Ein Kerem Ein Kerem (“Spring of the Vineyard”; also called Ein Karem) is an ancient village and now a neighborhood southwest of Jerusalem. According to Christian tradition, John the Baptist was born in Ein Kerem, leading to the establishment of many churches and monasteries. Millions visit this remote village and neighborhood, which … Read more
Ein Hemed – Aqua Bella The Aqua Bella – Ein Hemed National Park, run by the Israel Parks and Nature Authority, is located on the path of an old Roman road, which was still in use after the Crusader period. This piece of paradise is just about a ten-minute drive from Jerusalem. The … Read more
Excavations have been completed by the Israel Antiquities Authority on a Second Temple period drainage tunnel that links the area of the Davidson Centre with the City of David in Jerusalem. In the future there are plans to open the tunnel from the Davidson Centre allowing visitors to go under the Old … Read more
There are some great playgrounds available in Jerusalem allowing kids to run around and have fun. While parents are always advised to keep a eye on their kids; playground culture in Jerusalem tends to be a lot freer and more relaxed than in many other big cities around the world. Around the … Read more
Yad Kennedy (“Kennedy’s Memorial” in Hebrew) is one of the special spots just outside Jerusalem in the Jerusalem Forest. It is dedicated to the memory of the 35th US President, John F. Kennedy. Yad Kennedy is a somewhat large building on top of one of the highest hilltops in the area commanding … Read more
When it gets hot in Jerusalem and the program calls for a few hours or few days off, then a swimming pool is a great option. Most of the five-star hotels have a pool that is open to the public, although it is advised to check in advance about public access and … Read more
Mahane Yehuda (or Machane Yehuda) is Jerusalem‘s famous food market just off the Jaffa Road. Mahane Yehuda is a Jerusalem institution. Although traffic changes and a more urban lifestyle with supermarkets and corner shops have made a visit to the “shuk” (the market) less of a necessity; the devotees make a weekly … Read more
Mt. Zion – David’s Tomb, the Last Supper and Pentecost, Crowned by a Minaret Mt. Zion is a wide spur of elevated land extending south of the Armenian Quarter outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is a microcosm of Jerusalem’s sanctity to all three monotheistic religions. The same … Read more
Hirbat Midras (also known as Horbot Midras, Khirbet Midras, or Hurvat Midras — “Midras” can also be spelled as “Madras”) was a significant population center in Second Temple times and many scholars believe that it is also the site of the home and grave of the Prophet Zechariah. It is now located … Read more
The Israel Museum recently reopened after a multi-year renovation program. According to the guide, overall the new museum is around twice the size of the old museum. The Israel Museum is simply spectacular. The main part of the museum consists of three main sections – Fine Arts, Archaeology and Jewish Art and … Read more