communities were established – Ein Harod, Tel Yosef, Heftziba, and Beit Alpha. During the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, the Gilboa Arab villages were used as a base for the Iraqi army to launch attacks on Jewish communities. The Arab villages were abandoned and at one point the Iraqi forces occupied the ridge. In the last few days before the end of the war, Israeli’s climbed to the top of Mount Barkan and reclaimed the peak. The security situation remained tenuous, and in 1958 the KKL-JNF created a patrol road along the Green Line from Sandala to Har Barkan, Faqqua, and Jilabun to Mt. Melchishua, and along the descent to Beit Shean Valley.Next, the KKL-JNF took it upon themselves to plant trees on Mt. Gilboa. Today the forest covers about 5,000 acres. Roads were built through the forests, hike trails were established, and Kibbutz Maale Gilboa was founded in 1962. In 1970 the Gilboa Iris Nature Reserve was declared to protect the rare Gilboa irises, and in 2005, the eastern Gilboa Nature Reserve was established covering 1829 hectares.Points of Interest in Gilboa Nature ReserveMount Saul: Here you’ll find the main recreational area as well as incredible views of the valley below. The peak stands out from the chain of peaks along the ridge. Archaeological findings on Mt. Saul show evidence of human inhabitation as far back as the Paleolithic period, Bronze Age, Israelite period, Roman era, and the Byzantine period.Saul’s Shoulder: This site is home to Mt. Gilboa’s main recreational area and is a good point to start hiking towards Mt. Saul or to Mt. Giborim. Fierce battles took place here during the 1948 War of Independence.Tel Jezreel: It was here that biblical King Ahab built his palace, and lived with his wife Jezebel. On the advice of his wife, Ahab killed Naboth to get his vineyards.Hidden Valley: This hiking trail leads from Mt. Barkan to the Harod Valley near the Old Tel Yosef site. It is a challenging trail suited to experienced hikers and can be too slippery to follow in the rainy season.Yitzpor Stream: You can follow a hiking trail from north of Kibbutz Maale Gilboa, to the road that leads to Beit Alpha.Gilboa Scenic Road: If you’re not into hiking you can take the scenic road on the eastern ridge of Mount Gilboa. The route stretches east from Highway 666. Along the route, there are picnic areas, observation points, and places where you can join hike trails.Fauna and Flora: From late February to late March, the Gilboa is covered with a carpet of Hayne’s Iris (Gilboa Iris). This violet flower has six petals of two kinds that are arranged alternately, three up and three turned down. The northwestern slopes are covered with Mediterranean flowers, while those on the southeastern slopes are characteristic of flowers found in the steppe regions. Among the flowers of Mount Gilboa are cyclamen, crocuses, anemones, lilies, Sharon tulips, Persian buttercups, poppies, orchids, Aleppo Adonis, and thistles. The nature reserve is also home to approximately 170 plant species. This is the habitat of several animal species including reptiles, rodents, and birds. You can see gazelles, rock hyrax, foxes, rabbits, badgers, and other small creatures in the nature reserve. Alongside the Gilboa Nature Reserve is the Gilboa Iris Nature Reserve where these rare flowers are protected on 728 hectares of mountain slopes.Gilboa Nature Reserve Recreational AreasNurit Area: Here you’ll find picnic tables and a recreational area. Iris Area: This recreational area is great for seeing the brilliant Gilboa irises. You can follow a footpath through the beautiful flowers.Ishta Area: This is a small recreational area not far from Saul’s Shoulder.Vinya Reuven Cohen Area: This small area is named after an early member of Kibbutz Ein Harod. From here there are views of the kibbutz.Golden Gate Area: This is a great choice in spring when the area is blooming with wildflowers. From here paths lead to the Hidden Valley and onto Har Lipidim Nature Reserve.Maale Gilboa Area: This recreational area beside Kibbutz Maale Gilboa, offers views across the southern section of the Gilboa Ridge from several observation points connected by a footpath.Mount Avinadav Area: Here you have views of the Jordan Fault and across the Gilead Region and Beit Shean Valley. A 7km trail leads from here to Avinadav Cave, and on to Ein Moda. There are picnic tables, ancient olive trees, and a fascinating installation that allows the wind to make music as it blows through metal pipes.Barkan Area: This area is used for large gatherings, and offers views south across the Green Line. There is a hiking trail to the Hidden Valley through fields of wildflowers.Old Tel Yosef Area: This area is at the foot of Mt. Gilboa, and marks the endpoint of a trail that leads down from Mt. Barkan through the Hidden Valley. How to Reach Gilboa Nature ReserveVisitors can enjoy the reserve’s picnic areas, barbeque areas, recreational areas, marked hike trails, and the area’s natural beauty. If you’re coming from Tel Aviv, follow the coastal road (Route 2) until just before Caesarea, and turn inland to route 65. Follow Route 65 (Kvish HaSargal, named for being as straight as a ruler) to just outside Afula. Turn south (right) at Sargel Junction onto route 675. The road turns slightly right and becomes 675 then merges onto route 71. From there turn right after 3km, and right again a few meters later. Then left, and right to find the park’s parking lot. If you’re using Waze, enter “Gilboa Lookout Parking”.Interested in visiting Gilboa Nature Reserve? Book one of our private tours in the area.

Background on the Four MemorialThe Four Memorial (Sderot Lookout) is located on Kobi Hill, a new commemorative site established in honor of Lt. Col. Dolev Keidar, Master Sgt. Maj. Dani Kassahun Bainsain, Staff Sgt. (Res.) Nadav Goldmacher, and 2nd Lt. Yuval Heiman. They fell on July 21, 2014, during Operation "Protective Edge," in a battle against terrorists who emerged from a tunnel approximately 700 meters from this location. The attack aimed to execute mass-casualty terror strikes in Sderot and Kibbutz Nir Am. The memorial was inaugurated in early February 2022.How Was the Memorial Built?The construction of the Four Memorial took five years, during which the lookout and the memorial were developed. The design represents the bravery of the fallen soldiers and the resilience of Sderot residents who have withstood terrorism for many years.The memorial combines concrete and steel, two strong materials that complement each other in their chemical properties—symbolizing the courage of the soldiers and the steadfastness of the residents.The structure is built on a wavy surface, resembling the sands where the battle took place and reflecting the uncertainty that prevailed before the attack regarding the identification of the assailants.The memorial features tire tracks from the jeep used by the four soldiers etched into the surface and leading to doors that symbolize the jeep’s doors. Inscribed on the doors are the names of the fallen soldiers.The doors, designed to mirror the jeep’s, remain open to signify the moment the four soldiers leapt into battle—a battle from which they did not return.Behind the doors is a concrete platform suspended over a precipice, symbolizing the journey of the soldiers—a path of no return on one hand, yet one that continues eternally through their commemoration.Looking through the gap between the open doors or the window, visitors can see the actual battle site, creating a geographical connection between Kobi Hill and the events that occurred nearby.Kobi Hill: A Unique ViewpointKobi Hill is named after Kobi Harush, a local Security Coordinator (Ravshatz) and resident of Sderot. Harush frequently leads groups of visitors, soldiers, and diplomats to the hill, offering them a close view of the border area.This hill is one of the highest points in the region. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the city of Ashkelon to the northwest, Ashdod to the north, and Sderot and Kiryat Gat to the east. To the southwest, one can see Gaza City and "Golani Hill," also known as "Hill of Love" or "Yanchik Hill," with its prominent horse sculpture.Until recently, the path to the hill was accessible only via a dirt road for hikers or off-road vehicles. The hill has always been a popular destination for those seeking a scenic vantage point with fresh air. During times of conflict, it became a gathering place for visitors from across Israel to witness rocket launches into Israeli territory and the IDF’s retaliatory strikes.Preserving MemoryBeyond the basic fact that these soldiers died defending the residents of Sderot and Nir Am, the memorial’s concrete edges feature a detailed account of the battle. The descriptions were reconstructed step-by-step based on IDF investigations, a painstaking and emotional process.The memorial and its surroundings are meticulously maintained by the Municipality of Sderot, ensuring its cleanliness and preservation. Architects Yaakov Cohen and Sigal Ben-Shmuel designed the memorial, while sculptor Ophir Geller and his wife Danit, owners of "Hofim," completed the finishing touches. Their work brought the memorial to life, with transportation and assembly completed by August 2021.Landscape architect Naama Eshel Tsuberi also contributed to the project, ensuring the design harmonizes with the natural surroundings.The Four Memorial was funded through donations from the families of the fallen and other generous individuals. The largest donation came from an anonymous Jewish philanthropist from abroad who wished to remain unnamed.Directions to the MemorialTo visit, enter "Sderot Lookout – Four Memorial" in Waze.The memorial is located near Route 34 in the city of Sderot. Follow these directions:Take the first two roundabouts straight.At the third roundabout, turn right at the first exit to Rabbi Yoram Abergel Street.At the next roundabout, turn left onto Derech HaAliya Street.Continue straight through several roundabouts.At the final roundabout, turn right.The memorial is a few dozen meters ahead on the left-hand side.

“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t know where to go shopping”, Gertrude Stein wrote. One thing many of us like to do when taking a vacation is treating ourselves to something we’ve thought about purchasing for a while - something unusual, something we can’t buy easily at home, something original. And usually that ‘gift’ to ourselves is an item of clothing - something that will last, something unique, and something we can show off once we get home.A couple on the beach promenade in Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo byToa HeftibaonUnsplashNow whilst it’s true that when you say ‘fashion’ you immediately think of cities like Paris, Milan, New York and London, there are many other countries that are coming up in the ranks in the fashion stakes and one of them is Israel. If you’re coming on vacation here, chances are you’ll be in one of the two biggest cities - Jerusalem or Tel Aviv - and the good news is that in both places there are endless shopping opportunities.Israeli Fashion Designers Who’ve Taken the World by StormSome of the popular Israeli clothing brands that are easy to find you’ll find in the big chains - Golf, Castro, Mango, Fox and Next. They sell all kinds of apparel that’s perfect for casual days at the beach and evenings in more fancy restaurants. They’re all quite reasonably priced and a good way to get bang for your buck. But if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, then where do you search?Today we’re going to look at some of the Israeli fashion designers who’ve taken the world by storm in recent years, and the kind of creations they’ve come up with. These popular Israeli clothing brands aren’t limited to one country either - some of these talented and ultra-driven designers are now New York-based, with flagship boutique stores in the US and around the world. In the infamous words of Anna Wintour, ‘You either know fashion or you don’t.” So let’s get to know it…Fashion neon sign. Photo byJason LeungonUnsplashDorin Frankfurt.Designed and Produced LocallyDorin Frankfurt is surely one of Israel’s leading fashion designers who has been making women’s apparel since 1983. Operating in the heart of Tel Aviv (both her factory and stores are based there), she produces limited edition designer clothes at affordable prices and for many Israeli women is the ‘High Priestess’ of style.Working with Margit Segal (who is still her partner today), Frankfurt insists that the operation remains in Israel and has resisted attempts to have work outsourced to the Far East. She employs many skilled local women and looks upon her business as a responsibility to others as well as a money-making venture.Dorin Frankfurt designs pieces that are incredibly elegant but also sustainable - she believes that clothes should be made to last in your wardrobe and keep you happy for years - she is no fan of the cheap, ‘throw-away’ culture. Moving away from European-style, her garments have what she calls an ‘Israeli style’ and her first jeans and vintage collections were actually named ‘austerity” (since, in the 1980s, Israel was experiencing a terrible recession).In 1995, she launched a menswear line and over the years she has designed outfits for the theatre and ballet. Recently, she has been joined in the business by her daughter Kianne, who graduated from the Shenkar School of Engineering and Design and is now in charge of the accessories division - bags, shoes, jewellery, etc.Dorin Frankfurt’s flagship store in Tel Aviv is an institution and her clothes are collected into the wardrobes of dedicated followers not just in Israel but also in England, Norway, New Zealand, the USA and South Africa. Mother and daughter still believe in her original aim - to create quality Israeli fashion items produced locally, rather than outsource to cheap-labour markets abroad.Dorin Frankfurt, 164 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv. Tel: 054-5925553.Dorin Frankfurt. Photo from Dorin Frankfurt Facebook pageMaskit.Hints of McQueen and ElbazLaunched back in 1954, Maskit has a fascinating history. Dreamed up by Ruth Dayan (daughter of the legendary Israeli General, Moshe Dayan) her aim was to create luxury but contemporary clothing. Her secret? To embroider the garments with traditional techniques that hailed from countries such as Syria, Tunisia, Hungary, Yemen and Bulgaria.Her enterprise created many jobs for local women at a time when Israel was in its infancy and the economy was struggling, but the brand was so successful it was soon being worn by stars of the era, including Audrey Hepburn, who made Maskit’s ‘Desert Coat’ famous.Eventually, the designs were being sold at New York’s top department stores (Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf) and collaborations with Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Christian Dior followed, alongside the opening of a flagship store in Manhattan. The company closed in 1994 but was relaunched in 2014 when Sharon Tal came on board. Tal’s experience at Alexander McQueen (she was head of the embroidery) and her internship with legendary designer Alber Elbaz has made her an invaluable part of the modern company. Maskit’s style is definitely still ‘desert chic’ - the colours are exotic and the fabrics natural - and their boast that their brand has as much history as Israel is surely true.Maskit, 48 Hei Beiyar Street (Kikar Hamedina), Tel Aviv. Tel: 03-688 4004Maskit outfit. Photo fromMaskit Design Facebook pageMews. Not Just a LabelIf black is the new black, then you can’t go wrong by making a trip to Mews. Founded in 2014, by Gal Shenfeld, this line’s unique selling point is in the colour - practically every garment is black. And, let’s face it, how can you go wrong with black - you can match it with anything, it never goes out of style and it’s the best shade to wear if you’re looking for a slimming effect.Based in Tel Aviv, this luxury women’s wear company is made up of classic garments, the fabrics all of the highest quality. They focus on movement and texture and their logo - ‘Not Just a Label’ - couldn’t be more apt. Shenfeld’s vision is to make clothes in a minimalist design, using cutting-edge materials and techniques.Located in the beautiful Neve Tzedek neighbourhood, close to the famous Shabazi Street (a must-visit for anyone who likes boutique clothing stores), their cotton sleeveless jumpsuits, crepe knot bow one shoulder midi skirt dresses and exquisite, meticulously designed eveningwear are what you’ll get when you buy from Mews. And, just like Maskit and Doron Frankfurt, everything you purchase will have been designed and made in Tel Aviv.Mews, 12 Tachkemoni St, Tel Aviv. Tel: 052 677 3733.Mews showroom, Tel Aviv. Photo fromMews InstagramDoron Ashkenazi.Classic Tailoring with Attention to DetailWhen it comes to Israeli men’s clothing brands, you can’t leave out Doron Ashkenazi, one of Israel's most celebrated designers when it comes to male fashion. Raised in Israel, he began his career at the Accademia di Bella Arti di Firenze, where he studied design and pattern making. On returning to Tel Aviv, he decided to start his own line, and in 1989 the company was launched, at their store on the trendy Shenkin Street. His emphasis has always been on classic tailoring techniques that pay tremendous attention to detail. In that respect, his designs are quite timeless, even though he does often use bold colours. His suits are loved by men across Israel and the wedding clothes he designs for grooms are gorgeous. At his store, you’ll see Italian design fused with Mediterranean-style streetwear, which creates a unique look. Whether you want casual or glamorous, his linen creations always turn heads. Even better, in recent years, Doron Ashkenazi has turned to recycling garments, in an attempt to rescue surplus material and be more socially responsible. His creations included a denim-style jacket made out of grey reflected fabric, flecked with all kinds of colours. If you had to sum up his style, it’s all about capturing the aesthetic of urban Tel Aviv. As he always said ‘It’s about creating a unique product.’Doron Ashkenazi, 187 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv. Tel: 02 527-2679Doron Ashkenazi - Menswear. Photo fromDoron Ashkenazi Facebook pageShahar Avnet. A Mix of Fashion and ArtShahar Avnet studied at the prestigious Shenkar College of Engineering and Design and after graduating, in 2016, was thrust into the spotlight, when a project of hers was represented at Graduate Fashion Week in London. Her creations are a heady mix of fashion and art, and she uses a range of techniques, including collage, drawing and embroidery in the dresses she designs. Avnet is a particular fan of tulle (soft silk cotton) and this was showcased by Beyonce, who wore one of her pieces on her world tour with Jay Z - nude-toned and long-trained… for sure her clothes are bold, fearless and designed for the independent woman. You also have seen her work if you’re a fan of Eurovision - the hit “Toy” was performed by Netta Barzilai, who won a multi-coloured kimono designed by her. Shahar Avnet is based in Tel Aviv and her couture is full of feminine silhouettes, intricate embellishments and all kinds of unusual details. And as she once commented, in Vogue” “The Beatles taught me that ‘all you need is love…my garments carry the label ‘love yourself’.Shahar Avnet, Kibbutz Galuyot Road 45, Tel Aviv. Tel: 052-881-1084Shahar Avnet dresses at Design Museum Holon, Israel. Photo from Shahar Avnet Studio pageGalia Lahav.Designing for the StarsWhen it comes to Israeli clothing brands popular in the US, you’ve got to mention Galia Lahav, who has made a real name for herself designing couture, in particular bridal wear. She established her own fashion company in Tel Aviv in 1984 but it was only after 20 years that she branched out internationally. Today, women like Jennifer Lopez, Bar Rafaeli and Priyanka Chopra wear her luxury creations, but it’s Beyonce who catapulted her into the limelight when she chose Lahav to design a dress for the renewing of vows and wedding. Lahav’s bridal wear is romantic, sensual, figure-flattering and puts its emphasis on comfort. Her dresses also have delicate embroidery, plunging backlines and dramatic trains. If you look at Beyonce’s dress, it was an off-the-shoulder creation, featuring chantilly lace, Swarovski crystals and pearls decorating the bodice. The price tag was estimated to be around $12,000 but - hey - the bride clearly thought it was worth it. Lahav also hit the headlines when she designed dresses for Venus Williams (in her role as Maid of Honour), six other bridesmaids and the bride’s mother, at the star-studded wedding of her sister Serena. The dresses, all of which were shades of nude, had different designs, ranging from plunging necklines to a more demure look. The result? Spectacular. Lahav also designs collections in evening wear, shoes and dresses and is a regular participant at New York Bridal Fashion Week.Galia Lahav, Herzl Street 9, Tel Aviv. Tel: 03 527-3075Wedding dress byGalia Lahav House of Couture. Photo fromGalia Lahav DesignsNili Lotan.Designs for the Modern, Urban WomanNili Lotan was born in Israel and is now based in New York. Like Avnet, she graduated from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design but quickly moved to Manhattan, since she saw it as the epicentre of the fashion world. She worked with top fashion houses including Liz Claiborne and Ralph Lauren.In 2003, she launched her own label, aiming to produce luxurious yet timeless pieces for women and 3 years later, she opened a shop above her atelier, in Tribeca. Putting in just $20,000, after two months she had made $250,000! Lotan was and still is a rule-breaker - she doesn’t believe in designing for the season. In fact, at first, she began her business by selling six basic pieces - two jackets, one top and three pairs of trousers, all made with Italian fabric. As she went from strength to strength, she expanded her range and now designs jeans, handbags and belts. This year, she expects to generate $100 million in revenue. Nili Lotan designs are definitely for the modern urban woman - they are sophisticated yet simple. She believes in clothes being comfortable, as well as chic and she loves natural colours - black, light blue and peach. Today you will see actresses and models like Julianna Moore, Jennifer Anniston, Cindy Crawford, Gigi Hadid and Rihanna wearing her dresses. As Lotan remarks, a wardrobe comprised of elegant pieces will serve you for years to come. Nili Lotan, 188 Duane St, New York, NY 10013. Tel:+1 212-219-8794A leather jacket byNili Lotan. Photo fromNili Lotan Facebook pageATA.Modest, Simple and FunctionalLast, but not least, we come to ATA. This is not an individual but an Israeli clothing brand, but we have to include it here because of its long and interesting history. The first company in the country to manufacture and design textiles, it was created in 1934 and ran until the mid-80s, when it closed down. However, in 2016 it was re-established as a brand and is currently based in Tel Aviv.ATA was founded by Erich Moller, whose family had come from Czechoslovakia, because of ideological conviction. He bought land on which to construct a factory and ATA came to stand for ‘Ariga Totzeret Artzenu’ (‘Textiles from Our Land’). Unsurprisingly, many of the workers came from kibbutzim and for many years employees and management earned similar salaries.ATA made its mark after World War II, by producing practical clothes that Israelis could buy with ration coupons. These included uniforms, shirts, trousers and the tembel hat (a national symbol of Israel, worn by committed zionists). ATA was known for its quality, and being committed to modesty, simplicity and functionality. After being closed for over 20 years, it was reestablished in 2016 and today works on the principle that clothes are meant to serve people, as well as offering a glimpse into our lives and cultures.ATA, Kikar HaBima 3, Tel Aviv. Tel: 03 962-7270If you are interested in a private tour of Tel Aviv, don’t hesitate to contact us.ATA clothing brand, Israel. Photo from ATA Facebook page

Jerusalem is an extraordinary city, and in this statement, we do not exaggerate - few people who visit here leave without feeling moved. Whatever your age, faith or cultural background, it’s a city that has the power to bewitch - at any time of the day or night. Whether you’re exploring the Old City, visiting Jerusalem museums, wandering thecobblestoned streets and narrow alleyways of its endless neighbourhoods, or simply sitting in a coffee shop, watching the locals walk by, you’ll be endlessly fascinated.Mount Scopus night view of Jerusalem, Israel.Photo bySander CrombachonUnsplashToday, we’re looking at things to do in Jerusalem by night, when sunlight gives way to dusk and, all over the city, landmarks light up. Whether it’s walking along the Via Dolorosa, en route to the Wailing Wall, strolling along Jaffa street, stopping off to grab a bite at Mahane Yehuda Market, or paying a visit to the extraordinary Israel Museum (which is open until 9 pm each Tuesday) we think you’ll remember your experiences for years to come.And one other thing - just like tourists are often concerned about the security situation in Israel, but once they arrive feel incredibly safe, the same is true of the streets of the capital. Whilst the city is ‘shared’ by Jews, Muslims and Christians, your risk of being robbed or hurt is much lower than in other major cities around the globe. Not to mention that the locals are incredibly friendly, and love to help, in the event that you need directions, assistance or simple advice!That means if you’re looking for something to see in Jerusalem at night, after the sun goes down, fear not - all you need to do is put on your walking shoes. Let’s take a look at some of the attractions in Jerusalem that await you, on a night tour of Jerusalem. You’ll have no trouble finding fun things to do in Jerusalem at night. Even better, none of these activities will cost you a dime.Let’s begin…Jerusalem skyline at night. Photo byLavi PerchikonUnsplash1. The Kotel / Western Wall / Wailing Wall, JerusalemThe Kotel (also known as the ‘Wailing / Western Wall’) is the holiest place in the world for all Jews and one to which most aspire to visit, in their lives. Located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, it is an exposed section of a much longer retaining wall, which is 57 metres (187 feet) high. But this is not any wall - it is the remaining wall of the Second Temple, built by King Herod (known as the Master Builder of his time).The Western Wall is so holy to Jews because it lies close to Temple Mount (inside the wider compound of Al Aqsa Mosque) but because of visiting restrictions, the closest to it that Jews can pray is the Western Wall. Temple Mount is where Jews believe the third (and final) Temple will be built, when the Messiah comes, and for believers, it is the place where God manifests his divine presence. The Foundation Stone, within the Mount, is also the place Jews believe creation began and where Abraham was ordered to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This is why, when Jews pray, it is always in the direction of the Wall (and Mount). Entering into the large plaza and catching sight of the Western Wall is an extraordinary experience for anyone visiting Israel. Up close, you will see men and women (in different sections) touching the stones, swaying in prayer and placing notes to God within the stones’ crevices. The site is not just free but open 24 hours a day - the only ‘condition’ for entrance is a modest dress - women should not have bare shoulders or legs and men should cover their head with a kippah (if you do not have one, you will be given one at no charge).Truly, there is something magical about visiting this Wall after the sun has gone down. Illuminated, and with Jews there at prayer at all hours, it is a good place to sit quietly and in awe. The best night, arguably, to visit is Friday at dusk when many Jews gather there to dance, sing, and usher in Shabbat (their Sabbath). The prayers they offer have been recited by Jews for centuries, and sitting there gives you the ideal opportunity to learn more about this tradition, as well as enjoy the soulful melodies and even spontaneous dancing!People pray at the Western Wall at night.Photo bySander CrombachonUnsplash2. The Jerusalem Chords BridgeThe Chords Bridge (also known as the Bridge of Strings) is a cantilever cable-stayed bridge that, today, is one of the city’s most eye-catching landmarks. Visible from many parts of the capital, it sits at the entrance to the city (it is the first thing you see when you arrive by road) and is currently the tallest structure in Jerusalem.The Chords Bridge was designed by the Spanish architect and engineer, Santiago Calatrava, and took six years to build. With its 66 steel cables, its design is a fusion of old and new - much like Jerusalem. If you look at it from a distance, it resembles a ship’s sail but (as inspired by the Spaniard) it can also be interpreted as a harp (the harp that King David played in the Bible story) or a tent in the desert.Calatrava deliberately designed the building with pedestrians in mind (fun fact: he doesn’t own a driver’s licence) and the bridge, made of concrete, steel and Jerusalem stone - has a glass-sided pedestrian walkway. This means that you’re able to walk across it from Kiryat Moshe to the Jerusalem bus station area. Oh, and it’s also illuminated, which makes it even more beautiful to visit by night.The Jerusalem Chords Bridge by Santiago Calatrava. Photocredit: © Dan Porges3. Yemin Moshe, JerusalemOverlooking the Old City, Yemin Moshe is surely one of Jerusalem’s charming and picturesque neighbourhoods. It also has a wonderful history - it was one of the first residential neighbourhoods established outside of the Old City Walls, at the end of the 19th century.Yemin Moshe’s existence owes itself to the famous financier and philanthropist Moses Montefiore, who hailed from England. In his lifetime, he made seven trips to what was then Palestine and was so impressed with what he saw that he made vast financial contributions in order that medical clinics and educational institutions could be set up. On his final visit, he set up a fund to be used for the building of six neighbourhoods, to alleviate some of the unsanitary conditions within the Old City at that time. One of these was Yemin Moshe and, erected in 1892, it boasted synagogues, communal cooking facilities and 137 houses, not to mention stunning views over the Hinnom Valley.Today, it is truly an iconic Jewish neighbourhood, in which many artists live. They are bound by only one condition - that they maintain the quarter’s original character. So if you want to visit this beautiful area at night, feel free, but remember that it’s an area that’s quiet and genteel, so try to respect the privacy of its inhabitants. The ‘stand out feature’ of the neighbourhood, save for its cobbled streets and beautifully manicured gardens, is the famous Montefiore Windmill. Originally designed as a flour mill, it was used as an observation point in the War of Independence and has huge cultural significance for the neighbourhood.There’s a small building next door in which is a replica of the carriage Montefiore used to travel in, on his journeys. Yemin Moshe is also close to the King David Hotel and YMCA if you’re in the mood for a drink or dinner afterwards.Yemin Moshe neighbourhood, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin4. Mahane Yehuda Market, JerusalemThe Mahane Yehuda Market ("shuk" in Hebrew) isn’t just the best place in town to come and buy your fruits and vegetables - it’s also one of the hippest places to spend an evening. Located between Jaffa Street and Agrippas streets, it has two main open ‘passages’ and in between lots of narrow alleyways and, when night falls, you’re in for a treat.Historically, when the stall owners went home, the market was deserted but all that’s changed in the last 10-15 years, with the advent of a wide array of bars, cafes and live music. By far and away the best evening to visit is Thursday when it’s jam-packed with locals who don’t have to go to work the next day.There are so many places to grab a bite or drink that you’ll be spoilt for choice, but some of the ones we’d recommend include:Beer Bazaar - big microbrewery fans, this joint stocks over 100 different kinds of beer and plenty on tap besides. Que Pasa - the tapas here have become a big hit - although there’s no meat served, there are plenty of small fish, vegetable and dairy dishes, including mullet, porcini bruschetta, sardines and tortilla. They also host local musicians, giving you a chance to enjoy some live music.Meorav Yerushalmi - for all the carnivores out there, this is the best place in town to get a famous Jerusalem mixed grill. All of their delicious meat is stuffed into a pitta (salad and fries on the side!) The portions are enormous and the queues long and if you get there after 11 pm, they may well be sold out! Azura - this family-run, wallet-friendly spot has been in business for 25 years and we know why - they serve Iraqui, Kurdish and Tunisian dishes at a very decent price. Whether you want hummus, shakshuka, meatballs or chicken stew, you’ll leave sated and happy.A fruit stall at Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem. Photo byRoxanne DesgagnésonUnsplash5. First Station (Tachana Rishona), JerusalemClose to the German Colony neighbourhood, the First Station is yet another place that’s hip and happening, both with locals and tourists. Historically, it was the last stop on a train line that ran from Jaffa to Jerusalem but fell into disrepair after the service was discontinued. In 2013, all that changed, when the site was renovated and transformed.Today, it’s a fantastic cultural and entertainment venue, where all kinds of city events, international festivals and food markets are held. The old rail yard is now covered with wooden decks and incorporates old parts of the architecture (the ticket hall, concourse and old station house). Inside, you’ll find pubs, restaurants, food stalls and vendors with their carts. There are many musical events and performances and, particularly in the summer months, it’s a wonderful spot to spend an evening.Colourful tents atFirst Station (Tachana Rishona), Jerusalem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin6. Mishkenot Shaananim, JerusalemAdjacent to Yemin Moshe, and meaning ‘Peaceful Dwelling’ this was Jerusalem’s very first neighbourhood, built outside the walls of the Old City, on a slope above the Sultan’s Pool, which affords you fantastic views of Mount Zion. Today, this historic spot is very popular with artists, and as you walk around you will see many venues showcasing culture and art. (There’s also a lovely guesthouse there if you’re looking for somewhere tranquil to lay your head!)The smaller of the original buildings is now home to the Jerusalem Music Centre and Convention Centre, an international cultural institution. Since Yemin Moshe is so close to it, many regard the two neighbourhoods as being ‘merged’. Just like its counterpart, Mishkenot Shaananim it is home to lovely gardens, charming narrow roads and wonderfully-restored residential buildings. And, of course, look out for the windmill!Mishkenot Shaananim neighbourhood, Jerusalem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin7. Kikar Safra, JerusalemThis city square, located in downtown Jerusalem, is home to the city’s municipality complex. Its exact location is the once ‘seam line’ between East and West Jerusalem, which was precisely why it was chosen - to demonstrate that the city should serve all residents. Built in 1993, it couldn’t be more different than the previous structure, which was constructed in 1867, in the Ottoman Empire era.At the primary entrance, from Jaffa Road, you will see a fountain, rows of palm trees and a huge sculpture named ‘Archimedes Screw’. Nearby is the Daniel Garden. The entire plaza is about 4,000 square metres and is surrounded by buildings all used by the city. Kikar Safra is a popular place for Jerusalemites to meet each other, and it’s also known for hosting fairs, festivals and political demonstrations. Fun fact: this square is the spot to which sports fans always flock when their city’s team wins a prominent basketball or football trophy. It’s also the spot where the largest Sukkah (huts roofed with branches) is built, each Fall, at the festival of Sukkot.Safra Square, Jerusalem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin

Dance - one of peoples’ favourite pastimes…an activity, hobby or passion that individuals the world over take pleasure in. And in Israel that’s no exception - people have been dancing in Israel before it was created! There are mentions of dance in the Jewish sacred texts (today, Jews dance and rejoice with Torah scrolls at the festival of Simchat Torah) and this kind of expression has always been an important part of communal life, particularly weddings!.Dancing girl, Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo byOr HakimonUnsplashThe modern origins of dance in Israel can be traced back to the waves of immigration that began just the beginning of the 20th century. Jews from all over Russia and Eastern Europe who had Zionist sympathies brought with them the dances of their mother nations. This really led to the movement of ‘folk dancing’ - a way for individuals to express the culture they had learned as children.Today, dance in Israel incorporates all kinds of styles and techniques from traditional to contemporary. Dancing to music sung in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Ladino, dance has taken on two major forms - traditional folk dancing and dance as an art form (using professional choreographers, stage productions, and trained artists). One thing we do know, however, is that whether you want to dance or watch a dance performance, you’ll be able to do so almost anywhere in Israel. Let’s have a closer look at all things to do with this wonderful activity…Market Dance, a ballerina in the Carmel Market.Photo byLiel AnapolskyonUnsplashFolk Dancing in Israel (Rikudei Am)Folk dancing has a long and colorful history in Israel - as a form of dance, performed to songs in Hebrew, it has been around for over 100 years. The beginnings of it can be traced back to pioneering Jews who arrived in the country in the 1880s, then the turn of the century, and later in the 1930s. In the ‘Aliyahs’ (periods when many Jews arrived in what was then called Palestine ) by these diaspora Jews, the desire for communal dancing increased, very much in line with the desire for the creation of a Jewish state. Dances brought to the Promised Land by these European Jews included the polka, rondo, and hora and it was the third of these that eventually became Israel’s ‘national dance’. The hora itself (a circle dance) was and still is, today, an iconic dance in Israeli folk dancing culture.Performed at festivals and celebrations, and set to Israeli music - folk, klezmer, or (most popularly) the tune of ‘Hava Nagila’ - it is danced at practically every wedding or bar mitzvah celebration both in Israel and in Jewish communities around the world. The hora was also made incredibly famous after the State of Israel was created, when Jews in Tel Aviv and across the land broke into spontaneous hora dancing, to mark their joy at Ben Gurion’s Declaration of Independence. Today, Israeli folk dancing is still very popular, with groups all over the country dedicated to its preservation. It’s also wonderful for tourists to watch in places like the Tel Aviv Beach Promenade, on Saturday morning, when locals gather by the Gordon Beach and perform folk dances for two or three hours, to the delight of passersby!Israeli folk dance (rikudei am), Karmiel, Israel.Photo credit: © Dana LifanovaBallroom dancing in IsraelIn recent years, ballroom dancing has become very popular in Israel, in part because of an interest in an ‘old’ hobby and in part because of shows such as ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ The studio in Ramat HaSharon (close to Tel Aviv) named ’Arthur Murray’ has made a name for itself teaching enthusiasts ballroom and Latin dancing.There is also a ballroom dancing academy open in Ashdod, a city home to many Russian immigrants who loved the pastime, back in the country of their birth, and took it up with gusto here. In recent years, Israel has even competed in ballroom dancing world championships! With more and more classes on offer throughout the country, it seems like the stereotype of ballroom dancing being an aristocratic, older person’s hobby - is finally being laid to rest.Ballroom dancing.Photo byPreillumination SeThonUnsplashContemporary dance in IsraelGaga - the most famous kind of contemporary dancing in Israel today has got to be ‘Gaga’. No, that doesn’t refer to anyone gone mad; rather it’s an innovative modern dance movement developed by the Batsheva Dance Company (see below, in ‘Dance Companies’) under the directorship of Ohad Naharin.Gaga is hard to define but essentially it’s a dance technique that focuses on physical bodily sensations, communication, and creativity. The Gaga method offers dancers the opportunity to develop stamina along with coordination, by exploring speed and form. Gaga, says Naharin, is both playful and powerful and, every year, dancers from around the world arrive in Tel Aviv, to learn more about it. Gaga performances are often given at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood and, in these trying Corona times, they also offer classes online.Earth Dance - Earth Dance in Israel is held each year (on the same day as similar Earth Dance events across the globe) in the tranquil Galilee region. This social, musical, and family-friendly event offers numerous activities, including dance performances from all kinds of traditions (think African, Indian, South American, and Asian…)Flash Mob Dance - the flash mob dance craze has reached many parts of the world, and Israel is one of them. For anyone who doesn’t know, this is when a group of people all gather together in a public space and then break into amazing dance routines in front of an unsuspecting public. Flash mobs have become increasingly popular in Israel in the last ten years and are often very well organized and a delight to watch. Here’s a flashmob dance event in Jerusalem that took place close to the Jaffa Gate and the Mamilla rooftop restaurant.Dancing students at the entrance of Suzanne Dellal Center. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinDance festivals in IsraelKarmiel Dance Festival - this world-famous dance festival first took place in 1987 and, since then, has been held annually, each July, in the charming town of Karmiel in northern Israel. Originally established as a festival for Israeli folk dance, their offerings have expanded widely over the years and now include performances from troupes across the world. Showcasing Israeli music and dance (think ballet, modern, hip-hop, folk to say the least) it brings dancers together from across the world, with no regard for age, skillset, faith or creed.Two major competitions take place within the festival - one involving folk dancing and the other choreography. Corona permitting (!) the festival will take place sometime this summer, on 5-7 July 2022.Activities will take place at venues across Karmiel, and will certainly include extended dance sessions, original productions, and new artistic creations, including a production that is put on on the last night, featuring hundreds of performers.You don’t have to dance either - you can go and watch, and enjoy some street food and live music while you’re at it! Our tip: don’t miss the opening act - a pageant in which thousands participate, accompanied by all kinds of musicians and orchestras. Karmiel Dance Festival at night, Israel. Photo credit: © Dana LifanovaTel Aviv International Dance - this annual festival has been taking place since 1999 each summer and runs for at least a week. It is held at the state-of-the-art Suzanne Dellal Centre, in Neve Tzedek, one of the city’s most beautiful and charming neighborhoods. This Tel Aviv festival showcases both Israeli and international dance companies and choreographers, and hosts between 2,000 and 10,000 attendees per day. Last year, there were 25 performances, 8 premieres and 13 new productions by Israeli artists, as well as 3 performances for young children and their parents.Jerusalem International Dance Week - this festival aims to promote Jerusalem as an international dance space and to make visible high-quality, contemporary Israeli dance to the top international festivals worldwide. The showcase events and the international choreography competition were founded in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2011. Events are held at the Machol Shalem Dance House, and include original works of contemporary dance which, year after year, excite audiences from across the spectrum. Room Dances Festival, Israel- held both in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, this festival was established by Amos Hetz, 32 years ago. A performer and choreographer himself, he wanted to offer a platform for artists who wanted to create an intimate space between them and their audiences. The festival is usually held in November and runs for 3 nights, and this year’s event aims to focus on solo dancers/small ensembles who will perform in venues without a partition between stage and audience.Ballerina on the stairs in Tel Aviv. Photo byLiel AnapolskyonUnsplashDance Companies and Teachers in IsraelThe Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company (KCDC) - directed by Rami Be’er, who is well-known in the dance world for his unique choreographic skills, this world-famous dance company performs across the globe. Based in the beautiful location of Western Galilee, they also offer intensive summer dance programs (two, four, and six weeks) for both high school and university students.KCDC was founded by the late Yehudit Arnon, in 1973, who - back then - had no idea how famous it would become. Today, in the ‘Dance Village’ there, the emphasis is on fostering excellence and creating a space for international dancers. They also offer special projects and guided tours.Vertigo - this modern dance company, based in Jerusalem, was established in 1992, by Noa Wertheim and Adi Sha’al. They perform works both by Wertheim and independent choreographers from Israel and around the world. Located on Bezalel Street, in the downtown part of the city, they also offer workshops, training, and classes.Dance neon sign. Photo byGeorgia de LotzonUnsplashBatsheva - this world-famous company, situated in Tel Aviv, was founded by the legendary Martha Graham and Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild, in 1964 and really was a consequence of the growing interest in modern dance in the USA at that time.Dancers were trained in the Graham technique, although their performances often ended up being most unlike their American counterparts. In 1990, Ohad Naharin was appointed as Artistic Director and is probably best known for his introduction of the “Gaga’ method (see the section above, in ‘Contemporary Dance.’)Batsheva’s Tel Aviv home is at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Neve Tzedek and today is at the forefront of modern international dance.Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollock Dance Company - this eponymous dance company was established in 1992 and is also based in Tel Aviv, performing at Suzanne Dallal. They have 12 regular dancers and are known for their unique performances, particularly when it comes to choreographers.Yasmeen Godder Dance Company - Yasmeen was born in Jerusalem but moved to New York City at 11, and graduated from the High School of the Performing Arts, then moving on to study with Martha Graham. After returning to Israel, she settled in Tel Aviv where she now teaches concert dance. Her works have been performed in France, Germany, and the USA, and in 2007, she established the Yasmeen Godder Studio in Jaffa.Ballerina in Tel Aviv.Photo byLiel AnapolskyonUnsplashDance Schools in IsraelThe Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance - as well as its extensive music programs, Academy has a dedicated dance department, focused on producing dancers, teachers, and choreographers who have a broad background in performance, instruction, and creative activity. They offer both theoretical and practical training and a state-of-the-art building in which to learn both dance and movement techniques.Mehola - this dance school has five branches across Israel and offers unusual and modern repertories for children to learn. These include folklore, jazz, hip hop, musical, and even ‘Zionist’ themes. There are also classes in fields such as character dancing, technical polishing, and character development. International Ballet School, Tel Aviv - with both children and adults divisions, this ballet school’s philosophy is that the dance should be able to express their individuality. Set up in 2017 by Nicholas Barez, it offers local and international families alike a unique opportunity - to learn the French classical ballet technique in a very multicultural environment. Ballerina at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Photo byLiel AnapolskyonUnsplashThe school runs two language sections - one in Hebrew, the other in English/French. These two then merge into a single English-speaking program for those aged 12 and above. They also offer intensive courses at Hanukkah, Passover, and in the summer.Fresco Dance - Established in 2002 by Yoram Karmi, this Tel Aviv-based company performs regularly throughout the year in Israel and also abroad. They have produced dance pieces that premiered in the Israel Festival in 2007/2010 and in festivals around the world. Placing their emphasis on technique, as well as individual style and character, they give performances both for adults and children.Bikurey Ha’Itim Dance - both a dance school and university, this Tel Aviv center offers part-time and full-time courses for students aged 18-22. Their evening classes are open to the entire public, giving you a chance to practice your Brazilian moves, the Lindy swing, Argentinian tango, Cuban salsa, and even a little ballroom!If you are interested in Israeli culture, feel free to read more articles devoted to theatre in Israel, music of Israel, and sculpture in Israel.Tango dancers.Photo byPreillumination SeThonUnsplash

When visitors come to Israel, depending on how much time they have they often want to combine their stay in the Holy Land with a trip to one of its neighbouring countries - Egypt or Jordan. And whilst Egypt has the lure of diving spots, it’s Jordan that most tourists head to, for a chance to see the magnificent lost city of Petra, nestled in the desert.Tourists on a day tour in Petra, Jordan. Photo credit:© istockphotoTravelling in Israel and BeyondIndeed, in the last ten years, there has been an explosion of interest in Petra Tours- it’s an archaeological/historical/geological/engineering wonder, that’s for sure, and with it being reasonably close to Israel, there’s no reason not to take a couple of days to travel there and experience one of the seven new Wonders of the World. No wonder so many people are looking for a Tel Aviv-to-Petra Touror affordable tours to Petra from Jerusalem.Travelling to Jordan OverlandIsrael has three border crossings with Jordan - in the north, the centre and the south of the country. Most tourists opt for the third one, at the edge of the city of Eilat. It is known as the Wadi Araba or the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing. In this article, we're going to take you through the entire process - travelling from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, down to Eilat, located on the Red Sea. Then, from Eilat to the actual border crossing, we’ll go through the hows, wheres and whys - what time the border opens, what time the border closes, how much a visa for Jordan will cost you and how to continue onto Petra, Wadi Rum or Amman, once you reach the other side! OK. Are you ready to find out more?A jeep tour in Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan. Photo credit: © istockphotoHow do I get to the border with Jordan from central Israel?Travelling from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and other parts of the country is not too difficult, since Israel is a small country with well-developed infrastructure. Essentially, there are three ways - public transport (in the form of an Egged bus), arental car (easily available) or a short flight from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv to the Ilan Ramon Airport, which is 15km from Eilat.Egged is the national bus company of Israel (its green buses are a familiar sight, all over Israel) and they run to Eilat regularly from the big cities. Getting from Tel Aviv to Eilat or from Jerusalem to Eilatwill take around 5 hours and a one-way ticket will cost you around 70 NIS. Buses leave every 2 hours and begin running at 6 am.Eilat is approximately 397 km from Tel Aviv, and 352 km from Jerusalem so, if you don’t hit traffic or stop for coffee, you could technically arrive in 4 hours. There are a number of car rental companies you can turn to - Budget, Shlomo Sixt, Hertz and Eldan included - and prices can be quite competitive, especially if you shop around on the internet.Flying from Ben Gurion to Ilan Ramon airport is your fastest option - it’s a quick and painless 55 minutes in the air and you only have to be at Ben Gurion an hour before departure. Both Arkia and Israir offer regular domestic flights which can start from 150 NIS one way (approx. $46).Al-Khazneh, the Treasury temple at night, Petra, Jordan.Photo credit: © istockphotoHow do I get from the Ilan Ramon airport to the Wadi Araba border crossing?You’ll land in Eilat’s new airport, Ilan Ramon, which is a state-of-the-art facility that opened recently. Located just 15 km north of Eilat, it will take you about 20 minutes to travel from the airport to the city centre. You can journey there either by private taxi (which you can find at a stand outside the building), order anairport transfer beforehand (best done by using a reputable Israeli tour operator like ourselves) or use public transportation in Israel. If you’re taking a taxi, you can ask the driver to drive you straight to the border. You should expect to pay anywhere between 130-150 NIS (40-47 USD) for the entire journey (feel free to bargain) and the journey should take around 20 minutes. Ordering a private car will cost more - anywhere from 200-300 NIS (62-95 USD).If you’re taking public transport, you can use numbers 30, 31, 32 and 50, which all stop at the Eilat Central Station. These public buses run every 20 minutes from the airport to the city. Once you’re in Eilat, you can then pick up their hourly bus in the direction of the border crossing. The only ‘problem’ is that it will drop you around 1.5 km from the border. This means if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in high season (when it’s very hot) it might not be a good option.However, the cost of using public buses means that you will be able to travel all the way from the Ilan Ramon airport to the Araba/Rabin crossing for less than 10 NIS/ 3 USD (which is very reasonable, in price terms). If you’ve come in a rental car, the good news is there’s a large parking area close to the border where you can leave your car for free (it is forbidden to take an Israeli car into Jordan).Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin border crossing, Israel.Photo credit: © istockphotoIs the Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin border crossing currently open?As we all know, Covid restrictions are changing constantly. At the height of the pandemic, this border was sometimes closed entirely and at other times working on limited opening hours (09.00 to 13.00). But the good news is that, yes, as this goes to publication, the Wadi Araba/Yitzhak Rabin border is currently open for tourists. At present, these are the guidelines you need to follow, in terms of the Corona situation:1. You will need to show proof of a negative PCR test that you have taken no more than 72 hours before crossing the border. The test needs to be carried out by a recognised institution - home tests are not acceptable. There are many clinics and shopping malls across Israel at which you can take this test.2. You must present then a confirmation of entry form to Jordan - of course, it can be filled in online.3. When you arrive at the Jordanian side of the border, you will be asked to take another PCR test. You will have to pay for the cost of this test.Whilst things seem to be moving in a forward direction, vis a vis the pandemic, to save you major time, energy, cost and frustration, we strongly advise that you check with the Israeli authorities before you set off for the border.Camels in Petra.Photo credit: © istockphotoWhat are the operating hours for the Araba/Rabin border crossing?Regular working hours at Israel’s southern border with Jordan are Sunday to Thursday 06.30 - 20.00; Friday and Saturday 08.00 to 20.00. Please note that the border crossing is closed on two of the major Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Additionally, when political tensions arise between Israel and its neighbours, the border may be closed at short notice. If you’re planning on travelling to Jordan from Israel during an ‘outbreak of conflict’ then keep up-to-date with the local news.Is it possible to buy a visa on arrival at the Araba/Rabin border crossing?The good news is that, for the majority of people, it is very easy to purchase a visa for Jordan on arrival at the border. This can be paid for either with cash or a credit card (see below). Woman in the dunes of Wadi Rum, Jordan. Photo byKaram HamadnehonUnsplashWhat are the facilities like at the Araba/Rabin border?The facilities at this crossing are very modern! As mentioned before, there is a free parking lot close by, vending machines (for buying drinks and snacks), a currency exchange stand and a decent Duty-Free section, stocked with perfumes, alcohol and chocolate. The Araba/Rabin border crossing is also accessible for disabled people. At the car parking lot, there are spaces reserved for those with disabilities. Additionally, the Yitzhak Rabin terminal has passages that have been widened so that wheelchairs can be pushed through with ease. (Wheelchair use is free of charge).There should also be luggage porters there, if you need help.How much will a Jordan visa cost me?At the time of writing this, a visa to enter Jordan will cost you 40 JOD (which is approximately $56) a double-entry visa will set you back 60 JD ($85.00 USD) and if you, by chance, need a multiple-entry visa, expect to pay 120 JD ($170). A bridge in Eilat. Photo credit: © istockphotoWhat happens once I’ve left the Israel side and arrived in Jordan?Once you’ve arrived at the Jordanian side, you will have to show proof of your Corona test from Israel and then a subsequent PCR test, carried out by the Jordanian officials. You will then need to purchase your visa (see above). Once you have a visa, and all your Corona work has been deemed to be in order, you will pass through to the exit terminal. If you are travelling with a group, this will be where you rejoin your guide/bus.If you are travelling independently, you are going to find yourself at the mercy of a ‘taxi cartel’ that operates between the border and Aqaba. It is only a 12-minute journey but there is no public transport, so you really have no other option than to pay the set fee for a taxi.This can be anywhere between 10-12 JOD. Simply tell the taxi driver to take you to the bus station in Aqaba, you can then find "monit sherut" (ten-person vans) that operate regularly and will take you on to Petra or Amman. The Jordanian flag.Photo byYazan obeidatonUnsplashCan I take a Guided Tour of Petra?Yes, you can, and this is something we’d recommend for many reasons. If you take a group tour to Petra, there are many things you won’t have to deal with - visa and language issues, haggling for a taxi to take you from the border to Aqaba, finding transport onto Petra, looking for accommodation and - of course - queuing up for your entrance tickets (in high seasons, the lines can be very long).You’ll also have the services of an experienced guide - someone who speaks fluent English (or perhaps even French, German or Spanish) but knows Arabic too, which is really helpful. He or she will know all the ins and outs of your trip, how to make things go smoothly from start to finish and of course, will always be there in the event that a problem arises.If you book a guided Eilat-Petra tour, a bus will pick you up from central Eilat and take you directly to the crossing. Once there, you will be met by one of our representatives, who will assist you in dealing with the practicalities of crossing. It is a quick and painless way of dealing with the international border, and many people who have taken our trips say that it’s one of the best things about travelling with a guide - knowing that any potential difficulties will be taken care of.Having said that, it is possible to travel to Petra independently - just be aware that you may encounter some hassles along the way, in terms of bargaining for transport, from the border to Aqaba and then onto Petra itself. It will also require more time, of course.A hotel in Wadi Rum, Jordan.Photo byNikolay HristovonUnsplashCan I cross back from Aqaba to Eilat?Absolutely. The border crossing works both ways - just take a taxi from Aqaba to the border and, once there, present your passport to the Jordanian authorities. Depending on how many days you have spent in Jordan, you will be asked to pay an exit tax of 10 Jordanian dinars. However, if you have both arrived and are departing from this crossing, and you have stayed more than 3 nights, this tax will be waived. In terms of Corona paperwork, you will need to:1. Present a confirmation of entry form to Israel:2. Show proof of a negative PCR test to the Israeli authorities. This needs to have been taken not more than 72 hours before entry to Israel & to Jordan and, as with above (crossing into Jordan) cannot be a home test.3. Take a PCR test at the Israeli border, before being granted permission to travel on into Israel.Now all that remains is to wish you a good journey!Boat in the Red Sea, Eilat.Photo credit: © istockphoto

There are so many exciting things about visiting Israel and one of them is definitely the food scene. Israel is an immigrant country, which means that everywhere you look you’ll find dishes that hail from Germany, Tunisia, Russia, Morocco, Austria, Iraq and a few other countries besides. The fact is, your taste buds are in for a great adventure and no more so than in the country’s capital, Jerusalem.Anna Italian Cafe, Jerusalem. Photo fromAnnaItalianCafeInterestingly enough, locals and visitors used to look to Tel Aviv for gourmet and foodie experiences but in recent years, that’s all changed. Jerusalem has suddenly blossomed into a foodie heaven, with an explosion of fantastic restaurants, wherever you turn, and - trust us - there’s something for everyone - meat-lover, fish aficionado, gluten-intolerant, and vegan-friendly besides.Today, we’re going to give you a rundown of the 10 best restaurants in Jerusalem. But before we start, we need to explain to those of you who don’t know a bit about the Jewish dietary laws. They really have an impact on eating out in the city, so it’s good to know in advance what you’re signing up for! Religious (observant) Jews, who make up less than half of Israel’s total population but are well–represented in the capital, abide by ‘halachah’ (Jewish law) and something that is essential for them is the separation of milk and meat. This, in a nutshell, is what is meant by the term ‘kosher’ (though it’s definitely a complicated subject).The Old City of Jerusalem rooftop view.Photo credit: © ShutterstockReligious Jews, therefore, will only eat at restaurants that have certification from a Rabbinical authority. To obtain this, the restaurant must not just keep milk and meat separate (not serving it together in dishes i.e. chicken in a cream sauce) but also keep kitchen utensils in a certain way (to ensure this is done, rabbis will carry out inspections regularly).Moreover, to obtain a kosher certificate, the restaurant cannot be open on the Jewish Sabbath (from Friday at dusk to Saturday evening) as this would involve working and the exchange of money, which is prohibited by Jewish law. It’s important for you to know this, to ensure you don’t arrive at a restaurant on Friday night, anticipating a delicious dinner, and find it in darkness!At the top of each listing, we’re putting each restaurant’s kosher status (whether or not they abide by these laws), and if they are open on Shabbat, to make things easier for you. And one last thing - eating out in Jerusalem is a big trend so we’d advise making reservations in advance, so you don’t end up disappointed. Here you go - and enjoy!View of Jerusalem from the Tower of David.Photo credit: © Shutterstock1. Restaurant Dolphin Yam,Jerusalem (not kosher, open on Shabbat)Located in a preserved building in downtown Jerusalem, this is one of the most popular fish and seafood restaurants in the capital. Dolphin Yam (which means ‘Sea Dolphin’ in English) has a reputation well earned - it’s been in business for over four decades and is renowned for outstanding food, fair prices, and friendly customer service.This Jerusalem restaurant offers all kinds of delicious fish, and an array of seafood scallops, calamari, crab, shrimps, and mussels (all definitely not kosher!). The appetizers are well-known - breads (often focaccia) and salads in huge amounts are brought to your table and, for vegetarians, often a meal in themselves.Other dishes we’d recommend include the roasted head of cauliflower and beef fillet medallions. Although this is a fish restaurant, they do have meat platters (if you’re keen on lamb chops, kebabs, and skewers, with an option to add foie gras). Dolphin Yam has a comprehensive drinks list, including wines from small vineyards in northern Israel. To finish, try the creme brulee or some halva ice cream.Dolphin Yam, Shimon Ben Shatahk 9, tel: 02 623 2272.Aspecialty from the Dolphin Yam restaurant's menu, Jerusalem. Photo fromseadolphin.co.il2. Restaurant Chakra, Jerusalem (not kosher, open on Shabbat)Situated in the city centerthis fine dining restaurant offers fabulous service and a rotating menu, with local wines. Their outside courtyard is perfect for sitting in on a warm summer evening and the decor is as modern as the food.Chakra serves up upscale Mediterranean food, with something for everyone. They have an excellent choice of appetizers, which include chopped liver (a classic Jewish dish), eggplant roasted on an open fire, hummus with green chili, and carpaccio.Mains include tuna tartar, mussels, rump steak, steamed salmon with bok choy, and - for the vegetarians - an artichoke and Reggiano pappardelle, paired with pear, blue cheese, and pecan endive salad. Their excellent wine list includes French and Italian classics with some high-end Israeli wines - Flam, Recanati, and Kastel. Leave room for dessert - their ‘deconstructed lemon tart’ is delicious and the strawberry mega eclair with meringue fingers and whipped cream is to die for. Our tip: try the Jalisco lychee cocktail or one of their excellent grappas. Chakra, 41 King George Street. tel: 02 625 2733.One of the specialties of Chakra restaurant, Jerusalem. Photo from chakra-rest.com3. Angelica Restaurant, Jerusalem (kosher meat)This much-loved high-scale restaurant has a kosher meat menu and offers diners a superb experience, combining exquisite food with exemplary service. The chefs here pay a great deal of attention to presentation and strive to make the food creative. Angelica offers both a dinner menu and a tasting menu for the discerning eater. Appetizers include the chicken liver pate (a classic), smoked trout, beef tartare with capers, and a quail egg. Vegetarians will delight in their mushroom risotto and winter root vegetables. Mains do not disappoint - diners rave about the goose breast, Asado stew, and famous hamburger. The tasting menu costs 290 NIS (92 USD) for five dishes.Some of their best wines come from the Golan Heights and even though this is a kosher meat restaurant, they do serve the lemon tart, chocolate fondant, and ice cream for dessert (which, considering they are not made with milk, are quite delicious). As well as the main restaurant, Angelica offers ‘The Chef’s Room’ (good for private events) and ‘The Stage’ which is ideal for medium-sized groups.Angelica, King George Street, tel: 02-6230056.Kosher Chef Restaurant in Jerusalem - Angelica. Photo fromangelicarest.com4. Mona Restaurant, Jerusalem (not kosher, open on Shabbat)This elegant eatery, situated in a stone building named the Artist’s House, with a tree growing through the indoor part of the restaurant (yes!) is famed for its modern Israeli cooking and a favorite of old-time Jerusalemites. (The Artist’s House, by the way, formerly housed Jerusalem’s famous Bezalel School of Art and Design).Styling themselves as a bistro, of late they have redesigned their menu, which now comprises a larger number of smaller dishes, rather than the traditional ‘appetizer, main, dessert’ idea. Some of these include the New York steak, veal cheek, sashimi with labane (a local cheese) and tomato seeds, and a traditional chicken consomme.Mona’s service is both professional and friendly and the waiters know their stuff - their recommendations are always good. Cocktails have generous amounts of alcohol and the tart tatin is highly recommended. Not cheap, but thoroughly worth it.Mona, Shmuel HaNagid 12 Tel: 2-622-2283.Delicious lunch at Mona Restaurant, Jerusalem. Photo frommonarest.co.il 5. Mamilla HotelRooftop Restaurant, Jerusalem(Kosher but open on Shabbat for cold dishes)Situated on the rooftop of the luxury Mamilla hotel, this fantastic restaurant offers high-quality dining, with spectacular views of downtown Jerusalem thrown in. And let’s face it, there’s nothing like looking down on the Old City, the King David hotel, and the YMCA whilst you sip on a cocktail or indulge in a steak.The Rooftop Mamilla serves a very sophisticated menu, including dishes such as ‘duck in a blanket’, foie gras, sashimi, roasted goose breast, and delicious mushroom risotto for the vegetarians. This restaurant has a reputation for employing knowledgeable sommeliers with a superb array of wines both from Israel and abroad. Their desserts do not disappoint either - try the sorbet on a hot evening or the coconut malabi (a new twist on a classic Middle Eastern dessert).Mamilla Rooftop is kosher but it is actually possible to eat there on Shabbat - there are restrictions (cold food and payment beforehand) but it’s very doable. But whenever you’re going, book ahead, because this is a very popular venue.Rooftop Mamilla, 11 King Solomon Street, 02-5482230Goose breast, asparagus and sautéed green onions in maple sauce,Rooftop Mamilla. Photo from mamillahotel.com6. Piccolino Restaurant, Jerusalem (kosher dairy)You’ll find Piccolino in theNahalat Shiva neighborhood. This no-meat kosher dairy restaurant has a good reputation, friendly service, live music, and delicious soups, salads, pasta, pizza, and fish.The varied menu includes a cheese plate appetizer, various antipasti, and mains that include the truffle and salmon pizza, eggplant parmesan, and arancini (traditional fried Roman rice balls). Fish lovers will enjoy the salad with tuna steak and Norwegian salmon drizzled with a citrus vinaigrette. For dessert, we’ve heard good things about their pecan pie, creme brulee, and cheesecake. And as well as beer and wine, they also serve milkshakes. Yum!Piccolino, Yo’el Moshe Solomon tel: 02-624-4186.A dish from the Piccolino restaurant menu, Jerusalem. Photo from piccolino.co.il7. Anna Restaurant, Jerusalem (kosher dairy)Close to Ben Yehuda Street in New Jerusalem, you’ll find ‘Anna’ in the Anna Ticho House, a historic building with a beautiful interior - it was one of the first homes built outside the Old City, in the 1860s. Serving delicious Italian food with an Israeli twist, it’s a wonderful place to eat lunch or dinner.Anna has a diverse wine list and knowledgeable staff.Chef Nimrod Norman serves up an array of simple yet fantastic dishes including sea bass, salmon, ravioli, and pappardelle. His signature dish - ‘Gnocchi Anna’ - is well-known for its soft, fresh pasta, roasted tomatoes, asparagus, and creme fraiche.And don’t forget to save room for dessert. Whether it’s lemon tart, tiramisu, or key lime pie, you won’t be disappointed - and the espresso at the meal’s end will blow your mind! HaRav Agan 10, tel: 02 645-3746.A dish from the Anna restaurant menu, Jerusalem. Photo fromdualis.org.il8. MachneYuda Restaurant, Jerusalem (not kosher, open on Shabbat)Possibly the hottest restaurant in Jerusalem at the moment, this eatery is located just a stone’s throw from the famous Mahane Yehuda Market and is a must-visit for anyone who loves food. Whatever you choose will be good - salmon gravlax, prime rib, seafood pasta, or a simple polenta ragout. Dishes that diners rave about include Amberjack tartare with a wasabi vinaigrette, oxtail and Jerusalem artichoke, and refreshing gazpacho. Wash it down with one of their famous cocktails or a shot of Arak (a local spirit) and don’t forget to order their chocolate mousse - it’s out of this world.Cooks in a restaurantMachneYuda, Jerusalem.Photo frommachneyuda.co9. Touro Restaurant, Jerusalem (kosher meat)Situated in the picturesque neighborhood of Mishkenot Shaananim, with the Old City and Kidron Valley as its backdrop, this first-class kosher meat eatery will leave you truly longing for more. Known as a fine-dining establishment, service is both attentive and yet relaxed and the staff really do go above and beyond for their guests.For appetizers, we’d recommend the charred eggplant or Asiatic salad. For mains, try the mushroom and chestnut risotto, gnocchi beef fillet, or tagliatelle Alfredo with soy cream. And for dessert? For the risk-averse, there’s a strawberry sorbet but if you really want to push the boat out, order the chocolate bonbon with crema, cherries, and coconut patisserie cream. Costly, but definitely worth it.Touro, Sh.A. Nakhon Street 2, tel: 02 570-2189. A dish from the menu of theTouro Restaurant, Jerusalem. Photo fromtouro.co.il10. Adom Restaurant, Jerusalem (not kosher, open on Shabbat)Adom (‘Red’ in Hebrew) is a restaurant in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Jerusalem - the historic train station area. Now known as ‘The First Station’ complex, it is located in Emek Refaim, the heart of the German Colony, a charming and vibrant neighborhood and particularly popular with young people. Adom is a wine bar and restaurant offering a stylish and tasty menu and that, combined with its extensive wine collection and vibrant atmosphere, may be why it’s been voted one of Israel’s top ten restaurants. Adom’s menu changes regularly and on it, you’ll find salads, pasta, fish, seafood, and meat. A cheeseburger from the menu ofAdom Restaurant, Jerusalem. Photo fromwww.adom.restCarnivores will delight in the chicken liver pate or delicious Osso Bucco and vegetarians can feast on vegan shawarma and the ‘Beyond Meat’ hamburger. You can also order fish fillet specials and a variety of seafood, courtesy of the talented chefs Eran Buzaglo and Moti Davis.In terms of alcohol, Adom serves a range of boutique Israeli wines as well as some amazing desserts. We’d be remiss not to recommend you try the kadaif mille-feuille, made with a labane mousse and white chocolate and pistachio ganache. Round it off with grappa and you’ll leave Adom sated and smiling. Our tip: Check out their lunch specials at 69 NIS and 99 NIS respectively. Adom, David Remez 4, tel: 02 624-6242.Interested in Israeli cuisine? Then feel free to join the Carmel Market Food Tour or Israeli Street Food Tourin Tel Aviv, Israel's gastronomic capital. For those wishing to explore Jerusalem, we offer a wide range of Jerusalem toursAdom Restaurant, Jerusalem. Photo fromadom.restaurant

There is a famous saying that stretches back into time immemorial - that Jews are the People of the Book. This is also one of the things modernIsrael is know for. Now if you ask many people why this is, they will tell you that the saying arose because Jews, historically, have been so committed to learning and reading. And of course, whilst this is surely the case, what many don’t realise is that the expression originated in the Koran - the Muslim’s holy book!Old scrolls of the Jewish Bible and Menorah.Photo byDiana PolekhinaonUnsplash‘The People of the Book’In Arabic ‘Ahl Al-Kitab’, ‘People of the Book’ (in this case, not just Jews but also Christians) were those who lived in Muslim lands and followed monotheism (a belief in one God). Although they were regarded as ‘infidels’ they were also accorded a special status - People of the Book (since they possessed a book that described a revelation from God). As a result, they were tolerated and allowed to practice their own belief system (albeit keeping a rather low profile!)Today, many people associate the term with the idea that Jews have a great love of literature and prize learning above all other things. And whilst this is definitely the case (think of how many Jewish Nobel Prize winners there are, not to mention authors, screenwriters, and scholars) in its strictest sense ‘People of the Book’ refers to the Jews’ relationship with their holy books; their sacred scriptures. What do these sacred texts contribute to Judaism?The sacred texts of Judaism cannot be underestimated and their importance goes far beyond their religious teachings and messages. They refer not just to religion in Judaism but the long and rich history and culture of the Jewish people. Moreover, In Hebrew, there is a term ’Or Lagoyim’ which, basically translated, means ‘light unto the nations’. Originating from the prophet Isaiah, it essentially implies that Jews have a moral and ethical obligation to behave according to the highest standards, in order to set an example. In essence, it is a way of encouraging Jews to act in a way that presents the most positive aspects of Judaism (i.e. justice, compassion, and charity).Father and son praying at the Western Wall. Photo byAnton MislawskyonUnsplashBooks on Jewish Customs and TraditionsIn Israel itself, the majority of citizens are Jews but not all of them consider themselves religious (i.e. believers in God). Their collective outlook is wide-ranging - from secular to traditional and orthodox to ultra-orthodox. However, if you ask many secular Jews if they feel they have a connection to the scriptures, they will say yes, because whilst they do not believe every word that is written in the Bible, they still take the view that it embodies many of the historical, cultural, social and philosophical stories of the Jews over the ages. So, yet, many traditional Jews (i.e. those who do not adhere to strict Rabbinic law but maintain an appreciation for the history and culture of Judaism) have a relationship to the Hebrew Bible. These teachings often have a deep impact on them - however secular they might feel in day-to-day life. This is why, on the major holidays in the calendar, you will see Jews not just in Israel but across the diaspora visiting synagogues, partaking in ancient traditions, and reading from their holy Jewish books. Whatever their private belief systems, they feel bound together by something bigger than themselves, and the stories of Judaism they have learned as children are a big part of this.Kipas for sale at a stall in Safed, Israel.Photo credit © Dmitry MishinThe Books of the People of the BookThere are many kinds of Jewish holy books and Jewish prayer books, used by Jews at prayer in the synagogue and for study in their homes or dedicated ‘yeshivas’ (Jewish seminaries). Today we are going to look at a few of them - how they came to be written, what they mean to Jews, when (in particular) they are read, and what they offer both the scholar and the layperson, in terms of a guide to religion and life itself. Whether it is the Hebrew Bible, a specific prayer book for a holiday festival, a commentary, or an analysis, these texts cannot be underestimated - they are the alpha and omega of the world’s oldest monotheistic faiths.Sacred Texts of JudaismEssentially the most important one - and that which is more read by Jews than any other - is the Hebrew Bible (referred to by Christians as ‘The Old Testament'). How many books are in the Jewish Bible?The Hebrew Bible is organized into three main sections - Torah (‘the Teachings’). Neviim (‘the Prophets’) and Ketuvim (‘the Writings’). This is often referred to by Jews as Tanakh - an acronym derived from the first letters of its three divisions (Ta, Na and Kh). This is what is known as the Hebrew Canon (coming from the Greek-Hebrew word ‘measuring rod’, referring to a sacred body of scripture). The open Tanakh. Photo by © Ri_Yavia PixabayThe TorahThe Jewish Torah is composed of five books - Genesis (Bereshit), Exodus (Shmot), Leviticus (Vayikra), Numbers (Bemidbar), and Deuteronomy (Dvarim). Also known as ‘the Five Books of Moses’ it deals with some of the Bible’s earliest major stories, many of which are incredibly well-known around the world, and read to children at a young age. These include:-God’s creation of the world, in seven days.-Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and their expulsion, as punishment for disobeying God.-Cain and Abel - two brothers who fought, leaving one dead and Cain as the Bible’s first murderer.-Noah and the Ark - when God sent a flood to punish his people, it was Noah who was spared, along with his family and animals, the human race was rebuilt.-Abraham’s journey to the Promised Land (and the Covenant he made with God) and the subsequent ‘Akedah’ (‘Binding of Isaac’)-Moses and the Burning Bush - an extraordinary moment, where Moses stumbled on a bush that was burning but not consumed - the moment Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.-Plagues, Pharaoh, the Exodus from Egypt and the Parting of the Red Sea - the extraordinary story of the Israelites’ slavery, the cruelty of the Pharoah, the ten plagues sent by God and the Jews’ flight, in which the Red Sea parted to let them through on their journey to the Promised Land.-The giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses from God, on Mount Sinai-Battle of Jericho - the story of Joshua and his army encircling the city of Jericho and, subsequently, with God’s help seeing the city walls fall.Divided into different ‘portions’ (parashot) they are read throughout the year, in the synagogue. There are 54 of these weekly Torah portions and together they span the cycle of the Jewish year. When the reading is complete, Jews celebrate the festival of ‘Simchat Torah’ which is a ‘Rejoicing of the Law.’A person reading the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible.Photo byEran MenashrionUnsplashProphets and WritingsAs well as the five books of Moses, there are the Prophets and Writings, which include famous stories such as Jonah and the Whale, Samson, and Deliah and David and Goliath. These are part of a ‘Masoretic text’ - a Jewish canon. Altogether, there are 24 books in this canon and between them, they make up the entire Tanakh.This Masoretic text was copied and distributed by a group of Jewish scholars known as the Masoretes between 7-10 CE. It is considered, today, to be the authoritative traditional Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible. For sure, it was meticulously assembled and codified. Mesorah refers to markings of the text of the scriptures and concise notes in the margins of the manuscripts. Today, in the Jewish community, there is a stream of Judaism named in this vein - ‘Masorti’ which means ‘traditional’.Among the Dead Sea Scrolls found in Qumran are the most accurate manuscripts of the Masoretic texts of the Hebrew Bible. These are the oldest surviving biblical texts.Qumran Caves, Israel.Photo byKonrad HofmannonUnsplashThe TalmudMeaning ‘teaching’ these are ancient scriptures within which are Jewish ideas, stories, and sayings and this includes the Mishnah and Gemara. The Talmud contains the history of Judaism as well as specific laws and beliefs and religious Jews regard it as a basic tool for learning. One could also say that it is a huge collection of sayings, arguments, and counter-arguments relating to every aspect of life.Talmud means ‘learning’ in Hebrew and many orthodox Jews devote their entire lives to studying it. Scholars believe the Talmud was completed approximately 1700 years after the written Torah was received. Two of the most famous commentators were Hillel and Shammai, who lived in Jerusalem at the time of the reign of King Herod. They became famous for their Talmudic disputes - indeed, the Talmud records over 300 areas of disagreement between them. Today, all over the world, Jewish centers on university campuses are named after Hillel, welcoming students from all backgrounds.Talmud Complete Volume Set. Photo by © Shatishira via PixabayMishnahThe Mishnah is the first major written collection of the Jewish oral traditions and also the first major work of rabbinic literature. Made up of writings and teachings by sages who lived in the period at the end of the Second Temple (and in the 100 years that followed the destruction of the Temple) it is also referred to as the ‘Oral Torah’.The Mishnah is divided into six sections (‘Orders) which are-Zeraim (‘Seeds’) - laws dealing with agriculture.-Moed (‘Seasons’) - laws concerning the observation of the Sabbath and festivals.-Nashim (‘Women’) - laws regarding vows, marriage, and divorce.-Nezikim (‘’Damages’) - dealing with torts, both in civil and criminal matters.-Kodashim (‘Holy Things’) - the laws of the Temple and dietary laws.-Tohorot - relating to purity and the distinction between clean and unclean.A reading Jewish man at the Wailing Wall, Jerusalem.Photo by ©tdjgordonvia PixabayGemaraFrom the Hebrew verb ‘gamar’ which means to complete or finish, the Gemara is the part of the Talmud that looks at a rabbinical analysis and commentary on the Mishnah. The sages who lived in the Land of Israel and also Babylonia (which we now know in modern times as Iraq) continued to study traditional teachings, including the Mishnah.All of their discussions were preserved (either by memory or written down) and later on edited in a form that included the conversations of sages from across the ages. The Gemara came into being because these sages wanted to blend biblical and rabbinical traditions, by explaining the difference between the two in texts. The Babylonian and Palestinian GemarasThere are actually two works known as “Gemara” — the Babylonian Gemara (referred to as “Bavli” in Hebrew) and the Palestinian (or Jerusalem) Gemara (referred to as “Yerushalmi“). Both of them were written using a combination of Aramaic (the vernacular in Babylonian times) and Hebrew. The Babylonian Talmud is considered to be more complete and authoritative. Shulchan AruchSometimes referred to as ‘the Code of Jewish Law’, the Shulchan Aruch (literally ‘prepared table’ in Hebrew) is probably the most influential Jewish book of law, presented in a very straightforward way. Written by Joseph Caro of Safed in Galilee (who came from a Sephardic family expelled from Spain), it is truly a compendium of areas of halacha (Jewish laws). Today, observant Jews will refer to it when deciding how to conduct themselves in many areas of daily life - such as honoring parents, renting an apartment, dealing with illness, and death.Yahrzeit (memorial) candles against the background of a Torah.Photo by ©Ri_YaviaPixabayJewish Books Relating to the FestivalsThere are important books used by Jews on the major Jewish holidays - each one containing a different liturgy and prayers, according to the particular festival. These ‘machzors’ are used on the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement - the holiest day in the Jewish calendar). Many observant Jews also use special machzorim at Pesach (Passover), Sukkot, and Shavuot, which are the three pilgrimage festivals in Judaism.The KabbalahKabbalah, in Hebrew, means ‘reception’ or ‘correspondence’ and today it is regarded as an esoteric and somewhat mystical school of Jewish thought. It sprung up in the 12th century, claiming secret knowledge of the unwritten Torah, and essentially it is divided into three sections - the theoretical, the spiritual, and the magical. It is fair to say that many of these texts are obscure and not easy for readers which are not familiar with Jewish spirituality.The most famous of these texts is the Zohar, a mystical commentary on the Torah written in medieval Aramaic. The Zohar (which means ‘Radiance’ in Hebrew) contains musings on the nature of God and the origins of the universe. According to tradition, the Zohar was revealed by God to Moses at Sinai then passed down orally until Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai wrote it down in 2 CE.However, the general scholarly consensus is that it was written by Rabbi Moshe de Leonard in 13th century Spain. In Kabbalah, letters, numbers, and words are considered to be very powerful and it is clear that the Zohar had a great influence on kabbalah, setting the scene for many subsequent texts. Today, many Jews and non-Jews journey to Safed, in northern Israel, which was historically a center of kabbalah and today is a city of kabbalistic learning.If you are interested in the Jewish sites in Jerusalem and Northern Israel, feel free to join our Jewish tour packages or Jewish-oriented private tours.At the synagogue in the Old City of Safed, Israel.Photo credit © Shutterstock

“So, when travelling to Israel, how long do you need to spend in Jerusalem?” This is a question we’re asked constantly, in our role as tour operators in Israel, and the fact is, however much time you have, invariably you’re going to long for more. That’s because Jerusalem is quite extraordinary - a city that’s thousands of years old, with every crevice of its Old City walls oozing history. Home to three religions, whether or not you’re a believer, you’re going to find it hard not to be moved after you’ve walked the streets here.The Church of the Pater Noster, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem has it all, you see. Historicalandarchaeological sites,museums, religious landmarks, attractions for kids, breathtaking views and restaurants. Many ‘Yerushalmis’ (the Hebrew word for Jerusalem residents) will tell you that they’re constantly discovering new things in their city. And as for the Old City - well, it might be small (less than one square kilometre) but at every twist and turn there’s something to turn your head.Jerusalem is many things - beautiful, complicated, intense, troubled, breathtaking, magical, exhilarating and awe-inspiring - and a must-visit city for anyone visiting Israel. But most tourists visiting the Holy Land have a limited time frame, so what are the top 10 attractions in Jerusalem?Today, we’re going to look at a potential Jerusalem itinerary for someone planning on spending four days in the Israeli capital, a guide of what to see and do in Jerusalem. Four days, in our opinion, is a good introduction…and hopefully, you’ll enjoy it so much, you’ll want to return.The Church of All Nations, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockDay 1. Arrival and looking aroundToday’s a day for getting settled in, perhaps having a stroll in downtown Jerusalem, grabbing some dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants then getting a good night’s sleep at one of the best Jerusalem hotels you pre-booked. If you have the time and energy, we’d definitely recommend a visit to the Israel Museum, which is close to the famous Jerusalem landmark of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament).Within the museum, you’ll find (amongst other things) fine art, a sculpture garden, a model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple and the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 1940s in the Judean desert and now housed in a stunning purpose-designed building. For dinner, why not treat yourself and book a table at the Mamilla rooftop restaurant, close to the Jaffa Gate? You can enjoy magnificent views of the Old City whilst feeling a fresh Jerusalem breeze on your face. The inner corridor of Israel Museum, Jerusalem. Photo byYanny MishchukonUnsplashDay 2. Getting acquainted with the Old City of JerusalemDay two is all about Jerusalem’s Old City. It might be small but - trust us - if you see even half of what we’re suggesting, you’ll have sore feet by the day’s end. This tiny area is full of iconic landmarks and, depending on your focus, you can spend hours at just two or three of them. Holy sites in Jerusalem are everywhere you look, but here’s some you shouldn’t miss: There are many churches in the Christian Quarter, the most famous of which is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, inside you can marvel at the magnificent architecture (the wooden carved doors at its entrance are original, dating back to 326 CE!) the Rock of Calvary, and various chapels (Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Egyptian Coptic) in the magnificent complex.If you want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, follow the Via Dolorosa, stopping at the Stations of the Cross.Or visit theChurch of St. John the Baptist - recognizable by its silver dome. The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, built in 1898, offers services in English, German, Danish and Arabic.The highlights of the Muslim Quarter have got to be the Suk (the Arab Bazaar) and Temple Mount. Wander the network of alleyways, shop for bargains and grab yourself a black coffee (flavoured with cardamom) and sit and watch the world go by, just soaking up the atmosphere. Whatever you want to take home with you can be found here, including local spices, soaps, embroidery, sweet treats, woodwork and all kinds of beautifully-decorated Armenian pottery.The third Station of the Cross,not far from the Ecce Homo, Jerusalem.Photo byJorge Fernández SalasonUnsplashTemple Mount, also known as Haram esh-Sharif, is dominated by the Dome of the Rock, built by the Umayyad caliphate in 691 CBE. One of theUNESCO World Heritage Sites in Israel, it is probably Jerusalem’s most famous landmark, because of its distinct golden dome.There are many things to see within the compound - fountains, prayer locations and arches - but access to non-muslims is limited so check in advance when visiting is possible, or take a Jerusalem Temple Mount & Dome of the Rock Tour with us, where an experienced guide can help you get the most out of the experience.In the Jewish Quarter, head first to the Western Wall (‘Kotel’ in Hebrew) which is all that is left of the Temple built by Herod the Great. Jews from around the world come to pray here and watching them touching the stones, silently, is a moving sight. For adventure lovers, you can take an underground tour of the Western Wall Tunnels or visit the Tower of David, an ancient Citadel close to the Jaffa Gate (housing a museum) and a symbol of Jerusalem.Another popular area is around the Cardo, which was the main thoroughfare in Jerusalem in Roman times. Stretching from the Damascus Gate to David street, it was built in the Byzantine period, in 6 CE, and some of its columns have even been restored, so you really can go back in time as you stroll along. If all this is a bit overwhelming, and you’re not quite sure what to focus on, why not opt for a mix of everything with our Jerusalem Old and New Tour.Christ Church, the Old City of Jerusalem.Photo byBig G MediaonUnsplashDay 3 - Mount of Olives and Mount ZionThe Mount of Olives lies east of the Old City, close to the Kidron Valley. There are a considerable number of holy sites there, including a number of impressive churches, so choose carefully! Christian sites on the Mt of OlivesAugusta Victoria Hospital - this church hospital lies on the north side of the mount, offering specialised medical care. Within the complex lies the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, identifiable by its 50-metre high bell tower, as well as a meeting centre and cafe for pilgrims.Church of Mary Magdalene - under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox church since the 1920s, it was built in 1888 by Tsar Alexander III to honour his mother. The traditional design of the roof (popular in 17th century Russia) includes seven distinctive gilded domes. Church of the Pater Noster is part of a Carmelite Monastery and on its walls are inscribed translations of the Lord’s Prayer in 140 different languages. Dominus Flevit Churchis a small Catholic Franciscan chapel, built on the ruins of a 5th-century Byzantine church. Its iconic design (tear-shaped and with its often photographed window) is down to the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi.Garden of Gethsemane - this is the spot where Jesus prayed before his betrayal by Judas Iscariot and subsequent arrest. Scientists have discovered that the olive trees in its garden are some of the oldest in the world - around 2,000 years!The Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem. Photo byStacey FrancoonUnsplashMuslim holy sites on the Mt of OlivesThe Mount of Olives is holy to Muslims, as they believe it is the site where the Kaaba (the black stone located in Mecca) will return, in order to be reunited with the rock inside the Dome of the Rock (the spot at which Muslims believe the world was created) There is the tomb of Rabi’a al Adawiya,this cleric who introduced Sufism into the world of Islam, as well as the tomb of Mujir ed-Din, a medieval historian.Jewishholy sites on the Mt of OlivesJewish cemetery- Mount of Olives is home to a historic area used as a burial ground for Jews since biblical times. Some of the most important Kings of the Hebrew Bible are buried here and according to Jewish tradition, this is the site at which the messianic era will be ushered in.Tomb of the Prophets - according to tradition, this is where the last three Hebrew prophets are buried - Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi are buried. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem. Photo byAdam KringonUnsplashVisiting Mount ZionThis hill in Jerusalem, just outside of the Old City, is holy to Christians, Muslims and Jews and, in many senses, a metaphor for the entire Promised Land. Some of the sites you may want to explore on Mount Zion are:Christian sites on Mount ZionDormition Abbey - run by a Benedictine Order, this Catholic Abbey marks the spot where Mary, the mother of Jesus, was said to have died. Built by Kaiser Willhelm II, it has a distinctive round shape, a cone-shaped dome and a magnificent mosaic floor. The Protestant cemetery - established by Presbyterian missionaries, this is the final resting place of many Protestants, including Oskar Schindler. Made famous by the Steven Spielberg film, Schindler today is considered a righteous gentile by the State of Israel, for his heroism in saving 1,200 lives in the Holocaust.Dormition Abbey, Jerusalem.Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplashJewish sites on Mount ZionKing David's Tomb - sacred to Jews, this is the spot which is where it is believed David, the celebrated warrior King of Israel, is buried. The building in which it is housed is designed in Romanesque style and dates back to the time of the Crusades.The Chamber of the Holocaust (‘Martef HaShoah’) - this small Holocaust museum was opened before Yad Vashem in 1949. The walls of the courtyard and passages are covered with plaques that resemble tombstones and erected as a monument to over 2,000 Jewish communities destroyed by the Nazis. Muslim sites on Mount ZionThe Dajani Cemeteries - these three Muslim burial sites are owned by the Dajanis, historically one of Jerusalem’s most distinguished families. The Dajanis also own the compound where King David’s tomb is located (see above). Our tip: if you have a particular interest in the Jerusalem Christian sites on the Mount of Olives, then why not join our Footsteps of Jesus tour? And don't forget about the dress code visiting Jerusalem holy sites.King David’s Tomb, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockAs night falls, why not head back into central Jerusalem, towards the famous Mahane Yehuda Market on the Jaffa Road? Bustling and chaotic by day - beloved by locals as the best place to buy fruits and vegetables - at night it’s transformed into a cafe and bar venue, where you can grab a drink or have a bite. It’s incredibly atmospheric and - in our opinion - one of the best places to get a sense of what Jerusalem is all about.There’s also the rooftop restaurant at Notre Dame, close to the Damascus Gate, where you can take in breathtaking views of the Old City. They have ‘cheese platters’ which you can pair with fine wines, traditional Middle Eastern food and also steaks/seafood. If you arrive at sunset, you’ll be grateful you did so!Man selling fruits at Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem. Photo byTim MossholderonUnsplashDay 4 - Your ChoiceToday, we’re giving you a few different activity ideas, depending on your interests (and whether or not you’ll be taking kids along with you). City of David - if you’re curious to know where it all began, then why not take a City of David Jerusalem Tour? The original settlement of Jerusalem, it offers a number of attractions, including archaeological experiences in Emek Tzurim national park, walking tours through underground water tunnels that date back 3,000 years and a nighttime show named ‘Hallelujah’.Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum - this is Israel’s official monument/museum to those who perished in the Holocaust. Whilst not a ‘fun’ afternoon out, Yad Vashem is essential visiting for anyone interested in this dark period of Jewish history. The architecture of the museum is stunning and the Monument to the Children particularly moving. As solemn as it is, its emotional, historical and cultural significance cannot be underestimated.Jerusalem Biblical Zoo - for anyone with kids (or anyone who just loves animals) this zoo is a fabulous attraction. The birds and animals all live in conditions that replicate their natural habitats - from the African Savannah to the tropical rain forests. Jerusalem Biblical Zoo.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThere’s also a ‘petting pool’ for youngsters and a children's zoo, where the kids can feed goats, sheep and rabbits. And just a short walk from the zoo is the Israel Aquarium, featuring all kinds of marine life from the Sea of Galilee, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.Before you settle into your last evening at your hotel, why not consider visiting the neighbourhood Ein Kerem for dinner? Located in southwestern Jerusalem, this charming hillside village is an oasis of greenery and one of the major Christian holy sites in Israel, since it is believed to be where John the Baptist was born. Ein Kerem’s streets are narrow and charming, filled with cafes, boutique stores, artist galleries and independent jewellery workshops, which you can explore, before heading off to one of their several stylish restaurants. The perfect way to end your last night in Israel’s capital.We hope this suggested Jerusalem itinerary is of help - and if you have less than four days to spare, why not try our 3-day classical Jerusalem package tour? In any event, however long you’re planning to spend in Israel’s capital, be prepared to be blown away…Happy travelling!Convent of the Sisters of Zion, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

One of the many reasons people travel is to see and experience things outside their comfort zone, and that definitely includes trying new cuisine. And the good news for any ‘foodie’ going to plan a perfect vacation in Israel is that your taste buds are in for a delightful surprise. With its eclectic population (Jews here hail from Europe, Africa, South America and Asia), there’s a dish for every palate and Israeli street food really has its roots in immigrant experience.Food sold outside Mount Zion gate, Jerusalem.Photo byRiaonUnsplashPrepare Your TastebudsMoreover, whilst Israel has really upped its game on the food front (with plenty of high-end fine dining experiences) if you’re on a budget, or simply don’t want to blow a fortune on lunch/dinner, you’re going to be pleased. Whether you’re in the big cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv or tiny towns up in the Galilee or down in the Negev, you’ll be confronted with certain ‘street foods’ that the locals adore, particularly dishes made with simple but fresh Mediterranean ingredients.Cheap, Healthy and FreshVegetarians and vegans will be in seventh heaven. If you’re looking to eat without meat, Israel won’t disappoint you - indeed, you’re going to be amazed at how easy it is to find plant-based foods, without skipping on taste or flavour. And, as you can imagine, the other great thing about Israeli vegan street food is that it’s cheap - for less than $10, you’ll be chowing on dishes that will keep you full for hours (and won’t necessarily wreck your cholesterol levels either!)Today we’re looking at some of the best street foods in Israel - many found in ‘holes in the wall’ in the backstreets and beloved by the locals for their down-to-earth atmosphere and warm welcome. Often run by families, for generations, you’re often going to have to wait in line but actually, that’s a good thing - after all, the longer the line, the better you know the food is going to be! Hungry? Then read on…Shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce. Photo byUlvi SafarionUnsplashFamous Israeli Street Food1. Falafel - you can’t talk about Israeli street food without first mentioning the humble falafel. For decades, it’s been Israel’s favourite snack and although some will tell you it’s had its day, don’t believe them - you’ll find falafel stands on every Israeli street corner (each with their own ‘secret’ recipe for making this delectable dish).For anyone who doesn’t know, falafel are bite-sized balls made out of chickpeas, flavoured with herbs and spices and then deep-fried, before being placed in a soft pita (which acts pocket) and served with tahini (a sesame seed paste) fresh salads and sometimes even a slice of eggplant thrown in! Falafel is popular all over the Middle East (it actually originated in Egypt, where it was first made with fava beans) and is incredibly popular amongst vegetarians. Every falafel you try in Israel is bound to taste slightly different, depending on how much garlic, parsley and spices are used, but few come away feeling disappointed. Falafels and salad in a takeout box. Photo byPille R. PriskeonUnsplash2. Sabich - hot on the heels of the humble falafel is the sumptuous sabich. This Iraqi Jewish sandwich is made either of pita or laffa, and is made up of egg, potato, salads, tahini, parsley, eggplant and a delicious mango sauce called ‘amba.’ The ingredients are simple yet fantastic and when you bite into one, it’s a veritable flavour explosion. The history of the humble sabich can be traced back to the Iraqi Jews who arrived in Israel in the 1950s. On Shabbat mornings when they were in a hurry to leave for synagogue, they would eat a cold meal of these foods, stuffed in a pita (having cooked the eggplant the previous evening). In the early 1960s, a stand in Ramat Gan (a suburb of Tel Aviv) began selling them and the trend quickly caught on. Today, it’s beloved by Israelis - some of whom enjoy it with hummus and sour pickles. The ultimate sandwich…An Iraqi falafel shop in Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplash3. Hummus - we’re not sure if hummus needs an explanation but here goes…this delicious dip/spread is made from chickpeas, lemon, garlic and tahini and is a quintessential Middle Eastern dish. In Israel, it’s fair to say that hummus isn’t just a food, it’s a way of life. Also, wherever you go in Israel you’ll find people telling you that their town/region’s hummus is by far and away the best! Hummus in Israel comes in all shapes and sizes - topped with pine nuts, sprinkled with sumac and cumin and some partnered with ‘foul mudammas’ (a fava bean dip). You’ll also see locals eating it with slices of raw onion and sour pickles - yes, it sounds very odd but - trust us - a lot of people try it and become instant converts.Hummus is also popular in Arab communities all over Israel, especially in Galilee, Jerusalem and the small village of Abu Gosh and, just like falafel, every place serves it a little differently, sometimes using recipes handed down over the generations. Bottom line - you can’t come to Israel without indulging in a few plates of this delicious chickpea spread…Ingredients for hummus. Photo byNatalia YonUnsplash4. Bourekas - if you want to indulge, and don’t care about the calories, then head for a bourka stand in Israel. These delicious crispy yet flaky phyllo dough parcels are stuffed with all kinds of savoury ingredients before being sprinkled with sesame seeds on their tops. And because they’re small (ergo portable), they’re the ultimate ‘to go’ food in Israel - grab a few, and munch away, morning, noon or night.Originally from Turkey, (the word ‘borek’ in Turkish means ‘pie’) you can find them filled with potato, salty cheese, yellow cheese and spinach. They’re popular not just in Israel but all over the Middle East and particularly with Jews from North Africa, who serve them at festivals and family celebrations. 5. Shawarma - popular across the Levant, this roasted meat (which could be lamb, veal, chicken or turkey) is cooked slowly on a revolving spit, before being cut into thin slices and served in pita/laffa with different sauces. This is not the healthiest of snacks (watch out, arteries) although in Tel Aviv they’ve even opened a ‘vegan shawarma’ joint called Goodness, which promises all the taste without the possibility of a heart attack! Jaffa oranges against the background of an Israeli flag. Photo byBenjamin RascoeonUnsplash6. Malawach - this delectable flatbread is composed of layers of puff pastry (which resemble a thick pancake). The bread is brushed with oil then cooked in a frying pan - it's so buttery, you won’t believe it. Brought to Israel in the 1950s by Yemenite Jews, it was traditionally eaten by them at breakfast and served with grated tomato, a fried egg or even sometimes a drizzle of honey. This flaky bread is not good for your waistline but the perfect treat after a late night out, an indulgent breakfast or simply when hunger strikes!7. Shakshuka - introduced to Israel by Tunisian Jews, this classic North Africa/Middle Eastern dish is incredibly popular amongst Israelis, particularly for breakfast. It’s a simple concept but one that everyone seems to love - eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic and green peppers. Traditionally served with pita bread, it’s incredibly satisfying - spices always vary but prepare to taste cumin, coriander, caraway seeds and even turmeric in your order.Classical Shakshuka. Photo bySara DubleronUnsplash8. Malabi - this traditional Israeli dessert is centuries old and made from rice flour, milk. sugar and flavoured with distilled rose/pomegranate water. It is a traditional Sephardic Jewish dish (Sephardic Jews hail from west Asia and northern Africa) and is served at the end of the holy Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, to break the 25-hour fast. Malabi is also served at Turkish Jewish weddings, as a way of symbolising the sweet life that awaits the new couple. 9. Knafeh - this Middle Eastern dessert is made with spun pasty then soaked in a sweet syrup, before being layered with sweet cheese, nuts and pistachio. It’s particularly famous in Nablus, in the West Bank, where it’s made with their traditional Nabulsi cheese. Whether you eat it soft or crispy, the gooey cheese, sweet taste and orange flavouring are to die for and we’re sure you won’t settle for one piece.10. Halva - this delicious sesame seed candy is beloved by Israelis and the perfect snack if you’re on the go. Mixed with sugar, or honey, it's often flavoured with vanilla or swirled chocolate pieces and look out for the pistachios too! Flaky and dense, you’ll see it sold not just in supermarkets but in huge wedges at food markets (vendors will cut off pieces for you, so you can mix and match!)Halva at the Carmel market shop. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinStreet food in Tel AvivSo, what are the 10 best-kept street food secrets in Tel Aviv? From the Carmel Market to the mean streets of Dizengoff and the alleyways of Jaffa, we’ll tell you…1. Abu Hassan, Jaffa - this family-owned hummus joint in Jaffa has been voted best of its kind in Israel and we know why. Simple and delicious, this is local food at its best and the servings are so large, they can often feed two. A must visit.2. Ha Kosem, Shlomo HaMelech Street - In English, the name means ‘the Magician’ and this downtown Israeli street food joint is an institution. Whether you want falafel in a pita, shawarma in a laffa or chicken schnitzel on a plate, they’ll help you out - and whilst you’re waiting in the long long line, they bring out piping hot falafel balls to keep your spirits up. Our tip: try the ‘rimonada’ (a cold drink made of lemonade and pomegranate juice). 3. Sabich Frishman - always busy with the locals, they’ll stuff your sabich with goodies you can’t imagine and the mango sauce is superb. Worth every minute of waiting and every shekel - and the guy behind the counter will make it as spicy as you like. 4. Mashawsha, Pinsker - this Galilee-style eatery is close to the Tel Aviv beach and specialises in mashawsha. This is a ‘light’ hummus with tahini which has a more airy texture. They also serve falafel balls, jugs of sweet lemonade and excellent knafeh. Great value and friendly staff to boot.5. Dr Shakshuka, Jaffa - known for its Libyan-style home cooking, this place is a real institution. Enjoy breakfast there on Friday morning, whilst lingering over a coffee in their courtyard, before spending time at the Jaffa Flea Market, full of second-hand goodies and hipster bars.A food stall in the Carmel Market, Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo byNicole BasteronUnsplash6. Shmuel - in the heart of Tel Aviv’s Carmel Market, this is the place to go if you want meat - kebabs, chicken breast, liver - and all in pita bread. A great place for a casual lunch - it might be no-frills but the food is 100% authentic. 7. Shlomo and Doron - street food in the Carmel Market never was this good. Creative preparation makes the taste exceptional and the prices are very reasonable. Don’t worry about the basic appearance of the place - this hummus is top-notch, so grab a table outside and indulge. Our tip: if you’re not too full from lunch, try the malabi dessert. 8. Burika Centre - the twist in this snack is that it’s put in a fresh pita, and accompanied by sauces and vegetables. Our tip: try the potato and egg with tahini and tomatoes. Unbelievable! 9. Shakshuka - just off the main drag of the market, you’ll find this unpretentious little place. Their homemade shakshuka is fab and they also do Greek, Italian and Spanish versions! With some of their crusty bread dipped in the dish, you’re going to leave happy. 10. Sabich Tchernikhovsky - prepared lovingly and with great attention to detail, this tiny place is well-known in Tel Aviv. Stand in line, order one then sit on a bench opposite and enjoy it. The fried eggplant is wonderful and if you really want to push the boat out, order one with cheese!Assorted spices stall, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo byJeremy BezangeronUnsplashStreet food in JerusalemLina, Old City - in the Old City’s Christian Quarter, just off the Via Dolorosa, this popular hummus joint has six tables but is always popular, particularly for its hummus with pine nuts, creamy eggplant dip and crunchy fries. Run by two brothers, who took it over from their dad (his pictures are on the wall) the food is good value for money and super tasty.Arafat, Old City - close to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, this tiny place has no menu, friendly staff and just a few tables. They only serve two things - hummus and chicken with rice, but no one ever complains! The hummus is creamy, flavourful and made every hour. The only problem is they often sell out early, so don’t arrive after 2 pm!Knafeh cooked in Jerusalem street. Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on UnsplashStreet Food at Mahane Yehuda Market, JerusalemFalafel Brothers Levy - a renowned spot in the Jerusalem food market, on the corner with Agrippas street, this falafel joint is a legend - the crispy balls are crunchy and flavourful, the pita is soft and the salads are fresh. There’s almost no seating so you’ll have to get it to go, but you won’t be disappointed.Ha Agas - this family business is beloved by locals and vegans alike for their hummus, stuffed vegetables, black lentil patties and vine leaves with rice. Just a few tables inside but there’s always something good boiling in a pot. Cheap, yummy and friendly - it’s a must-try! Our tip: try the hibiscus juice!FishenChips - this fast food joint in Mahane Yehuda Market features the British classic, but without the mushy peas and swapping mayonnaise for salt and vinegar on the chips! Crunchy batter on the outside and soft flaky fish on the inside, you can order either red tuna or cod. There isn’t much seating so head for the benches across from the stand and soak up the market atmosphere.If you want to try Israeli street food, join eitherCarmel Market Food Tour.Fresh juice stall, Jerusalem. Photo byShalev CohenonUnsplash

We’re back today, continuing our series of major historical events in Israel. In part one, we looked at major turning points in biblical times - from Abraham’s arrival in the Promised Land, King David and Solomon’s reigns, the capture of Jerusalem by the Romans and the life and times of Jesus. In part two, we explored other important historical events in Israel, ranging from Byzantine and Arab rule, the Crusades, the Ottoman Empire and the British Mandate.Israeli flag on a pole, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byTaylor BrandononUnsplashWe left things at the moment the State of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv by Prime Minister David Ben Gurion, in the Hall of Independenceon 14th May 1948. A few hours later, the state officially came into being, when the British ended their rule. The stage would soon be set for the bloody War of Independence, between Israel and its Arab neighbours, and this - unfortunately - would be the first of many.When it comes to historical events in Israel in the modern era, it’s a tall order to know where to begin. After all, let’s face it, this is the Middle East, and when it comes to politics you could discuss this region for years and still be confused. For sure, Israel has been embroiled in a number of conflicts with its neighbours since the establishment of the state, and whilst it would be convenient to gloss over them, the reality is that these conflicts have shaped and formed the country - and continue to do so, even today. Here are ten of the most important events that we think deserve a mention, in the last 73 years…Independence Hall, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Shutterstock1. 1947–1949 Palestine War (aka in Israel as the War of Independence)After the United Nations voted in favour of the partition of Palestine into two states - one Jewish and the other Arab - conflict between the two peoples intensified. The day after Israel declared independence, Arab forces from Transjordan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria attacked. The ensuing war was fought on different fronts - in the north, south and east - and was extremely bloody for both sides.The war took its toll, no more so than in Jerusalem, where a huge battle raged for control of the road (‘corridor’) leading into the city. Other enormous battles took place at Latrun, and in the Sinai. At the outset, Arab forces had the upper hand; by ‘phase two’ the Israelis had recaptured ground and at the end of the war, the Arab armies had been driven out and Israel secured its borders.In the midst of this, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled, or were told to leave by their leaders (depending on whom you choose to believe). It was a terrible war for Israel - 6,373 were killed in action, which amounted to almost 1% of the population. Huge numbers of Palestinians and Arab forces also lost their lives. But the fact is that the State of Israel had survived its birth.The Wailing Wall at night, Jerusalem. Photo bySander CrombachonUnsplash2. The Eichmann Trial - 1961-1962Adolf Eichmann was one of the chief architects of the Holocaust but, for many years, evaded justice, disappearing from Europe after the Second World War. In 1959, news reached Israel that he was still alive and living in Argentina, as ‘Richard Klement.’ Mossad (Israel’s security service) enacted a daring plan, kidnapped Eichmann and brought him to Jerusalem, where he was put on trial for his crimes.The Eichmann trial left the public spellbound as, day after day, survivors stood up in court and told their stories (many for the first time). It marked a turning point in society - up until then, the Holocaust had not been greatly discussed - and the trial bought the horrors to public consciousness. Eichmann was found guilty of crimes against humanity and the Jewish nation and war crimes and hanged in the spring of 1962. His ashes were scattered at sea.Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.Photo credit: © Shutterstock3. The Six-Day War - 1967This war between Israel and the Arabs took place between 5th and 10th June 1967. After Israel understood that Arab armies were mobilising against her, she carried out a devastating pre-emptive strike on Egypt’s air force (at that time, on the tarmac), and within three days had won the ground war. After Jordan entered the war and began shelling Jerusalem, Israel responded with a devastating counter-attack, Israel recaptured the capital and its paratroopers entered the gates of the Old City and continued onto the Western Wall - the photographs captured are utterly iconic. Simultaneously, in the north, Israel captured the Golan Heights from the Syrians.The outcome was a tremendous victory for Israel and a terrible loss for the Arab nations. Public reaction in Israel was nothing short of euphoric - however, it also marked a new aspect to the ongoing conflict, since more than one million Palestinians in Jordan had been captured and were now under Israeli rule. In the meantime, Yitzhak Rabin was lauded as a hero for his efforts as Defence Minister and Gamal Nassar, Egypt’s President, handed in his resignation. The power balance had indeed shifted.Syrian Fortification, Mt. Bental. Photo credit: © Oksana Mats4. The Yom Kippur War - 1973After their loss of territory (and public face) to Israel in 1967, the Arab armies set about planning a ‘rematch.’ On Yom Kippur - Israel’s most holy day - when millions of citizens were praying in synagogues, they launched a surprise attack on two fronts - the Egyptians in the Sinai peninsula and the Syrians up in the Golan Heights.Israel was caught entirely off guard (it later transpired that they had shrugged off intelligence warnings). For his part, Sadat, the Egyptian Prime Minister, took the view that if Israel was defeated, they would be forced to negotiate for peace (after 1967, they had won a great deal of territory and, thus, held a strong hand). Initially, the Arab armies made impressive gains - after all, it would take Israel several days to become fully mobilised. The fighting lasted from 6th to 25th October, when a ceasefire brokered by the UN came into being. But the cost for the Jewish nation was high - heavy casualties and fury at the government for being caught off-guard. Eventually, Golda Meir, the Prime Minister, was forced to tender her resignation.Remnants of the Valley of Tears Battle, Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin5. War in Lebanon - 1982Tensions on Israel’s border ran high all through 1981, with katyusha rockets being fired into small communities in northern Israel by south Lebanon PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation) guerillas. In June 1982, Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon launched ‘Operation Peace for Galilee’ in an attempt to force the Lebanese government to take action against the PLO. Israeli forces went overland, all the way to Beirut, even though Israel’s Prime Minister, Menachem Begin, had ordered the army not to move more than 25 km into Lebanese territory. The Israeli army then besieged Arafat (the PLO leader) and his guerillas, as well as destroyed over 100 Syrian anti-aircraft missiles. The fighting lasted about three months.In the chaos that followed, Israel miscalculated and turned a blind eye when Christian ‘Phalangist’ militia forces entered two Palestinian refugee camps. Hundreds of men, women and children were murdered at Sabra and Shatila and in Israel tens of thousands of people took to the streets, outraged by the massacre. Later, an Israeli enquiry would find Arik Sharon guilty of negligence and he was forced to resign. After the horrors of the Lebanon war, when a new government replaced Begin, they began enacting a ‘phased withdrawal’, though keeping control of a 19 km security buffer zone.Rosh Hanikra sea grottoes on the border with Lebanon, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin6. The Gulf War - 1991After Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, in the summer of 1990, coalition forces (led by the USA) began an aerial and naval bombardment of Iraq in January 1991. Iraq had made no secret of the fact that it would attack if invaded and promptly responded by firing Scud missiles at Israel. Millions of citizens had to hide in bomb shelters and sealed rooms and donned gas masks, terrified of a chemical attack using nerve agents such as sarin. All in all, 74 Israelis were killed - two directly and the rest dying of heart attacks and suffocation. There was a great deal of damage to property and although Israel never entered the war directly, it came close (at one point, Israeli commandos were about to board helicopters but were persuaded by Dick Cheney, the US Foreign Minister, to lay low).7. The First and Second Intifadas - 1987-1993 and 2000-2005In Arabic, ‘intifada’ means ‘uprising’ or ‘shaking off’ and the two intifadas that took place in Israel between 1987-1993 and 2000-2005 can best be described as organised, grassroots protests by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza against Israel. Broadly speaking, their aim was to end Israel’s occupation of these territories and to create an independent Palestinian state.The First Intifada began at the end of 1987, in the form of throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails by young Palestinians at Israeli troops…military reprisals by Israel were sometimes severe and this led to an escalation of violence, in the form of rifles, explosives and hand grenades. Over 2.000 people died in the First Intifada, at a ratio of 3 Palestinians to every Israeli.Gaza Strip on the map. Photo byCHUTTERSNAPonUnsplashThe First Intifada came to an end after Labour were elected and, under Rabin, the Oslo Accords were signed - the Palestinian Authority was created with the objective of a two-state solution coming into being in the following five years. For a number of reasons (especially the one below), this never came to pass.The Second Intifada was sparked off after the failure of the Camp David Accords (between Bill Clinton, Ehud Barak and Yasser Arafat) combined with an ill-timed visit by Ariel Sharon’s to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The Second Intifada was drawn out and particularly bloody - many civilians died as well as the military forces. Palestinians took to suicide bombings, which proved to be an effective means of bringing terror into public spaces. The Israeli army responded with tank and air attacks, targeted killings and gunfire. In the five years that it lasted, there were endless bombings of popular spots such as a disco in Tel Aviv, a hotel in Haifa over Passover and a pizzeria in Jerusalem. Crowded buses were also targeted and this ‘cult of martyrdom’ shook the Israeli public substantially.The death toll, all in all, came to around 1,000 Israelis and 3,000 Palestinians, as well as 64 foreigners. Amnesty International condemned the killings on both sides. Dome of the Rock, the Muslim shrine on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock8. The Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin - 1995Yitzhak Rabin, a decorated military leader and Israel’s Prime Minister, was re-elected in 1992, running on a platform of making peace with the Palestinians. Under his rule, the Oslo Accords were signed, which split the Israeli public into two camps - those who supported peace efforts and those who believed it could only lead to more terror. Many protests were held against Rabin, particularly in Jerusalem and outside his private home in the Tel Aviv suburbs, and the general political climate became tense and even hostile. This culminated in the events of 4th November 1995, when Rabin was assassinated at the end of a huge Peace Rally, supporting the Oslo Accords, in central Tel Aviv.The gunman, Yigal Amir, a far-right religious student shot Rabin three times as he walked down the stairs of the square at which he had been the key speaker. He was rushed to nearby Ichilov Hospital but died soon after arrival. The Israeli public was left in a state of shock and disbelief and Rabin’s funeral was attended by dignitaries from across the world. Famously, Bill Clinton stood up and gave his eulogy, ending it with the now immortalised Hebrew words ‘ Shalom, haver’ (“‘Goodbye, friend’). Amir was put on trial and found guilty. He remains in prison until this day but has still not expressed remorse for his actions. A library and research centre devoted to Rabin was built in Tel Aviv and is open to the public.Rabin Square, Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo byYoav AzizonUnsplash9. The Gaza Disengagement - 2005It was Prime Minister Arik Sharon who put forward (and carried through) the plan of unilateral disengagement from the Gaza Strip, in 2005. Close to 9,000 Israeli settlers were living in 21 settlements throughout the strip, and in the absence of a peace plan, Sharon decided it was necessary to evacuate the area to improve Israel’s security and status on the international playing field. After the plan was approved by his Likud party, Sharon pushed through the plan, leading to criticism from individuals in his own camp and support from more left-wing elements of Israeli society. Operation Yad L’Achim (‘Giving Brothers a Hand’) gave settlers the opportunity to leave voluntarily, with soldiers offering to help them pack. Most, however, refused.On August 15th, compulsory evacuation began. Some settlers left peacefully but others had to be removed forcibly. Many barricaded themselves into their homes (some threatened to set themselves alight) and had to be dragged, kicking and screaming, out their front doors. After seven days, the evacuation was complete and this brought to an end 38 years of a Jewish presence in Gaza. The territory was handed over to the Palestinian Authority but two years later the secular ruling party, Fatah, was defeated by Hamas (a militant Islamic organisation).An old pier in Gaza.Photo byEmad El ByedonUnsplash10. War with Hamas - 2014 and 2021After Hamas was elected, on a platform that supported the destruction of Israel, Israel responded by declaring it a ‘hostile entity’. Sanctions followed and in the following years, there were a series of rockets fired by militants to which Israel responded with airstrikes, as well as the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, after a border ambush.In the summer of 2014, Israel launched a military operation named ‘Protective Edge’, following the kidnap and murder of three Israeli teenagers. It was a particularly awful conflict, lasting seven weeks with many deaths, both of Palestinian militants and civilians and Israeli soldiers. After a large-scale ground invasion, to destroy a network of underground tunnels built by Hamas, an open-ended ceasefire was announced.In May 2021, after several more years of tensions, another crisis was triggered in Jerusalem, with violence breaking out at Temple Mount. Shortly afterwards, Hamas issued an ultimatum to Israel and when it was refused, launched a barrage of rockets into Israel at 9 pm. An eleven-day conflict continued, which culminated in airstrikes, as part of Operation ‘Guardian of the Walls’. Over 3,500 rockets were fired into Israel in the next eleven days, although 90% of them were intercepted and destroyed by the Iron Dome (an air defence system). By the end of this latest round of conflict, 260 Palestinians (many of them militants), 12 Israeli civilians and one Israeli soldier were dead. Since then, Egypt has attempted to broker a long-term deal between Israel and Hamas but this has not been successful and most believe it is just a matter of time before the next war breaks out.If you are interested in the modern history of Israel, feel free to read our article on historical figures in Israel as well as to join our Golan Heights tours and Tel Aviv tours.Tel Aviv after a rocket attack, 2021.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin

Tourists who decide to journey to Israel come for all different reasons - sunshine, beaches, hiking trails, archaeological sites, food workshops, and adrenaline-charged activities such as sailing, rafting, and off-road jeep tours in the Judean desert. But one of the biggest attractions of a trip to the Holy Land - whether you’re a believer or not - is the fact that it’s home to three of the world’s major religions - Judaism, Islam, and, of course, Christianity.The dome over the Rotunda (Jesus's Tomb),Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinFor Christians, visiting Israel is often the pilgrimage of a lifetime. Every year, tens of thousands of Christians - both Protestants and Catholics - arrive in Israel, intent on exploring the life of Jesus. They will journey from his birthplace in Bethlehem, onto Nazareth, where he spent some of his early years, then continue to Galilee, where he spent a considerable period of time ministering, before traveling to Jerusalem, where Jesus spent the last week of his life. There, they can retrace his footsteps, from the Last Supper with his disciples, to betrayal and arrest, in the Garden of Gethsemane, then his journey along the Via Dolorosa, to the cross, and finally to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he was buried and rose again. At any time of the year, but particularly Easter or Christmas, this pilgrimage can be a very moving experience for Christian tourists.View of the Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinChristian Population, Dioceses, Parishes, and Communities in IsraelSo how many Christians live in Israel? The number is approximately 200,000, which amounts to 1.5% of the population. The largest Christian community in Israel is the Greek Catholics (Melkite), who make up 40% of the total. Then you have the Greek Orthodox at 32%, Roman Catholics in Israel at 20%, and the Maronites at 7%. The remaining Christian groups amount to around 1% of the total.Seven of the jurisdictions of the Catholic Churches in Israel overlap with each other - Armenian, Chaldean, Greek Melkite, Armenian Latin (Roman), Chaldean Maronite, and Syriac. At present, there are 103 Catholic parishes in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.Garden of Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byStacey FrancoonUnsplashRepresentatives of the Holy See in IsraelThe diplomatic relations between The Holy See and the State of Israel were first established on 30th December 1993. Three weeks later, after the two states adopted a ‘Fundamental Agreement’ a Vatican Nunciature in Israel and an Israeli embassy in Rome were opened. As the Vatican sees it, this ‘normalization’ is, to some degree, a way of promoting better Christian-Jewish relations which, historically, could be described as poor.Israel Catholic Travel GuideToday we’re looking at Catholic influences in Israel - because, for sure, the land of Israel is inextricably bound up with central events in Christian history, particularly the life and times of Jesus. It’s no surprise then that so many Catholics find the idea of a trip to the Holy Landand of visiting the Catholic holy sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Galilee completely compelling.Inside the Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinCatholic Churches in JerusalemLet’s start with Jerusalem, which has a considerable number of Catholic churches and holy sites, including: 1. Church of the Holy Sepulchre - also known as the Church of the Resurrection, this is probably the most famous church in the Old City and presumed to be the site where Jesus was both crucified and then rose from the dead. Custody of the site is shared between the Roman Catholic (also known as ‘Latins’), Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syriac Orthodox Churches.2. Bethphage - situated on the Mount of Olives, east of the Old City, Bethpage is mentioned in the Christian Bible as the place where Jesus sent his disciples to look for a donkey. This donkey (ass) he would later use to ride into Jerusalem in what Christians now celebrate as Palm Sunday. Meaning ‘House of the Early Figs’ Bethphage was built in 1883 and today it is run by the Franciscans.Candles lit in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin3. Room of the Last Supper - located on the top floor of King David’s Tomb, the Cenacle is extremely holy for Catholics, since it is considered to be the place where Jesus held the Last Supper. ‘Cenacle’ in Latin means ‘dining room’ but Catholics also refer to the word as ‘retreat’. Today the building is controlled by the state of Israel although the Vatican contests this and says it belongs to the church.4. Dominus Flevit - this Roman Catholic church sits on the Mount of Olives, opposite the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Although only built in 1955, it occupies an ancient site, standing on the ruins of a Byzantine church that dates back to the 5th century. Designed by the Italian architect, Antonio Barluzzi, its famous window depicts a chalice and cross, within an arch-shaped design. Today, the administration of the church is carried out by the Franciscans.5. Dormition Abbey - on Mount Zion, close to the Zion Gate, this Catholic Abbey belongs to the Benedictine monks and is said to be the spot at which Jesus’ mother, Mary, died. Completed in 1910 by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the site dates back to the 5th century.Dominus Flevit Сhurch, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock6. Flagellation Church - found in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City, near to the Lions' Gate, this Roman Catholic church is part of the Franciscan Monastery of the Flagellation. According to tradition, it is the spot at which Jesus was flogged by Roman soldiers before he walked along the Via Dolorosa, en route to his crucifixion. 7. Garden of Gethsemane - located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, this is an incredibly holy site for Catholics, as it is where Jesus prayed before his betrayal by Judas Iscariot and his subsequent arrest. Next to it is the Basilica of the Agony (also known as the Church of All Nations), built on the foundation of a Byzantine church that dates back to the 4th century.8. Church of the Pater Noster - part of a Carmelite Monastery, this church also sits on the Mount of Olives. On its walls are a series of ceramic tiles, all bordered with colorful flowers, inside which the Lord’s Prayer is written in a wide variety of languages. Entrance to the Church of Pater Naster. Jerusalem, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock9. Church of St. Anne- built in the 12th century, and situated just at the beginning of the Via Dolorosa. St. Anne’s is considered to be one of the most beautiful Crusader Churches in Israel. Today, it is owned and managed by the White Fathers, an Order of the Catholic Church so named because of the color of their robes. 10. St. Peter in Gallicantu - Built on the slopes of Mount Zion, this church is named after the disciple Peter’s denial of Jesus 'Gallicantu’ in Latin, which means ‘cocks crow’ and refers to Peter refusing to acknowledge his relationship with Jesus three times. The church today belongs to the Assumptionist Fathers, a French Order established in 1887 and so named for Mary’s assumption into heaven.11. St. Stephen Church - located on the ancient road to Damascus, just outside the walls of the Old City, this Dominican monastery and French school for Biblical Archaeology, lie on the slope of the hill close to the Garden Tomb. Church of St. Anne, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © Shutterstock12. 3rd Stationof the Cross- this is the point where Jesus fell for the first time, on his walk to Calvary. It is also the place where you will find a Polish catholic church, purchased by Armenian Catholics based in Poland. 13.4th Station of the Cross - according to tradition, this is where the Virgin Mary stood and watched her son Jesus suffer, as he walked with this cross to his death. This is also the location of the Armenian Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Spasm, built in 1881. 14. 5th Station of the Cross - the fifth Station of the Cross is outside the Franciscan Chapel of Simon of Cyrene, and at this popular pilgrimage stop, it is traditional to place your hand inside the imprint where Jesus is thought to have leaned against the wall. 5th Station of the Cross, Jerusalem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin15.6th Station of the Cross - here sits the Greek Catholic Church of St. Veronica, built in 1866, and today run by the Little Sisters of Jesus. It is believed to be the place where a woman named Veronica wiped Jesus’s face of blood, with a cloth. 16. Church of the Visitation - formerly known as the Abbey Church of St. John in the Woods, this catholic church in Ein Kerem, a hillside village in south-west Jerusalem, is run by Franciscans and honors the visit paid by the Virgin Mary (the mother of Jesus) to Elizabeth (the mother of John the Baptist). 17. Monastery of St. John in the Desert - built next to a spring on a wooded slope, this monastery is also run by Franciscans and is a short distance from Ein Kerem (considered to be the birthplace of John the Baptist).Church of the Visitation, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem. Photo credit:©Dan PorgesCatholic Churches in Central Israel and the West Bank1. Emmaus Church of the Crusaders - also known as the Church of the Resurrection and the Abbey of St. Mary this Benedictine monastery sits in Abu Gosh, a village close to Jerusalem. Traditionally, it is known as the place where Christ first appeared after his resurrection.2. Shepherds' Field - southeast of Bethlehem, in Beit Sahour, this Roman Catholic church is run by the Franciscans. It marks the place, according to Catholic tradition, where Christ’s birth was first announced by the angels.3. St. Lazarus - situated in the town of al-Eizariya (identified with biblical Bethany), this West Bank church is close to what Christian tradition says is the tomb of Lazarus and also the site of the house where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus once lived. 4. Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem - one of the oldest working churches in existence, this is a very holy site for all Christians, who believe its grotto to be the spot at which Mary gave birth to Jesus. Its actual guardianship is shared by three Church denominations - Armenian, Roman Catholic, and Greek Orthodox.Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin5. Milk Grotto, Bethlehem - also known as the Grotto of our Lady, Christian tradition says is the place where the Holy Family found refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents before they could flee to Egypt. The name comes from the story that the Virgin Mary spilt a ‘drop of milk’ on the cave’s floor.6. Emmaus Qubeibeh, Qubeibeh - this catholic church, owned by Franciscans, is about 10 km (7 miles from Jerusalem). Its sanctuary is where, according to tradition, a resurrected Jesus appeared on the road to Emmaus before two of his disciples, Simeon and Cleopas. 7. House of Parables, Taybeh - this is situated in the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh, about 30 km northwest of Jerusalem. The ‘Parable House’ lies within the Roman Catholic church courtyard and its wooden door is estimated to be 2,000 years old.8. Church of Nicodemus, Ramla - Managed by the Franciscans, since the 16th century the site of this monastery is considered to have been the home of Joseph of Arimathea, who was one of Jesus’ disciples and asked for permission to take him down from the cross and bury him. The Milk Grotto, Bethlehem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockCatholic Churches in Galilee1. Stella Maris, Haifa - this 19th-century Carmelite monastery was built on the orders of Brother Cassini and opened in 1836, ‘Stella Maris’ meaning ‘Star of the Sea.’2. Wedding Church, Cana - also known as the ‘First Miracle Church’ and today operated by Franciscans, it is considered to be the place where Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a poor couple’s wedding feast.3. House of Peter, Capernaum - this modern catholic pilgrimage church is part of a Franciscan monastery. Presumed to be the spot at which the disciple Peter once lived, it sits on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.4.Church of Beatitudes - situated on a small hill, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this church sits close to the ruins of a small Byzantine-era church, dating back to the 4th century. The spot is considered to be where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount.Church of Beatitudes, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock5. Muhraqa Monastery - this Carmelite Monastery is situated at the spot where the Prophet Elijah is supposed to have confronted the false prophets of Baal. Situated in the village of Daliat-el-Carmel, it affords spectacular views of the Jezreel Valley.6. Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth - also referred to as the ‘Basilica of the Annunciation’ this church is managed by Franciscans and stands over the cave which Catholics believe was once the home of the Virgin Mary. Its cupola dominates modern Nazareth and today it is the largest church in the Middle East.7. Church of St. Joseph, Nazareth - this Franciscan church was built in 1914 over the remains of much older churches. According to tradition, this is where the carpentry workshop of Joseph, Jesus’s father, stood.8. Synagogue Church, Nazareth - this Greek Melkite Catholic church lies in the heart of Nazareth and is so named because of a claim that it is the same building that was once the village synagogue in the time of Jesus. Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock9. Church of Multiplication, Tabgha - this Benedictine church is located in Tabgha, on the northwest shores of the Sea of Galilee. It is built on the site of two former churches, dating back to Byzantine times.10. Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, Tabgha - this Franciscan church in Tabgha, also close to the shores of the Galilee, commemorates and is supposed to mark the spot where Jesus reinstated Peter as leader of the Disciples. 11. Сhurch of Transfiguration, Mount Tabor - this church is part of a Franciscan monastery built in 1922 by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi. It is considered by Catholics to be the site at which the transfiguration of Jesus occurred when Jesus met with Elijah and Moses. 12. Church of St. Peter, Tiberias - next to a monastery in Tiberias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, this unusual Crusader church is administered by Koinonia Giovanni Battista, a Catholic community in Italy. Its roof is shaped like a boat that has been upturned, which references St. Peter, a fisherman on the Galilee who Jesus eventually chose as his lead disciple.Church of Multiplication, Tabgha, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockIf you are interested in visiting Catholic churches in Israel, feel free to check out our Christian Israel Tour Packages and Christian day tours.

So you’ve decided to book a trip to Israel? Well, first of all, congratulations - or ‘Mazel tov’ as we say in Hebrew! Trust us, you’re going to have a perfect vacation. Not only is this country full of bucket list attractions - from holy sitesand archaeological remains to sandy beaches, lush green hills and silent deserts - but it’s also a great choice of holiday for the independent traveller. Most people speak English (and many speak it fluently), public transport is widespread and cheap and since Israel is the ultimate ‘start up nation’ you can be sure there’ll be all kinds of modern conveniences to make your trip a pleasure.Jaffa Port, Israel.Photo byFaruk KaymakonUnsplashOnce you’ve booked your flight, arranged your Corona paperwork (welcome to the Brave New World) and bought your travel insurance, the big question you’re going to face is what kind of accommodation to choose. And let’s face it - this is really important because where you choose to sleep is going to take up a considerable part of your budget.Now, one thing we have to admit is that Israel is not a cheap country to visit - and luxury hotels are eye-wateringly costly. Even so, that shouldn’t be a reason for you to avoid visiting, because there are plenty of ways to travel in Israel on a budget one of the best ones being to seek out accommodation that won’t break the bank. And the good news is that there’s something for every price range, whether you’re in the big cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem or roaming around the Galilee or Negev desert.From youth hostels in Jerusalem and cheap hotels in Haifa to private sublets in Tel Aviv, kibbutz accommodation in Galilee, and Airbnb rentals in Eilat, you just have to know where to search, and that’s where we come in. Take a look at some of our recommendations for affordable accommodation in Israel - and once you’ve booked one, hop on your flight and start enjoying yourself! Dead Sea Area, Israel. Photo byItay PeeronUnsplash1. Budget Hostels in IsraelSo fear not if the swanky Waldorf Astoria and ritzy Royal Beach are out of your reach, because there are still plenty of affordable options all over Israel, ensuring you can stay somewhere clean, comfortable and well-situated, without having to take out a mortgage. And the first option is budget hostels.Budget Hostels inTel Aviv, IsraelThe Spot - located in the Tel Aviv Port (Namal), and just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Spot Hostel offers a wide range of accommodation from ‘pods’ and ‘mini rooms’ as well as singles/doubles/family options. Close to the famous Dizengoff Street, and also Yarkon Park, they have a bar, screening room, co-working space and a great local breakfast included in the price. They also offer walking tours of Tel Aviv, beer workshops (!) and ‘open mic’ nights.Florentin Hostel - set in the cool, hipster neighbourhood of Florentin, sandwiched between Neve Tzedek and Jaffa, this modern five-floor building is clean, comfortable and quiet and, according to travellers, has spotless bathrooms! Popular with young backpackers, Florentin Hostel offers travellers the use of a huge terrace, breakfast and free walking tours of Bauhaus Tel Aviv.Florentin, Tel Aviv; Israel. Photo credit: © Jenny EhrlichBudget Hostels in Jerusalem, IsraelThe Post - this hostel has a unique past - the building in which you’ll stay was once the Central Post Office of Jerusalem. Designed by the British Mandate, it was designed in an international style, with touches of Jerusalem design. Walking distance both from Mahane Yehuda Market andJerusalem's Old City, the Post offer dorms and private rooms, as well as a large lounge, recreation room and rooftop bar! They also host bands, workshops and their kitchen is well-equipped.Jaffa Gate Hostel - Set inside the Old City wallsof Jerusalem, and an easy walking distance from the Tower of David, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall, the Jaffa GateHostel offers both dorms and private rooms, late check-outs, no curfew and fantastic views from their rooftop. Consistently described in reviews as clean, friendly and inexpensive, it’s a slice of peace and quiet in the busy Old City of Jerusalem.The Post Hostel Lobby, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo take from theposthostel.comBudget Hostels in Eilat, IsraelAhla Plus - situated in a modern village in central Eilat (10 minutes from the beach) Ahla Plus offers hammocks, swings, a common lounge and an enormous kitchen. Comfy and stylish dorm rooms and colourful decor throughout, you can hire bikes and obtain helpful information on dive stores in the city, if you want to explore the Red Sea underwater.Budget Hostels in the Galilee, IsraelAviv Hostel - in a charming stone building, just outside Tiberias, this small hostel is just 2 minutes by foot from the Sea of Galilee as well as 2km from Hamat Tiberias National Park. Described as ‘homey’ and ‘comfortable’ the staff are incredibly helpful (even if you arrive late at night!) and also has a terrace/rooftop bar with great views.Sailing Boat at the Sea of Galilee.Photo byDave HerringonUnsplashBudget Hostels in Haifa, IsraelLocated in the charming neighbourhood of the German Colony, the owners of the Haifa hostel - Omer and Danielle - have a reputation for friendliness and the hostel itself is described as well-maintained, extremely clean and with great showers. They offer vegan pancakes with silan (date syrup) for breakfast, and the space has a ‘chilled’ vibe as well as a great co-working space.Budget Hostels in the Golan HeightsLocated in the Odem Forest national reserve, the Golan Heights hostel offers simply furnished rooms with free wifi, a shared living room, lockers and linens and a basketball court outside. Guests can use the kitchen and also the BBQ facilities outdoors. This is a good location if you want to horse ride, cycle, enjoy hiking trails or visit wineries. Mount Hermon, the Nimrod Fortress and the Banias Waterfalls are all within easy distance.Carmel Beach, Haifa, Israel. Photo byYousef EspaniolyonUnsplash2. Cheap Hotels in IsraelUnlike many other countries, the Israeli hotel ranking system doesn’t put much stock in the star category system, arguing that in these times of Tripadvisor, it isn’t a reliable indicator of quality. In any event, whether they’re right or wrong, it’s certainly true that you can read reviews online before you book, and judge for yourself. Cheap hotels in Tel Aviv, IsraelThe Port Hotel - in the fashionable ‘Old North’ of Tel Aviv, and close to the Namal port and Hilton Beach is the Port Hotel, which offers small but modern rooms, all with a private bathroom, flatscreen tv and a mini-fridge. Their roof terrace affords panoramic views of the city and theMediterranean Sea and the buffet breakfast is of good quality. Outside, you’re a stone’s throw from Dizengoff Street and Yarkon Park, and just a short cab ride from the city centre.Savoy Sea Side Hotel - just 2 minutes walk from the beach, and also the Carmel Market, the central Savoy Sea Side offers ‘intimate hospitality with a European flavour. This boutique hotel has a minimalist design throughout, and some bedrooms come with a bathtub. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace and is rich and plentiful. Travellers really seem to appreciate the welcoming staff.Aerial view of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo byShai PalonUnsplashCheap Hotels in Jerusalem, IsraelThe Annexe - located in the Old City, just 600 metres from the Western Wall (Kotel), this gem of a budget hotel offers small and basic but clean and comfortable rooms each with its own kettle, desk and private bathroom. With its enviable location, it’s very close to some very popular sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of all Nations.De Cardo - this small boutique hotel offers real value for money and is close to the Old City, as well as many eateries and bars (some of which are open on Shabbat). They have very affordable family rooms, and whilst facilities are basic, everything is very new and clean. They do not provide food, so you will have to find breakfast elsewhere. The light rail is close by, for travelling around Jerusalem.Sunset in Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byDavid HolifieldonUnsplashCheap Christian Hotels in Jerusalem, IsraelAustrian Hospice - Located on the Via Dolorosa, in the Old City, the Austrian Hospice has been welcoming Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem since 1854 and has a stellar reputation for clean, comfortable accommodation and a hearty breakfast. They offer both dorms and private rooms and can accommodate groups (although you must plan ahead). The view from their rooftop is to die for and they also have a cafe which serves marvellous Austrian food, including schnitzel and homemade apple strudel with cream! Highly recommended.Rosary Sisters Convent Guesthouse - Situated just 5 minutes walk from the Old City, this comfortable and quiet guesthouse is run by nuns, whose profits are donated to charity. Accommodation includes 30 rooms (single, double, triple, some with baths) and dorms. They are clean and simple and everything is spotlessly clean. A continental breakfast is included in the price - lookout for the homemade preserves made of apricots from their garden. They also provide free coffee and tea all day.The Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo bySnowscatonUnsplashCheap Hotels in Eilat, IsraelPalms Hotel - Palms Hotel offers good value for money, featuring a swimming pool, a children’s club, sun terrace and rooms with air conditioning and mini-fridges. A typical Israeli breakfast is served each morning and the hotel is just 10 minutes walk from the beach, cafes and bars and Eilat’s main shopping area. Cheap Hotels in the Dead Sea Area, IsraelThe Dead Sea doesn’t have too many budget options, but one we would recommend is the Hi Ein Gedi Hostel. Clean and comfortable, it’s a great option, especially for families and the views from the bedroom balconies are fantastic. The breakfast/buffet dinners offer lots of fruits and vegetables and they offer packed breakfasts if you’re setting off early to climb Masada at sunrise! The only drawback is that they’re 30 km from the beach, so you’ll need a car. Floating while reading a book at the Dead Sea. Photo byToa HeftibaonUnsplashCheap Hotels in Galilee, IsraelKibbutz Inbar Country Lodging - Nestled in the Galilee, this guest house/B&B has clean, comfortable lodgings for the independent traveller, as well as an outdoor pool (perfect for the hot months). Its location is excellent if you’re interested in exploring some of the most famous Christian pilgrimage sites in Galilee, including the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes.Cheap Hotels in the Golan Heights, IsraelZimmer Nof L’Hermon - a ‘zimmer’ in Israel is a cabin/suite/private guest accommodation and many of them are quite luxurious. This one is close to Mount Hermon in Majdal Shams, one of Israel’s Druze villages. Whilst not too fancy, it is fully equipped with a kitchenette, flatscreen TV, terrace and garden and the nearby hiking trails are spectacular. It’s also just 40 km drive from Safed, the mystical and charming town in the Upper Galilee, famous for its winding alleys and Artists’ Colony.Ruins of Capernaum Synagogue, Galilee. Photo credit: © Shutterstock3. Sublets in IsraelIn our modern world, we have a lot of options when it comes to finding accommodation and one thing that many people take advantage of now is Facebook, as a ‘marketplace’ to buy and sell. In Israel, it can be an incredibly valuable resource, since there are groups across the country (especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem) advertising rooms, apartments and large houses for sublets. Whether you’re looking for a pied-à-terre in the city or a villa up in the Golan Heights, it’s worth looking at what people are offering. As we’ve said before, most Israelis speak excellent English (and sometimes also French, Spanish and Russian) and it’s easy enough to chat with people online, or via WhatsApp.Subletting someone’s home can also give you a real feel for how locals live in Israel - you can ask your host beforehand for recommendations of ‘off the beaten track’ activities that many Israeli tourists never see, and because you’ll probably have access to a decent kitchen, you can make a trip to the local markets (such as the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv or Mahane Yehuda in Jerusalem) to pick up produce for your home-cooked meals.Nimrod Fortress in the Golan Heights. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin4. Airbnb in IsraelWe’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Airbnb here, because for many travellers it’s a simply indispensable resource. Israelis have embraced the ‘rent a room’ (or ‘rent a home’) concept in large numbers and all over the country, there are locals ready to welcome you into their lives, at very competitive prices.The obvious advantage of Airbnb accommodation - apart from being cheaper than most hotels - is that you’ll have an authentic stay and (much like subletting) you’ll hopefully find yourself in contact with friendly locals, who can give you lots of inside tips. Israel’s Airbnb offerings are incredibly varied - from private rooms in a shared house to the rental of tiny studios/apartments, which are functional, affordable and have everything you need to make your vacation comfortable and fun.A street in Acre, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

The fact that Israel has such a warm and pleasant climate for much of the year is a huge reason it sees so many tourists. Like many Mediterranean destinations, it's blessed with beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue waters, endless cafes with outdoor seating, and plenty of sunshine. Indeed, between May and November, it’s rare for the entire country to see a drop of rain. View through the rain-specked window, Israel.Photo byRaimond KlavinsonUnsplashHowever, whilst rainy days aren’t common in Israel, they do still exist, and so if you are visiting in the winter and there’s a sudden downpour, what should you do? Well, you might not be able to hike, swim or cycle around but the good news is this is a country with plenty of indoor activities to keep you amused for hours.Below, we’re looking at things you can do that are amusing, entertaining, educational and will keep you dry whilst the wind blows and the rain pours. Whether you’re in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa or one of the small villages in the Negev or Galilee, we’re sure you’ll enjoy them. Hey, you won’t just learn something new but you might get so hooked on it that you’ll try it again. And then you’ll be thankful for the bad weather because if it hadn’t rained, you might never have headed indoors in the first place…A girl watching the rain. Photo byJorge RomanonUnsplash1. Visit a Planetarium in IsraelReady for an experience that’s ‘out of this world?’ Well, look no further than a trip to Israel’s most well-known planetarium, in Tel Aviv. Situated inside the Eretz Israel Museum, you’ll enjoy a fantastic show, whilst sitting in revolving seats! Learn about different galaxies and enjoy a ‘flight’, where you can explore the universe, each one with its billions of stars (which live, die and then are born again).English performances are available (check ahead of time).The venue also offers a show on Galileo and the modern telescopes.The planetarium accepts children over the age of 6, so it’s a great family attraction. There’s also ‘Madatech’ in Haifa, which is perfect for science lovers. Inside, you’ll find all kinds of hands-on experiences including a planetarium, interactive exhibitions, a robotics centre, 3D science films and even an innovation centre, that combines science with art.Starry sky.Photo byJoshua OhonUnsplash2. Crack the Code at an Escape Room in IsraelEscape Rooms are a global phenomenon - they’re perfect for any age, have clever designs and are wonderful if you want a bit of intellectual stimulation, as well as a fun day out. Since they’ve taken off in Israel, you’ve got so many to choose from, but here are three we’d recommend:‘Aladdin and the Magic Lamp‘- located in Haifa, kids will love searching for clues in the Sultan’s Palace and finding the magic lamp!‘Trapped’ - perfect for those who don’t scare easily, this Jerusalem escape room finds you in a blood-soaked lab, and with just an hour to save the lives of you and your friends.‘Mossad’- For aspiring secret-agents, there’s no better place to head than Tel Aviv where, in groups of 2-6, you’ll be put through your paces, with some serious assignments, to find out of you’ve got what it takes to takes to be an Israeli ‘James Bond’. Red escape room neon sign. Photo byZachary KeimigonUnsplash3. Defy Gravity with some Indoor Skydiving in IsraelA short drive from Tel Aviv is the city of Rishon LeZion and there you’ll find ‘Flybox’. It’s a new attraction in Israel which is becoming increasingly popular and it’s nothing short of indoor skydiving! Thought up in the 1990s, it is an ‘extreme sport’ but in a controlled and safe environment and, even better, it’s not just for adults - kids can try it out too.How does it work? This gravity-defying activity works by letting you hover over a wind tunnel - you enter by a lift which is generated by fans installed at the top of the tunnel that lifts the air. The tunnel compresses the air and increases the speed up to 275 km (170 miles) per hour. The tunnel you ‘fly’ in is see-through and 13.5 km here, meaning others can watch you as you soar through the air.As ‘Flybox’ says, it’s a perfect activity for couples, families and small groups alike and suitable for anyone aged 5 and up. You don’t need any experience or skills - there’s an instructor there to advise you, and ensure your safety and comfort and someone else will be keeping an eye on your airspeed. Get ready for take-off! Skydiving at Flybox, Israel.Photo from: www.flybox.co.il4. Take Up Indoor Rock Climbing in IsraelIf you’re the sporty type but don’t want to get soaked, then try I Climb, which is the largest indoor climbing group in Israel. They have six locations in Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Their gyms give you the opportunity to lead climb, boulder, top rope and use an auto belay and, additionally, they offer a special climbing experience for kids.There’s also ‘Performance Rock’ in Tel Aviv, which is the first climbing wall in Israel devoted just to the bouldering method. The wall has more than 100 climbing routes (‘bouldering paths’ or ‘problems’) and there’s a wide range of levels and steps to discover. You don’t need any previous experience - just show up and progress through the ranks!A girl on a climbing wall. Photo byJonathan J. CastellononUnsplash5. Attend Cooking Classes in IsraelThere’s nothing more satisfying than learning to cook a new dish, and Israel’s full of cooking experts who are ready to share their expertise with you. Galilean Cooking Workshops - nestled in the Galilee, in northern Israel, this company offers you a chance to experience some real Middle Eastern hospitality, in a local’s home. Whether you want to be the guest of Druze, Christian or Muslim hosts, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome - the programme involves two hours of a cookery workshop. There you will get hands-on instruction in how to prepare traditional dishes before a sit-down lunch, where you try what you’ve made. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and not only will you improve your cooking skills - learning how to make food with fresh ingredients - but you’ll also get an idea of how locals live in the Galilee.Cooking workshop.Photo byMax DelsidonUnsplashLehem Zeh (‘This Bread’) - situated in Yeroham, in the Negev Hills, and just a 20-minute drive from Beersheba, this venture was established by Ariel Pollock Star, who moved to Israel from Cincinnati, USA and couldn’t find bagels in her local bakery so began making her own. The enterprise took off and she then established a collaborative cooking workspace, which she shares with other women-led ventures. Join her workshop and you won't just learn how to make these New York delights, but you’ll take six of them home with you (plain, sesame and onion - something for everyone!)Dan Gourmet in Tel Aviv -fantastic if you’re more than a beginner - they offer all kinds of food classes including Asian, Italian, pastries and the popular ‘Who’s Afraid of Fish?’ Nor will they be offended if you ask them questions about traditional Jewish cooking! Cooking with garlic. Photo byokeykatonUnsplash6. Enjoy a Ceramics Workshop in IsraelDown in the Dead Sea, you’ll find the studio of Estee Barak, who’s been making ceramics for over 30 years. Not only does she exhibit but she also offers workshops both in decorating ceramics and pottery throwing. Learn how to decorate a plate with Japanese firing methods or make your own pot on a wheel! Workshops last around 2 hours and can also be combined with a day trip to Masada and Ein Gedi.There’s also Keren Or’s lovely studio in Zichron Yaakov, close to Mount Carmel and Haifa, which offers workshops for couples, families, groups and individuals. Try your hand at ceramic sculpting, painting on plates/pots already fired, or have a ‘pottery for two’ afternoon tailored to your specific requirements. She also offers ‘team building’ days, for anyone who’s in need of workplace motivation!K-Clay ceramics studio, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin7. Ice-Skating in IsraelUp high in northern Israel sits Metula, which is a charming little town right next to the border with Lebanon (on a clear day, you can see for miles). In 1995 an activities and sports centre opened here and as well as swimming pools, a bowling alley, saunas and a shooting range, it offers an Olympic-size skating rink. Yes, and one that actually meets international standards) and with seating for over one thousand people.So for anyone who wants to have fun on the ice, this is the place to come - you can bring your own skates, rent a pair or simply sit and watch professionals practising with their trainers. (And if skating whets your appetite, and it’s a really cold winter, then take a short drive over to Mount Hermon on the Golan Heights…ok, it’s not inside but when snow falls, it’s a wonderful place to come and ski!Ice Peak, Holon - just 20 minutes drive from Tel Aviv, this skating rink is very organised and makes for a great family activity in Israel. Modern, clean and well-maintained, your ticket gives you access to the ice for 45 minutes at a time (your time slot will depend on the colour of the bracelet you’re given).Girl tying skates on.Photo by Matthew Sichkaruk on Unsplash8. Book a Chocolate or Candy-Making Workshop in IsraelHow many of us don’t like a sweet treat, now again and again? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make some delectable sugary creations for yourself, attending a chocolate or candy-making workshop is the perfect rainy-day activity in Israel. Sarina Chocolate - about an hour’s drive north of Tel Aviv, on Moshav Ein Vered, feel free to indulge yourself. Childrens’ workshops take 2 hours and include making lollipops and chocolate paintings; adult workshops take around 3 hours and include learning how to create pralines, truffles and chocolate fondue! ToMoCandy - also not far from Tel Aviv - in Raanana - check out ToMoCandy. Here you can learn how to make vegan-friendly, gluten-free rock candy, at one of their fun and interactive workshops. Create your own personalised candies, and take home lollipops and two jars of your own handcrafted sweet treats. Perfect for birthday events as well as rainy days!Making chocolate cakes .Photo byToa HeftibaonUnsplash9. Indulge at a Spa in IsraelOn a grey and gloomy day, everyone deserves a treat, so why not indulge yourself at a spa? Israel has so many good ones but the two we’d recommend are in the north and south of the country. Carmel Forest - this little slice of paradise is nestled up in the Carmel, and offers one of the best spas in northern Israel, if not the entire country. For anyone who wants to escape the rain (and also anyone who’s stressed, tense or overloaded with life’s responsibilities) this is the place to head. Not only will you enjoy hospitality in a luxurious session but you’ll eat incredibly well. Carmel Forest offers wet and dry saunas, treatment rooms, a solarium, Turkish bath, swimming pool and jacuzzi and in addition to a range of spa treatments there are all kinds of health and wellness workshops on offer too, led by experts.Bereshit Mitzpe Ramon - with its spectacular location, overlooking this extraordinary Makhtesh Ramon Crater in the Negev desert, Bereshit is one of Israel’s top hotels. Not only does it have fabulous desert views, gourmet restaurants and beautifully-designed rooms, it also boasts a luxury spa. Like the Carmel Spa, it’s owned by the Isrotel group so you’re assured of high-quality service here.A woman getting a relaxing massage in a spa salon. Photo byengin akyurtonUnsplash10. Hang Out at a Bowling AlleyFinally, how could we miss out on the ultimate, fun rainy-day activity that everyone loves? Yes, it’s bowling. Israel has plenty of modern bowling alleys, well-designed with huge display screens and shiny alleys, so why not head off to one of them for some fun? It’s a great activity for the family, for groups and even for ‘date night’ (with a little alcohol thrown in). Arbel Bowling, in Netanya, is perfect for a fun night out and they also have an arcade, mini bumper-car area and laser tag activities.There’s also ‘Good Lanes’ in Maale Adumim, close to Jerusalem, which offers events for children’s birthdays, including pizza and refreshments and a special gift for the birthday boy or girl. And fear not adults, their bowling alley is also available for a private hire - enjoy pool tables, a lounge area, karaoke, a large projector screen and your choice of music. WIth ten electronic lanes, you can make a real party of it.Bring on the rain!If you are not afraid of the rain, join a day tour in Israel operated by Bein Harim. Bein Harim tours depart every day, rain or shine!Two sets of bowling pins. Photo byKarla RiveraonUnsplash

By North American or European standards, Israel is not a large country. In fact, you can easily travel from one end to another i.e. the Golan Heights to Eilat, in a few hours. Whether you’re using the bus, train, taxi or renting a car, it’s easy to move between cities, which means you can pack a lot into your trip.Haifa Maritime Museum, Israel. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinToday, we’re looking at how to get from Haifa to Jerusalem. Haifa is Israel’s largest city in the north of the country and sits on the Mediterranean coast, on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Within the city itself, there are some fine things to see, including the iconic Bahai Gardens, the German Colony neighborhood (with its Templer houses), Wadi NisNas (with its tiny alleyways, old stone houses, and colorful market), and the National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space.Not too far from Haifa itself are beautiful nature reserves, parks, hiking trails, and also attractions such as Acre (an ancient Crusader City), Rosh Hanikra, in the Western Galilee, with its caves and grottos, and also Nazareth, the city where Jesus’ birth was announced by an angel and where Jesus himself spent many of his formative years.Of course, no trip to Israel would be complete without a visit to Jerusalem, a city of three world faiths and home to some extraordinary museums, places of worship, and archaeological sites. Staying in Haifa doesn’t mean a day trip to Jerusalem is out of the question either, as long as you’re prepared to make an early start. The actual distance between Jerusalem and Haifa is just 120 km (74 miles), which is really quite manageable. Let’s take a look at some of the ways to get between these two cities, and some step-by-step directions to make your journey run smoothly.Haifa View from Bahai Gardens Terrace.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin1. Bus from Haifa to JerusalemIsrael’s public network is cheap, efficient, and modern, and traveling from Haifa to Jerusalem is easy and inexpensive. Without traffic, the journey should take around 1 hour 40 minutes. There are different bus stations at which you can catch an Egged bus (Israel’s national bus line) including Haifa Merkazit Hamifrats/Inter-City Platform, Hof HaCarmel, and the Technion/visitors station.HaMifratz central bus station is the main bus station of the Haifa Bay district. It is next to Haifa's central railway station (see below under the ‘train’ section) and also the Lev HaMifratz shopping mall.Egged bus from Haifa to Jerusalem (№960) leaves from Floor 3 Haifa Merkazit Hamifrats/Inter-City Platform bus station, every 20 minutes. It takes, on average, 1 hour and 44 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 36 NIS (11 USD).Hof HaCarmel is close to the sea and Haifa’s central bus station. It serves local buses within the city and all Egged buses heading south. Passengers can ask for a free transfer to urban buses when they buy their inter-city ticket to continue from one central bus station to the other one, or into the city. FromHof HaCarmelbus 947 runs less frequently but is also a direct service, taking just under 2 hours. Again, it costs around 36 NIS.Technion - the Israeli Institute of Technology has a visitors center and buses run from there.From the Technion University, it is possible to take the 796 to Mishmar HaGvul junction, walk 3 minutes then catch the 942 to Jerusalem. All buses alight at Yitzhak Navon, the central bus station in Jerusalem, which is adjacent to the city’s light railway (the best way to travel around Jerusalem). Haifa Bay View from Bahai Gardens. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin2. Trainfrom Haifa to JerusalemTaking the train from Haifa to Jerusalem is an excellent way to travel - Israeli trains are comfortable and modern and the service is frequent - every half an hour. At present, it is necessary to change trains at either Tel Aviv Savidor or Ben Gurion Airport stations - there is a connection time of around 11 minutes - before continuing on to Jerusalem. The journey, in general, takes between 1 hour and 42 minutes to 2 hours. Most tourists will wish to alight at Jerusalem’s main train station, Yitzhak Navon. Spacious and modern, it is conveniently located on Jaffa Road, next to the Jerusalem Central Bus Station and the light railway (which runs every 3-5 minutes, both to downtown Jerusalem and the Damascus Gate, in the Old City).Payment can be made by buying a ticket from the cashier's office, by booking through the Israel Railways website, using a green Rav Kav card loaded with pre-paid credit (which can be purchased from any station and many pharmacies and stores in Israel), or the Rav Kav mobile telephone app. The cost of a regular one-way ticket is 42 NIS (around 13 USD). Trains begin running at approximately 5.30 am and the last train leaves Haifa at approximately 21.30, arriving in Jerusalem two hours later (11.30 pm).Trains depart from three stations within Haifa itself - Center HaShmona, Bat Galim, and Hof HaCarmel. The largest of these is HaShmona which is situated at Plumer Square, on Independence Road. The station itself was built by the British under the Mandate, in the Bauhaus style, and opened in 1937.Bat Galim was Haifa’s major train station from 1975 until the early 2000s. It is within walking distance of the port and also the city’s Rambam hospital. Hof HaCarmel - located next to the Carmel Beach central bus station. Situated on Sakharov street - this is the city’s busiest train station. It is within walking distance of two shopping malls and the MATAM high-tech park. The train in Israel does not run between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening (two hours before Shabbat commences and an hour after it ends).Interior of the Israeli train.Photo by Lital Bamnulker on Unsplash3. Getting from Haifa to Jerusalem by TaxiTaxis are plentiful in Israel and it should not be difficult to find one to take you to Jerusalem. You can either ask your hotel concierge to book one for you or call one of the numerous operators in the Haifa area. You should look to pay somewhere between 700-800 NIS (215-250 USD). One of the most popular companies to use is BookTaxi.4. Getting from Haifa to Jerusalem with Private TransferPrivate transfers are very easy to arrange in Israel but it's advisable to book them through a trustworthy Israeli tour operator, who has contacts within the industry and can ensure you will be put in touch with a reputable and honest operator. Once you are satisfied with the quote, you will be charged by credit card and all matters forthwith will be handled by the tour operator, giving you complete peace of mind.At Bein Harim, we are always happy to help obtain quotes for people visiting Israel who need a private taxi - please call us or send us your details on our ‘Contact Us’ form and we will get back to you promptly, with a competitive offer.Taxis in East Jerusalem.Photo by Georg Arthur Pflueger on Unsplash5. Israel Shore Excursions from Haifa PortHaifa is becoming an incredibly popular destination for international cruise liners, and if you have a full day on land, traveling to Jerusalem is a wonderful idea. A ship-to-shore excursion to Jerusalem is really worth considering - you will be picked up at Haifa port by a private guide and whisked off to Jerusalem, giving you time to see world-famous spots, historical and religious landmarks, and even walk on the Mount of Olives. You’ll have a comfortable and interesting experience, and it will all be timed perfectly so you’ll return to Haifa before your ship leaves the port.6. Getting from Haifa to Jerusalem with a rental carRenting a car in Israel is a popular way to see the country. Rental charges are not exorbitant and using a car to get around gives you a level of freedom that nothing else can. Whilst parking can be a challenge in Jerusalem (and it may be advisable to pay for a spot for the day), it’s a fast way to get you from one city to the next. Taking Route 90 (Yitzhak Rabin Highway) will usually take about 2 hours, as long as there is not too much traffic on the road.Popular rental hire companies in Israel include Eldan, Hertz, Shlomo Sixt, and Thrifty, and, on average, renting a car costs around 260 NIS per day. All are convenient to work with, accessible, and competitively priced, and if you shop around beforehand you can get some great deals.View of Jerusalem Old City.Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

The history of the Land of Israel, from ancient times, through the centuries, and up until present day, is incredibly rich and fascinating, full of twists and turns - no wonder there are no end of books on it. But if you don’t have time to read tomes when planning your perfect vacation in Israel, then let us do some of the hard work for you and give you a ‘potted history’ of the Holy Land.The Knights Halls in the Hospitaller quarter, Acre, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockIn Part One of our series on major historical events in Israel, we took a look at certain ‘stand out’ events in the Bible, recorded in the nation’s first thousand years - from Abraham and Moses at Sinai to the eras of Kings David and Solomon, followed by uprisings against the Romans and the life and times of Jesus.Following on from this, today we’re taking a look at thousands more years of Jewish history, beginning with Byzantine Rule and ending with the British Mandate and plenty in between. From Persians and Crusaders to Arabs and Ottomans, we’ll do our best to give you a timeline on what, when and how in the Holy Land, from 313 to 1948. Ready? Then read on…1. Byzantine Rule in ancient IsraelBetween 313-636, ancient Israel was controlled by the Byzantines. Ruled over by Emperor Constantine, Christianity became widely practised in the Holy Land and churches were built in Jerusalem, Nazareth and the Galilee. The conquered territory was divided into three provinces: Palestina Prima, Palestina Secunda and Palestina Tertia and these provinces were part of the Diocese of the East.The Byzantines practised Orthodox Christianity but, compared to other periods in time, Jews fared well under their rule, at least the early part. This is because they occupied a legal position that was somewhat in ‘no man’s land’. They were not regarded as pagans, nor were they expected to convert to Christianity.Byzantine Cardo, Jerusalem, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockInstead, they were granted citizenship (i.e. legal equality with other citizens) and, for the most part, allowed to worship as Jews. They were not forced to violate Shabbat or Jewish holidays and synagogues were their recognised prayer houses. (However, the ritual practice of circumcision was banned, since it was considered barbaric by the Byzantines).Unfortunately, by the beginning of the 5th century, Emperor Theodosius ruled that Jews were perfidious (since they had rejected Jesus) and forbade them from holding public office and increased their taxes. Intermarriage was forbidden, as was the building of new synagogues. Luckily for the Jews, the Byzantines had other problems within their Empire so enforcement of the last restriction was lax. Consequently, Jews continued to build, and in old synagogues across Israel today, you can find beautiful mosaic floors, depicting Byzantine-style art. Some of the best examples can be viewed at archaeological sites such as Tsipori, Tiberias, Beit Shean and Beit Alpha.2. Persian Invasion to Ancient IsraelAt the tail end of Byzantine rule came an invasion of ancient Israel by the Persians. They were helped by the Jews (who hoped to be ‘delivered’ from their lowly status) and, as a reward for the help, the Persians decreed that they could administer Jerusalem. Unfortunately for the history of Jews in Israel, this ‘halcyon period’ only lasted three years after which the Byzantine army reconquered Jerusalem and expelled its Jewish population.Beit Shean Roman Theatre, Israel. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin3. Arab Rule in Ancient IsraelBetween 636-1099, ancient Israel was conquered by the Arabs, who would rule ancient Israel for the next 450 years or so. Events began with the Siege of Jerusalem in 636, four years after the death of the Prophet Mohammed when the Rashidun army conquered the territory. In the next four centuries, a number of Caliphates would rule, first from Damascus and subsequently from Egypt.Initially, Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and settle there. They were granted the status of ‘dhimmi’ (non-Muslims protected by law) and this gave them security over their property as well as freedom of worship. Of course, this came at a price - special taxes that they paid - but it certainly safeguarded their lives.However, as time passed, the Jews began to suffer more economic and social discrimination and, as a result, many of them left the country. By the end of the 11th century, the number of Jews in the land of Israel had decreased quite substantially.In the meantime, under the Umayyad Empire, caravan stops, bathhouses and places of worship were constructed, the most famous of which is the Dome of the Rock Mosque in the Old City of Jerusalem. Built by Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in 691, this Islamic Shrine is one of the best examples of architecture and, today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed on the Temple Mount, its golden dome makes it the city’s most recognisable landmark and, of course, it continues to be a focal point for Muslim prayer.Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Israel. Photo byThales Botelho de SousaonUnsplash4. The Crusaders Arrive in the Holy LandBetween 1099-1291, the Crusaders dominated the landscape of the Holy Land. Christian knights and peasants from across Western Europe heeded the call of Pope Urban to take up arms and aid the Byzantines in their struggle to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control.The Crusades (or ‘holy wars’ as they are also known) were met with an extraordinary response from all sections of society. Military Orders were particularly well represented, including the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Knights and the Hospitallers, who made it their business to protect pilgrims travelling to and from the Holy Land.All in all, there were four major Crusades, the first of which culminated in the fall of Jerusalem and the slaughter of hundreds of its inhabitants, even though the leader Tancred had promised they would be spared. Today, if you visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City, you can still see endless crosses carved into the stone walls, left behind by Knights who took shelter there.As a result, Christian rule was established in the Holy Land. Castles were built in Acre and the Galilee and Crusader states were established far north of ancient Israel. Only in 1181 did Saladin (the first Sultan of both Egypt and Syria) reclaim Jerusalem. In front of the Damascus Gate and the Tower of David, Saladin's army bombarded the ramparts with arrows but only after six days, when he moved to the Mount of Olives, was he victorious.Jews fared little better than Muslims in the Crusader era - thousands were murdered (beheaded or thrown in the sea) and their synagogues. The Crusades set the tone for many more centuries of antisemitism, not just in the Holy Land but throughout Europe.Ruins of Yehiam Teutonic Fortress, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin5. Mamluk Rule in PalestineBetween 1291-1516, it was the Mamluks who ruled the region. In Arabic, Mamluk means ‘one who is owned’ or ‘slave’ and these non-Arabs (who had, historically, served Arab dynasties in the Muslim world) came from a number of regions including Caucasia, Turkey and from Southeastern Europe.The Mamluks' years in power were marked by a major eradication of Crusader culture in the Holy Land. Not only did they prevent the Mongols from advancing into Syria but they were also extremely cultured - today, in Israel, and especially in Jerusalem, you can still see many of the buildings they designed.Initially, as with the period of Arab rule, Jews were once more granted ‘dhimmi’ status but as time passed, the Jewish community began to shrink. Where Jews continued to live, they were discriminated against in legal matters and forced to pay taxes on all manner of things, including the drinking of wine. Even so, despite these restrictions and laws, the legal position of Jews in the region was still far better than most of their fellow Jews in Europe. Mihrab (prayer niche) cut in the wall near Damascus Gate, Jerusalem. Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin6. Ottoman Rule in PalestineLife for the Jews improved considerably between 1517-1917, when the Ottomans conquered the region - in fact, many of the Jews driven out of Europe fled to the Holy Land, since they knew their chances of surviving there were better. Under the Ottomans, there were fewer restrictions for Jews in their daily lives and professions (even though they still had to pay a ‘head tax‘) but many decrees against them were not enforced and some Jews even rose to power in the Ottoman Court, as physicians and economists.Both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews settled in the Ottoman Empire and many became successful in business enterprises. The Jews were allowed to be responsible for their own courts and schools and held a wide variety of political opinions - some were extremely loyal to the Ottomans, others were ardent Zionists.Ottoman building in Acre, Israel. Photo byShalev CohenonUnsplash7. First Aliyah to Palestine‘Aliyah’ in Hebrew means ‘to ascend’ (or ‘go up’) and is a term traditionally used when referring to the immigration of Jews from around the world to Israel. The First Aliyah (also known as the ‘agriculture aliyah) was a large-scale arrival of Jews to Palestine. Many of them arrived from Russia since waves of nationalism and antisemitism had led to pogroms (organised killings) in their birthplaces. Since immigration to Palestine has occurred before, the use of the term "first aliya" is controversial.The Jewish Virtual Library says that almost half of the settlers (3000 persons) did not remain in the country as they faced financial problems and did not have any experience in farming.A majority of the immigrants did move to cities, such as Rishon LeZion (‘First in Zion’). However, some of them - pioneers as they are now known - established agricultural settlements, particularly with the financial support of Baron Rothschild. These includedZichron Yaakov(nearHaifa), Metulla (in northern Israel) and Rosh Pina (in Galilee).Ohel Ya'akov Synagogue, Zichron Yaakov, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockLife wasn't easy for the pioneers - when you factor in disease, lack of infrastructure, hard physical work and the hot climate, in retrospect it is astonishing how much they achieved with their labours. Nevertheless, the founding of these ‘yishuvs’ (agricultural communes) only served to strengthen their resolve to create a new kind of Jew - one who was both physically and mentally resilient, both a warrior and a farmer!The First Aliyah was also responsible for a resurgence in the cultural life of the Holy Land. Much of this can be credited to Eliezer Ben Yehuda, born in Vilna in 1858 who, after having moved to Jerusalem, vowed to transform Hebrew into a modern language, spoken by the majority of people arriving (at the time, it was only used for prayer).In this period, the National Library was founded and today houses books, photographs, maps and pamphlets and even poems written in the revived Hebrew language(now known as ‘Ivrit’). Incidentally, Ben Yehuda not only wrote the first-ever Hebrew-English dictionary but realised his dream - today, it is the national language of the State of Israel and spoken by almost nine million people! Quite some achievement.Old fashioned farming in the Biblical Garden in Yad HaShmona, Israel.Photo byGeorg Arthur PfluegeronUnsplash8. Second Aliyah to PalestineThe Second Aliyah took place between 1904-1914 when approximately 35,000 immigrants arrived in Palestine. The vast majority were from Eastern Europe (many fleeing pogroms in Poland and Russia) but some were from Yemen. Many of them were pioneers who joined the ‘old yishuv’ i.e. traditional Jewish communities based in Jerusalem, Tiberias, Hebron and Safed and this brought with it considerable urban development (most notably in Tel Aviv, which was founded in 1910).Although a minority of them were ideologically committed, without a doubt they left their mark. They were committed to the establishment of ‘Hebrew settlements’ (run as co-operatives) and many eventually became involved in politics - including Ben Gurion and Beri Katznelson. The framework they created would, undoubtedly, set the groundwork for the establishment of the future state of Israel.9. British Mandate Period in PalestineOttoman rule came to an end after 400 years when the British arrived in town and established the Mandate. The period of their rule lasted from 1918-1948 (from the moment General Allenby walked through Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem’s Old City (becoming the first Christian in hundreds of years to control the city). The British Mandate was a critical period in Jewish history for a number of reasons, maybe one of the most important being that it set the scene for the “Balfour Declaration.” In essence, this was when Lord Balfour, Britain’s Foreign Minister, pledged his support for the establishment of a ‘Jewish national home in Palestine’.The house of Paula and David Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv, Israel.Photo credit: © Jenny EhrlichThough Israel would not be ‘born’ for some decades, this declaration had a major effect - Jewish migrants began arriving in earnest to Palestine and Jewish institutions began to take shape. However, as violent clashes between Arabs and Jews, unfortunately, became more common, support in England for the Mandate began to wane.Whilst the Mandate survived World War II, support for it was at an all-time low and after Jordan was given independence in 1948, Britain declared they would terminate their Mandate in Palestine on 14th May 1948. In that respect, they did accomplish one of their goals - hours earlier, the Israeli Declaration of Independence was issued. This leads us onto number 10…!10. The State of Israel is ProclaimedOn 14th May 1948, on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv, David Ben Gurion read out a proclamation, declaring the birth of the State of Israel. Today this building is a museum and is called the Hall of Independence. Just eleven minutes later, the USA would recognise his decree, soon followed by the USSR. Jews everywhere danced into the street, celebrating joyously, even though they understood that a war with the Arab world was almost inevitable. Although the British army had withdrawn their troops earlier that day, the State of Israel officially came into being at midnight on 14th May 1948, when the Mandate was officially terminated. And then began a whole new era, with the first-ever Jewish state established. Watch this space for Part Three, when we’ll look at some of the major historical events in Israel from 1948 to the present day.Independence Hall where is The Israeli Declaration of Independence was made on 14 May 1948, was the Tel Aviv Museum.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Mitzpe Ramon is a town in the Negev Desert of Southern Israel. Most visitors to the Holy Land pass Mitzpe Ramon on their way to the Dead Sea or stop briefly to see the town’s most important attraction – the Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon is located on the northern edge of the Ramon Crater, the largest erosion cirque in the world. In Hebrew “mitzpe” means lookout and the town of Mitzpe Ramon literally looks out across the Ramon Crater. It is a small isolated community, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Mitzpe attracts tourists that want to venture into the desert and artists who come to be inspired but the Negev’s dramatic landscape and endless starry skies.The Birth of Mitzpe RamonIn the early 1950s, a group of workers was sent to Southern Israel to construct Route 40, the country’s north-south intercity highway. The workers were accommodated at the Independence Camp established where Mitzpe Ramon stands today. A group of young families settled permanently in Mitzpe Ramon and established a cooperative agricultural settlement. In 1957 the government came up with a plan to develop the settlement, build homes and support employment by opening quarries, industrial plants, and tourist sites in the area. By 1961 the town had 370 residents and 180 homes were built to accommodate an influx of new immigrants from India, North Africa, and Holocaust survivors from Europe. It was not easy to live in the fledgling community with the harsh desert conditions, limited food supplies, hardly any amenities, and only prefabricated asbestos barracks for the new settlers.Conditions improved in the early 1970s and the town had a population of about 1,400 people. Mitzpe suffered a blow to the economy when the new Arava Road was constructed redirecting traffic on route to Eilat to bypass Mitzpe. When the Ramon Army Airbase was built nearby in the 1980s Mitzpe Ramon grew and by the end of the 1990s, the town’s population had swelled having absorbed arriving immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The original route 40 to Eilat is now considered the scenic route and brings travelers through Mitzpe Ramon once again.Why Visit Mitzpe RamonThe main reason to visit Mitzpe Ramon is as a base for exploring the Negev Desert and the Ramon Crater. The Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center is a good place to start. There are many opportunities for desert safaris, extreme sporting adventures in the Ramon Crater, cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. Visit nearby ancient ruins dating back 2,000 years, take a camel ride in the desert, or see the Ramon Crater from the Albert Promenade. Mitzpe Ramon and the surrounding desert are perfect for star-gazing thanks to the lack of city light pollution in the desert. There are star-gazing tours at night that leave from Mitzpe Ramon and 5km west of Mitzpe Ramon is the Wise Observatory overlooking the Ramon Crater. Mitzpe Ramon is home to several bed and breakfasts as well as hotels like the luxury Beresheet Mitzpe Ramon Isrotel where each room has views of the desert. You could even have a Bedouin experience and stay overnight in the desert.Mitzpe Ramon hosts festivals and musical events throughout the year. The Artist Quarter is home to creative artists who come to Mitzpe Ramon for the isolation, pristine surroundings, and to escape the rat race. Mitzpe Ramon has gained a reputation as a spa destination where people come to relax and recharge their batteries. You can enjoy spa treatments, or attend a yoga retreat or spiritual workshop in the desert. The town’s Spice Route Quarter is another magnet for people seeking positive energy and spiritual surroundings. See local animal life at Bio Ramon, home to 40 species from the Negev, or visit the nearby Alpaca Farm. Believe it or not, the Negev also has several excellent wineries where tours and tastings are available.

The Tower of David site consists of a medieval fortress which has been altered several times over the years. Although it is called “David’s” Tower it actually has no connection to King David. Roman historian Josephus Flavius mistakenly attributed the tower to Kind David when in fact it was originally the Tower of Phasael and dates back to the time of Herod. When Westerners arrived in the Holy Land seeking biblical sites they too interpreted the site as David’s palace.History of the CitadelAccording to archaeological findings and references in the Bible Hezekiah King of Judea expanded the fortifications of Jerusalem to include the hill to the west of Temple Mount in the late 8th century BC. In the 2nd century, BC fortifications were expanded further and in the 1st century AD, Herod added three towers to the fortifications of the northwestern corner of the western hill where the Citadel now stands.Herod’s towers were intended to protect the city and his palace on Mt. Zion. Herod called the towers Mariamne in honor of his second wife who had been executed and buried near the towers; Hippicus in honor of one of his friends and the tallest of the tower, Phasael, in memory of his deceased brother. Of the three towers, only the base of the Phasael Tower survived.After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Romans used the Citadel to house troops and in the 4th century, Christian monks inhabited the Citadel. It was during the Byzantine era that the Citadel was erroneously associated with David’s Palace which is mentioned in Samuel II. The Citadel was known as the Tower of David from that point on.The Mamluks built a citadel in 1310 on the remains of Herod’s earlier fortifications. The Ottomans expanded the citadel in the 16th century and it served as their garrison for 400 years. They added a mosque to the site and built a minaret in 1635-1655 on the remains of Herod’s Phasael Tower. This minaret (and the entire fortress complex) has become a symbol of the city.Under the British Mandate (1917-1948) the citadel was used as a cultural center and under Jordanian rule from 1948 to 1967 the citadel once again took on a military role. Following the Six-Day War in 1948 the citadel returned to Israel jurisdiction. The Tower of David Museum was opened in 1989.The Citadel MuseumThe Museum of the History of Jerusalem traces the major historical events that have taken place in Jerusalem over the 4,000 years from the second millennium BC to 1948 when the State of Israel was established. To appeal to all visitors the museum uses advanced digital technology, holograms, and activities.Visitors can walk along the citadel walls and in the courtyard where archaeological findings are on display. From the top of the tower, there are breathtaking panoramic views of the Old City, Mt. Scopus, and the Mount of Olives. The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and culture as well as special events, performances, and educational activities. In the evening there is a sound and light show entitled The Night Spectacular where Jerusalem’s story is told through projected images on the ancient stones, sound, music, and lights.

Alona Park is about 80km from Zikhron Ya’akov, west of Moshav Amikam, at the southern end of the Carmel Mountains. The park includes natural Mediterranean forest, open lawns, and Mei Kedem (Ancient Water), a unique archaeological site dating back 2,000 years. Here you can explore an underground tunnel that was part of a complex Roman water system. It brought fresh water from the Ein Tzabarin Springs to the port city of Caesarea, over a distance of 23km. Armed with a flashlight, visitors can wade through shallow water in the underground tunnel and learn about this Roman engineering marvel.History of Mei Kedem (Ancient Water System)In c.22BC-10BC BC, King Herod built a grand port city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, about half-way between Tel-Aviv and Haifa, and named it Caesarea Maritima. This magnificent city, with luxurious palaces, a huge amphitheater, and a man-made harbor needed a reliable water supply for its growing population. Herod's water system was a raised canal that brought water from the Shumi Springs on the southern side of Mount Carmel to Caesarea. Emperor Hadrian arrived in Caesarea in 130AD, and seeing that the water supply was no longer sufficient, he had repairs made and a second aqueduct constructed. This brought water from the Taninim River and comprised a 6km-long tunnel and aqueduct alongside the original aqueduct. For the next 1,200 years, these parallel aqueducts were used to supply water. By the 12th century, the aqueducts were beyond repair, and so the Crusaders built a third canal to replace the original two. There was a fourth water system built during the Byzantine era bringing water from the Maagan Michael Springs, north of Jiser-e-Zarka.The Engineering of Mei KedemHerod’s water system consisted of canals, clay pipes, aqueducts, and a 6km-long tunnel. The engineers had to overcome many obstacles in creating the water system. The various elevations of the terrain presented a problem. Roman engineers studied the local topography and used gravity to channel the flow of water. They began with a 6km-long tunnel dug horizontally into the hillside near the Ein Tzabarin Springs. Every 50m of so, shafts were dug into the ground. Then teams would dig through the solid rock from opposite ends until they met in the middle. Workmen used axes to hack through the rock. The engineers made calculations using measuring rods, ancient spirit levels, and other Roman tools. You can still see the niches in the rock where the Roman workmen placed their candles as they dug through the rock.What to See and Do at Park AlonaYou can have a unique adventure, walking through a 280m-long section of the Mei Kedem tunnel at Park Alona. Steps lead down into the underground tunnel, which is narrow enough for an adult to touch both sides. Visitors walking through the tunnel are surrounded by the thick stone walls and the water can be 40-70cm deep. Although there is dim lighting, it is recommended to bring a flashlight. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Alongside the water tunnel is a small museum where you can learn about the tunnel’s history from the Romans, to the Byzantine-era.

HaMizgaga Museum is a hidden gem, with a fascinating collection of nautical and regional archaeological finds. The exhibits are housed in a former glass factory in the heart of Kibbutz Nachsholim. The kibbutz is on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, about 20km south of Haifa. Most of the museum exhibits were discovered just a short walk away, at the Tel-Dor archaeological mound and in the seabed just offshore. Today the Nachsholim coast is a sleepy stretch of sandy beaches and rock pools frequented by families, but for thousands of years it was a hub of maritime activity.The Former Glass Factory at Kibbutz NachsholimThe museum is in a two-story stone building that once housed a wine-bottle factory opened by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild in 1891. For a time, the factory was managed by Meir Dizengoff, who would become Tel-Aviv’s first mayor. The local sand was found unsuitable for glassmaking, and the factory faced other challenges that made it unprofitable. It closed just five years after opening and the building was abandoned. Then in 1980, members of the kibbutz began restoring the structure. Nearby at Tel Dor, excavations took place that uncovering a wealth of archaeological treasures. The abandoned bottle factory became a perfect venue to display finds from Tel Dor, archaeological artifacts recovered from the regional waters and local glass art.What to See at the Museum of Archaeology and Glass NachsholimThe museum building is an attraction in itself, and most of the architecture has been restored and preserved. The exhibits include artifacts discovered at the Tel Dor archaeological mound, just 500m from the museum. Over the course of 3,000 years, Tel Dor was settled by Canaanites, Israelites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. See the treasures from these diverse cultures that used this stretch of coast as a gateway to the Middle East. Also on display are archaeological remnants from ancient shipwrecks offshore. Thousands of years ago, this stretch of coast had busy shipping routes, with the Roman port of Caesarea just a few kilometers south. The nearby coast has seen many vessels crashed and torn apart, leaving treasures on the rocky seabed. Besides archaeological artifacts, the museum displays local glass artwork. During school vacations and national holidays, the museum provides family activities and glass-blowing demonstrations. Next to the museum is an ancient burial cave that has recently opened to the public.

Turkish Hammam, AcreVisitors to Acre’s Old City can tour the incredible Turkish bathhouse, Pasha’s Hammam. The 18th-century bathhouse was once an important part of city life. The hammam was where men met, discussed business, and talked about the issues of the day. Today the traditional bathhouse is fully restored to its former glory, complete with a domed roof and marble floors. It no longer offers steam baths and massages but has been turned into an experiential museum. Visitors are swept back in time with the help of music, an entertaining audio guide, and sculptured characters that are brought to life with special lighting.History of the Acre Turkish HammamThe Ottoman governor of Acre, Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar built the bathhouse in 1781. Hama al-Jadid (New Hammam) came to be known as Hammam al-Basha (the Pasha’s Hammam) in honor of Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar. The Ottoman governor may even have had a hand in designing the bathhouse. Its construction was part of Acre’s transformation from a small fishing village to a busy port city. Hammam al-Basha was built on the remains of an earlier bathhouse and was the largest Hammam in the country. The hammam was one of two Acre bathhouses where local men gathered regularly to meet and relax. In 1918 the Ottomans were forced out of Palestine by the British, but the bathhouse continued to function until 1947.During the British Mandate of Palestine, the Acre citadel was used as a prison for members of the Jewish underground. In a 1947 prison break, the Jewish resistance blew up the southern wall of the citadel, which was right above the bathhouse. This caused so much damage to the bathhouse that it had to close. It was only in 1954 that the bathhouse became a municipal folklore museum. In the 1990s, the municipality made new plans and began restoring the bathhouse to replicate the bathing experience in Ottoman Acre.Features of the Acre HammamThe hammam has several sections, starting with the entrance courtyard and summer dressing room where visitors would change their clothes into bathing robes and sandals. Then they would go to one of the four middle rooms for various treatments such as massages and skin treatments. Next is the hot room, or steam room, at the heart of the hammam. Here visitors could use a heated pool and steam bath. They could also have treatments here, such as scrubbing, soaping, and massages. There are small cubical rooms around the steam room where visitors could have private treatments.Acre Bathhouse–An Experiential MuseumAt the Acre Bathhouse, you can experience what it would have been like as a functioning bathhouse over 200 years ago. Visitors get an audio guide (available in 8 languages) to listen to as they walk through the hammam. The soundtrack features five generations of fictitious bath attendants telling their stories about the hammam. Visitors can listen to the characters talking about the latest gossip in the hammam and the history of Acre during the Ottoman era. The stories on the audio guide include historical facts so you learn about Ottoman Acre while being entertained. There are static sculptured characters in each room of the hammam, each illustrating a typical activity that took place in the bathhouse. Together with the soundtrack and sculptured figures, there is atmospheric music and lighting. As the audio guide leads you through each section of the hammam, you can virtually experience what it would have been like all those years ago.

On Old Acre’s busy market street is a tiny 18th-century synagogue, named after Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Lotsato). The scholarly Rabbi spent three years of his life in Acre, where he would pray and lead the congregation at this small place of worship. The Ramchal’s Synagogue (also called Ohel Haim) has some fascinating features and is an important part of Acre’s Jewish heritage.Who was Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto?RaMCHaL is a Hebrew acronym for Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, a well-known 18th-century Italian Kabbalist, philosopher, writer, and poet. The Ramchal was born in Venice in 1707, where he had a Jewish and secular education. From a young age, he was interested in mysticism, religious lore, art and science. He was a brilliant scholar, but he became a controversial figure after claiming to have had a visitation from an angel. The Rabbi began teaching “Divine Lessons” he had received from the angel. Local Rabbi’s viewed him as a dangerous heretic and eventually he was forced to leave Italy. The Ramchal lived in Amsterdam from 1735 to 1743, where he continued to be a prolific and controversial writer. He wrote plays, poetry, religious commentaries, and books on Jewish law and ethics. The Ramchal wrote 71 books including his best-known works, Messilat Yesharim (The Path of Just) and Derekh Hashem (The Way of God). In 1743 he traveled to the Holy Land and settled in Acre. Three years after arriving in Acre the Rabbi and his family died of the plague. The synagogue where he attended services, was named in his honor – Ohel Chaim.Another tradition holds that the synagogue was named after Chaim Farchi. Farchi was the synagogue’s benefactor, advisor to the Turkish Sultan, and worked with the Turks to prevent Napoleon’s invasion of Acre in 1799. Close to the synagogue is Chaim Parchi’s Home, where you can learn more about this influential Jew from Damascus.History of the Acre Ramchal SynagogueDuring the 16th to 18th century, there were two synagogues in Acre, the smaller Achav Synagogue, and the larger, more elegant Ramchal Synagogue. In 1758 the Bedouin ruler Zahir el-Omar destroyed the larger synagogue and had the el-Mualek Mosque built in its place. As compensation, Zahir el-Omar gave the Jews a smaller building along the market street. The Rabbi would have attended services in the original Ramchal Synagogue named in his honor, but it is the newer small synagogue that now bears his name. In recent years the Ramchal Synagogue has been renovated and restored.Architectural Features of the Ramchal Synagogue in Acre’s Old CityThe synagogue has a simple interior with stone ceiling arches that frame the space. The most interesting feature of this synagogue is a deep pit in the floor. According to tradition, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto would go down into this hole to read the day’s Torah portion. The Rabbi was inspired by the Torah verse “Out of the depths have I called Thee, O Lord.” Another unusual feature of the Ramchal Synagogue is that it does not have a women’s section. Synagogues usually have a designated area, separate from the men’s area, where women can pray. At the Ramchal Synagogue, women would stand on the street and listen to the services through a window. Hanging on the synagogue wall is an old piece of parchment paper with three columns of text, taken from a Torah scroll written by the Ramchal. The small synagogue is not the most beautiful synagogue you will ever see, but it holds a rich history and deep significance for Acre’s Jewish heritage.

As you approach the Old City of Acre, the first thing you see is the Al-Jazzar Mosque’s slender green and white minaret rising above the city’s stone walls. This magnificent structure is Israel’s largest mosque outside of Jerusalem. The Acre mosque is also known as the White Mosque, the Great Mosque of Lights, and the Pasha’s Mosque after the Ottoman governor Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar, who was responsible for the construction.Building the Al-Jazzar MosqueConstruction of the mosque began in 1781AD and they completed it within the year. The Turks built on the ruins of a Crusader church and kept the church’s large barrel-vaulted cisterns that lie beneath the mosque. Al-Jazzar took an active role in designing the mosque, although he had no architectural training. The mosque complex originally included a place for Islamic studies and accommodation for the students; a public library and an Islamic court. Al-Jazzar wanted the mosque to be much more than a place of worship.Who was Al-Jazzar?Al-Jazzar was born in Ottoman-ruled Bosnia sometime between 1720 and 1730. He moved to Constantinople (Istanbul) where he worked for a while before traveling to Egypt. He began his military career and made a rapid rise in the Mamluk ranks. As an important military leader, he was sent to defend Lebanon. He helped defeat the Bedouin ruler Zahir al-Umar al-Zaydani and was made governor of Sidon, an area from Egypt to Lebanon. Al-Jazzar made Acre his capital and transformed the former Crusader city with many new buildings, including the grand mosque. He was a ruthless and often cruel leader, earning the name al-Jazzar–the butcher. Despite his excessive cruelty, he made lasting improvements to Acre and even successfully defended the city against Napoleon in 1799. Al-Jazzar defeated his enemies one by one, consolidating his power and gaining prestige throughout the Ottoman Empire. The powerful leader died from malaria in 1804 and is buried along with his adoptive son and successor, Suleiman Pasha, in the mosque courtyard.What to See at the Al-Jazzar MosqueAl-Jazzar Mosque took its inspiration from the mosques of Constantinople, specifically the Hagia Sofia. The design is predominantly Ottoman in style but includes elements of Byzantine and Persian architecture. Al-Jazzar mosque looks like something out of Aladdin! Stairs lead up to a walled courtyard where there are Roman columns “borrowed” from Caesarea, and palm trees surround the mosque building. Outside the courtyard entrance is an Ottoman Rococo-style kiosk (sabil) with a green dome. The kiosk would dispense water to residents. The mosque building has green domes and a green-capped minaret set against white walls with colorful inlaid marble decoration around the entrance. Inside the mosque is just as impressive with a high ceiling, marble minbar, and mihrab. Delicate Arabic calligraphy adorns blue and green tiles on the walls. A glass cabinet holds the Sha’r an-Nabi (lock of hair) which is said to be from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Dormition Abbey (or Basilica of the Assumption) is one of Jerusalem’s most impressive churches. It stands on Mount Zion, the highest point in ancient Jerusalem. The Dormition Abbey is built on the site where Mary, mother of Jesus, fell into an eternal sleep and was assumed into heaven, body, and soul. Two places claim to be the site where Mary died–Ephesus, in present-day Turkey, and Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where the Dormition Church now stands. The massive Benedictine abbey has a distinct shape and unique architectural elements, unlike any other Jerusalem church.History of the Dormition Abbey, JerusalemIn the 5th century, the Hagia Sion Cathedral stood on the site where the Dormition Abbey now stands, but it was destroyed in the Persian invasion of 614AD. In the 12th century, a monastic order built the Sant Maria in Monte Sion Church on the remains of the Byzantine church. The Crusader church was destroyed in the 13th century and the land was unused for about 500 years.In 1898 the German Emperor William II visited the Holy Land and bought the land from the ruling Ottoman sultan for 120,000 German Goldmark. The Emperor gave the land to the German Association for the Holy Land to build an imposing, fortress-like church that would reinforce Germany’s place in the Holy Land. The Dormition Abbey was completed in 1910. The abbey was damaged during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948 and again in the 1967 Six-Day War.The Unique Features of the Dormition AbbeyThe huge Roman Catholic Benedictine abbey measures 34-meters high and has two levels. There is a crypt and Marian shrine on the lower level and a high altar and monastic choir on the upper level. The upper level has large windows and walls covered with mosaics depicting scenes from Christian and Benedictine history. The most impressive mosaic is above the main altar and shows Mary with baby Jesus. There is also a large circular floor mosaic in the upper church, dating back to 1932. The lower level has a central rotunda where a life-size wood and ivory statue of Mary lies sleeping on a simple bier. Mosaics featuring six Old Testament women adorn the dome above Mary. The fortress-like church has a round central building with four round towers at each “corner” and a free-standing bell tower. Topping the church is a cone-shaped lead-covered dome, unlike other churches of Jerusalem that have a round dome or spire. The architect blended the neo-Romanesque style of European churches with the white and red stones used in Mameluke architecture. The church has two organs that are used in services and liturgical music concerts. If you get the opportunity, join the Benedictine monks for a prayer service where Gregorian chants accompany the chilling organ music that resonates in this historic stone church.

Me’a She’arim Ultra-Orthodox NeighborhoodIsrael is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and sects, including the ultra-orthodox Jews (Haredi) of the Me’a She’arim neighborhood. This unique community lives according to traditional Jewish laws as their ancestors did in Eastern European villages a hundred years ago. Me’a She’arim (literally a hundred gates, contextually “hundredfold”) gets its name from a Biblical passage. The narrow streets of Me’a She’arim are fascinating, but the most interesting thing about the neighborhood is undoubtedly the people.History of Me’a She’arimIn 1874, a group of like-minded Hasidim (a sub-group within the Haredi community) pooled their resources to buy land outside the Old City walls. They asked architect Conrad Schick to design a closed neighborhood. He planned attached courtyard homes and a wall that encloses the community. There were only two entrances to the neighborhood and these were locked at night. The Haredim wanted a sense of security and a place to live according to their beliefs, undisturbed by the outside world. As Rabbinical leaders settled here, their followers joined them. Time has stood still in Me’a She’arim. It has been an exclusively ultra-orthodox neighborhood for almost 150 years.Who are the Haredim?The Haredim community came about in the 1700s-1800s when emancipation and assimilation into the gentile world posed a threat to traditional Jewish life in Europe. The Hasidic spiritual revival movement of the 18th century sought to live according to strict religious laws, taken from the Bible and sacred writings. These laws go into minute detail covering every aspect of life from how to dress, and what to eat, to how to behave, and what to study. There are many groups of Haredi Jews, each loyal to a Rabbi that acts as a spiritual leader. Men often study Torah full-time while the women work and provide the household income. The ultra-Orthodox prefer to associate with members of their community and try to avoid being influenced by the outside world. They avoid the Internet and secular media. Hasidic Jews prefer to speak Yiddish, as they believe Hebrew should only be used for religious purposes.Interesting Things to See in Me’a She’arimThe streets of Me’a She’arim have traditional bakeries; Judaica stores; clothing stores selling only modest items; book stores selling only religious books and food stores where all products are strictly kosher. There are many synagogues, some no bigger than a small room, and street charity boxes for the needy. One of the most distinctive features of the Me’a She’arim neighborhood is the way residents dress. The different Haredi traditions each have a distinct style of clothing. But the standard mode of dress for Haredi men is a black suit and a white shirt, with a head covering, (a black Fedora, Homburg hat, Shtreimel, or skullcap). Haredi women wear dark loose-fitting dresses or skirts, with long sleeves and high necklines, as well as stockings in all weather. Married women wear either a wig or head covering, and sometimes even both. On the walls of Me’a She’arim are signs asking visitors to dress modestly when passing through-closed blouse, with long sleeves, long skirt, no trousers, and no tight-fitting clothes. In Me’a She’arim there is no driving, no smoking, no use of mobile phones, and no use of electricity on Shabbat and religious holidays.Visiting Me’a She’arimVisits to Me’a She’arim must be in small groups to avoid disrupting the unique way of life. The residents are not keen on non-members of their close-knit community entering their enclave. When visiting, it is important to dress modestly, males and females should not touch in public, and you should refrain from using your phone. That said, a visit to Me’a She’arim should not be missed and offers a glimpse into the world of ultra-orthodox Jewish life.

Israel has some incredible museums; among them is the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The museum's focus is on modern and contemporary art and holds Old Masters (16th-19th centuries). In addition, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art has one of the world’s largest Israeli art collections. The museum is spread through three venues – the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion; the Main Building and the adjacent Herta and Paul Amir Building.The newest wing of the museum was opened in 2011 alongside of the museum’s main building. It houses the Israeli Architecture Archives and exhibitions of photography and visual arts. The building covers 5.6km² spread over five floors. The museum building was the creation of Preston Scott Cohen.In addition, there is a youth wing; a Sculpture Garden, and Art Education Center. The museum holds collections of classic and contemporary art with a focus on Israeli art. If you are looking for things to do in Tel Aviv, then this Tel Aviv museum offers unbeatable value for money. The entrance is reasonable and all visitors under 18 years old enter for free.Herta and Paul Amir BuildingThe Herta and Paul Amir Building has become a modern landmark in the city. The dramatic architecture includes 2 floors above ground and 3 below ground all spiraling around a central atrium. Each gallery is built on different axes stacked one above the other. The galleries overlook the 26-meter high atrium through long windows in angular walls. Natural light floods in through the atrium skylight. The building has a triangular shape with rectangular galleries. The exterior has tessellated concrete walls with multiple angles and windows matching the rectangular and triangular panels.Tel Aviv Museum of Art holds Diverse Art Genres and MediumThe museum’s art collection has pieces representing many of the dominant modern art movements by leading artists. See work from French art movements; Impressionism; Post-Impressionism; German Expressionism; Futurism; Fauvism; Russian Constructivism and Surrealism movements. In addition, there are works by the greatest artists of the early 20th century. In addition to paintings, you can see sculptures, prints, drawings, architecture, photography, installations, and visual arts.Tel Aviv Museum of Art displays works by Leading ArtistsAmong the prominent artists included in the museum collection, there are the pieces by Picasso; Chaim Soutine; Joan Miro, and Roy Lichtenstein who’s created a mural specifically for the museum entrance. The museum holds works by Friedericke Maria Beer; Gustav Klimt and Kandinsky. You can see works by Pollock, Andre Masson, Richard Pousette-Dart; Yves Tanguy, and Roberto Matta. The museum also holds work by van Gogh, Marc Chagall, Pissarro, Reuven Rubin, and Anselm Kiefer. Among the outstanding Israeli works, there are pieces by Nahum Gutman; Itzhak Danziger; Aviva Uri; Moshe Gershuni and Michal Na’aman.Visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art for its Impressive GalleriesIn 2011 the Amir Building was added adjacent to the main museum building. The building holds an Israeli Architectural Archive and galleries focused on visual arts and photography. The innovative museum building was designed by leading architect Preston Scott Cohen and features 1718 m² of gallery space on five floors.Permanent and Temporary ExhibitsIn addition to the permanent collection on display, the museum features temporary exhibits by well-known artists and group shows. It is also a popular venue for special events like screenings, shows, and festivals.Practical Information:Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Sat 10 am-6 pm; Tues, Thurs 10 am-9 pm; Fri 10 am-2 pm and Sunday the museum is closed. Information: 03 6077020.Admission: Adults 50ILS; Tel Aviv residents 40ILS; students 40ILS; children under 18yrs free; seniors 25ILS. Children under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult and one adult can be responsible for up to three children.

The Israeli Supreme Court Building is one of the landmarks worth seeing in Jerusalem’s new city. It stands in Jerusalem’s Givat Ram governmental precinct, near to the Knesset (Israeli parliament building). For forty-four years the Supreme Court was in Jerusalem’s Russian Compound. Construction of the new Supreme Court building began in the 1980s and was funded by the Jewish philanthropist, Dorothy de Rothschild. Architects Ada Karmi-Melamede and Ram Karmi designed the courthouse, which is packed with symbolism and architectural themes. The new Supreme Court building opened in 1992. It houses the highest judicial authority in Israel. Judgments made by the Supreme Court are binding on all lower courts and all people and institutions in the country. There are 15 judges and a panel of three Justices usually sit for each case. The Supreme Court acts as a constitutional court and a court of appeals.Israeli Supreme Court BuildingThe Supreme Court building is loved by some and hated by others! The courthouse has three main buildings: a rectangular administrative wing where the judges’ chambers surround a cloistered courtyard; a building with five courtrooms, each extending out of the main hall and a square library building with a round courtyard and pyramid-shaped antechamber or “gatehouse.” The blend of architectural styles gives a nod to several periods in Jerusalem’s history. For example, the copper-clad pyramid roof of the entrance was inspired by the pyramid-shaped roof of the Tomb of Zechariah in the Kidron Valley. Visitors entering the court pass a wall of unhewn stone reminiscent of the buildings of ancient Jerusalem. A curved panoramic window lets in natural light and offers views of the city, including one of the oldest neighborhoods, Nachla’ot. The many windows and glass walls let in natural light, but also symbolize enlightenment and transparency. The Supreme Court building has a mix of contrasts–light and shade, narrow and wide, round and square, open spaces and closed.Supreme Court MuseumThe Supreme Court Museum presents the history of the Israeli judicial system. It covers the judiciary system in Israel under Ottoman rule, the British Mandate, and the State of Israel. The museum looks at the legal system and changing society during these historic periods. The museum also covers precedent-setting judgments since the establishment of the State of Israel. There are sections on human rights judgments, judicial disputes, and the law system. A video presentation explains the inner workings of the Israeli justice system. Of special interest is the reference to the unique character of the State of Israel as both a Jewish state and a democracy.