Beit Guvrin National Park has a remarkable collection of man-made caves, many of which date back 2,200 years. Located in the Shfela or Lowlands of Judea, one hour southwest of Jerusalem, the park encompasses the ruins of two ancient cities: Maresha and Beit Guvrin or Eleutheropolis as it was called in Roman-Byzantine … Read more
Who Was the Rashbi – Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai The Rashbi, or Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, was one of the important pupils of Rabbi Akiva and was a legendary figure at the time of the Roman occupation. The Rashbi wrote the Zohar – the main text of the Kabbalah and was an … Read more
Emek Ha’Ela Emek Ha’Ela (Ela Valley or Valley of Elah) lies along Route 375 – near its junction with Road 38. By the way, “ela” is a term for the terebinth tree, a tree that is indigenous to the area and grows there in great quantities. It produces turpentine, which is why … Read more
Before the guided short walk between the Zion Gate and the Jaffa Gate, first of all you should learn about the two historical gates, both of which belong to the so-called “Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.” Zion Gate – Located on south-western side of the Old City, it is one … Read more
The Davidson Center covers some amazing excavations and finds in the area of the Southern Wall of Temple Mount. It includes a Herodian Street, evidence of the destruction of the Temple, the stump of Robinson’s Arch and the pilgrims’ stairs towards the Temple’s Hulda Gates. The Davidson Center is a museum within … Read more
Perched high on the eastern wooded peak of Mount Carmel, the Carmelite Monastery of the Mukhraqa (or Mukhraka or Muhraka) offers stunning views of northern Israel and beyond from its roof top lookout. Located southeast of Haifa on the same mountain range, the monastery was built in 1868 and belongs to the … Read more
One of Jerusalem’s hidden treasures is the Umberto Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art located in the downtown Jerusalem area. It contains a stunning collection and an Italian synagogue. In many ways it is almost just like visiting the famous Venice Ghetto with all the convenience of Jerusalem. Founded in 1983, the … Read more
Probably the all-time favorite activity for children in Jerusalem is Hezekiah’s Tunnel located in the ancient City of David National Park. However, don’t be put off by the children tag; it is great for adults and there is plenty of real history to make it rate as a genuine grown up experience. … Read more
Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter – multiculturalism for all the senses Sights, sounds, smells and tastes – a walk through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem is a multicultural experience for all the senses. The Muslim Quarter is located on the northeast side of the Old City of Jerusalem. Home to … Read more
Towards the northern part of the Golan there are two quite dramatic hills – not incredibly high but very prominent and standing out in the terrain. Mount Avital is closed to the public, but Mount Bental is accessible. The site of one of the most dramatic battles in Israel’s history Mount Bental … Read more