Tours from Jerusalem usually concentrate on Old Jerusalem within the Old City walls. However the Holy Land’s top destination also has a “New” City. If you look at a Jerusalem map you will see that the new, more recently built part of Jerusalem takes up a much larger area than the Old City. It follows that there is a lot to see in the New City of Jerusalem. Here are a few highlights of attractions in new Jerusalem, outside of the Old City walls.Snow in Jerusalem.Photo byShalev CohenonUnsplashYad Vashem Holocaust MuseumThis world-class museum is spread over a large complex on Mount Herzl. The museum holds thousands of authentic Holocaust artifacts, historic documents, photographs, and filmed testimonials by Holocaust survivors. On the grounds are memorials honoring the children who lost their lives in the Holocaust. There is also a part of the complex dedicated to gentiles who helped save Jewish lives during the Holocaust.Hall of Names at Yad Vashem. Photo bySnowscatonUnsplashChagall Windows In a small chapel (Abbell Synagogue) in the Hadassah University Medical Center, there are twelve stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. Chagall gifted the windows to the Jewish people in the 1960s. The twelve stained glass windows were inspired by the Bible and particularly Jacob’s blessings to his 12 sons. The images in the stained glass depict scenes from Jewish history, Chagall’s love for the Jewish people, and the artist’s own personal experiences living in a Russian shtetl.Givat Ram, Jerusalem.Photo byFedaa MassarweonUnsplashKnessetThe Israeli parliament or Knesset is situated in the Givat Ram neighborhood of western Jerusalem. The present building was completed in 1966 and it is possible to arrange tours of the building or view it from the outside. Highlights of the Knesset tour include seeing the original copy of the Declaration of Independence. You will see the Knesset Committee Rooms, the Chagall Hall featuring art by Marc Chagall, and the Plenary Chamber. There are 12 stunning floor mosaics and three tapestries by Chagall. The one-hour tours are held daily with a focus on photography and art; architecture and the parliamentary function of the Knesset.The Knesset, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byRafael NironUnsplashMahane Yehuda MarketAt the bustling Jerusalem Mahane Yehuda Market, you can get everything plus the kitchen sink! The market offers stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables, household items, freshly baked goods, spices, nuts, pickles, arts and crafts. In addition, the market is home to several renowned eateries. There are cooking and tasting tours of the market or you can explore independently.On the way to Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem.Photo byLaura SiegalonUnsplashIsrael MuseumIsrael’s national museum houses extensive collections covering a wide range of fields. Specifically, the museum archaeology and art collections as well as the collection of Jewish cultural items and art are outstanding. The Israel Museum complex includes a children’s wing, sculpture garden a scale model of Second Temple era Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book. The white dome-shaped Shrine of the Book houses the Dead Sea Scrolls.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Israel during Purim you will enjoy the festive atmosphere, parties, fancy dress and parades. Purim is perhaps the most joyous Jewish holiday. Purim in Israel occurs in March or April – the date changes each year as it is determined by the Hebrew lunar calendar and not the Gregorian calendar. Although Purim is a Jewish holiday it is not observed like a Shabbat in Israel and businesses and attractions have regular open hours. Purim is a normal working day in Israel although it is a school holiday. Purim in Israel is celebrated by secular and religious Jews alike.What is Purim?Purim Purim celebrates an event in Jewish history which is told in the Biblical Book of Esther. In about 357 BC the king of Persia, Ahasuerus scoured the land for the most beautiful women to make his wife. The woman chosen was Esther, cousin and ward of Mordechai. Esther was forced to marry the king but she hid the fact that she was Jewish. Shortly afterwards Mordechai heard of a plot to assassinate the king and he had it reported and stopped.Meanwhile the villain of this story, Haman was appointed Prime Minister and he undertook to get rid of all the Jews. He had them draw “lots” (Pur in Hebrew, hence the name of the holiday) to decide the day of their annihilation. Hearing of Haman’s plansMordechai sent a message to Esther asking her to appeal to the king for mercy for the Jewish people.That night the king could not sleep and so he sat up reading from the Royal Chronicles. Here he read of the time Mordechai saved him from an assassination attempt. In the meantime Haman had decided to haveMordechai hung for not bowing before him. So Haman had gallows erected and went to the king to ask permission to hang Mordechai. The king asked Haman how such a loyal man should be honored. Haman, thinking the king was referring to him said the man should be dressed in fine clothes and led on horseback through the streets. The king ordered Haman to give Mordachai this honor. Although furious Haman had no choice but to follow the king’s orders.How is Purim Celebrated in Israel?Next Ester appealed to the king, told him of Haman’s plan and asked for mercy on her nation. The king ordered Haman hung from the gallows that had been built for Mordechai and Mordechai was made Prime Minister. Although the king’s decree could not be rescinded he gave the Jews permission to defend themselves. The Jews killed their enemies on the 14th of Adar and on the 15th they rested and celebrated. A holiday was established in memory of this historic victory.The religious community fasts on the day before Purim. At the end of the fast, after nightfall Jews gather in synagogues to hear the reading of the Book of Ester. After synagogue and the following day there are celebrations, parties and parades. The parades take place in almost all Israeli cities and are often before the actual day of Purim or a few days later, depending on the weather and day of the week.Purim Traditions in Israel Purim Foods- Hamantaschen (also called oznei Haman or the ears of Haman in Hebrew) are triangular cookies filled with poppy seeds, jam or chocolate. In Israel you will see these delicious cookies on sale at every bakery and supermarket.Gift Giving- It is traditional to give food hampers (mishloach manot) to friends, family and those less privileged than ourselves. These hampers usually hold wine, cookies, chocolate, nuts and other goodies.Fancy Dress- Kids and adults in Israel dress up in fancy dress during Purim. There are Purim fancy dress parties in bars, pubs, night clubs and private venues. The symbolism of the costumes is to show that God was behind the Purim miracle but his involvement was masked.Getting Drunk- Believe it or not it is even a Purim tradition to get drunk! This originates from a passage in the Talmud which states:” A person is obligated to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between “cursed by Haman” and “blessed by Mordechai.” So it is a “mitzvah” or good deed when you drink too much during Purim!Things to See and Do in Israel during PurimThere are many special events in Israel during Purim. Purim is one of the most exciting holidays for nightclub. There are many fancy dress parties held in top nightclubs across the country. The main attraction during Purim is the Adloyada or Purim Parade. Parades are held in most cities but the most famous Purim parade takes place in Holon, a short drive from Tel Aviv. The parades include parade floats, costumed performers, dancing and music. Be’er Sheva also holds a great Purim event in the streets of the Old City.Purim in Tel AvivThe main Purim event in Tel Aviv is a street party held in Kikar HaMedina. It is a huge event with live musical performances, market stalls, dancing , singing and great food. Tel Aviv is also the site of the Purim Zombie Walk. Locals (and visitor) dress up as zombies and walk through the streets starting on the corner of Ben-Zion Blvd and King George Street.Purim in JerusalemPurim is celebrated a day early in Jerusalem and other “walled” cities but the celebrations continue throughout the Purim week. To enjoy Purim in Jerusalem head for Safra Square for family-friendly events like circus acts, a costume competition and arts and crafts workshops. There will be performances by top Israeli musicians and TV stars. In Jerusalem’s Sacher Park there will be a fun event with food stalls, music and live shows from 10am. Special Purim events are held at a number of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv museums including the Israel Museum, Bloomfield Science Museum and the Tower of David Museum. Although most of the Purim parties have yet to be announced you will probably find Purim fun at Jerusalem’s Nachalot Street Party. This street party is on Nisim Bachar Street, Jerusalem and entrance is free.

If you have a layover in Ben Gurion Airport and your connecting flight leaves in less than 4 hours then it is probably best to stay in the airport and make the most of the facilities that Ben Gurion offers. If you have more than 4 hours then you could possibly venture out of the airport and visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and even the Dead Sea.Ben Gurion has two terminals – Terminal 3 for international flights and Terminal 1 for domestic and low-cost international flights. When calculating how much time you have remembered that Israel has stricter security than other countries and you may need to get to the airport 2-3 hours before your connecting flight takes off.Staying in the Airport during Your LayoverIf you have no choice but to stay in the airport between flights then you will find that Ben Gurion has all the expected airport facilities like a first aid station, ATMs, a police service, synagogue, pharmacy, baby changing facilities, smoking areas and currency exchange. You will also find shops and restaurants.InternetThere is free WiFi in all of Ben Gurion’s passenger halls so it shouldn’t be a problem for you to connect up and spend your waiting time online. If you have any problems connecting try calling Netvision, the service provider at Ben Gurion on 1-800-013-013. There are free recharging stations throughout the airport including domestic and international departure halls.SleepingUnfortunately, there is no sleeping area or hotel within the terminals; it is also a busy airport so you may have trouble finding a quiet place to have a nap. Try going to the departure hall near the food court where there are benches and you may be able to get some shut eye. If you don’t mind the noise the food court is also a good place to sleep.PlayingIf traveling with kids you’ll find play areas in each of the long passages leading off from the Departure Hall.VIP LoungesThe Dan Hotel chain operates the Arbel (T3) and Masada (T1) VIP Lounges in the airport. Use of their services must be pre-arranged and requires a fee. The lounges are used by both arriving and departing passengers. As part of their service, you would be picked up on arrival at Ben Gurion and taken in a special VIP shuttle to the lounge.Massada LoungeAt this luxurious lounge, travelers can get VIP treatment including all their passport, customs, security and VAT refund services. In addition, you can go here on a layover and simply relax. Available (and included in the fee) are light meals beverages and resting areas. You will even get special transportation to your connecting flight when it is time to leave. This service needs to be pre-booked and requires a fee. For more information contact your airline or ground handling company or the Dan Lounges at Ben Gurion. You can call the lounge at 03-9712266. Note that even economy class passengers can buy a special pass to use the Dan VIP lounges; just go to one of the lounges and ask or book 24 hours ahead online for about 150 ILS.Passengers traveling in business or first class on El Al can make use of the EL AL passenger lounge in the departure hall duty-free area. For more information call 03-977111.Feedback StationsIf you have had a particularly bad (or good) experience at Ben Gurion then you might want to leave some feedback at one of the computerized feedback stations which are in all the terminal halls.Leaving Ben Gurion during Your LayoverIf you are from a country like America, Canada or the UK where you don’t need a visa to visit Israel then you will have no problem leaving the airport for a short layover tour. Check with your embassy whether you would need to make any special visa arrangements in order to leave Ben Gurion airport during your layover. And don’t worry about having an Israeli stamp in your passport as records are now kept electronically and you will instead get a piece of paper with the entrance stamp. Keep the piece of paper in your passport until you leave, after which you can throw it away.In the Greeters Hall on Level G next to the employee passage you will find a desk responsible for issuance of special entry permits. They are open Sunday to Thursday 8:30 am-1:30pm and Friday and holiday eves 9 am-1 pm. To contact them by phone you can call 03-9752265.If you have questions about how to spend your time in Israel you could go to the Ministry of Tourism Information Desk in the Arrival Hall. The staff here will provide you with maps and information. You can also contact them on 03-9754260.If you have luggage which is not checked-in to go directly to your final destination then you can leave it at the Baggage Storage Facility which is open Sunday to Thursday 8 am-7:45 pm; Friday 8 am 2:45 pm and Saturday from 8pm until midnight. The Storage Room is located in the west (kerem) short-term car park called “Orchard Parking” on the ground floor (Level G). The storage facilities may change so call for more information to 03-9754436. The service is free of charge.Getting Out of Ben GurionBen Gurion is located in the middle of the country about 40 km (35-50min) from Jerusalem and 15km (20-40min) from Tel Aviv. If arriving on Friday evening or Saturday your transport options will be limited as public buses and trains have limited or no service on Sabbath. However, you still have rental cars and taxis.Taking a Taxi from Ben GurionThe official taxi dispatcher post is located in front of Terminal 3 on Level G near the Gate 1 exit. There is also a desk in the Meeters and Greeters Hall near Gate 3 next to the Information Desk where you can verify the correct taxi fare to a particular location. At the desk staff will write down for you the correct fare and with this, you can approach the taxi dispatcher post. However generally you have nothing to worry about when taking a taxi from the official taxi dispatcher post as all the taxis and taxi drivers are authorized.Buses from Ben Gurion AirportTake Egged line 5 or Veolia line 239 from Level 2 of Terminal 3 and from Terminal 1 to the El Al Junction where you can catch a bus to many cities in the country including Jerusalem. Unless you have a long layover it is not recommended to try seeing the country by public bus with limited time. Rather take a train, taxi or organized tour.Trains from Ben GurionThe airport train station is on the lower level of Terminal 3 but there is a free airport shuttle connecting Terminal 1 and 3. Trains operate to Tel Aviv throughout the day and night but with more regular departures during peak travel hours (there are trains every 30-60 minutes depending on the time of day) and reduced service on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Trains to Jerusalem take about 2 hours and operate between about 6 am and 7 pm. This is not recommended if you have limited time.Organized Private Layover ToursPerhaps the most convenient and time efficient use of your layover in Ben Gurion is to take an organized daily tours. Tours can be arranged which pick you up at the airport; take you to the landmarks which most interest you and then return you in time to check-in to your connecting flight. There are private one day tours to Jerusalem; Bethlehem; Dead Sea; Masada; Nazareth; Haifa; Acre; Sea of Galilee and Caesarea as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations like the caves of Beit Gurvrin and dessert safaris. As it is a private tour you can tailor make the tour to suit how much time you have on your layover, your personal interests and the people traveling with you.

Israel boasts more than a dozen botanical gardens.Here is a selection of just a few of the amazing botanical and regular gardens in Israel which welcome visitors year-round to enjoy the rich flora of the country.Bright flowers in a botanical garden. Photo byPaul StreltsovonUnsplashUniversity of Tel Aviv Botanical Gardens, Tel AvivThe Yehuda Naftali Botanic Garden is perhaps the most “casual” of the botanical gardens listed here. It is situated in the heart of the university campus in Tel Aviv. An almost missable sign sends you down a path to the garden entrance where you are free to wander in and explore the gardens. The gardens cover almost 8.5 acres and include 3,800 species most of which are native plants as well as plants from neighboring nations and an international collection.Although there are a few signs indicating various routes it is a rather overgrown garden that seems to be left to its own devices. When you look closely you will discover many plant species, unpaved paths through the vegetation, over small bridges, and past picturesque ponds. There is an impressive cactus collection and two indoor areas holding more climate-sensitive plants and trees. You’ll see tropical plants, woodland plants, plants used by humans, medicinal plants, herbs, palms, and succulents.Mount Scopus Botanical Garden, JerusalemThe Mount Scopus Botanical Garden covers 6 acres just behind the Jerusalem Hebrew University campus. The gardens hold sections representing each of the Israeli plant communities like the Mediterranean and desert grasslands to the arid Arava desert plants and plants of the coastal dunes. In all, there are more than 40% of all Israel’s wild plant species.These authentic plant species are preserved in their natural habitats. The gardens are also home to many animals. The gardens hold ancient Second Temple era burial tombs and more recently the tombs of Menachem Ussishkin and Yehuda Leib Pinsker, two prominent Zionist leaders.Jerusalem overview from Mt. Scopus. Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Botanical Gardens, JerusalemOn the other side of Jerusalem is the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens on the Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus this botanical garden holds plants from across the world including sections dedicated to the north and South American flora, the Mediterranean, Southern Africa, Europe, and Australia. There is a lake at the heart of the gardens and a café and Visitor Center. There is a bonsai section that holds 150 bonsai trees.The garden holds a living gene bank of endangered plant species. There is a biblical path that visitors can follow with an audio guide and see up to 70 species of plants mentioned in the Bible. Kids will love the African Savannah grass maze created out of perennial grass which is used for thatched roofs in Africa. Kids can follow a trail to discover a series of plants used by humans for different functions.Kibbutz Ein Gedi Botanical Garden, Kibbutz Ein GediThis prize-winning botanical garden in Ein Gedi is the only one in the world which integrates residential homes in the gardens. The landscaped grounds of the botanical gardens are in amongst the homes of the kibbutz residents.The gardens hold more than 900 species of plants from around the world with a focus on indigenous plants of the area like the date palms, desert plants, Sodom apple, Moringa, Tamarisk, and species referred to in the Bible including myrrh and frankincense. The cactus garden includes more than 1,000 species.Ein Gedi National Park, Israel.Photo byRobert ByeonUnsplashUtopia Orchid Park, Kibbutz BahanThis is a unique botanical garden with a large indoor (and air-conditioned) section as well as an outdoor area. Among the attractions here there are farm animals and peacocks, a musical water fountain, carnivorous plants, orchids; parrots; a plant maze, rose garden, cactus garden, and herb garden.However, the star attraction is the indoor tropical garden which includes a massive waterfall and dripping vines, and tropical trees and plants. The park covers 10 acres and also has a cafe and garden center where you can buy plants and garden accessories. This is a stunning attraction that is well maintained and has plenty to keep you occupied.Eilat Botanical Garden and Organic Farm, EilatThis garden has developed around the local landscape of the Arava and was originally built out of ancient stone terraces on the hills surrounding Eilat. The gardens are a wonder of nature considering the area’s very low annual rainfall. Today there are signposted trails that cross streams, past waterfalls, stone, and wooden buildings.There are three lookout points across the Red Sea and the Edom Mountains. You can climb the rocky pathways among 1,000 species of trees and plants, herbs, shrubs, and flowers. There is an organic garden where you can buy plants grown without chemicals.Orchids in a botanical garden.Photo byFabien BELLANGERonUnsplashNeot Kedumim Biblical Landscape ReserveCovering 625 acres and home to more than 630 plant species mentioned in the Bible and Talmud this is one of the most fascinating and unique botanical gardens in the country. The gardens of Neot Kedumim are also home to small animals, many birds, and several archaeological remains including an excavated Byzantine village. In the gardens, the natural surroundings and agricultural areas have been recreated to mirror those which would have existed 3,000 years ago during the biblical era.You can see the seven species of Israel (figs, dates, barley olives, wheat, pomegranates, and grapes) as well as following the 4 self-guided hike paths, seeing ancient olive presses, ritual baths, a water wheel, flour mill, ancient cisterns, and thrashing floors. You can even arrange to have a biblical meal in the gardens and there are regular events, workshops, and activities to teach visitors about biblical life. The hike trails are about 2-2.5 km long and have points of interest and interactive stations along the way.Botanical Garden at Oranim CollegeThis is the only botanical garden in the northern region of the country; it was established on the campus of Oranim College in 1958 and covers 10 acres with 900 different species of plant. Most of the plants here are non-cultivated and indigenous to Israel. The garden has become a model for urban sustainability and is used for teaching, conservation and research.Each section of the garden represents a unique habitat or geographical region. There are two fascinating paths through the gardens – the Poetry Path where quotes from famous poems are displayed on signs along the route and the Biomimetic Path which has nine stations where visitors can stop and learn about the plants, animals, and sustainable solutions to everyday problems.Mount Carmel, Israel. Photo bySte Ben8onUnsplashOther Amazing Gardens in IsraelIsrael has several other stunning gardens which are not officially botanical gardens but they do offer gorgeous greenery and horticultural diversity. Among the most beautiful and most famous is the Bahai Gardens in Haifa. These cascading 19 terraces of carefully landscaped plants and flowers are the setting for the Shrine of the Bab; the Bahai faith prophet.There is also a beautiful memorial garden dedicated to Baron Edmond de Rothschild in Ramat Hanadiv at the southern end of Mount Carmel. Here there are paths and hike trails as well as a kosher dairy café and area where birds of prey are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. If you’re in Jerusalem visit the Wohl Rose Garden, a 19 acre public garden with 15,000 rose bushes.If you are in Tel Aviv you don’t have to go far to enjoy amazing gardens and parks like Yarkon Park where there are six special gardens. Some are dedicated memorial gardens and others are devoted to a particular kind of plant. There is a Rock Garden, Cactus Garden, Tropical Garden, and Ornamental Garden all within the Yarkon Park.Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Tu B’Av is the Jewish alternative to St. Valentine’s Day. As orthodox Jews don’t commemorate Christian holidays like Valentine’s Day and as it is too good a holiday to miss the Jews have their own day for celebrating love. In Hebrew numbers are marked by letters so “15” is the Hebrew letters?’‘? or Tu and this holiday is celebrated on the 15th of the Jewish month of Av, hence Tu B’Av. In 2016 Tu b’Av starts at sundown on 18th August and continues through the 19th August until sundown (7th August 2017; 26th July 2018; 15th August 2019).Religious Significance of Tu B’AvAccording to the Mishna the Jewish holiday of love has been celebrated by Jews since the 1st century days of the ancient Temple. Tu B’Av marks the first day of the grape harvest season. Traditionally young girls would borrow white clothes and go out dancing in the vineyards to attract a man. The Holy Jewish text, the Talmud, sites several reasons why Tu b’Av should be celebrated but today the main reason observant Jews celebrate Tu B’Av is to mark the end of The Three Week (Bein ha-Metzarim) morning period commemorating the destruction of the ancient Jewish Temple. Tu Tu B’Av should not be confused with Tisha b’Av (9th of Av) which starts The Three Week morning period and is one of the saddest days in the Jewish calendar when orthodox Jews fast to commemorate the destruction of the ancient Jewish Temple. There are no specific religious rituals or ceremonies associated with Tu B’Av except that the day should be one of joy. It is also a very popular day to get married.How is Tu B’Av Celebrated in Israel Today?Today Tu B’Av is mainly a secular celebration when romantics pull out all the stops and propose, wed, go on romantic dates or simply party.Starting off the Tu B’Av celebrations on the 18th August with a bang is the TuTu-Temple Party presented by Temple of Reflection, a spiritual temple project which is part of the Burn global community. A temple structure is built in the desert each year and stands for three weeks before being burnt. The party is a fundraising event and proceeds will go towards Temple of Reflection expenses. The party kicks off at 9am and will continue until 4am at Bascula, HaRakevet 72, Tel Aviv. Admission 40ILS-60ILS.Thursdays @Tel Aviv Art Museum hosts events every Thursday but on the 18th of August this year the events will be even more exciting to celebrate Tu B’Av. Entrance is free and there will be live music performances, guided tours, pop-up stores and garments inspired by works of art.At the Zappa Club Herzlia there will be a special performance by the Sixties Band who will perform the best hits of the 1960s and 70s. The doors open at 8:15pm and the show starts at 10pm; tickets cost 105ILS.Many restaurants in Israel offer special deals on Tu B’Av and the restaurants are usually decorated with hearts, cupids and lots of red and white balloons. Mel and Michelle at 155 Ben Yehuda Street, Tel Aviv; Frame at 2 Raoul Wallenburg, Tel Aviv and the Brown Hotel pop-up restaurant Salva Vida at 25 Kalisher, Tel Aviv will all be offering special deals for couples on Tu B’Av. Chocolate lovers should have the special Tu B’Av menu at any of the Max Brener restaurants.If you want to go out and dance you’ll find dance bars and clubs all decked out in red hearts and ready to party. At HaOmen 17, Tel Aviv Moldavian DJ Andrew Rayel will be making the music; At the Cat and Dog you can hear Infected Mushroom playing live and the Toy Bar in Jerusalem will be having a special party event.

Luckily nationals from 96 countries do not need to arrange a visa for Israel before leaving their home country. However it is important to make sure you can travel to Israel visa-free before you book your air ticket. Here is a breakdown to help you understand Israeli visas.Different Types of Israeli VisasIsrael offers a number of different types of visas depending on the purpose of your entry into the country. Visas for Israel include an Immigration Visa; A/1 Temporary Resident Visa; A/2 Student Visa; A/3 Clergy Visa; A/4 visa for spouses and children; B/1 Work Visa and a B/2 Visitors’ Visa. The Immigration Visa and A/1 Temporary Resident Visa are only applicable to a person immigrating to Israel. An A/2 Student Visa is for those coming to study in any institution in Israel and is valid for up to one year with multiple entrances and exits. An A/3 Clergy Visa is for clergymen coming to Israel to perform clerical duties for their religion by invitation of a religious organization in Israel. A clergyman coming on holiday or on a pilgrimage would require a regular B/2 visa, not an A/3 Clergy Visa. The A/4 Visa is for the spouses and children of those with an A/2 Student Visa or an A/3 Clergy Visa. A B/1 Work Visa is for those who have approval from the Ministry of the Interior to work as an expert or artist in their field in Israel. The B/2 Visitors’ Visa is the one that tourists receive.Do You Need a Visa for Israel?Nationals from many countries do not require a visa and can stay in Israel for up to 90 days visa-free after which you can apply for an extension at the Ministry of the Interior. Among the countries with bilateral agreements with Israel allowing visa-free visits are the USA, Britain, Australia, European nations, Russia, South Africa, Canada, Philippines, Iceland, Singapore, Hong Kong, most South American countries, Japan and New Zealand.Check the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to find out if nationals from your country can visit visa-free for 90 days. If you require a visa you will have to apply for a B/2 Visitors Visa.Israeli Visitors VisaTourists, volunteers, business people coming to Israel for meetings, Hebrew language students, and visitors to Israel from countries that do not have a bilateral agreement with Israel will have to apply for a visa at their local Israeli Consulate in their home country. The visa allows you to visit for up to 90 days and does not allow you to work in Israel.When applying for an Israeli visa you will need a passport valid for at least six months after your stay in Israel; a filled and signed application form; a photocopy of your passport; proof that you can support yourself financially while in Israel (such as a bank statement from the last three months); an air ticket to and from Israel; two passport photos and the application fee.You should receive your visa within two months. Due to the fact that many Arab and predominantly Muslim countries do not grant entry to people with an Israeli stamp on their passport, travelers are now issued with a stamp on a separate piece of paper which must be kept in your passport for the duration of your visit in Israel.

Even if you are in Tel Aviv on a tight budget you can still see the sites and have a great time. Here’s a rundown of the top 15 free things to do in the beautiful city of Tel Aviv.View of Tel Aviv beachfront from Jaffa.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin1. Tel Aviv BeachesTel Aviv has some magnificent beaches which run continuously from Tzuk Beach in the north to Alma Beach in the south. Each beach has its own character like the Separated Beach which has separate hours for male and female bathers; Atzmaut Beach which is popular with the gay community and Drummers Beach or Dolphinarium Beach where musicians jam each Friday at sundown. Beach season in Tel Aviv is April to October when lifeguards are on duty.androm2. Tel Aviv MarketsAmong Tel Aviv’s top markets there is the Carmel Market a lively outdoor market where fresh produce and other goods are sold. This market is colorful and exciting, not only that but it is in the heart of the city just off Allenby Street. Adjacent to Carmel Market is Nahalat Binyanim Street Market. This pedestrian walkway hosts an arts and crafts market on Tuesdays and Fridays.There are often street performers at the market. Nahalat Binyamin is lined with great coffee shops where you can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Levinsky Market is the least gentrified of the three markets. Here you’ll find streets veering off of Levinsky Street from the corner of HaAliya Street to HaMashbir Street. The streets are crowded with small hole-in-the-wall stalls selling fresh produce and everything including the kitchen sink.Orange juice seller, Carmel Market, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin3. Free Walking ToursTel Aviv municipality offers free walking tours in English on Saturdays at 11 am which meet at 46 Rothschild Boulevard. The tours take a look at the amazing Bauhaus architecture of the White City and introduce participants to a little of the history of Tel Aviv. There is also a tour of Old Jaffa which takes you through the Jaffa flea market and the Old City examining some of Jaffa’s archeological sites and ending up in the Hapisga Garden. This tour meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 am at the Jaffa clock tower. You can also pick up a free map of self-guided walking tours from City Hall. On Mondays at 11 am there is a free tour of Tel Aviv University which gives an introduction to some of the campus’ innovative architecture and environmental sculptures. The university tour meets at the Dyonon bookstore at the campus entrance by the intersection of Haim Levanon and Einstein Streets.4. Self-Guided Tour of Neve TzedekYou don’t need a professional tour guide to explore one of Tel Aviv’s oldest and perhaps most picturesque neighborhoods – Neve Tzedek. This neighborhood was the first Jewish neighborhood established outside of the ancient Port of Jaffa in 1887. Many of the beautiful historic buildings have been restored and now house boutique stores, quaint cafes, and restaurants giving it a small village within a city feel. The neighborhood has some notable Bauhaus and Art Nouveau buildings. A few museums like the Nachum Gutman Museum; art galleries and the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance are all in this neighborhood. At the southern end of Neve Tzedek is HaTachana, a restored historic train station that has been converted into a shopping and entertainment compound.The lighthouse path, Tel Aviv. Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash5. Tel Aviv Port The old Tel Aviv Port has been given a make-over and has become a primary entertainment and retail hub for locals and visitors. The port has an expansive boardwalk covering 14,000m² and is lined with interesting restaurants, playgrounds, a carousel, an organic produce market, and fashion stores. When the sun goes down the port becomes the city’s hot nightlife spot. The port is often the site of special events and street performers.6. Ben Gurion HouseThis is one of the city’s smallest museums and is often overlooked by visitors. Ben Gurion House is the former residence of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion at 17 Ben Gurion Boulevard. Visitors to the museum can walk through the Ben Gurion library; see the living quarters and the study where the prime minister worked. There is a free guided tour of the house where you can learn about the house’s history and the life of Ben Gurion.7. SaronaSarona is a former German Templer colony established in 1817 in what is now one of Tel Aviv’s busiest neighborhoods near the Azrieli towers. The Templers were a German Protestant sect which aimed to realize the apocalyptic vision of the prophets in the Holy Land. They established Sarona as an agricultural settlement and at its peak, there were 41 homes, a winery, workshops, a communal hall, and barns. In 1941 the British deported the residents of Sarona who were believed to be Nazi supporters. Today this compound of buildings has been restored and turned into a shopping and entertainment complex. The former Templer homes are now house restaurants, cafes, and boutique stores. The open spaces between the houses are beautiful plazas where you can relax and enjoy people watching special events and street performers.Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet). Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash8. Yarkon ParkAt the northern end of Tel Aviv is this urban oasis; an expansive green Yarkon park with the Yarkon River meandering through the lawns towards the sea. The park is home to many attractions including climbing walls, paddle boat rental, playgrounds, basketball courts, bicycle rental, and if you continue north you can even reach the safari park in Ramat Gan. So even if you are looking for free things to do in Tel Aviv you can relax on the lawns and enjoy the pleasant surroundings and river views.9. Old JaffaAt the southern end of Tel Aviv along the coast is the old port city of Jaffa which is associated with the biblical story of Jonah, Saint Peter, and mythical tales of Andromeda and Perseus. As far back as the Middle Ages, the port was a gateway to the Holy Land, and many travelers, armies, and merchants landed here including Napoleon. Today you can wander along the narrow cobbled lanes between stone buildings leading down to the water and the old port. There are many art galleries, cafes, and restaurants as well as historic sites and museums in Jaffa. Among the sites to see, there is the Libyan Synagogue, St. Peter’s Church, the Zodiac Fountain, the home of Simon the Tanner, the Mahmudiyah Mosque, the Wishing Bridge, Andromeda’s Rock, the Sea Mosque, and the Ilana Goor Museum.10. Tel Aviv RollersDon’t be surprised if you are taking a stroll through Tel Aviv on a regular Tuesday night when a huge group of people on rollerblades whiz by. Each Tuesday skaters meet at Habima Square at 10 pm and the group begins rolling through the city. They roll through the city showing off their skating skills and having fun. Everyone is welcome to join in so get your skates on!Children at Tel Aviv Old Port. Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin11. Tel Aviv University Botanical GardensExplore the 34,000m² of the university botanical gardens where there are rare and endangered species of plants from around the globe. There are 3800 plant species from Israel and around the world growing in the campus botanical gardens. The gardens are arranged in ecological groups and themed gardens. Sections in the gardens include the ecological garden of Israeli plants and Mediterranean woodlands; tropical plants from the rainforests; plants utilized by humans; medicinal plants; cacti; poisonous plants; a Palm House; succulent plants and root trees in the Sarah Racine Root Laboratory. The gardens are used by university students for research in ecological and botanical studies and visitors are welcomed for free.12. Rabin SquareIn modern Tel Aviv history, this is one of the most significant sites of the city. Back in 1995, this public square that faces the Tel Aviv Municipality building was called Kings of Israel Square. The tragic events of November 4th, 1995 led to the renaming of the square in honor of Yitzhak Rabin, former Israeli political icon and Prime Minister. It was here on that fateful night during a peace rally that Rabin was assassinated while returning to his car. You can see the exact spot where the assassination took place and the memorial which now marks this location in the northeastern corner of the square. There is also a section of wall covered in graffiti which was drawn by mourners who came to pay their respects in the days following the assassination. In addition, there is a memorial sculpture commemorating the Holocaust at the south end of the square, pleasant trees, and an ecological pool in the square. Rabin Square is often used for concerts, special events, and rallies.Rokach House, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin13. The Photo HouseAt 5 Tchernichovsky Street is a store/ archive of historic photographs documenting the early days of Israel. The collection includes posters, postcards, and photographs. The store is legendary; it is still run by the Weissenstein family which established the shop in 1936. It is the city’s oldest photoshop and it is more like a museum than a store. In addition to the displayed photos which are on sale, there are regular exhibitions. The private archive of photographs has won several awards and has been exhibited across the globe. All of the photos in the archives were taken by Rudi Weissenstein and all of the prints and souvenirs featuring photographs are taken from the negatives of Weissenstein’s collection. Weissenstein photographed the first performance of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra in 1936; Weissenstein was the only official photographer to document the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel in 1948; Weissenstein’s image was featured on an Israeli banknote in 1958 and he won first prize at the International Photography Exhibition in Moscow in 1961.Tel Aviv and Jaffa aerial view. Photo by Shai Pal on Unsplash14. Tel Aviv Art GalleriesTel Aviv has many independent art galleries but there is a particular concentration of galleries along Ben Yehuda Street and Gordon Street which intersects Ben Yehuda Street. You can wander along these pleasant Tel Aviv streets popping into each of the galleries to see current local and sometimes international art. Start with Gerstein Gallery at #101 Ben Yehuda Street and work your way towards Gordon Street. Along the way you will see JOJO Gallery with unique utilitarian and decorative art; Engel Gallery; Gordon Gallery and then on Gordon Street there is the Stern Gallery and Givon Gallery. Along the way and in the adjacent side streets you will discover other fascinating galleries. If you continue on Ben Yehuda Street you will reach Frishman Street where there are even more galleries.15. Musical FountainTel Aviv has a spectacular sound and light musical fountain show to rival those in Barcelona and Las Vegas. The modern music is synchronized to dancing lights illuminating fountains squirting up into the air. This spectacle takes place at Tel Aviv Port during the summer (July and August). There are nightly performances Sunday to Thursday with the fountains at 6:30 pm, 7:15 pm, and 7:45 pm and the sound and lights joining in for performances at 8:15 pm, 8:45 pm, 9:15 pm, 9:45 pm, and 10:15 pm.If you are interested in Tel Aviv tours and attractions, feel free to check out this article.Hamsas sold at Carmel Market, Tel Aviv. Photo by Bartosz Kwitkowski on Unsplash

Machane Yehuda is Jerusalem’s primary market, particularly for food. Not only is fresh produce sold at the market but there are also several market eateries which have become iconic and considered some of the best restaurants in the city. There is so much to see in Jerusalem that few tourists ever manage to fit in a visit to Machane Yehuda but if you are a foodie (or just hungry) make a point of visiting this outstanding market. When you visit Machane Yehuda you get true insight into the day-to-day life of the local community. This is where many Jerusalemites do their weekly shop-up.Machane Yehuda is spread out over several lanes; it was established in 1928 for locals to buy their food goods. Today the market sells everything from household items and clothing to books, pet accessories and ceramic ornaments. The market food stalls include spice stalls where large sacks contain different colored herbs or the herbs and spices piled high on tables. You can also find freshly ground coffee; sweets and candy; fresh fish sold by fish mongers; halva; alcohol; nuts and dried legumes; baked goods; fruit; vegetables; pickles; pastries; artisan cheeses and butchers selling fresh meat.Machane Yehuda EateriesUzi-Eli the Market Witchdoctor is one of the most popular stands in the market. Uzi-Eli has a reputation for concocting natural juices from a number of unusual combinations each specifically to treat a physical or mental ailment. He will mix you up a fruit drink which will help your diabetes or one which will help you handle stress. Try one of the drinks with Hilbe (fenugreek) or gat juice.Khachapuri is a small eatery down HaEshkol Street which serves up traditional Georgian dishes. There are a few tables outside so you can do some people watching while you enjoy your food. If it is your first time trying Georgian food get an acharuli, a baked pastry with optional fillings like the classic salty cheese and egg.Mimi’s Bistro is also on HaEshkol Street; here you can find French-style cheese toast, croquet-Madame (fried egg grilled sandwich) crepes, pasta, soup or Belgian waffles. Everything is freshly made and Mimi even hosts French cooking workshops.Mousseline Jerusalem is the markets boutique ice-cream store where you can get unique flavors most of which are based on fresh fruit juices, herbs and spices. For example you could have a scoop of grapefruit, basil and sour cherry sorbet. The store also sells their own blend of coffee made from Ethiopian and Brazilian coffee beans.Ethiopian Ethnic Center on HaEshkol Street sells Ethiopian products including the spices used in Ethiopian food, Ethiopian beer and more. If you’re in the market on a Friday you can try some of the traditional injera, Ethiopian flatbread.Ochlim B’Shuk is an eatery on Hatapuach Street which specializes in Persian cuisine. They cook the food using authentic methods on old kerosene stoves. The eatery has been open since 2003.HaAgas 1 on Eliyahu Banai Street is a vegetarian restaurant which dishes up wholesome healthy vegetarian food. The restaurant is named after a line in a famous Israeli song written by Ehud Banai who’s family used to live above their vegetable store which is now the restaurant.Café Mizrachi on HaShazif Street opened in order to draw clients to the market. That was many years ago and today the café is one of the iconic coffee places in the market and a household name in Jerusalem.Fish n’ Chips on HaEgoz Street is the place to go if you’re home sick for chips with vinegar! OK so it’s not quite like British fish and chips but it comes close.Que-Pasa on HaEgoz Street serves up Spanish and Mediterranean style tapas as well as Spanish beer. The market has cuisine from around the world and this is a perfect example of international cuisine in the heart of the market.Pasta Basta on HaEgoz Street is a play on the Hebrew word for “stall” which is “basta”. This eatery uses the finest raw ingredients from the market plus some super imported Italian products. The pasta is made freshly at the restaurant each morning and customers who arrive early are treated to seeing the pasta-makers at work.Foodie Fun at the MarketIn addition to wandering through the market and sampling the various foods you could take it one step further and take a bakery tour, wine and cheese tour, shuk cooking workshops or a chef-guided tasting tour.Not far from the market (just one street away) is a chef restaurant, one of the best in the country. It is called Machnayuda – a mix of the two words Machane and Yehuda. The highly regarded restaurant is run by three renowned chefs; one of them is Assaf Granite a judge on one of the Israeli reality cooking shows. The restaurant serves delicious dishes using extremely fresh ingredients and often basing recipes on traditional local dishes with an elegant modern twist. For example you can order fettuccine with apricot butter, white wine, cherries and sundried tomatoes followed by a banufi pie (Indian cheese cake) with banana and coconut.Jacko’s Street is another chef restaurant just one street from the heart of the market. It is a kosher restaurant run by four well known chefs. The restaurant produces salads, grilled meats, Carpaccio, cerviche and more. All diners are treated to a free shot of Arak as they wait for their meal.Practical Information:You can reach Machane Yehuda by walking up Agrippas Street from the city center or catch the Jerusalem Light Rail which stops right by the market entrance. The market stretches from Agrippas Street to Jaffa Road.Open Hours: The market is open daily except for Saturdays. Sunday to Thursday 8am-7pm and Fridays 8am-3pm. Several of the cafes and restaurants remain open on Saturdays.

As you enter Tel Aviv you will be met with the glorious sight of the city’s long stretch of sandy beach flanked by the promenade, restaurants, hotels and cafes. What makes Tel Aviv beaches so special is their proximity to the city center. Just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the city and your feet will be standing in sand! The long stretch of beach (hof in Hebrew) runs 14km along Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean shore and is divided up into several official beaches, each with their own amenities and character.Metzitzim beach, Tel Aviv. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinSome of the beaches in Tel Aviv are named after the street which runs down towards the beach. Beach season in Israel is from April to October; during that time most beaches have lifeguards and beach services like sunbed rental and vendors selling ice cream. Here is a guide which will help you choose which beach is right for you. Starting from in the north at Tzuk Beach and working our way south to Alma Beach.Tzuk BeachTzuk Beach (literal translation: Cliff Beach) is the only Tel Aviv beach that is not free but it does have the best facilities. There is only an entrance fee (6-15ILS) during beach season (April-October). The beach is a little too far away to reach from the city on foot and is the northernmost point of Tel Aviv’s promenade which stretches all the way to Jaffa. It is also called Mandarin Beach because of a nearby hotel. There is a cool bar right on the beach and on a patio area above the sand. There are lawns, benches, showers, changing rooms, and an outdoor gym. The beach is popular with families and middle-older age people plus wealthy residents from nearby Herzliya. Towards the southern end of Tzuk Beach, it is called Sea and Sun Beach.Lifeguard booth on Tel Aviv beach.Photo by Timo Wagner on UnsplashTel Baruch BeachThis is one of the cleanest Tel Aviv beaches and it is popular with families with kids (although it used to be the hangout of local “working” girls). Because of the curved natural bay, the water is calm here and perfect for those less confident about their swimming. The beach is wide, clean, and sandy. There are an outdoor gym, lawns, and beachside restaurants and cafes. The lawns are a popular BBQ area and people hang out here late at night around the BBQ. The southern part of the beach is dog-friendly and if you continue walking you reach a bridge crossing the Yarkon River and leading to the old Tel Aviv Port The port area is a retail and entertainment venue with a gorgeous deck boardwalk, stores, a fresh produce market, and restaurants.Tel Baruch Beach in winter, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinMetzitzim BeachAlso called Sheraton Beach (because of the proximity of the former hotel) this beach is named after an iconic 1970s Israeli movie “Metzitzim which means peeping tom or people who watch other people secretly. The film stared Uri Zohar and Arik Einstein and was set on this beach. This is the most northerly of the beaches reachable on foot from central Tel Aviv. Metzitim is just south of the Tel Aviv Port area and has recently undergone a face-lift. The beach has showers, toilets, a playground, volleyball courts, an outdoor gym, and a beach bar which is open in the evening. The northern part of the beach is popular with families while further south you’ll find teens and 20-somethings sunning themselves. There is a 24/7 restaurant during beach season and important sports matches are often shown on big screens set up on the sand.Aerial View of Tel Aviv beaches. Photo by Shai Pal on UnsplashSeparated BeachThe Separated Beach (Hof HaNifrad, Hof Ha Datim, or Nordeau Street Beach) is a beach where there are separate days for orthodox religious females (and those looking for a male-free beach) and other days when the beach is reserved for males. This beach is used by the religious community and is sometimes called the Religious Beach. During the week the beach is open until 5 pm. On Friday evenings after sundown and Saturdays until sundown when the religious do not go to the beach, the Separated Beach is used by both men and women.Atzmaut BeachIndependence Beach is also known as the Gay Beach as it is frequented by Tel Aviv’s thriving gay community but of course, everyone is welcome. Tel Aviv is a very liberal city with a respected, large gay community. It is named after Atzmaut Park (Independence Park) which is a small park on a hill overlooking the beach that used to be best known as a place for gay hookups. This is not officially a beach reserved for gay people but is just a popular gathering point for the community. The southernmost part of the beach is dog-friendly where dog owners can go with their pets.Sunset at the Tel Aviv beach.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinHilton BeachThis beach is named after the nearby Hilton Hotel and is left of a breakwater which creates a calm pool of water. This is great for relaxed swimming but also attracted boats and kayaks. You can walk out onto the breakwater right into the sea. The TopSea Bar serves people on Hilton Beach and there is comfortable seating on sofas. TopSea is also the name of a surfing/kayak/paddle boarding school on this beach. Hilton Beach is one of the most popular Tel Aviv beaches. Tourists come here from several nearby hotels. The southernmost end of the beach is popular with surfers and is called “Hof HaGolshim” or Surfers Beach. The beach hosts the Israeli Triple Diamond Strongman Surfer’s Competition. South of Hilton Beach is the Tel Aviv Marina where you can rent surfboards, windsurfers and take a cruise.Hilton Bay - Absolute Beach & Surf Restaurant, Tel Aviv. Photo by Moshe Silberberg on UnsplashGordon-Frishman-Bograshov BeachGordon Street runs down towards this beach and on the land above the beach is the Gordon (seawater) Swimming Pool. The pool is surrounded by a deck and you have views of the sea and marina from the pool. Here there are toilets (for a fee), a restaurant an ice—cream stand, a beach bar, and Lalaland Café right on the beach. This beach also has some gym apparatus on the beach. Adjoining Gordon Beach is Frishman Beach (they are referred to separately and as one beach). Frishman is near the Dan Hotel and the US Embassy and is one of the cleanest stretches of beach where you can rent beach sunbeds. All three of these beaches are very wide and usually crowded with tourists as they are near to many hotels. Frishman has volleyball courts. The Tel Aviv promenade boarders the beach and across Yarkon Street are many great cafes and restaurants. Bograshov Beach is a continuation of Frishman and like Gordon and Frishman is named after the street which runs down towards the beach.Trumpeldor BeachSouth of Bograshov Beach is this beach bordered by the promenade where you can see a distinctive statue that resembles a monkey on its head on top of some kind of pod (you decide!). Trumpeldor Beach is an unofficial beach so you won’t find lifeguards on duty here even in the summer season. Thanks to the lack of lifeguards or facilities it is a very quiet, uncrowded beach.Banana Beach, Tel Aviv. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinJerusalem BeachAlso known as Geula Beach it is not a crowded beach and attracts fewer tourists.Banana BeachA little bit south of the Opera Tower is this tranquil beach where you can relax and enjoy a drink at the Banana Beach Bar. The beach has a surf school at the northern end and a more hippie-like atmosphere towards the south. This beach is more popular with locals than tourists and you can see Tel Aviv’s hipsters and yuppies hanging out here reading, doing yoga, or playing backgammon.Dolphinarium BeachUnfortunately, there is no longer a dolphinarium here. Only the remains of the old dolphinarium building. The beach is not that well maintained but on a Friday you can enjoy drum sessions on the sand. Drummers gather to jam together as the sun goes down on a Friday and enjoy a drink from the nearby pub and from Chinky Beach Bar. For this reason, the beach is also called Drummers’ Beach (Hof HaTofim). The drummers are joined by those practicing their capoeira jugglers and dancers.Ending a surf session on a Tel Aviv beach.Photo by Chen Mizrach on UnsplashAlma BeachThis beach is also called Park Charles Clor Beach as it is on the edge of the park at the foot of the cliffs which lead up to Old Jaffa. This beach forms a long narrow strip bordered by green lawns and playgrounds. Families come here to BBQ and couples come here for the romantic sunsets. The beach is popular with residents from the Arab community in Jaffa as well as Jewish locals. The southern end of the beach is unofficially dog-friendly. Alma Beach does not have lifeguards and is a quiet and laid-back beach.To see the list of all beaches in Israel feel free to read this article. Besides beaches, there are a lot of things to do in Tel Aviv, including amazing Tel Aviv tours, visiting museums, and cultural venues.Alma Beach, Tel Aviv.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin

The walls of the ancient city of Jerusalem come to life as they become the screen for a spectacular show of lights, sounds and special effects which takes you through the story of Jerusalem’s history. The show takes place at the Tower of David (also called the Citadel) which is located adjacent to the Jaffa Gate of the Old City. The Citadel is a medieval fortress built under the Mamluks and Ottomans with several architectural additions from later periods. It is at the historical entrance to the city and has symbolized the city for generations. The present citadel stands on the site of earlier fortresses dating back to the Hasmonaen, Herodian and Byzantine periods. The tower gets its name from Byzantine Christians who believed it to have been the palace of King David. Today the citadel is home to the Tower of David Museum but at night the place is transformed into the site of the best sound and light show in the country.The Night Spectacular Sound and Light Show unfolds amidst the restored structures of the Citadel (David’s Tower). This is unlike any other sound and light show you may have seen because of the unique backdrop. Original music is used together with virtual reality images and trompe l’oeil (optical illusions) techniques. The screened images seem to swallow the spectators up in the action so that you really feel immerged in the story of Jerusalem. This is truly a once in a life time multi-sensory experience.The show continues for 45 minutes and takes place outdoors so spectators are advised to dress up warmly. The spectacular is created using a complex system operating 20 projectors, 14 computers, 14 loudspeakers, 10 video players and uses 10km of cables. The experience begins with a walk through the David’s Tower courtyard. The show is a perfect introduction to 4,000 years of Jerusalem history. The show unfolds without text but with still and moving images projected on the citadel’s walls. The stories of King David, the Romans, Muhammad, the Crusaders, Suleiman the Magnificent and other periods of Jerusalem history are revealed. As the show has no text it is suitable for speakers of all languages. It is also suitable for spectators of all ages.Practical Information:When: There is no show during rainy weather. There are usually two shows a night at 8:30pm and 9:30pm on weekdays. On Saturdays times are slightly different and there are no shows on Friday nights. Check the website or call the Tower of David Museum for exact times as these often change.Contact: (0)2 6265333 or *2884 The reservation center is open 8am-4pm and the show should be pre-booked although tickets can be bought on the night according to availability.Price: Adults 55ILS; children (3yrs-18yrs) 45ILS; disabled 30ILS. It is possible to buy a combo ticket which gives you entrance to the Tower of David Museum and the Night Spectacular for 80ILS adults, 55ILS children and 40ILS disabled visitors. Discounts for seniors and students are only applicable for Israelis.Other Details: It is not possible to combine a visit to the Tower of David Museum with the sound and light show on the same night as the museum closes at 4pm (and 5pm in July-August). Filming or taking photographs is prohibited during the show. Cancelations are accepted up until 10am on the day of the show. Cancelations for Saturday night shows must be made by Thursday at 10am.

The magical Negev Desert in southern Israel takes up about 60% of Israel but is sparsely inhabited due to the harsh desert climate. When the State of Israel was established one of the goals set was to make the desert bloom and in many places that has been achieved.Mamshit Archeological Site, Israel. Photo credit: © Manu Grinspan. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityThe Negev also has a history dating back to the ancient trade routes and it is home to unique flora and fauna. The Negev is unlike any other area in Israel and shouldn’t be missed. The Negev Desert flows into the Judean Desert where you can also visit Masada, the Dead Sea and the Yotvata Bar Hai Nature Reserve, and Timna National Park in the Arava Desert.1. Jeep excursionsOn a Negev jeep tour, you can go deep into the desert, far off-road to places most people don’t get a chance to see. A guide will explain to you about the local fauna and flora and you will be able to race across the dunes, drive through dry desert valleys and stop to boil up a pot of coffee in the wilderness. There are “wet” jeep tours that take you to desert springs; jeep tours where you can learn about following animal tracks; night jeep tours; survival jeep tours; tours that take you to Nabataean ancient sites and jeep tours that visit Bedouin villages. Tours leave from several points in the Negev including Mitzpe Ramon and Kibbutz Sde Boker.2. Camel Riding ExcursionsIf you want to take things at a slower pace and retrace the steps of ancient camel caravans then take a camel riding excursion into the desert. The “ship of the desert” is a great way to enjoy the scenery, learn about the unique desert environment and gain an understanding of what it was like to travel across the Negev hundreds of years ago. There are a number of places where you can join a camel tour including Mamshit Camel Farm, Kfar Hanokdim, and the Negev Camel Ranch. There is no prior experience needed and camel riding tours are suitable for all ages. There are tours lasting 1-4 hours.Safari Jeep Tour.Photo credit: © Shutterstock3. Ramon CraterThe Ramon Crater or Makhtesh Ramon is a huge naturally formed crater 38km long, 450 meters deep, and 6km wide. It is best reached via the town of Mitzpe Ramon where there is a Visitors Center overlooking the crater. From here you can take hiking tours, jeep tours into the crater, and abseiling excursions where you get to climb down the side of the steep crater.4. Alpaca FarmThere is a welcoming alpaca farm in the heart of the Negev where you can learn about the creatures, pet them, feed them and even stay the night. You can also meet other animals which live on the farm like angora sheep, llamas, donkeys, horses, and camels. There are walking trails on the Alpaca Farm which meander through the untouched desert landscape. Kids can have a ride on the alpacas and you can learn about the alpaca wool production process.5. Negev Wine TastingThe ancient Nabataean civilization cultivated vineyards in the Negev thousands of years ago using a sophisticated irrigation system. The first modern-day winery in the Negev was planted by Carmel Winery in the Ramat Arad area in 1988, then other wineries and vineyards have sprouted up across the otherwise barren landscape. There are now several wineries so that it is possible to follow a Negev wine tasting route along Route #40. Wineries that welcome visitors include the Yatir Winery, Midbar Winery, Sde Boker Winery, Neot Smadar Winery, Carmel Avdat Winery, Rota Winery (where there is also a fruit farm where you can do your own fruit picking in the summer), and Kadesh Barnea Winery.Alpaca farm in the Negev Desert. Photo credit: © Shutterstock5. Sand SurfingThis unique desert experience takes you out to the Negev sand dunes in a 4X4 jeep. Once there you get to slide down the soft dunes on specially designed boards that resemble snowboards but without the footholds. The activity is suitable for those over 2 years old and you don’t need any prior experience. Sand surfing is usually combined with a jeep tour, a historical site, or a desert village for lunch.6. Kibbutz Sde BokerThis kibbutz is famed as the former home of David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel who moved here in 1953. Today Ben Gurion’s former home has been turned into a museum where the original furniture, mementos, and personal items of Ben Gurion and his wife have been preserved. Ben Gurion had a passion for the Negev and the small community. He lived here until his death and over the years he welcomed many dignitaries and world leaders. While at Sde Boker you can visit Ben Gurion's tomb, the Sde Boker Winery, and the Sde Boker Field School.The archeological site of Avdat, Negev Desert, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock7. AvdatThis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it was one of the most important Nabataean, Roman and Byzantine sites settled in the 3rd century BC along the Incense Route. Here you can see the ancient remains of a Nabataean tomb, a Roman-era residential area, and the remains of a Byzantine fortress, Byzantine bathhouse, wine press, cistern, and ancient Sacred Precinct. There are also two 4th century churches nearby. Perhaps the most important ancient remains are of the Nabataean Temple of Oboda.8. HikingThere are many marked hike trails through the Negev for those of all levels of ability. The trails are color-coded to keep hikers on track. Many of the trails take you to the oasis where there are deep canyons, waterfalls, and hidden natural spring pools. Some of the most popular routes are the Mamshit Loop, passed the Nabataean city; Mt. Ardon, with a challenging climb; Zin to Ramon, a six-day trek passed mountains and springs; Wadi Shua, with hidden gems; Wadi Mamshit; Ramon’s Tooth passed beautiful rock formations and the Hemet Cistern Loop with great views of the Ramon Crater.9. Bedouin HospitalityThe Bedouin people still live in the deserts of Israel with several communities in the Negev. They have a unique and fascinating culture and there are several places in the Negev where you can be a guest in a Bedouin tent and experience their traditional hospitality. Bedouin hospitality includes traditional food, musical performances, tea, coffee, camel rides and even sleeping over in the Bedouin tent under the desert sky.Сamel riding with Bedouins in the Negev Desert.Photo by Greta Schölderle Møller on Unsplash

The small community of Mitzpe Ramon in southern Israel sits on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon (the Ramon Crater); a 38 km wide crater formed thousands of years ago. Perched on the northern ridge of the crater, overlooking the Negev Desert, Mitzpe Ramon has breathtaking views across the desert and plenty to see and do.The community was founded in 1951 to accommodate workers constructing the road to Eilat. Immigrants from Romania and North Africa settled here and the town grew to be a thriving community and the gateway to the Negev. Although Mitzpe Ramon is in the desert it enjoys relatively cool weather thanks to the winds which blow in across the crater to the elevated town. Mitzpe Ramon even experiences snow several times a year. In recent years the area has become a center for organic farming, homemade food products, spiritual retreats, and natural living. A visit to Mitzpe Ramon offers a completely fresh and unique experience, unlike anything you could experience in any other part of Israel.Getting to Mitzpe RamonIf arriving from Tel Aviv take the #40 highway south to Mitzpe Ramon; the town is about 85 km south of Be’er Sheva. If setting out in Tel Aviv you can take #660 and from Jerusalem bus #470. Trains travel from Tel Aviv arriving in Be’er Sheva and from there you can continue on to Mitzpe Ramon by bus #65 or #64. Driving from Tel Aviv to Mitzpe Ramon will take you about 1.15 hours and the bus or train and bus combo will take you 1.15-3 hours. Once in Mitzpe Ramon you can explore the town on foot or by car and take organized excursions into the desert.Mitzpe Ramon AccommodationThere are about six hotels in Mitzpe Ramon including the famous Beresheet Hotel, a luxury hotel of the Isrotel chain which overlooks the crater. Each room has views of the crater and there are spa treatments on offer as well as gourmet food. Chez Eugene is a recommended chic boutique hotel and there is also the Ramon Suites Hotel and Ramon Inn. In the surrounding areas, there are many B&Bs and small inns as well as campgrounds. Try the ibex Unique Desert Inn or Khan Be’erotayim for a desert experience. Budget accommodation can be found at the Green Backpackers Hostel, Mitzpe Ramon Hostel, or the basic Succah in the Desert.Mitzpe Ramon EateriesThe region is known for its organic farms and traditionally edible products like honey, wine, cheese, yogurt, and olive oil. Among the top-rated restaurants in Mitzpe Ramon, there is Hahavit (the Barrel) a bar/restaurant with standard pub food; Beresheet Dairy Restaurant in the Beresheet Hotel has stunning views and Hakatze serves hearty Israeli food in simple surroundings. At Hadassar Natural Living Restaurant you can enjoy locally sourced, organic, vegetarian fare in bohemian-style surroundings. Other dining options are the generic Café Neto, an Israeli coffee house chain, and fine dining at Chez Eugene.Attractions in Mitzpe Ramon & the Negev1. Ramon Crater and Makhtesh Ramon Visitor CenterThe crater (makhtesh) is 38 km long, 6 km wide, and 450 meters deep; this natural wonder looks like something out of a space odyssey. At the Makhtesh Visitor Center, you can get a bird’s eye view across the crater and learn about the history, facts, and figures of the site. To really experience the crater take one of the themed excursions by jeep or on foot into the heart of the makhtesh.2. Ein Avdat National ParkNestled in the Zin Valley this national park centers on the Ein Avdat Spring which flows to a beautiful 8-meter high waterfall and pour into a pool below. The water attracts local wildlife and allows vegetation and trees to grow around the oasis. There are several streams in the park and hike trails through the canyon and along the water’s edge. If you like this attraction you should also visit Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea.3. Alpaca FarmThis fun attraction is home to a herd of alpacas and lamas; the farm also offers accommodation and light meals. A visit includes feeding the alpacas and getting an informative talk from one of the guides.4. Nabatean Avdat AcropolisThe ancient Nabatean civilization set up rest points along the spice route which ran from the Arabian peninsula north to Syria and the Mediterranean. The remains of some of these Nabatean cities include the khan or roadside motel where they had a wine cellar and mud-brick structures. Another Nabatean site in the area is the Ramalia Cisterns, huge wells which were dug out by the ancient civilization to preserve water.5. Desert Jeep TourA desert jeep excursion is a perfect way to discover the crater and the surrounding desert. The thrill of bumping and jumping over rough terrain is unforgettable. Jeep tours can take you to nearby Zin Valley or into the crater and you can see stunning scenery, camels grazing, local Bedouin, and shepherds herding their goats. Many of the tours combine the jeep trip with a stop for coffee in the desert, a dip in a desert spring, or to show you geological wonders.6. Mitzpe Ramon “north”The old industrial zone of Mitzpe Ramon has been gentrified and turned into a hub of boutique specialty stores and places of entertainment. Check out the bakeries, restaurants, craft workshops, Mitzpe Ramon Jazz Club, and Faran cosmetics factory where the products are inspired by the natural surroundings.7. RappellingRappelling or abseiling down the cliffs of the Ramon Crater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – not just because of the actual activity but also because of the unique location and views as you descend. Several companies in Mitzpe Ramon lead visitors to the edge of the cliff (literally). You don’t need any prior experience, just the guts to hang yourself over the side of a cliff on a rope!8. StargazingFrom Mitzpe Ramon you can take a stargazing excursion into the desert where there is very little artificial light from cities and the wide-open sky can be seen unhindered by skyscrapers or city pollution. Ira and Pam Machefsky run Astronomy Israel; they take visitors to the rim of the crater and set up telescopes, provide a warm blanket and explain the night sky with enthusiasm and humor.9. Rota WineryNorth of Kibbutz Revivim on route #222 is this organic winery where there are wine and cheese tasting as well as tours of the farm. Erez Rota is an artist who used to live in Tel Aviv before moving south and establishing his farm. His metal sculptured art installations can be seen scattered across the farm.10. Neve MidbarThis mineral water health spa features natural thermal bath waters. It is located off route #222 and offers use of the pools plus the option for spa treatments at an additional fee. Visitors can enjoy the coffee bar and cafe.11. Neot Smadar Goat FarmHere you can get a picnic basket filled with the delicious locally-produced cheeses and yogurts made using milk from the 150 strong herds of goats. At the farm, there is a café and store where you can by goat milk products. The store also sells organic products produced on the kibbutz.12. Bedouin Tent ExperienceVisit a real Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. Visitors can join the Bedouins of the Negev for some dates and black coffee and have the opportunity to see how Bedouin live. Some of the Bedouin offer tours into the desert where they explain about the foraging of food in the harsh surroundings and about the plants they use for traditional medicine. There are Bedouin tent experiences which include a meal, entertainment, and even an overnight stay in the tent.

Visitors to Israel tend to make a beeline to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem but many miss out on one of the country’s most beautiful attractions – the Sea of Galilee (the Kinneret in Hebrew). To get a sense of the diverse natural wonders of Israel you really should make a trip north to Galilee.Paddleboarding on the Sea of Galilee. Photo by Erez Gavish on UnsplashThe Sea of Galilee covers about 102km², 28km from north to south and 10km from east to west. If you want to drive, walk or cycle around the lake it has a circumference of 53km. It is called Kinneret from the Hebrew word for violin or lyre because the lake’s shape resembles a violin.This is also where Jesus spent his ministry preaching in nearby villages and it was here that Jesus walked on water and performed several other miracles. The Kinneret is the country’s reservoir for fresh water and as the water level rises and falls depending on the rainfall so the country watches in anticipation to see if there will be a water shortage each summer. There are a lot of things to do at the Sea of Galilee:1. The Holy City of TiberiasThe largest city on the shore of the Kinneret is Tiberias; the Jewish Talmud was written in Tiberias. Visit the holy city of Tiberias and take a relaxing walk along the Tiberias Promenade. There is a small flea market near the water’s edge and you can enjoy a fish dinner overlooking the water.At the southern end of the Tiberias Promenade, there is a nightly sound and light show which lasts 15 minutes and is performed at 8:30 pm and 9 pm or 10 pm. The multimedia show is free and projected onto two large water screens. The scenes created on the screens highlight the history of the region and are accompanied by classical music and dancing fountains.Rocky Shore of the Sea of Galilee. Photo by Chris Gallimore on Unsplash2. Yardenit Baptismal SiteYardenit is a point at the southern tip of the Kinneret where the lake meets the Jordan River. It was here that Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Today it is possible for visitors to get baptized in the same waters. At the Yardenit Visitor Center, you can get a white robe, be baptized, and receive a certificate attesting to your baptism. There is an alternate baptismal site further south at Qasr al-Yahud.3. Mount of BeatitudesThe Mount of Beatitudes (Har HaOsher in Hebrew) overlooks the Sea of Galilee and was the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Today a beautiful church crowns the mount; the octagonal church represents the eight beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11) and was built in 1938.4. The Biblical Village of TabghaIn Tabgha, literally on the water’s edge is the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes where Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The original church was constructed in the 5th century and has since been restored. The original floor mosaic has survived. Also in Tabgha is the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy where Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection.The Jordan River at Yardenit Baptismal Site.Photo credit: © Dmitry Mishin5. Capernaum -The Town of JesusYou can visit Capernaum, on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This biblical town has several ancient churches and synagogues including the church of St. Peter’s House. A modern octagonal church surrounds the remains of St. Peter’s house which can be seen through the glass floor.6. The Jesus Boat at Kibbutz GinosarThe Jesus Boat is a 2000-year-old fishing boat that was uncovered on the bed of the lake during a drought in the 1980s. It is now on display in the Jesus Boat Museum (Yigal Allon Center) on Kibbutz Ginosaron the western side of the Sea of Galilee. Other parts of the museum display art by local Arab and Jewish artists of the Galilee and showcase art that depicts the culture, history, and nature of the area.7. Kibbutz Ein GevOn the east shore of the Sea of Galilee is Kibbutz Ein Gev where there are activities for the whole family, a beach, accommodation, and restaurants. There is also an anchor museum and an art gallery. You can take a 30-minute tour of the kibbutz on a mini-train and learn about the establishment of the kibbutz in 1937 and the everyday life of the kibbutz.A column with Inscription, Capernaum, Israel.Photo by Phil Goodwin on Unsplash8. Camping and Water Sports at the Sea of GalileeThere are several beaches on the shores of the lake as well as campgrounds where you can set up your tent just a few meters from the water. Camping around the Sea of Galilee is a must for all nature lovers. You can try a number of different water sports on the Kinneret including water skiing, kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, canoeing, and sailing. The top beaches around the Sea of Galilee are Tzemach Beach in the south and Ein Gev Beach on the east coast. At Gai Beach, Luna Gal, and Tzemach there are water parks.9. Hot Springs near the Sea of GalileeVisit the hot springs of Tiberias where there are ancient Turkish baths fed by natural springs. The thermal mineral pools are both inside and outdoors and there are heated swimming pools, hot tubs, and spa treatments. Not far from the Sea of Galilee is Hamat Gader Hot Springs another thermo-mineral spring complex on the same site that the Romans built their baths 2,000 years ago.10. Cruise Ships on the Sea of GalileeThere are tourist cruise ships that make short excursions from Tiberias. There are large boats that can carry up to 165 passengers to all ports around the lake. These boats resemble the fishing vessels used in Galilee in the times of Jesus. Cruises to Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee are also possible.Boat cruise on the Sea of Galilee.Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhile You’re in the Area….Just a little further afield into the Golan Heights, south to the Jordan Valley, and into the Bethsaida Valley there are more wonders to discover like the lush forests and vegetation around the River Jordan. One of the areas nearby is so beautiful it is believed to have been the Garden of Eden.The Galilee is crisscrossed with hike and cycle trails all clearly marked. Other nearby things to see and do are at the Jordan Park, Naharayim, Bethsaida Nature Reserve, and the Jesus Trail – a 65km hike trail from Nazareth to Capernaum.Liked this article? Join a One Day tour to the Sea of Galilee.View of the southern part of the Sea of Galilee, Northern Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies and the owner of the global Sheraton chain, announced last week that as of June 2009 four Israeli hotels will be stripped of their “Sheraton” title. The four hotels, all owned by businessman Shaya Boymelgreen are Sheraton Moriah Tel Aviv, Sheraton Plaza Jerusalem, Sheraton Tiberias and Sheraton Eilat.Sheraton City Tower and Sheraton Tel Aviv will maintain the prestigious brand name. According to the corporation, the decision to remove the Sheraton name from the Israeli hotels was prompted by the desire to preserve the value of the trademark, hinting that the level of the local businesses was not satisfactory.However, the fact that the hotels have not paid their management and franchise fees to the corporation for many months seems to have contributed to the decision as well. Starwood announced that the four Israeli hotels will be taken off the chain’s online booking system and their guests will not be eligible for benefits provided by the chain.Meanwhile, the Fattal-owned Le Méridien Haifa in the northern bay city will lose its “Méridien” title this month after the agreement between the Fattal hotel chain and Starwood has ended. Le Méridien Eilat and Le Méridien Dead Sea will keep their names for the time being.

Mount Scopus or Har HaTsofim (Lookout Mount) in Hebrew stands 826m above sea level in northeast Jerusalem. Mount Scopus is part of a ridge of mountains that includes the Mount of Olives. Scopus deserves its name as one of the best places to get an overview of Jerusalem especially from the mount’s “tayelet” or promenade.Mount Scopus LandmarksThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem was built on Mt. Scopus in 1918. Today the university is a respected research institute and site of a national library. Hecht Synagogue on the university campus is known for its brilliant views across the Old City. The National Botanical Gardens founded on the university grounds in 1931 are home to the largest collection of Israeli plants and the burial Cave of Nicanor who donated gates for the construction of the Second Jewish Temple (516BC-70AD). The Tabachnik Garden holds ancient Jewish burial caves and has lookout points facing east and west. Ammunition Hill on the western slope of Mt. Scopus was a Jordanian outpost and the site of a fierce battle during the Six Day War. Today it is a memorial and museum site. Other sites on Mount Scopus include the Jerusalem British War Cemetery; the Jerusalem American Colony Cemetery; Bentwich Cemetery; the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and Hadassah Hospital (not the site of the famous Chagall Windows which are at the Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem).History of Mount ScopusIn 66 AD the Romans camped on Mt. Scopus as they contemplated their attack on the city. The war resulted in the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple. Many years later the Crusaders used Mt. Scopus as a base when planning their entry into the city.In 1948 the British withdrew from Palestine leaving the unprotected Jewish hospital and university on Mt. Scopus. A convoy of vehicles bringing staff and supplies to the hospital was attacked in the Hadassah Medical Convoy Massacre and 78 were killed. From the Arab-Israeli War of 1948 to Six-Day War of 1967, Jerusalem was split into the Jordanian East Jerusalem and Israeli West Jerusalem with the Israeli enclave on Mt. Scopus was relatively isolated in Jordanian East Jerusalem. In 1967 when the mount returned to Israeli administration Mount Scopus became part of the municipality of Jerusalem.Want to see the view from Mount Scopus? Join one of our great Tours to Jerusalem.

Modern-day Kfar Kana (Kfar Kanna, Khirbet Cana or Cana) is an Arab town about 7km northeast of Nazareth in the Lower Galilee. The town is famed as the site of the New Testament miracle performed by Jesus when he turned water into wine. In the 4th century Empress Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine identified Kana as the Biblical site and had a church built in the town. An 8th century tradition also associated Kfar Kana with Biblical Cana. In the 17th century a papal emissary identified two possible locations for Biblical Cana – Khirbet Qana and Kfar Kana. On his journey to the Holy Land, he saw the remains of Helena’s 4th-century church and this reinforced the idea that Kana was Biblical Cana. In 1641 Franciscan monks established a presence in Kana and pilgrims journeyed to the town including St Jerome. In 1879 a new Franciscan church was constructed on the remains of an earlier church.Biblical References to CanaIn the Bible, the Gospel of John refers to Cana of Galilee several times. John 2:1-12 tells of Jesus’ visit to the town of Cana. Jesus, some of his disciples and his mother, Mary were invited to a wedding in the Galilee town of Cana. This took place three days after Nathanael (Bartholomew) had become a disciple and Cana was Nathanael’s hometown. It seems that Mary was involved in helping to arrange the wedding feast. She noted that there was a shortage of wine and tells Jesus “They have no wine.” Jesus replies to Mary saying: “Why is that a concern to me or you?” Mary leaves the matter at that and tells those organizing the feast to “Do whatever he (Jesus) tells you.” Jesus instructed the people to fill six stone water jars with water then he tells them to “draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” Unaware of the miracle that has occurred the master of the feast praises the quality of the wine saying: “you have saved the fine wine until now.” This first miracle is significant in strengthening the disciples’ faith in Jesus. This event is also referred to as the first of Jesus’ signs and as his first public miracle. This first miracle is interpreted as showing us the sanctity of marriage and that the event should be celebrated. It teaches us that Jesus wanted to save the wedding party the embarrassment of not having enough wine to serve. Other Biblical references to Cana include a later visit by Jesus when he is asked to heal the son of a nobleman (John 4:46-49). Cana is referred to in the Book of Joshua but it is unsure whether it refers to the same Galilee town of Cana.Attractions in Kfar KanaToday visitors to Kana can see the Franciscan Wedding Church. This small church has a front courtyard and a modest façade adorned with angel sculptures. The façade is flanked by twin bell towers and the building is topped by a dome. The church has two floors; on the lower level you can see the partial remains of a Byzantine mosaic from the 5th-6th century. There is a small museum displaying archaeological artifacts found in the area including a winepress, cistern and vessels. One of the jars on display is believed to have been one of the original six jars used by Jesus when he created the wine. Excavations beneath the church uncovered 1st century dwellings and the remains of an earlier church.The Greek Orthodox Church of the Marriage Feast stands across from the Franciscan Wedding Church. This church holds two stone jars which some believe to be two of the original jars used by Jesus but they could also be early baptismal fonts. Not far from the modern town is the excavation site where the remains of ancient Cana have been uncovered. Remains have been found from the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and early Arab eras.Join our Christian Sea of Galilee tour to visit Kfar Kana.

The Tomb of Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon or Rambam) is situated in Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Maimonides (1135-1204) was a learned Torah scholar, philosopher; physician and codifier of Jewish law. Rambam is one of several important “tsadikim” (righteous ones) and Rabbinical figures buried in Tiberias as it is one of Israel’s four holy Jewish cities.MaimonidesMaimonides was born in Cordoba, Spain in 1135 and grew to be an authority on Jewish law. He and his family fled Spain for Morocco in 1135 due to religious persecution and eventually settled in Egypt where he became a doctor to Sultan Saladin, Muslim ruler of Egypt. Rambam died in Egypt in 1204 and requested that his body be laid to rest in the Holy Land. One legend claims that his body was put on his camel and Rambam’s students followed as the camel walked. When the camel stopped at the grave of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai they knew they had found the right burial site. Rambam was well-read in the teachings of Greek philosophers, rabbinical teachings, the Bible and Talmud. In addition, he was an educated doctor versed in the sciences. His contribution to medicine included observations on the anatomy of the uterus, recognition of psychosomatics and especially in the field of medical ethics. Among his greatest works are The Guide to the Perplexed and the Mishnah Torah. Rambam composed a prayer for healers equivalent to the Hippocratic Oath but in a religious context. Rambam made an impact not only on Judaism and Torah studies but also in the fields of philosophy and medicine.Praying at Rambam’s GraveAs with other tombs of great Jewish sages, it is traditional for Jews to come to Rambam’s grave to pray. This age-old tradition does not mean that the person is praying to Rambam but rather that praying at the graveside will add merit to the person’s prayers. The most popular time to prayer at Rambam’s grave is on the anniversary of his passing. It is also traditional to visit the tomb on the eve of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) to pray for the tzadik to intercede on our behalf on the Day of Judgment.Visiting Rambam’s Tomb in TiberiasA long walkway leading to the tomb is lined with columns inscribed with the titles of the 14 volumes of the Mishnah. At the end of the walkway, a large geometrically-shaped sculpture representing a crown covers an open-air courtyard. The tomb is located here as well as various plaques bearing prayers and quotes. Within the same burial complex are the tombs of Yochanan ben Zakai (30 BC-90 AD) and Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (1555-1630). Next to the Tomb of Maimonides is the Maimonides Heritage Center where you can learn more about the sage’s life, work and legacy.Book our Galilee Jewish Private Tour to visit The Tomb of Maimonides.

The Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes (the Miracle Maker) is located above Hamat Tiberias on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in the city of Tiberias alongside the burial sites of two of his students. The Rabbi’s burial site is a popular stop for those visiting the graves of righteous Jews (Kvra Tsadikkim). As the Rabbi is associated with miracles believers visit the site to ask for their own miracle. When they pray at the tomb site it is not to the Rabbi but to God via the Rabbi’s spirit in the hope that his prayers will hold weight.Why was Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes a Miracle Maker?Rabbi Meir (bringer of light) is admired for his wisdom and contribution to the Mishnah, the book of Jewish oral traditions or Oral Torah. He lived in the 2nd century during the Mishnaic Period and was one of the fourth generations of Tannaim or Rabbinical sages. At this time the son of Rabbi Simeon ben Gamiel, Rabbi Judah the Prince (c.135 - 219 AD) gathered the teachings of the great sages and created the six volumes of the Mishnah (139 - 163 AD).Rabbi Meir’s name is mentioned frequently in the Mishnah and his wife Bruriah is one of only a few women mentioned in the Gemara (book of Biblical commentary). The Babylonian Talmud (book of Jewish law) actually states that all anonymous Mishnas are attributed to Rabbi Meir because his wisdom was unsurpassed. The Rabbi was a student of Elisha ben Abuyah and went on to play an active role in the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132 - 136 AD). Following the death of thousands of Rabbi Akiva’s students, he sought out five new students, one of them being Rabbi Meir.Rabbi Meir passed away on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Iyar while in exile outside of the Holy Land His remains were brought to Tiberias and entombed close to his teacher Rabbi Akiva. The Rabbi requested that his body be buried in a standing position as the Torah uses the word “standing” in reference to prayer.Another version of this legend says that the Rabbi wanted to be buried standing up so that when the Messiah came he could walk straight out to greet him. Before his passing, the Rabbi said that his legacy to generations to come would be that he would intercede in heaven on any person’s behalf if the person is willing to give charity to the poor of Israel in his memory.The Legend of the Master of MiraclesA story in the Jewish Talmud describes how the Rabbi’s sister-in-law was arrested by the Romans and placed in a brothel as punishment. The Rabbi approached the brothel in disguise and gave the guard a bribe to release his sister-in-law. The Rabbi told the guard to keep half and use the rest to bribe the other officials. The guard replied that in the end, they would execute him but Rabbi Meir told him to call out “The God of Meir – answer me” and he would be saved. To prove that the prayer would save him Rabbi Meir showed the guard how a pack of man-eating dogs would not touch him if he called out this single prayer. The guard did as Rabbi Meir had asked and released the Rabbi’s sister-in-law. Once the guard had used up all the money on bribes he was eventually arrested and sentenced to be hanged. As they placed the rope around his neck the guard called out the prayer “God of Meir – answer me” and the rope broke.From this story comes a prayer is spoken by many when they visit Rabbi Meir’s tomb and when they are hoping for a miracle themselves. When invoking the memory of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes and giving charity in his name it is traditional to repeat the prayer originally said by the Rabbi “God of Meir – answer me.”The anniversary of the Rabbi’s death is a particularly busy day at the gravesite. Thousands of people come to pay their respects and ask for Rabbi Meir’s intervention on their behalf. On this day a special prayer vigil is held and people lit hundreds of candles at the tomb.Book our Galilee Jewish Private Tour to visit The Tomb of Rabbi Meir Baal HaNes.

The Diaspora Museum (recently renamed as ANU - Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot) in Tel Aviv focuses on the story of the Jewish People across the world and throughout history as well as their ongoing story. The museum exhibits look at the roots of Jewish communities and the collective Jewish identity and experience no matter where you are on the globe.Beit Hatfutsot opened its doors in 1978 fulfilling the vision of Nahum Goldmann, former president of the World Jewish Congress. In 2005 Israeli parliament passed a law classifying the Diaspora Museum as a “National Center for Jewish Communities in Israel and around the World.” The purpose of the museum is to strengthen the Jewish identity and provide visiting Jews with an understanding of their legacy providing a sense of belonging. The museum holds a database for those who want to investigate their ancestry. There is also a database of Jewish Nobel Prize winners; Jewish communities; Jewish music, photographs and films.Diaspora Museum RenewalSince 2016 when a new wing of the museum was inaugurated the museum has been undergoing a complete renewal. The new museum is larger and includes a completely new core permanent exhibition (described below). The new exhibition takes on a more pluralistic approach highlighting the multicultural aspects of Judaism and the immense diversity among Jews from different cultures. State-of-the-art exhibition techniques and designs are employed to give visitors a sense of their personal Jewish identity. It also looks at the many Jewish success stories in all fields of modern life.Highlights of Beit HatfutsotThe permanent exhibition entitled “Hallellujah!” Presents 21 models of Jewish places of worship from around the world. There are reconstructions of architectural elements from synagogues including a 1919 stained glass window by Friedrich Adler and the original candelabra (menorah) from the Warsaw Great Synagogue featuring a Polish eagle.The photographic exhibition entitled “Operation Moses: 30 Years After” tells the story of the Ethiopian Jews who immigrated to Israel in 1984 and follows their absorption into Israeli society over seven years. The “Forever Young – Bob Dylan at 75” exhibition focuses on the musician, his work and his relationship with Judaism over the years. “Heroes – Trailblazers of the Jewish People” is an interactive exhibition geared towards children aged 6-12. The exhibition redefines what a hero is by showing Jewish men and women from history that may not be typical heroes. The Diaspora Museum has space reserved for temporary exhibitions like the recent exhibitions that looked at Jewish humor around the world or the exhibition of video art installations by Ronny Douek that look at the story of foreign caregivers in Israel. Lobby displays include one on Leonard Cohen and a display of art by new immigrants to Israel.You can visit Diaspora Museum on our Private Tel Aviv tour.

Plan Your VisitLocation: 10 Haim Levanon Street, Ramat-Aviv, Tel AvivOpen Times:Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 09:00-17:00 (the last tour begins at 15:30), Monday 09:00-15:00, and Friday 09:00-11:00.Prices: Adults 30 ILS, children 6-18 years and seniors 20 ILS, soldiers free.Average Visit Duration: 1.5-2 hours.Notes for Visitors: All bus routes reaching Tel Aviv University will bring you to the Eretz Israel Museum’s parking area adjacent to the Palmach Museum. The museum tour is for visitors over 6 years old. The tours are conducted in Hebrew, English, Spanish, French, or Russian. An audio guide is available in Mandarin. Call 03-5459800 to book a visit.Special Events: Entrance is free on Independence Day, and the museum holds regular activities for children during Israeli school holidays.Tours: Visitors must join a 90-minute guided tour although for a more tailor-made experience take a private tour that includes this museum.Palmach, the strike-force of the pre-state underground Haganah defense organizationYou won’t be disappointed by this unique museum that is dedicated to the pre-state underground Jewish organization, the Palmach. The Palamach was the strike force, or paramilitary branch of the Hagana Jewish defense organization that fought for the right to a Jewish homeland in Israel during the British Mandate period from 1920 to 1948. Following the establishment of the State of Israel, Hagana, and Palmach were integrated into the Israeli Defense Force.Pro Tip: If this period of history, and pre-state Jewish underground movements interest you then don’t miss a visit to the Lehi Museum and the Etzel Museum.This museum has a brilliant design concept, it is an experiential museum which means that visitors walk through recreated scenes that bring history to life. Visitors will feel like they have joined the group of young Palmach recruits and then advance through the story of the Palmach from its establishment to the end of the War of Independence. Unlike conventional museums, the Palmach Museum has no boring displays of documents, instead, visitors are surrounded by three-dimensional décor, for example, tents and campfires. Then with the use of special effects, sound, film, and special lighting, the story of the Palmach unfolds around you.Who Were the Palmach?Members of the Palmach were the military arm or combat reserve unit of Hagana responsible for protecting the Jewish settlements from Arab attacks, and British interference before the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The Hagana worked as an underground movement carrying out clandestine operations against British rule. Most of the Hagana’s sixty thousand members were volunteers. The Palmach was positioned across the country from Galilee and Haifa to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The commander of the Palmach was Yitzhak Sade.The Palmach fighters, on a wall of the museumThe Palmach and the BritishIn 1942, in an ironic turn of events, the Palmach found themselves working on the same side as the British against their shared enemy, the armies of Nazi Germany that threatened to enter Palestine via Egypt. The British trained Palmach members in guerilla warfare and prepared them for a German invasion. In their work with the British, some Palmach members found themselves parachuted into Europe.This wasn’t the first time that the Palmach had collaborated with the enemy, the British. The Palmach also helped the British take Syria and Lebanon from Vichy French forces. During World War II, while the Palmach worked with the British, two other Jewish paramilitary movements, Lehi and Etzel chose to fight against the British. And so they found themselves being arrested by Palmach members who were taking their orders from the British. Some of the Etzel and Lehi members were detained and others were sent to detention camps in Africa until the end of the British rule in Palestine.Once the war was over there was no reason for the Palmach to side with Britain, and so Palmach members began training and reorganizing itself as a fighting force with the goal of ousting the British and establishing a Jewish homeland. They carried out isolated attacks, and surprise assaults on the British.Palmach and Jewish Immigration to the Holy LandThe British turned their attention to suffocating the Zionist movement and preventing immigration of Holocaust survivors to the Holy Land. The Jewish underground movements facilitated the arrival of illegal immigrants despite the British. They assisted with establishing new settlements, armed struggles against the British, and mass demonstrations. Yegal Alon became the commander of the Palmach and a driving force behind the movement’s activities.They participated in the freeing of illegal Jewish immigrants from the British detention camp at Atlit, bombed British patrol boats, attacked British police stations, and blew up bridges leading to neighboring Arab countries. In response, the British arrested many members of the Palmach on 29th June 1946 in an operation that came to be known as the Black Sabbath.When the UN declared the establishment of a Jewish state, the Palmach had to turn their attention from the British to the Arabs who carried out vicious attacks on Jewish settlements.At the beginning of the War of Independence, the Palmach consisted of 2,200 regular fighters and 900 reservists. The Palmach fought bravely in several critical battles during the War of Independence, defending Israel from invasion by Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria.What to See and Do at the Palmach MuseumGroups of visitors are led through the museum progressing chronologically through the history of the Palmach where important events are highlighted. The tour begins and ends in the Memorial Hall where Palmach members who died fighting for the establishment of the State of Israel are remembered.The establishment of the PalmachConflict with the BritishThe War of IndependenceThe final days of the PalmachThe Jewish settlements and the PalmachThe Palmach’s military tacticsOrganizational structure and fighting units of the PalmachFemale members of the PalmachThe Palmach legacyCulture and folklore of the PalmachThe Memorial RoomIn the Memorial Room are 1,187 draws, one for each of the Palmach fighters who lost their lives between 1941 and 1949. Each draw contains the Palmach member’s file with details about his activity in the organization as well as photos and letters. There is a computer in the Memorial Room where visitors can print information from the files.Can You Visit the Palmach Museum Independently or Only in a Group?Important: You can’t visit this museum without booking in advance via the museum website or by phone. The visit has to be prearranged whether you are coming alone or with an organized group. If you are visiting independently, and not with an organized group the museum will add you to one of the groups. The museum guide takes groups of up to 25 people through the exhibits.Palmach HousePalmach House was constructed by the Dor Hapalmach Association specifically to provide a home for the Palmach legacy and a place where today’s generation can learn about the Palmach. The Dor Hapalmach Association gave the building to the Ministry of Defense which runs several museums related to Israel’s military history. Today Palmach House is operated by the Ministry of Defense’s Department of Museums. The Palmach Museum is located in Palmach House together with the Palmach photo gallery, archive, memorial room, and library.Pro Tip: In the Palmach House courtyard is a cafe serving a dairy menu.

Plan Your VisitOpen Times:Stalls and stores are open Sunday to Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00, and Friday from 09:00 to 14:00. The flea market is closed on Saturdays. Bars and restaurantsare open Sunday to Friday from 11:00 to 03:00 and Saturdays from 12:00 to 02:00.Prices:Entrance to the market is free.Average Visit Duration:At least one hour and probably a lot longer.Popular Times:Midday is probably best when the stalls are up and running, and not winding down for the day.Pro Tip: Fridays are the busiest day and probably best avoided. Saturdays, although officially closed, is still a busy time in the market because of eateries, and some stores that remain open.Special Events:Occasionally there are foodie events in the market, especially during the Israeli summer. During Christmas in Israel, there are decorations and special happenings on the market streets.Relevant Tours:Every Jaffa walking tourwill take you there. Many visitors chose more comprehensive Tel Aviv tours to enjoy more of the attractions in Jaffa.The Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPishpeshim in Hebrew) is one of thebest markets in Tel Aviv; it's unique, unlike any other market in Israel offering a combination of old and new, junk and antiques as well as a huge variety of goods. Judaica in the Jaffa Flea MarketRather than being a designated marketwithin one building or on one plot of land, the market is spread out over an entire neighborhood, with a network of lanes and streets, some pedestrian only and others can be accessed by vehicles. There are narrow covered lanes, regular stores, up-scale boutiques, and antique/junk shops that spill onto the street. It is also a place for foodies, and you’ll do about as much eating as shoppingin this market. You can enjoy restaurants all around it, or just grabsome of thestreet food in Israel.If you’re just looking for good Instagram shots of people with local “character” this is the place.Pro Tip:If you fall in love with the market and want to linger, stay at the Market House Hotel, a simple quality hotel in the heart of the Jaffa Flea Market. Or, you could opt for the Old Jaffa House, a hostel in a charming restored historical building.History of Jaffa Flea Market People have been gathering here to sell their wares for over 2,000 years, with ships arriving at Jaffa Port with goods to sell, and locals needing to buy foodand household necessities. But the roots of the market we have today can be traced back to the Ottoman era. In the early 1900s, the region was ruled by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, and Jaffa was a major trading port city. There was a Turkish market near the port, and a Greek Market selling to visiting pilgrims and tradesmen.Home decor in the flea marketThe market used to be in the area surrounding the Clock Tower, but the Ottomans had the market moved to make way for the construction of their government administration building, Soraya. During the British Mandate, from 1920 to 1948, the market was established in its present form and has been operating in the same place for over 100 years.Jaffa Shuk Hapishpeshim underwent renovations in 2001, and the area was somewhat gentrified. During the renovations, the Amiad Center was established as a hub for exhibitions, fairs, and shows. A covered area was built for vendors without permanent stores so that they could bring their wares and display them on make-shift stalls and even spread blankets on the ground to display their goods. In more recent years, trendy boutiques, galleries, and artists' studios as well as eateries and bars began to pop up.Where is Jaffa Flea Market?Take a short walk past the Old Clock Tower on Jaffa’s main street, and turn left (southeast) down Beit Eshel Street. The market is spread out along the streets and lanes to the right of Beit Eshel Street. You’ll find the main market stalls along Olei Tzion Street, Yehuda Margoza Street, Amiad Street, and Beit Eshel Street.A nice cafe in the market area Pro Tip: You can park on the adjacent streets wherever you see blue and white striped markings on the curb. Download the Pango app. To pay for the street parking.You might be disappointed if you only find one section of the flea market, so you need to explore. There are several distinct sections, and areas, as well as parts of the market that specialize in particular goods. Pro Tip: Looking for good Insta-shots and the quirkiest stores, start at Olei Zion Street (or Oley Tsion).The Main Areas of the MarketThe market has three main areas, all within easy walking distance and offering a slightly different atmosphere and variety of goods.Two covered inner streets for pedestrians only, an eclectic mix of memorabilia and second-hand goods.An open lot (Amiad Market) where goods are spread out on the ground under an awning.The Olei Zion pedestrian street is where you’ll find the more established stores, restaurants, and cafes including antiques, handicrafts, and furniture.Pro Tip: The market has excellent graffiti art that you’ll encounter as you explore the lanes and streets.What to Buy in Jaffa Flea Market?This is the type of market where people talk about having everything plus the kitchen sink - because you literally could buy a kitchen sink here! From knickknacks, and Judaica, to real antiques, and junk, Jaffa Shuk Hapishpeshim has it all. Antiquities in the Flea MarketPersian rugs, ceramics, jewelry, second-hand clothing, designer goods, and electrical gadgets. It is a great place to pick up leather goods, and copper items. Collectors will love the array of Soviet memorabilia, as well as rare coins, books, stamps, and furniture. Remember to bargain and to search inside the stores to see goods that are cheaper and hidden from the passersby. Pro Tip: If you’re wondering if the market area is safe, yes it is!Here are a few of the most iconic stores in the Jaffa Flea Market:Palestina Eretz Israel, Olei Zion Street - For about 30 years this cramped antique store has collected a wide array of nostalgic items that take you on a journey through the history of Eretz Israel. See old and new items such as military gear, light fittings, postcards, posters, frames, railings, radios, and even a motorbike with a sidecar.Taos, Olei Zion Street - Probably best described as a kitsch antique shop or a haven of Americana such as life-size figures of Hollywood stars, furniture, candlesticks, posters, and plastic flowers.Risos, Olei Zion Street - Kitschy home decor goods, garden gnomes, bookends, bread bins, mirrors, furniture, and plastic items.Love Me Two Times - A second-hand store with a selection of quality designer clothing and shoes from well-known brands such as Prada and Valentino.Halleluyah, Olei Zion Street - this store sells musical instruments with everything from an Australian didgeridoo to a Thai wooden frog and a Middle Eastern darbuka to a European harp.Aki, Rabbi Yochanan Street - This antique store has a wide range of authentic items, from tricycles and light fittings to radios and hat boxes.Mansur Carpets, Olei Zion Street - See the Persian carpets spread out on the sidewalk, and hanging from every wall.Renaissance, Olei Zion Street - This antique store has the strangest decorative arts, ceramics, artwork, light fixtures, African wooden carvings, and antiques.Where to Eat at Jaffa Shuk HaPishpeshimIn the last few years, Jaffa’s flea market has gained a reputation as a foodie destination. Excellent restaurants have popped up in the market alleyways and surrounding the market.Try the local street food, it's almost addictive!Some of the Shuk Hapishpeshim restaurants and bars stay open during the day and others open only in the evening.Pro Tip: Don’t miss one of the fresh juices sold on several street corners.Leimech - A restaurant bar with Thai beer on tap, and Middle Eastern classics.Yasso Saloniki - An iconic Greek restaurant.Italkia ba-Pish Pishim - an Italian trattoria, popular with locals.Dr. Shakshuka - a timeless classic, specializing in Israeli breakfast.Raisa - Chef Uri Levy, who has worked at Michelin restaurants, offers bistro-style food and cocktails in a hip, industrial-style setting.Cafe Matzliach - A coffee shop with homemade pastries, popular with locals and visitors alike.Falafel Bar - Here you can enjoy the classic Israeli street food at its best.Sifo - Run by Chef Idan Metzner, offering seafood dishes with a Middle Eastern twist.Cafe Puaa - an iconic cafe with the appearance of a retro living room decorated with items from the market.Onza - A vibrant venue open day and night, with a mouthwatering menu of things like lamb cannelloni, and shrimp burgers.Milk Bakery - Sweet, delicious pastries, irresistible breads, cakes, and cookies.Pro Tip: You can buy a Bite Card, which consists of 6 coupons that give you a chance to taste a variety of market foods. The cards are bought on the Shuktlv website and picked up in the market.Afterdark in Jaffa Shuk HapishpeshimWhen the sun goes down the market turns into a lively entertainment hub with restaurants, bars, and clubs. Check out Cuckoo's Nest, a retro bar in an antique store; Casino San Remo, and Margoza Bar.

Right in the heart of Tel Aviv beats the pulse of bustling shoppers, market stall owners shouting out their sales pitches to attract customers, loudspeakers blasting out Middle Eastern rhythms, and the constant chatter of people going to and fro. Some shoppers are there to browse slowly between stalls, others have a shopping list to fill and just want to get home and others have come to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy an ice-cold glass of pomegranate juice.Pomegranate Juice in the Carmel Market, Tel AvivThe delicious aromas fill the air of fresh baked goods, fruit and vegetables straight from the farms, pickles, pungent cheeses, fish straight from the sea, and that to-die-for aroma of freshly ground coffee. The colors come at you from all sides; vibrant red, orange, and pink clothing hanging from the awnings; the fruit of every color; shades of brown and green spices piled high and the people in the market also provide a dynamic mix of colors. In other words Carmel Market is alive! It is a dynamic, vibrant attraction that no tourist in Tel Aviv should miss. If you take a walk through the market you will see a slice of “real” life in Israel, from all echelons of society.Carmel Market has some great local sweets!But the real draw to this one-of-a-kind market is the glimpse into the “real” Israeli character. The market vendors are vibrant characters each with their banter as they call out to passersby. Locals doing their shopping in the market add another aspect of authenticity to HaCarmel.The main street of the market, HaCarmel Street has a gentle downhill slope from Magen David Square on Allenby Street to a large parking lot near the sea. The market stalls are packed along HaCarmel Street and across nearby streets. The side streets veering off of HaCarmel hold more stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries.History ofCarmel MarketIn the 1920s the Tel Aviv neighborhood “Kerem HaTeimanim” (vineyard of the Yemenites) set up a make-shift marketplace called “HaKerem” (the Vineyard) on the site we now known as Shuk HaCarmel. Arthur Rupin, a Polish Zionist and one of the founders of Tel Aviv then helped a group of Russian immigrants to turn the market into a commercial hub. The fledgling municipal council saw the potential and encouraged the growth of the market area.Spices in Carmel MarketThey officially made it a permanent market changing the name to Carmel Market after the main market street. In the 60s and 70s attempts were made to relocate the market but its authentic charm and local color had already earned a permanent place in the hearts of the people of Tel Aviv. The market has been renovated and improved several times over the years and is scheduled for another facelift in the coming years.The Trendy New CarmelIn recent years Shuk HaCarmel has become a trendy spot for foodies seeking local delicacies, down-to-earth ethnic food, and gourmet food products. Among the market eateries, you’ll find boutique coffee bars; freshly squeezed juice bars; chef-owned food stalls, and traditional ethnic foods from around the world.What to eat at Shuk HaCarmelApart from picking up ingredients from the produce stalls, there are many eateries in the market catering to all tastes. Among the stalls are simple, authentic eateries specializing in one or two local favorites prepared on the spot and eaten on the go.Israel has some of the best Humus in the worldFor example, there are grilled meats served in a baguette at Sasson; traditional Middle Eastern dishes at Savtot Mevshlot; Hummus HaCarmel serves homemade hummus, and even Bunny Chow, a South African curry restaurant. Try one of the “barakas” a fried field pastry sold by a recent contestant on the Israeli MKR cooking reality program.What you can buy at Carmel MarketIf you want to buy the ingredients for a picnic lunch or just browse the fresh produce you will find every kind of delicacy at Carmel Market. Food products on offer include spices, nuts, dried fruits, boutique cheeses, fish, meat, coffee grounds on the spot, freshly baked goods, and halva.You can also see stalls selling plants, nargilas (hubbly bubbly), sweets, and delicatessen products. Among the other market stalls, there are vintage records, clothing, accessories, electronics, toys, household goods, shoes, jewelry, and beauty products. VisitingCarmel MarketShuk HaCarmel is centrally located and easy to access from the junction of Allenby, King George, and Sheinkin Streets. It is open from Sunday to Friday with Friday being the busiest day. Open hours are generally 8 am to sundown with early closing on Fridays. While here why not visit the adjacent arts and crafts market on Nahalat Binyamin Street or the nearby old Yemenite neighborhood where the market began?

Mini Israel is a popular attraction 20 minutes from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem where Israel has been recreated in miniature. Here you can see the whole country in a day! Mini Israel has 385 exact models of Israel's most important landmarks, architecture, historic sites, religious structures, and modern wonders. Mini Israel is populated by 25,000 7cm-high miniature residents! The model is not a small, simple, or colorless creation but rather a large 1:25 scale model with miniature people, electric lights, moving elements, sound effects, and all the landmarks of the Holy Land. If you aren’t going to be in Israel long enough to see the whole country then visit Mini-Israel to see everything from Mount Hermon in the north to Eilat on the Red Sea. There are also about 500 mini animals, over 4,000 mini cars, motorbikes, trains, planes, ships, trucks, and even helicopters. Among the models are beautiful indigenous plants and miniature trees like cypress trees, olive trees, pomegranate trees, myrtle, rosemary, and lavender, recreating some of Israel's most famous landscapes. Walkways and small bridges take visitors on a route through the "country."Visiting Mini IsraelMini Israel was conceived by an Israeli entrepreneur, Eiran Gazit who was inspired by Madurodam, the miniature park in the Netherlands. Mini Israel stands on land belonging to Kibbutz Nachson in the Latrun area with the Ayalon Valley as a backdrop. Since its opening in 2002 Mini Israel has welcomed more than 4 million visitors. The site's slogan is "See It All – Small." The models are laid out in a star of David shape with each of the six triangles featuring the landmarks of Tel Aviv; Jerusalem; Haifa; the Galilee and northern Israel; the Negev and southern Israel and the center of the country. The models are made of polyurethane or polymeric and hand-painted with waterproof paint. There is a visitor center, food court, souvenir store, amphitheater, lecture hall, and a bonsai nursery where you can buy plants. If you want to have a better idea of what you are looking at then get the audio guide.Highlights of Mini IsraelThe latest addition to Mini Israel Park is a 3D MiniMax aerial movie that takes you above Israel's most beautiful landmarks and landscapes. See the magnificent religious structures like the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Also, the sites of minority ethnic groups are shown like the Druze and Bedouin communities. Some of the models have moving parts including planes, trains, and a soccer game. Dramatic lighting brings the models to life and sound recordings allow you to hear the people praying at the Western Wall; the planes taking off at Ben Gurion and supporters at a football match. The park is constantly being updated to include new structures. If you want to see the country in just a couple of hours this is the place to come.

Yad La Shiryon (literally ‘Hand of Armour’) is Israel’s official memorial for fallen soldiers in the armored corps. Located in Latrun, it is set on a hill overlooking the road that runs between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and is considered to be one of the most varied and informative tank museums in the world.Its precise location is actually the historic Latrun Police Station (from the time of the British Mandate) in the heart of the Ayalon Valley, which holds great significance for the Jewish people. In the Old Testament, Yehoshua Bin Nun stated “Sun, stand thou still on Gibeon and Moon in the valley of Ayalon” (Joshua 10), after which his forces defeated the Amorite Kings. In the 1948 War of Independence, Latrun saw many bloody battles, as the Jews fought to break through the siege on the road to Jerusalem (what is now referred to as ‘the Burma Road’). The area was conquered by the IDF in 1967, in the Six-Day War.History of the MuseumYad La Shiryon’s founding stone was laid on 14th December 1982 and was the initiative of veteran officers of the armored corp. The idea was to have a complex which displayed the bravery of fallen soldiers and would serve as a place to commemorate them. Today, the museum boasts an armor display, a tank museum, a Wall of Names, a park for family recreation, and the Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II (with ongoing exhibitions).The Main Memorial SiteThe main building is actually a Tegart fortress from the time of the British Mandate. These first were built between 1938 and 1939 as part of the war against Arab terror. The project was dreamed up by Sir Charles Tegart, a former commissioner of the Indian police, who had fought in Bengal. Invited by the Mandate to advise on security, he recommended building a number of police forts first across the country, to act as well-defined defensive structures, which would help guard positions and prevent the infiltration of guerillas from Lebanon and Syria. The Tegart forts were also used as government offices in certain areas.Today, if visitors look carefully, they can see the deeply pocketed outer walls were used in wartime. The inside of the tower is covered in steel that came from a tank and water circulating from a pool underneath the installation by Danny Karavan named ‘Tower of Tears’ shows water trickling down the walls.The Outside Armour DisplayYad La Shiryon hosts an impressive and diverse collection of tanks, made not just in Israel but also in the ex-Soviet Union, the United States, Britain, Germany, and France. There are more than 100 different tanks in this famous collection, including Merkava (Israel) - meaning ‘ Chariot’ in Hebrew, this is the main battle tank of the IDF and was first used in 1979; M24 Chaffee (USA) - an American tank, used in their war with Korea and by the French in their war against Algeria; M42 Duster (USA) - a light armored air-defense gun built in service in the 1950s and 1960s.There are also M50 and M51 Super Sherman (USA) - modified versions of the American M4 Sherman tank and used both in the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War; Centurion (Britain) - the primary British Army battle tank used post-World War II, introduced in 1945, it is considered to be of excellent design and stayed in production until the 1980s Panhard (France) - a fast, long-ranged, and relatively cheap armored car with excellent reconnaissance capability; Panzer (Germany) - developed in the late 1930s and used extensively throughout World War II; T34 (Soviet Union) introduced in 1940, and famously used by the Red Army in World War II Operation Barbarossa.Tank on the TowerWithout a doubt, Yad La Shiryon’s most famous landmark has got to be the tank that sits on top of a tower. Indeed, it is so well-known that it actually serves as the logo of the museum. In 1979, after a decision approved by Major General (Ret) Moshe Peled, the tank was hoisted on top of a tower on the site, a tower that used to hold water. The tank hoisted up was an M4 Sherman, from the United States, and it was one of the first tanks ever used by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).The water tower was initially designed to hold no more than 25 tonnes and because the Sherman tank weighed 34, both its transmission gears and the engine had to be taken out before it could be lifted up and placed at the top of the tower.The Tank Museum and the Wall of NamesThis museum boasts a collection of models of tanks and armored combat vehicles, including a model of the Leonardo da Vinci tank, a full-scale model of an armored knight, Assyrian and Egyptian chariots, a battle heritage room, a stamp collection, caricatures about the Armored Corps, a library of combat books and a variety of literature relating to combat vehicles. A moving part of the site, on which the names of all fallen soldiers of the Armored Corps who died in Israel's wars are inscribed.Shelah andEducation CentreYad la Shiryon also hosts Shelah (‘Field, Nation, Society’). This is a branch of the Israeli educational system, whose aim is to turn out well-educated and knowledgeable citizens. The education center is therefore dedicated to the promotion and support of field activities for schools and various youth movements. It offers a wide variety of facilities for overnight and weekend trips, including camping amongst the pine trees, summer trips, and other youth movement activities. The facility includes dormitories, hot water showers, field kitchens, sleeping quarters for staff, water fountains, and equipment that can be used to erect shelter outdoors. The Education Center is a project run jointly by the Yad Lashiryon Association, IDF, and the SPNI (the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel). It offers an outstanding educational program both for young people and adults, giving them the chance to learn social responsibility, learn more about Israel’s national values and take steps to preserve the country’s natural environment. On-site facilities are available, including classrooms and dormitories. It also hosts the International Center for the Study of Bird Migration, equipped with a special radar that looks like a large green ball, which is used to monitor migration at different times of the year.Visitors'SiteThe visitors' site offers a wide number of facilities which include: 20 classrooms, 2 conference rooms, a 250 seat auditorium which shows films and audiovisual displays about tanks, an amphitheater which can hold 11,000 people used for military and graduation ceremonies for units such as the IDF Land Officers course, a covered patio that can accommodate 500 people, an observational deck on top of the building, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.Practical informationIt is possible to play laser tag at Yad la Shiryon - either in a group or just arriving and joining other groups informally. Please call the information line in advance, to find out more. Yad La Shiryon is an excellent day out for anyone interested in history, archaeology, battle heritage, and tanks. There are guided tours in English but these need to be arranged beforehand. Tel: 08-630-7400 or 08 925-5268.On Israel Independence Day, the museum is open for free and very popular, especially because many of the guides are former soldiers and will happily let younger children climb up onto some of the tanks! There is an onsite restaurant (kosher) which services light refreshments and also a small gift shop. Directions:Public transport: From the Jerusalem Central Bus Station, take line 433 and alight at the Latrun Interchange (approx. 25-minute ride). Walk 10 minutes to the museum. There are no direct buses from Tel Aviv, so consider joining Tel Aviv Region Private tour or travel to Jerusalem first. Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 08:30 - 16:00, Friday:8:30 - 12:00; Saturday & religious holidays: 09:00 - 16.00. Ticket Prices: Adult (30 NIS), Adult in Group (25 NIS), Child (20 NIS)

Christians around the world know Nazareth as the hometown of Jesus Christ. Tourists come to see the Church of Annunciation, where Mary learned of her immaculate pregnancy, and Saint Joseph’s Church built above the carpentry and home of the Holy Family. But visitors often miss the fascinating Synagogue Church in Nazareth, which would have been the local synagogue when Jesus lived here. The church is in the heart of Nazareth’s Old Market and is accessed via a small courtyard. In Arabic, the church is called Madrasset El-Masshiach or The Messiah Academy, and a sign above the door reads “The Synagogue.”History of the Nazareth Synagogue ChurchChristians began worshiping in the synagogue during the Byzantine era, and by the Middle Ages, it had been turned into a church. The earliest mention of the Nazareth synagogue was in 570 AD when an Italian visitor to the town wrote that he had seen where Jesus once sat and prayed. Excavations have shown that the present structure was probably built on the remains of a 12th-century Crusader church. The church was controlled by the Franciscans until the 18th-century when the autonomous Arab ruler of the region, Zahir al-Umar, gave the property to the current owners, the Greek Catholic Church (Melkite).The Synagogue Church in the New TestamentChristian tradition holds that the church is built on the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus worshipped in his childhood years and up until he began his ministry at about 30 years of age. This period of Christ’s life is hardly mentioned in the Bible. This makes the Synagogue Church even more significant to Christians. The synagogue was mentioned in Matthew 13:54-58 and Mark 6:1-6 when the local congregation chased Jesus out of the synagogue because they didn’t think he could perform miracles. They rejected His new approach to G-d and religion. The same incident is told in Luke 4:14-30, but in Luke’s version, Jesus was shunned by the Nazareth congregation for giving a Shabbat sermon that implied He was the Messiah. This led to the miracle of the leap at Mt. Precipice. The crowd of angry villages chased Jesus to the mount intending to throw him off the cliff, but instead, Jesus jumped and disappeared. Visiting the Synagogue Church, NazarethVisitors descend into the church which has sunk about 1.5m below ground level over the years. The church has an arched ceiling and benches on both walls of the nave, leading to a podium and altar. You can also visit the adjacent New Synagogue Church built in 1887 which has beautiful murals featuring Jesus as a baby, a teen, and a king. The Nazareth Synagogue Church is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 7 pm.

The Church of Mensa Christi (Latin for Christ’s Table) is located in Nazareth near the Maronite Church of the Annunciation and northwest of the Synagogue Church. The church was built around a slab of stone. This is the traditional site where resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples as they dined. History of the Church of Mensa Christi in NazarethIn 1781 the Custody of the Holy Land purchased the site from local Muslims. Franciscan monks then built a chapel to mark the biblical site. It became extremely popular with pilgrims from the 17th-century onwards. In 1859 the chapel was burnt to the ground and was reconstructed a year later. More recently the same chapel has been restored and renovated including the frescoes and dome. Visitors can still see the scratched writing and crucifix markings carved into the Mensa Christi by early pilgrims. The church is no longer used for prayer services. You can visit the Mensa Christi Church on a guided private tour of Nazareth. The church is usually closed and is only opened by special request.Highlights of the Church of Mensa ChristiThe Mensa Christi Church contains a large block of stone measuring 12ft/3.6m x 9ft/2.7m x 3ft/0.91 which according to tradition, is the table where Jesus served his disciples’ bread and fish. After Christ’s resurrection, he appeared to his disciples as they were seated around a table. He reprimanded them for not believing those who had witnessed his resurrection. (Mark 16:14)Today, the table-like slab of rock stands in front of the altar. The church holds a painting by Leonardo Di Mango dated 1876. As you approach the entrance notice the two symbols carved into the stone above the doorway. One is the symbol of the Crusaders. The other is the symbol of the Custodian of the Holy Land. Alternate Sites for the Mensa ChristiAnother tradition based on the description in John 21, places the appearance of Jesus in Tabgha, at the Sea of Galilee. The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter (Mensa Domini Church) in Tabgha, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, holds a large rock that is venerated as a Mensa Christi. So there are two Mensa Christi Churches in Israel. Both claim to be the site where Christ appeared to his disciples after his resurrection and served them bread and fish. There is also a Mensa Christi in the nearby Church of the Multiplication. This is the table where Jesus miraculously fed the multitudes.

Dome of the Rock is perhaps the most iconic symbol of the City of Jerusalem; its golden dome stands-out above the rooftops of the city, majestic, mysterious and magnificent. Dome of the Rock (Kubbat as-Sakhra) was built on Temple Mount, a hill within the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City in 688-691 by Caliph Abd el-Malik. The Dome of the Rock remains Jerusalem’s most recognized landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is possible to tour Temple Mount and view the Dome of the Rock from the outside but entry is prohibited. The best way to see the Dome of the Rock is to join a Jerusalem Temple Mount & Dome of the Rock tour.Location of Dome of the RockThe Dome of the Rock stands on Temple Mount in the southeastern corner of the Old City. It was here that the First Temple (Solomon’s Temple) stood from the 10th century until 587BC. The Second Temple was built in 516BC and was destroyed in 70AD. Temple Mount has been held sacred by Christians, Muslims, and Jews for thousands of years and the exact location where the Dome of the Rock stands has special significance.Significance of the Dome of the RockFor Christians and Jews, the rock over which the Dome of the Rock stands is where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac to prove his faith in God; for Muslims, the same story is told but instead of Isaac Abraham planned to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Jews also hold this site sacred as it was where the Ark of the Covenant with the Ten Commandments tablets was kept in the Inner Sanctum of the ancient Temple. For Muslims the shrine holds the rock from which the Prophet Muhammad stepped up to heaven; it is also believed that he founded Islam at this exact site. The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest surviving Islamic monuments. It is not a mosque but a shrine. Sharing Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock is the Al Aqsa Mosque, believed to be where the prophet traveled on his Night Journey as told in the Koran. For all of these reasons the site where the Dome of the Rock stands is believed to be where the divine presence of God exists more than any other place in the world.Structure of the Dome of the RockThe original 7th-century structure collapsed in 1015 and the one we see today dates back to 1023. The lower section of the Dome of the Rock is octagonal and covered with colorful blue-hued mosaics modeled after nearby Byzantine churches. During the Ottoman era, the exterior was altered somewhat and until the 1960s the iconic gold-colored dome was plain lead. The gold-colored dome shines out above a circular drum on the brilliant mosaic base which is divided up by piers, columns, arches, and windows. Just like the exterior, the interior of the shrine is adorned with opulent mosaics; tin-glazed ceramics; marble and quotes from the Koran. At the center of the Dome of the Rock is the Foundation Stone, credited as the place where God created the world; as the place where God created Adam; the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son; it is associated with Islamic beliefs about the creation of the world and as the place where the Prophet Muhammad went up to heaven.

If you really want to experience the Middle Eastern atmosphere; the hustle and bustle of daily life in Jerusalem and feel like you have stepped back in time then visit Jerusalem’s Old City market. The “suk” (Arabic for market) consists of a network of narrow ancient lanes in Jerusalem’s Old City. The stone streets and stone buildings flanking the narrow pedestrian streets are a thrilling place to people-watch and do some shopping for authentic mementos. One of the best ways of discovering the Old City suk is to join a Jerusalem Temple Mount & Dome of the Rock tour.Jerusalem’s Old City market has been around in some form or another for hundreds of years. You’ll find the suk sprawled along the streets of the Old City’s Christian and Muslim Quarters. You can access the Christian Quarter section of the suk from Jaffa Gate or the Muslim Quarter suk from Damascus Gate. The markets in the Old City are open daily except for early closing on Fridays and closure on religious holidays.Different Sections of Jerusalem’s Old City MarketIf you hear about the “Three Markets” it refers to the Butchers’ Market; Spice Market and Goldsmiths’ Market that run above the Cardo in the Muslim Quarter. The three streets run parallel and are connected by narrow alleyways. Here you’ll find a mix of items on sale including electric goods; fresh produce, meat, household items, jewelry, fabric, and clothing. The “Arab Shuk” runs along David Street in close proximity to Jaffa Gate.The “Muristan Market and Avtimus Market” are in the Christian Quarter near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Along this stretch, you can find many eateries, regular shops, and churches. David Street is to the south; the Butchers’ Market to the east and the Christian Quarter Road to the west. This area is where the Roman forum once stood and under the Crusader Knights Hospitallers, a hospital was established here. The present-day Muristan market is named after the Crusader hospital (Muristan is a corruption of the Arabic word, “Bimaristan” meaning hospital). Many years later in 1903 when the Greek Orthodox Church owned the land, a market was established here by the Patriarchate Archimandrite Avtimus (now known as the Avtimus Market after the Patriarchate). At the center of Avtimus Market is an Ottoman Era fountain built in honor of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid the Second.What can you buy in the Jerusalem shuk?The items on sale in the shuk cover a wide range from kitschy tourist souvenirs and authentic locally made textiles to exquisite glassware and ordinary household items that the locals might need. You will also find religious items (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim); ceramics; jewelry; textiles; clothing; hookahs; statues; pots and pans; loofahs; copper and brass goods; luggage; musical instruments; hats; artwork; leather goods and much more. This is a great place to come to sample the local street food. Get a fruit juice freshly squeezed as you wait; sample the local falafel and hummus or try the shawarma. Most importantly remember to haggle over the prices; ask permission before taking photos of locals; respect local norms and customs plus, as with any market, watch your bags.