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There’s a saying attributed to Tel Aviv - that it’s the city that never sleeps. Well, this coming Thursday, it really will be true. Back by popular demand (after the pandemic kept us all off the streets) is Laila Lavan - which, translated from the Hebrew, means ‘White Night’.Jaffa Port, Israel. Photo byFaruk KaymakonUnsplashWhat is Laila Lavan?Laila Lavan - White Night - is an event that takes place every year, across Tel Aviv and Jaffa, where the city basically hosts a range of musical and cultural events which are free to the public and continue on into the wee small hours, with a couple of them actually culminating at sunrise the following day.When is Laila Lavan?This year, it’s taking place on Thursday 30th June. Where exactly in the city does Laila Lavan take place?All over. Seriously. Whether you’re in the Old North (close to the Tel Aviv Port), wandering Rothschild Boulevard, hanging out in Neve Tzedek, or bopping around Jaffa, you’ll find an event to join. And, as we said before, it’s all funded by the municipality so it’s not just an amazing night out, but it really won’t break the bank either.Jaffa Clock Tower, Israel. Photo byYaroslav LutskyonUnsplashWhat time doesLaila Lavanactually go on until?Put it this way - if you’re a night owl, you’ll be in your element. Some events begin earlyish by Tel Aviv standards (around 8 pm) but many go on until 2 or 3 am, and things such as sunrise yoga happen (as the name suggests) only when the sun makes its debut, around 5 am the following morning. So whether you want to catch some early events and be in bed long before midnight, or head out after midnight and party until the wee hours, it’s your choice. What kind of events does Laila Lavan play host to?Every year it differs, but you can expect a wide range of events and performances across Tel Aviv. In the past, the city has thrown open the doors of some of its museums, the Opera House puts on outside performances, there are cover bands playing all down Rothschild, jazz and klezmer concerts dotted across the city, as well as street events, food festivals and beach parties in many neighborhoods. Even better, shop and bar owners are giving late licenses, so you can grab a bite after midnight, or a cocktail at 4 am! The stairs lead to Kedumim Square andSt Peter's church in Jaffa. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on UnsplashWhat’s on at Laila Lavan 2022?To date, we know of quite a few different events taking place (although there are bound to be many more we haven’t even heard of yet). These include:1. Rothschild Boulevard - there won’t just be all kinds of bands, but also street performers, circus acts, and dancers almost always dressed in white. Rothschild Boulevard runs from Allenby Street all the way up to the Habima Theatre and this is always a place where people will flock, on White Night. Just be prepared for it to be absolutely packed!2. Jaffa- Jaffa will be buzzing, with the Jaffa Flea Market (‘Shuk HaPishpehsim) and the many cafes and bars around it open until the wee small hours.3. Bauhaus Buildings - many of the Bauhaus buildings in Tel Aviv will be lit up and it will be possible to take guided tours through them.4. Headphone Party - the traditional dance party (complete with headphones) will take place at Rabin Square. Put them on and prepare to boogie - only you can hear the music, but you’ll be surrounded by fellow dancers (and some bemused on-lookers too).Aerial view of Tel Aviv Port. Photo byShai PalonUnsplash5. Tzuk Beach - usually starting between 1-2 am, take a blanket (and a bottle of wine) and enjoy a concert packed with Israeli singers. What can be better than sitting next to the Mediterranean Sea and listening to fabulous Israeli music?6. Suzanne Dellal Centre - there’s usually a street party in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, centered in the plaza outside the Suzanne Dellal Center. This is a charming area, full of tiny side streets, beautiful houses, and stylish bars.7. Gordon Beach - you’ll be sure to find dancing at Gordon Beach, one of Tel Aviv's best beaches, which in the past has hosted ‘Bollywood in White’ style events.8. Sunrise Yoga - as well said before, sunrise yoga is a popular activity at Laila Lavan and usually takes place at the Tel Aviv Port (the Namal). A really fantastic way to end your cultural experience.Finally, we’d warn you that on a night like this, the streets are going to be very crowded. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times (it is summer in Israel, after all), and put on some comfy shoes. Buses are often caught up in traffic and bringing your car into the city is a mad idea, so get prepared to tramp the mean streets. Have a great time!People enjoying sunset at Tel Aviv Beach.Photo byDaria DyachenkoonUnsplash

Summer’s here in Israel and what do you think of? Beach days, sunning yourself under umbrellas on the shores of Tel Aviv, with regular dips in the Mediterranean. Nature hikes in the Galilee, cooling off in waterfalls and springs along the trails. Fresh breezy evenings in Jerusalem, gazing at views of the Old City from nearby rooftop bars.Green and yellow tennis ball on water.Photo byKevin MuelleronUnsplashOr, for sports fans and adrenaline junkies, something a little more exciting? Yes, it’s that once-every-four-years moment that’s upon us - and we’re not talking about football’s World Cup. Rather, the Maccabiah Games are being played in Israel this July and the perfect opportunity to get a feel for this ‘Jewish Olympics’ that’s taking place in a number of cities across the country.Want to know more?What are the Maccabiah Games?The Maccabiah Games are a leading international sports competition, also fondly referred to as the “Jewish Olympics”. Much like the more well-known Olympics, they take place every four years under the supervision of the Maccabi World Union. In fact, they are easily the biggest regularly-held international event in Israel. As well as being a fabulous sporting occasion, their aim is also to promote the centrality of the State of Israel in the lives of Jewish people from around the world.Water polo player. Photo byCHUTTERSNAPonUnsplashWhere did the name of the Maccabiah Games originate?Good question! ‘Maccabiah’ (or ‘Maccabi’ as its often pronounced and written) was a Zionist youth movement that was set up in 1929, encouraging sports and physical activity amongst the Jewish people. Historically, Judah Maccabee (Yehuda Maccabi) was one of the Jewish ‘guerilla leaders’ who drove the Seleucid Greek occupiers out of Judea in 139 BCE.As a result of the Bar Kochba rebellion, he freed the Jewish freed from slavery and they were then able to celebrate one of the most well-known Jewish festivals - Hanukkah at the Temple in Jerusalem. The son of Mattias, the High Priest of the Hasmonean Family, was a military genius and utterly fearless. In fact, he and his brothers-in-arms were described by the Greek General Bacchides himself as ‘stronger than lions, lighter than eagles and faster than bears.” Today, the ‘Maccabiah’ is run under the banner of the Maccabi World Union (MWU) which runs youth and sports organizations across the world, dedicated to physical excellence and also the furthering of Jewish identity. The MWU has its headquarters in Israel.Chess set. Photo byRandy FathonUnsplashWhen did the Maccabiah Games begin?Quite a while ago in fact - as far back as 1932! The history of how they came to be is pretty interesting in itself - they were the idea of a man named Yosef Yekutieli who, after hearing about the 1912 Olympic games, began fantasizing about the idea of a similar event, but for Jews in Palestine. After spending the next decade putting together this idea, he presented a proposal to the Jewish National Fund in 1928, arguing that the games could be held every four years to commemorate the 1800th anniversary of the Bar Kochba Rebellion (see above). With the blessing of the then British High Commissioner of Palestine, Sir Arthur Wauchope (on the basis that it hosted Arab and British Mandate athletes, as well as Jews) the Macabiada was set for the spring of 1932!Fun fact: this was the age of newspapers, not TV, internet, and social media. So a group of intrepid Jewish promoters set off across Europe, in 1930, to promote the event. They cycled through Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Belgium, and France and then continued onto Great Britain, encouraging Jews to come to ‘Eretz Israel’ for the first Jewish sporting games. Their dreams were realized between March 28th and April 6th, when the first games took place. They were such a success, that it seemed clear they had a future! Relay runner.Photo byBraden CollumonUnsplashHow do the Maccabiah Games operate in Israel?Within the games themselves, there are four different competitions taking place - Juniors, Masters, Open, and Paralympics. If you’re between the ages of 15-18, the Juniors is for you. Masters work according to different age categories (keen to include older participants) and the open category tends to have no age limits and runs according to the international rules of each particular sport. In the Paralympics, a number of events, including wheelchair sports (such as basketball) and swimming, are represented, as well as a para table-tennis competition and half-marathon. Athletes compete as part of a national delegation i.e. Brazil, Australia, France, and as well as the games themselves, participants have a chance to travel around Israel and meet not just its citizens but Jews from all other parts of the diaspora.The aim, essentially, is to combine the fun of competitive sports with an appreciation of the land of Israel - fusing history, culture, and experience! And it’s important to point out that whilst the games are truly competitive, they also promote other very important values - those of intellect, the pursuit of excellence, and fair play.Swimming competition. Photo bySerena Repice LentinionUnsplashWhen are the Maccabiah Games being held this year?This year’s event is being held from 12-26th July, with the opening ceremony being held at Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium on 14th July 2022. Approximately 10,000 athletes from 80 different countries will be participating in more than 40 different sports competitions.Even more astonishing, entry to watch all of this is free! As well as the ‘obvious’ sports, like swimming, tennis, and squash, also included are gymnastics, chess, ice hockey, bridge, lawn bowls, water polo, and even ten-pin bowling!Host CitiesBecause there will be so many events, and so many attendees, it’s not practical for everything to be held in one city, which is why different parts of Israel, all with good facilities, will be holding events. The three big cities, of course, where you can travel to watch are Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.Of course, once you’re in any one of these places, there are so many other things to do and see, should you have the time or inclination. Here are a few ideas of the many ways to spend several hours (or, indeed, several days!) in Israel’s capital, the 24/7 Party City Tel Aviv or Haifa, perched on the Carmel mountain in the country’s north.Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo byChristian BurrionUnsplashMaccabiah Games 2022 in JerusalemYou could spend days, weeks, even months in Jerusalem and never stop exploring. The Old City alone is a place packed with thousands of years of history. Walking from quarter to quarter - Christian to Muslim to Armenian to Jewish, you’ll be overwhelmed by sights, smells, and sounds - for there is no city as holy as Jerusalem.Top Jerusalem attractionsinclude the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the spot where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected), the Western Wall (the last remaining structure of King Herod’s Second Temple, and a focal point for Jews across the world, and Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, where Muslims believe Mohammed made his famous ‘Night Journey’ en route to Mecca.Outside of the Old City, Jerusalem has many charming neighborhoods including the Germany Colony, Ein Kerem, and Nachlaot, which boasts the lively and bustling Mahane Yehuda Market. The city is also home to the world-famous Israel Museum, which boasts outstanding art, a Sculpture Garden, a model of the Second Temple, and the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, which are housed in a specially-designed building.Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Jerusalem. Photo byStacey FrancoonUnsplashMaccabiah Games 2022 inTel AvivIf Jerusalem represents all that is holy, then Tel Aviv surely stands for all that is fun. No, seriously, there’s a reason it’s called the ‘Non-Stop City’. There’s no shortage of things to do and see as well as coffee shops, restaurants, bars and fantastic nightlife in this city, not to mention the ‘playground’ of kilometers of white sandy Tel Aviv beaches.There really is too much to do in Tel Aviv. Stroll the charming Rothschild Boulevard and admire its Bauhaus buildings. Take a food tour in the Carmel Market, then afterwards wander through the Yemenite Quarter, and stare at the tiny old houses. Sunbathe all day, enjoy a cocktail before dinner, dine at one of Tel Aviv’s trendy restaurants then party the night away at a cool club.Spend time exploring Jaffa’s narrow backstreets, Artist’s Quarter, and the famous Jaffa Flea Market. Or simply hire a bike and cycle through the city (it’s full of bike lanes) or along the promenade, affording you spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Unlike Jerusalem, this city is flat, so you won’t end up terribly out of breath!Bahai Gardens, Haifa, Israel. Photo byAmeer BasheeronUnsplashMaccabiah Games 2022 in HaifaHaifa doesn’t have the spirituality of Jerusalem or the fast pace of Tel Aviv, but you’d be unwise to overlook it. Not only is it a ‘real’ Mediterranean city, hilly and overlooking the sea, but there’s also plenty to see within a short car drive or - if you don’t fancy driving - an organized day trip.Within Haifa itself, you can explore the old German Colony (established by the Templars in the 19t Century), enjoy falafel in Wadi Nis Nas (an old Arab neighborhood), and take a tour of the astonishingly beautiful Bahai Gardens, which slope down the hill as far as the eye can see.Outside of Haifa, why not visit Caesarea, the ancient city built by King Herod, the Master Builder, where you can explore aqueducts and Roman theatres, or head north to Acre, a Crusader City with a glorious past, and plenty to enjoy, including excellent fish restaurants.The Western Wall or Wailing Wall, Jerusalem. Photo credit: ShutterstockEast of Haifa it’s an easy journey to Nazareth, holy to Christians as the place where Mary was visited by Angel Gabriel, and then onto the Sea of Galilee. It was here that Jesus did much of his ministering, performing miracles, and recruiting his disciples. You can visit any number of Galilee churches on the shores of the sea as well as the baptismal site at Yardenit. And if you want to venture even a little further, a trip to the Golan Heights is a fine way to spend a couple of days - full of boutique vineyards, nature reserves, and outdoor activities (skiing on Mount Hermon in the winter, kayaking on the Jordan River in the summer).Come and see Israel for yourself - enjoy the Maccabi games and everything else this amazing country has to offer. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in taking one of our Israel tour packages or day trips around the country - we’re here to offer you a discount coupon (10%discountBH), answer your questions, and help make your trip memorable.Lifeguard station on the Tel Aviv waterfront.Photo byGuy TsroronUnsplash

Vacationing in Israel? Coming to Israel any time soon? Fantastic. The rainy season in Israel is long gone and now the worst of the pandemic seems to have abated, everyone is traveling again. Indeed, it looks like flights are going to be even busier than usual - no doubt because people really want to take a long-deserved vacation after enforced time at home!Palms in Jerusalem. Photo byIlanit OhanaonUnsplashAnd here in the Mediterranean, Israel remains a popular spot for tourists. It’s got everything you need for summer fun - beaches that stretch up and down the coast, full of white sand and clear water, nature reserves where you can hike, national parks such as Masada, where you can look at archaeological remains from thousands of years ago, and Eilat, on the Red Sea, which is ideal for anyone who wants to dive, snorkel, jet ski or drink cocktails and party at night!Beaches, nature, holy sites, and - hot weather!Israel’s also got deserts (which are great for trekking in), an extraordinary crater at Mitzpe Ramon (millions of years old), lush vegetation in the Galilee, and boutique vineyards in the Golan Heights.Not to mention Crusader castles, Herodian theatres, ancient villages, and a multitude of holy religious sites (churches, mosques, and synagogues everywhere you look).But something else Israel has is hot weather. And we aren’t joking. When we say ‘hot’ we mean ‘hot’. And it can get extremely hot here in the summers, which are long and sometimes feel endless. Locals have all kinds of strategies for dealing with the heat (because they’ve grown up with it) but for those visiting, it really can be overwhelming. And combined with humidity on the coastal plains, if you aren’t careful, you can end up wiped out - fast.Lifeguard Post on Tel Aviv beach. Photo by Vladimir Anikeev on UnsplashHow to escape the heat in Israel?Writing this as someone who’s lived in Israel quite a long time now, I’d say (and so would everyone around me) that it’s certainly possible to have a fantastic time in the Holy Land at the height of summer. However, you really do need to prepare yourself, both physically and mentally, especially if you’re coming from a climate that isn’t known for long, dry summers.Today, you’re going to be reading about ideas my colleagues and I have come up with, to keep you from going mad when the mercury soars. We’ve put together a list of tips for you, helping you to keep cool in Israel, whether you’re at the beach, exploring fortresses, hiking in nature reserves, or exploring ancient cities like Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Acre. So get prepared - to stay cool and then to enjoy!Sun protection - it might seem obvious but we had to start with this one. Whether you’re having a day of fun at the beach, kayaking on the Jordan River, or exploring the Old City of Jerusalem, you really have to protect your skin. Essentials (and they really are) to pack for your next trip to Israel (or buy here, if you are traveling light) include:A tourist in Israel wearing a wide-brimmed hat.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinHat - protect your head, with something wide-brimmed if possible. Baseball caps are ok but they won’t give you the same level of protection. Or pick up a ‘tembel hat’ - it’s an Israeli national symbol, used by the first Zionist pioneers. Shaped like a bucket, and meaning ‘foolish’ in modern Hebrew, it fell out of style in the 1980s but is actually making a bit of a comeback!Long-sleeved cotton shirts - these are perfect not just for protecting your arms but, at a pinch, can be used as head protection, if you lose your hat! Cotton (or linen) is what you’re looking for, and, ideally, in white, to deflect the sun. Israeli fashion designers are wonderful, so maybe you should consider a shopping trip?Sunscreen - the higher the number the better. The sun can be a real beast in Israel in July and August and even just 20 minutes outside without protection can leave you red and sore. Slather it on - regularly.Water - few locals leave home in the summer without a bottle of water. Either pick them up at Israeli supermarkets or corner stores or buy a reusable water bottle and fill it as the day continues - there are public drinking fountains all over Israel, in parks, beaches, and museums. Person holding a bottle of water.Photo byBluewater SwedenonUnsplashUmbrella - if you’re at the beach, hire an umbrella or buy one of the very popular ‘tarps’ that you can pitch. You’ll be grateful for the shade.Cover-up swimsuits for kids - Israel’s beaches are a perfect (and quite cheap) day out, but if you’ve got kids in Israel, we’d advise putting them in swimsuits that cover as much of their bodies as possible. They’re easily purchased all over Israel.Icecream - Israelis love ice cream and, in the summer, the lines at the parlous are long! Whether you want something traditional, or ‘out there’ in terms of an odd flavour, you’re bound to find it, whether you’re in the big cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem or towns and villages in the Galilee or the Negev Desert.Ben & Jerry’s has been sold in Israel for a long time, and still is, although the political fallout from a decision they made not to sell ice cream in the West Bank has divided locals. They don’t have many parlours but it’s widely available in supermarkets and small stores.Golda - Golda, is arguably Israel's most popular ice cream brand at the moment, with over 30 franchises across the country. With lots of flavours, made by hand and even options for vegans, it’s got to be worth a try! Our tip: try the halva and pistachio.Tel Aviv has a wide array of small ‘boutique’ ice cream stores too, including Anita in Neve Tzedek, Arte onNahalat Binyamin and Otello on the famous Dizengoff Street. All of them also sell sorbets, which are particularly good at cooling you down on a hot day.Tourist approaching a small waterfall in Ein Prat, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinCold Drinks in IsraelIced Coffee - Israelis love coffee and in the summer, drinking it with ice is the way to go. You can order ‘cafe kar’ which means ‘cold coffee’ (with milk, sugar and ice cubes). Or a ‘Barad’ - meaning ‘hail’ in Hebrew - it’s more like a slushie and is especially popular with kids. Ice pops - words like ‘Artik’ and ‘Kartiv’ are synonymous with summer in Israel and refer to any kind of milk or water-based sweet treats on sticks. The fruit-flavoured ‘Eskimo’ popsicle is not to be missed and the watermelon flavoured one is a delight too! Water - as we said above, carry water with you everywhere! Refill bottles from the tap (water is safe to drink in Israel) or pick up flavoured and fizzy brands at cafes and corner stores. Public Water Fountains in IsraelDrinking water is what’s going to save you on a hot summer’s day in Israel. And if you don’t want to spend a fortune in the ‘makolet’ (local grocery stores) then keep your eyes peeled for the endless water fountains you’ll see in public places all across the country. Iced coffee in a cup. Photo by Valeriia Miller on UnsplashWater ParksWhat better way to spend a day of fun than at one of Israel’s water parks? Meymadion - if you’re in Tel Aviv and want the kids to burn off some energy but have had your fill of the beach (!) try this water park. The largest of its kind in Israel, it stretches over 25 acres and is filled with water slides, from the ‘simple’ water tube channel to the ‘Slalom’ ‘Meteor’ and ‘Cannon’ slides. They have six pools, which means kids of all ages have a lot of choice and there’s a huge picnic area and lots of shady spots where you can admire the surrounding Ganei Yehoshua park. And, of course, there are plenty of inflatables in the water, for floating around and chilling out.Aqua Kef - on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (or, as Israelis call it, the ‘Kinneret’) this water park is simply fabulous.Full of floats and slides, you can have a lot of fun climbing up and then falling down back into the water and as long as your children are aged 6 plus, they are allowed in! The ‘Family Park’ offers all kinds of facilities, including jumping towers, bridges, climbing walls, ladders and trampolines. They also have ‘Olympic’ and ‘Extreme’ areas for the more adventurous.Water park slides. Photo by Alaa Albahrani on UnsplashNational Parks in IsraelIsrael has an extraordinary number of nature reserves, which are incredible places to have a day out. Many are also filled with streams and waterfalls, which offer sharp relief from blistering heat, especially if you’ve been trekking for a few hours.Popular national parks include Banias (in northern Israel) where you can hike ‘the Hanging Trail’ and walk across a boardwalk before arriving at the waterfall, which comes from the Hermon mountain. (If you’re a keen photographer, go up to the observation deck). Ein Gedi is also another firm favourite for hiking. Located close to Masada and the Dead Sea (about an hour’s drive from Jerusalem). This nature reserve is nothing less than a lush oasis in the middle of the desert in Israel, complete with hiking paths, spring-fed streams and waterfalls. For some of the top water hikes in Israel, take a look at our website and blog.Day Tours in IsraelBooking a day trip in Israel, or any kind of organised tour around the country, is a very good idea for anyone that doesn’t want to drive, doesn’t want to travel solo in Israel or is interested in learning more about Israel’s history and culture. Israeli guides are fantastic - many you’ll meet haven’t just had excellent training but also years of experience with groups, and they also bring their personal knowledge to the job and are always happy to answer unusual questions!Waterfall in Banias National Park, Israel. Image © ShutterstockMuseums in IsraelFinally, an incredibly good way to stay out of the heat is to visit a museum. Israel’s full of them (we aren’t joking) and not only are museums in Israel air-conditioned (sometimes so heavily that you’ll need a sweater!) but plenty have cafes and restaurants in Israel where you can eat, making sure you have a few hours - ideally at the height of the day - out of the sun. As we said, you’ll be spoilt for choice but some of the ones we can’t help but recommend include:1. Israel Museum - located in Jerusalem, close to the Knesset (the country’s Parliament) is truly a world-class museum and a must-visit for anyone who wants to know more about the country. Established in 1965, the Israel Museum been significantly expanded in the last decade and is home to around half a million objects, as well as a sculpture garden, and replicas of synagogues from Italy and India. Don't miss a fantastic model of the Second Temple and, of course, the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are housed in their own specially-designed building named ‘The Shrine of the Book.’ Moreover, the Israel Museum has a beautiful gift shop and two restaurants - one serving meat dishes and the other milk (in accordance with the Jewish dietary laws).The Israel Museum Of Science Technology & Space, Haifa, Israel.Photo byKelly TelleronUnsplash2. Eretz Israel Museum - situated in Tel Aviv, this treasure of a museum, has all kinds of ancient relics, eight permanent exhibitions and sites such as Mosaic Square (full of beautiful mosaic floors). Eretz Israel also has a planetarium (perfect for kids), and a cafeteria.3. Madatech Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space - if you’re in Haifa, and want to learn more about science, this is a great place to visit and, if you have kids, it’s particularly good because it’s very hands-on, and chock-a-block full of interactive exhibitions (crash simulators, solar power and acoustics and waves displays will leave them enthralled). There’s also a cafeteria and a special play area for kids.If you want to take a day tour or organised trip around Israel with Bein Harim, feel free tocontact us- we’re at the end of the phone and email constantly - and the good news is that all of our buses are air-conditioned, so you won’t swelter on the way to your destination!Children on a tour in one of Israeli national parks.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin

Yep, it’s that time of year again - the rains are long behind us, the skies are clear and blue and the days are stretching endlessly ahead of us. It may only be May in Israel now but we know summer’s on the way - in fact, it’s positively round the corner. Everywhere you look, you’ll see flowers blooming - poppies in the Galilee, jacaranda in Tel Avivand roses in Jerusalem.El-Mona Gardens, Gulis, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinIs it hot in Israel in summer?Take a trip to the big city markets in Israel - such as Shuk HaCarmel or Mahane Yehuda - and everywhere you look you’ll see strawberries, watermelon, apricots, and nectarines. In Tel Aviv and all along the coast, you can even take an evening stroll in nothing more than a light shirt (in Jerusalem - which is high in the hills - you’ll need a sweater but there will still be a delicious breeze).Casual Israeli fashion comes into its own - no one dresses formally in Israel so expect to see lots of women in colorful sundresses and men in t-shirts and shorts (with the obligatory sandals, to finish off the outfit). But by June and July, it will be hot. And we mean hot! Summer in Israel is always fun.What is summer in Israel?With the average summer temperature in Israel (hitting 30 degrees in Jerusalem or more and the humidity of Tel Aviv making for a sweaty experience), you might want to factor in afternoon naps, so you’re fresh as a daisy for long lazy evenings out. Of course, if you’re a beach bunny, Israel is the perfect place to be between mid-June and late September - and for the cost of a sun lounger and umbrella, you can wile away your days next to the Mediterranean.But when you’ve had your fill of the beach? Well, that’s why we’re here - to point you in the direction of other ways to enjoy your Israel vacation - by hiking in a nature reserve, checking out a new museum exhibition, taking a food tour, exploring some wineries, trying out some of the endless water sports on offer or simply sitting in a sidewalk cafe, watching the people go by. Not to mention the special events and festivals in Israel that always pop up here in the summer. Without further ado, let’s have a look at ways to spend your summer vacation in Israel. Enjoy!Akhziv National Park, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinCultural Events and Festivals in Israel in summerFestival of Light - Running throughout June of this year, Jerusalem’s Festival of Light promises to bring the Old City to life, by illuminating the city walls and cobbled streets with all kinds of light installations. Whether you know this extraordinary part of the world well or it's your first time in Israel, there, you will surely be captivated as you make your way along the different tracks (all marked in varying colors), in and around the Old City. The festival is a fantastic way to see Jerusalem by night, and also boasts guided Jerusalem tours, shows, and performances from guest artists.Jerusalem Wine FestivalThe annual Jerusalem Wine Festival will take place at theIsrael Museum in mid-August and, like every year, is bound to be a great social event. Showcasing (and celebrating) some of Israel’s best wines, as well as a few international offerings as well, go along not just for the wine and cheese but also to enjoy the musical offerings and the ambiance of the beautiful outdoor Sculpture Garden, where it is hosted.Laila Lavan (White Night) in Tel AvivTel Aviv literally stays open all night at this festival (which, in Hebrew, means ‘White Night’) and the city comes to life, with endless musical performances, dancing, galleries open until the wee hours and sunrise yoga at the beach. It’s all free and it’s incredible fun - just take a long afternoon nap so you can fit in as much as possible. This year’s date is expected to be between the end of June and the beginning of July - watch this space. Most probably, July 1, 2022.People clinking wine glasses. Photo byKelsey KnightonUnsplashThe Pixies in ConcertIf you’re a fan of American Alternative Rock, then you’re in luck because of the iconic band. The Pixies in Israel, are performing in Tel Aviv on Monday 22nd July at the Expo Centre. With their infectious melodies and reputation for screeching vocals and searing guitar chords, this is a concert you really don't want to miss. The Upper Galilee Voice of Music FestivalIf you love chamber music, then head north for the Upper Galilee Voice of Music Festival, held inKfar Blum in Upper Galilee, running from 28th June to 2nd July. In scenic surroundings, enjoying performances by artists both from Israel and around the globe. And in addition to the main event, there will also be a children’s festival, with unique workshops for the youngsters. National Parks in IsraelIsrael has an extraordinary number of national parks and nature reserves, all full of fantastic hiking treks, amazing flora, and fauna, and surrounded by streams and waterfalls that never cease to delight their visitors. Some of the ones we’d recommend most highly include:Akhziv National Park - this gorgeous area has sea turtles, rock pools, lagoons, steep sandstone cliffs, and an ancient fishing village. There’s also a lovely bathing beach, picnic facilities, and a nice camping area if you want to spend a few days out in nature. The Rosh HaNikra National Park includes the famous underwater caves, with a cable car ride for fun! Tourists at Nesher National Park, Israel. Photo credit: © Dan PorgesGan HaShlosha - close to the Jordan Valley, near Beit Shean, is this well-known nature reserve, boasting all kinds of bathing pools whose waters come from springs in the nearby Amal River. The water is a comfortable 28 degrees all year round and is a wonderful place to come and soak. Surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, it’s arguably one of Israel’s most beautiful spots. The park also has a tower and stockade, and an archaeology museum, and isn’t far from Mount Gilboa, if you want to do some serious hiking!Ein Gedi - on the eastern edge of the Judean desert is this marvelous nature reserve, and it’s perfect to explore, either alone or combined with a trip to Masada and the Dead Sea. Here, water flows year-round and you can trek through baths, natural pools, waterfalls, and canyons. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the fabled leopard that supposedly lives in this oasis. Ein Gedi is full of lush vegetation, all kinds of flora and fauna, and an easy drive from Jerusalem.Caesarea - this national park is home to magnificent Herodian ruins, including impressive Roman aqueducts, bathhouses (complete with mosaic floors), an ancient harbor, and the remains of both a hippodrome and theater (where summer concerts are often held at night). Nearby are lovely beaches, where you can picnic and swim. Caesarea is an easy day trip from Tel Aviv, and can also be combined with a visit to Haifa.Banias - flowing down from Mount Hermon, the crystal clear waters of Banias make it a top pick for nature reserve lovers. Although you can’t swim in the waters, walking along the suspended circular walkway and seeing the amazing waterfalls up close, make it a great day out. There are two entrances to Banias, both with their own ticket booths, and a range of trails, depending on how much of a challenge you want. Gan Hashlosha (Sahne) National Park, Israel. Photo credit: © Manu Grinspan. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityCamping in IsraelIf you’re traveling to Israel on a budget, then a fun and affordable way of doing it is by camping. All over the country, you’ll find well-equipped and reasonably priced camping grounds, so whether you want to hike in the Negev, explore a fortress in the Golan Heights or wake to the sounds of the Mediterranean waves, somewhere between Tel Aviv and Haifa, there’s a site that’s right for you.In our opinion, camping around the Sea of Galilee is really one of the most beautiful ways to spend a few days. The area is lush and green, but it’s also full of attractions - churches and synagogues, the famous Yardenitbaptismal site, and a huge water park, which is the perfect activity for kids.Water Sports in IsraelIf you’re not into sedentary holidays, then partaking in some of Israel’s many water sports is the perfect way to enjoy yourself. There’s kayaking on the Jordan River, after which - if you’ve still got energy - you can take a jeep tour along the border with Syria. If you’re down in Eilat, and you’re licensed, then you can’t take a dive along its coral reef (or, if you prefer, just hire a snorkel and fins). There are also jet skis for hire, all around this Red Sea resort, not to mention the opportunity to take an organized trip to Petra since Eilat is slap bang on the border with Jordan.Snorkeling at the Red Sea. Photo byArtem KniazonUnsplashDay Tours in IsraelDay tours are a great way to see Israel and their advantages are many - you have the services of a professional guide (so you will learn a lot), transport is taken care of (so you don’t need to rent a car and cope with the sometimes chaotic roads) and you’ll fit a lot into one day (ok, they start early, but that means you really do get to see a great deal). Spots like Masada and the Dead Sea and the Galilee and Golan Heights aren’t that accessible by public transport, so being driven there on a comfy air-conditioned bus really makes sense. Taking an organized day trip in Israel is also a great idea if you’re a solo traveler and want to meet other travelers. At Bein Harim, we offer a wide variety of group and private tours, as well as Israel tour packagesand if you’re interested in booking one, don’t hesitate to contact us or check out Bein Harim's Instagram page for photos of our many destinations.Сaesarea Port, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockBeaches in IsraelThe fact remains that beaches in Israel are still one of the biggest draws of this country. Stretching endlessly along the coast, whether you’re up in the north, close to Acre, slap bang in the center in Tel Aviv, or down in the south, nearer to Ashdod, you’re always going to be able to find a beach that suits you down to the ground.Israeli beaches are almost always free and are usually good for amenities - cafes and restaurants, showers, changing rooms, toilets, and play areas close by for kids. You’ll also see plenty of workout stations, where you can tone up your abs or get a cardio session for free. And that’s before you’ve even dipped a toe in the water. When spending a day at the beach, you’ll also see the locals in their element, playing matkot (a quintessential Israeli game, which involves two bats and a ball, and lots of yelling!) and volleyball (the locals are friendly, so feel free to ask to join in). The Mediterranean in Israel is gorgeous in the summer and at the height of July and August, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a warm bath when you jump in the waters. And if you’re not a fan of water, just rent a chair and parasol, put on your sunglasses (and plenty of lotion), and kick back with a book or your headphones. Carmel Beach, Haifa, Israel. Photo byYousef EspaniolyonUnsplashMuseums in IsraelFinally, for days when the mercury is sizzling inside the thermometer, you can always take refuge in one of Israel’s museums or art galleries. There are so many, including the world-famous Israel Museum, in Jerusalem, where you can see a replica model of the Second Temple, sculptures in the outside garden, and the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, which are housed in their own specially-designed building. There are also underground Western Wall Tunnels to explore, close to the Western Wall, the Tower of David, and, of course, the narrow alleyways of the Old City, and its four historic quarters.Tel Aviv comes into its own too with the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Yitzhak Rabin Center (telling the story of the late Prime Minister and his relationship with the State of Israel), and the Museum of the History of Tel Aviv, exploring the fascinating backstory to this city which was born as late as 1910 but is now as modern as modern can be. There are also museums worth exploring in the north of the country, including MadaTech in Haifa, which is ideal if you want your kids to learn about science in an interactive and engaging way.If you are in Israel for the summer, go ahead and book some guided tours with a decent tour operator.The Israel Museum Of Science Technology & Space, Haifa, Israel.Photo byKelly TelleronUnsplash

As spring turns to summer each year, Israel comes into its own, which is why June can be a great month to visit the country. The weather is already very warm but not as roasting hot as it often is at the height of summer. And while the rains are long gone, evening strolls are utter perfection - in Israel you can eat outside, take long walks along beaches and seafronts at night (grabbing a drink at the endless cafes and bars on the sands) or just sit around and people watch.Beach at Rishon LeZion, Israel. Photo byAviv Ben OronUnsplashIn a Mediterranean Mood?And if you’re less in the mood for a city break, in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa, there are ample opportunities to explore the country - it’s not yet high season which means the roads won’t be too jammed and you can still get off the beaten track and head to nature reserves and waterfalls, which will be a lot more crowded the following month. Yes, we can say without hesitation that June is an ideal month for a trip to Israel.June in Israel - a Holiday with a Bit of EverythingThe fact is that Israel has a bit of everything, which means you can ‘pick and mix’ on a break here. In Jerusalem, arguably the world’s most holy city, you can spend days exploring religious and historical sites, wandering the tiny backstreets of the Old City, before heading to dinner at the famous Mahane Yehuda Market.In Tel Aviv, you can take a Bauhaus tour, learning more about the extraordinary architecture of the ‘White City’ as you walk the boulevards. Or hire a bike and cycle all the way from Tel Aviv Port (Namal) in the north to the Jaffa Port in the city’s south, taking in a tour of Jaffa Flea Market, visiting the Artist’s Quarter, and then grabbing some local food - hummus or fish - whilst you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.In June of this year, there are plenty of cultural events and festivals, as well as musical performances, in the big cities - a huge draw for culture vultures.Hiking by the Dead Sea. Photo byJonathan GamburgonUnsplashAnd for the Adrenaline Junkies?In the Negev, although hiking is not recommended in the hottest hours of the day, you can bask in the silence, enjoy the tranquillity of early morning sunrises, or explore the Ein Avdat canyon, Timna Valley Park, or the breathtaking crater at Mitzpe Ramon later in the day. And in the north of the country, there are all kinds of adventures for adrenaline junkies - from 4x4 jeep tours in the Golan Heights, discovering Crusader castles and fortresses, and kayaking trips on the Jordan River - perfect for those who don’t like to sit still.So if you’re looking to take a break and want a holiday destination that gives you a bit of everything, look no further. Whether you want to sun yourself on a beach, cool off periodically in the Mediterranean, explore archaeological sites in Jerusalem, hike in the Golan, or learn more about wine from some of the many boutique vineyards in the Galilee, you won’t be disappointed.And, as we said before, the weather is perfect - it will be warm, but not too hot, with cool breezes as day turns to night. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what’s going on in Israel this June 2022…all over the country!Vineyards in the Golan. Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplashEvents in Israel in June 2022. The Jewish Festival of ShavuotShavuot is a Jewish festival that commemorates one of the most important events in Jewish history - when God gave Moses the Torah on Mount Sinai. But it’s also a harvest festival, marking the wheat festival in the land of Israel, according to the Hebrew Bible.Shavuot is a holiday that everyone in Israel loves to celebrate - there are events going on all over the country. The main traditions are to eat dairy foods (think cheese, blintzes, and hummy cheesecakes) and, for Orthodox Jews, to attend synagogue where you sit up all night at a learning group (‘Tikkun Leila’).Shavuot is especially popular on kibbutzim and moshavim in Israel (agricultural settlements) where the ‘first fruits’ of the harvest are gathered. Locals love visiting these places and tourists will enjoy the activities, traditional Israeli folk dancing, and tractor rides for the younger members of the group!Shavuot this year is from 4th-5th June (since the Jewish calendar is solar-lunar in nature, all holy days begin in the evening). And, just to bear in mind, there is no public transport at this period, so if you want to get out of the city, you will have to rent a car in Israel.Cheesecake, traditional Shavuot food. Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on UnsplashEvents in Jerusalem in June 2022Design Week - Held at the Hansen House, this year between 23rd and 30th June, the Jerusalem Design Weekis now in its eleventh year. Considered to be the country’s leading public design event, it’s expecting over 40,000 visitors and 40 events, showcasing the work of both Israeli and international designers. Each year, there is a central theme, looking at unique aspects of Jerusalem and Israel, incorporating the idea that the unusual cultural landscape in the country lends itself well to the idea of exploring important global issues. This year, the subject is time! The week promises all kinds of shows and events, as well as musical performances and ‘pop up’ food and drink offerings. An event to inspire!Hanan Ben Ari Concert in Jerusalem, June 2022On 22nd and 23rd June this year, the Israeli singer and songwriter Hanan Ben Ari will be performing at two concerts in Israel, both at the Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem. And Ben Ari is an unusual guy - because he is from an orthodox background (he studied in a religious seminary, married young, and had six kids!) but performs in front of co-ed crowds and even writes songs for female songwriters!Moreover, his own music transcends stereotypes - it’s a fusion of rock, soul hip hop, and religious pop and his lyrics deal with a wide range of subjects, including literature, religion, pop culture, and social commentary. Hanan Ben Ari preaches tolerance and empathy and is making a real name for himself, so why not grab yourself a ticket and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel.Photo byChristian BurrionUnsplash‘Divine Food’ exhibition at the Israel Museum, JeruselemJune is your last chance to catch the ‘Divine Food’ exhibition that’s been running at the world-famous Israel Museum for a while now. Showcasing unique pieces from the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec civilizations from Central America, all highlighting the way maize, cacao, and agave became food staples, you can also see an astonishing reconstruction of a Mayan Temple. It’s a great way to learn how these crops were cultivated, and something extra about the Gods of that era. Included in the price of the ticket is entry to the entire museum, giving you the chance to explore the Second Temple model, enjoy some beautiful fine art, wander in Sculpture Garden, and - of course - marvel at the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in their own bespoke building. Events in Tel Aviv in June 2022Gay Pride Week - Pride week in Tel Aviv is, arguably, one of the highlights of the month, taking place every year in early to mid-June. After a long-drawn-out pandemic, with crowds forbidden or kept low, Pride is back - and it’s going to be big! Tel Aviv is unofficially known as the gay capital of the Middle East and the Pride parade here is one that people from all over the world flock to.Throughout the week, which runs 5th to the 10th of June, there will be events all over the city, culminating on Friday morning, when tens of thousands of people will take to the streets, waving flags, dancing, singing, and cheering on the guys and gals on the many floats. The parade begins at the LGBTQ center in Gan Meir and is very family-friendly - kids aren’t just welcome but loved! And, of course, expect a few after parties!Gay Pride in Tel Aviv, 2018.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinTLV International Student Film Festival (12-18 June 2022)Tel Aviv International Student Film Festivalis one of the largest festivals in the world for student films and is attended by many from around the globe. Each year, in June, hundreds of lecturers, students, and well-known persons in the cinema industry descend on Tel Aviv for a chance to see new films and meet up-and-coming producers. Run since 1986 by film students from the University of Tel Aviv, this Israeli project includes premiere screenings, workshops, films, special events, and conferences taking place each day, all at the Cinematheque, just a three-minute walk from the Sarona Complex, historically settled by the German Templars and today a popular area to eat and drink. Tel Aviv Vegan Festival (7-9 June 2022)Tel Aviv’s unofficially known as the vegan capital of the world, due to its ever-growing number of vegan restaurants serving only plant-based produce. So for anyone that follows a vegan diet, taking a holiday here is really very easy - whether you’re looking for traditional Israeli street food, light bites, or high-end cuisine, you’ll find it in this city.The annual Vegan Festival in Tel Aviv this year takes place between Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th June, at the Sarona Complex in the heart of the city. It’s a veritable paradise for vegans and foodies alike - last year, there were over 100 stalls from restaurants and stores across Israel and, now Covid has waned, over 50,000 people are expected to attend this free event. So whether you fancy some non-dairy ice cream, a yummy poke bowl, or just the opportunity to learn more, put this date in your diary!Bread toasts with avocado, banana, tomato.Photo byElla OlssononUnsplashMovement Archery and Zen Acrobatics (23-25 June 2022)From 23rd to 25th June this year, in Tel Aviv, Tom Weksler and Roser Tutusaus will be holding a Movement Archery workshop. Having established ‘Wonderground’ in 2019, the partners focus on creations that deal with movement, dance, and other art forms.At this workshop, you can learn about posture, balance, imagination, and space. The two of them have taught all across the world and between them have years of experience in art and dance forms, working with companies such as Inbal Pinto & Avshalom Pollak and Guy Nader & Maria Campos.Laila Lavan, aka ‘White Night’ (1 July 2022)Technically it's not June, but we can't help mentioning ‘White Night’, one of the biggest nights of the year in Tel Aviv, with the city coming to life as the sun sets, and events continuing on through the night until the sun rises again. Yes, things really do go on through the night - but then what would you expect from Tel Aviv which is aptly named the Non-Stop City?Many stores and restaurants that would normally close at 10 pm will be open much later. All over the city,Tel Aviv museumswill be free to the public, as well as musical events - think jazz, opera, klezmer, rock, and plenty of cover bands, who’ll perform up and down the famousRothschild Boulevard.In keeping with past events, there will also be activities for kids, dancing at the beach, street artists performing in the Jaffa Flea Market vicinity, and yoga at the Namal port, as the sun rises. The fact that all these events won’t cost you a penny means you’ve no reason not to pick a few that take your fancy (and make sure you’ve had a long afternoon nap before you head out into the 24/7 atmosphere…) If you are interested in Jerusalem tours or Tel Aviv excursions, feel free to contact us.Lifeguard station on the Tel Aviv waterfront. PhotobyGuy TsroronUnsplash

Springtime in Israel, particularly the month of May, is an absolutely fantastic time to visit the country. The rainy season has long passed, the sunshine is plentiful but it’s not terribly hot yet, in the way it can be in the high summer. With endless opportunities to enjoy the beach, explore the country and eat dinner outdoors on cool, breezy evenings, some would say it’s the perfect month to plan your perfect vacation in Israel.Sunset in the south of Israel. Photo byShai PalonUnsplashVisit Israel in the Spring!It’s also the ideal season for swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (the water is very pleasant), hiking inGalilee or Golan Heights, where flowers are blooming, visiting some boutique vineyards, or spending a few days in Jerusalem. If you’re there, why not wander the narrow alleyways of Nachlaot before grabbing a bite in theMahane Yehuda Market? There are also endless special events in Israel taking place - concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and one-off performances. If you’re down in the party city of Eilat, after a day of jet skiing, hanging out at the Dolphin Reef, or exploring nearby Timna Park, enjoy a cocktail by the Red Sea in Eilat, with breathtaking scenery in the form of desert mountains behind you.Here are a few of our recommendations for things to do in Israel in May - there’s something for everyone, trust us, so take a look at the list and get packing.Gray Dolphin in Eilat, Israel. Photo bySilviu GeorgescuonUnsplashJerusalem events in May 2022Jerusalem is the world’s most holy city for three major religions and a place packed full of historical sites, archaeological digs, and cultural treasures. And there is plenty going on there in May 2022.Jerusalem International Book ForumRunning from 15th to 18th May in the charming neighborhood of Mishkenot Shaananim, a stone’s throw from the Old City, Jerusalem International Book Forum is a week of professional and intellectual gatherings, with people from all different backgrounds across the world showing up in the capital. The forum offers workshops, panel talks, interviews, and social gatherings, looking at subjects such as podcasts, audiobooks, literature for young adults, and how to publish in a post-Covid world. With almost every event held in English, it’s the perfect event for anyone who loves books.Where: YMCA (26 King David Street) and Mishkenot Shaananim Conference Centre Flag of Israel at the Wailing Wall, Jerusalem. Photo byIvan LouisonUnsplashInternational Museum DayInternational Museum Day falls this year on the19th of May and those participating in Israel (specifically in Jerusalem) and offering free entrance include the Bible Lands Museum, Bloomfield Science Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the world-famous Israel Museum.Established with the intention of exposing the public to the cultural wealth of museums, it’s a great way to raise awareness of the place of the museum in our society, and not just for adults but for children too. The Israel Museum, in particular, is bursting with treasures, including the Model of the Second Temple, the beautiful Sculpture Garden, replicas of ancient synagogues, and the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in a dedicated building.There are also free guided tours that take you through the four wings - Archaeology, Fine Arts, Jewish art and life, and the Youth Wing for Art Education, as well as a chance to see current exhibitions on masks, food, and castles!The Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockJerusalem Day, all across the City of Jerusalem (28th-29th May 2022)Jerusalem Day(‘Yom Yerushalyim’ in Hebrew) begins on the evening of 28th May and ends the following evening. Commemorating the reunification of the city, after the Six-Day War in 1967, today the capital takes center stage. There’s plenty in store for anyone visiting Jerusalem, including Jerusalem tours, tastings, live music, workshops, and an enormous parade (complete with floats, featuring veterans, local Yerushalmis, and Christian supporters of Israel).It’s a wonderful thing to see, with stages set up in city parks, old-time singers belting out the classics (including Naomi Shemer’s ‘Jerusalem of Gold’) and the kids will love it too since there’s plenty of face-painting on offer! And if you want to learn more about the history of Jerusalem, from the time of King David, head down to the Jaffa Gate - the parade always goes past the walls.Where: Across central Jerusalem and outside the walls of the Old City, at the Jaffa GateEntry of a synagogue in Jerusalem. Photo byLevi Meir ClancyonUnsplash“Which Came First? The Story or the Egg?” Exhibition at the Israel Museum, JerusalemRunning at the world-famous Israel Museum in Jerusalem, this exhibition focuses on prize-winning children’s books illustrator Hilla Havkin. Now she’s painting stories - on ostrich eggs! - and more than 20 of them are on display in this exhibition, each one focusing on a different story - including giraffes, bats, balloons, and kites. As the eggs rotate, surprises abound. What a wonderful exhibition!Where: The Israel Museum, Ruppin Boulevard 11, JerusalemSovev Cycling Event, Jerusalem (Friday 13th May 2022)If you love cycling, love Jerusalem, or love both, then Sovev is for you! This May, to celebrate spring, the city’s largest cycling event takes place, with routes that will take you through pastoral scenes, urban landscapes, and astonishing historical sites. There are three routes - 10km, 40km, and 50kms - and thousands of participants will join. Make sure to register early!Where: The gathering point for everyone is at the First Station in the German Colony.A palm tree in Jaffa, Israel. Photo byReiseuhuonUnsplashTel Aviv events in May 2022After a day at thebeach in Tel Aviv, stroll on itspromenade,learn about Bauhaus architecture in the White City or rent a bicycle and cycle toJaffa. You can also join one of the Tel Aviv special events listed below.DocAviv, Tel Aviv (26th May - 5th June 2022)Beginning on 26th May and running for 10 days, Docaviv in Tel Aviv will be showcasing a range of documentaries, many being their world premieres. Whether you’re interested in history, art, language, family, or politics, there’s going to be something there to intrigue you. This year’s opening film is ‘The Devil Speaks; Eichman’s Lost Confession’ which shows reels of footage of the infamous Nazi, talking to a journalist in Argentina, before his celebrated capture by the Mossad. Where: Cinematheque, 5 Ha’arba’a Street, Tel AvivEat Tel Aviv - A Tel Aviv Food Festival(8th May 2022)The ultimate festival for foodies, Eat Tel Aviv brings together many of Israel’s top chefs in one place, all attempting to woo visitors with their creations. For several days, down at Charles Clore Park, close to the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, you can enjoy live music, fantastic food trucks, and innovative dishes. Some of the top restaurants in Tel Aviv participate here, including Manta Ray (seafood), Vicky Cristina (tapas), and Dixie (burgers) as well as plenty of celebrity chefs. Tastings and street food. What’s not to like?Where: Charles Clore Park, Tel AvivJaffa port area. Photo byShai PalonUnsplashRooftop Yoga at City Hall, Tel AvivEvery Thursday beginning at 6 pm, at City Hall, next to Rabin Square, yoga lovers gather together, to enjoy an hour or two of free yoga classes and sessions on the roof of the municipality. Apart from the fact that there are great views over the city, it’s a good way to meet new friends. Where: Tel Aviv City Hall, Rabin Square, 66 Ibn Gvirol StreetWhite City Bauhaus Tours, Tel AvivEvery Friday at 10 am, beginning at the Bauhaus Center on trendy Dizengoff Street, a classic Bauhaus Tour takes place, beginning with an introductory movie and a map. You’ll then set off with your guide, and also armed with stereo headsets, connected to their microphone.You’ll be taken around the oldest boulevards and streets in the city - including Rothschild, Ahad Ha’am, and Nahmani - and learn about the history of the White City’s most prominent buildings in this style, built in the 1930s and ’40s by German Jews, who arrived in Tel Aviv just before World War II. The cost is 80 NIS (25 USD).Deep Purple Concert, Tel Aviv (Sunday 22nd May 2022)Founded in 1968, Deep Purple is truly a pioneer of the heavy metal scene (they also won a Guinness Record award for being the world’s loudest band). Next month, they will be performing at the Menorah Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, to the delight of their many fans in Israel. So get ready for a night out, with a bunch of hard rock lovers.Where: Menora Mivtachim Arena, Tel AvivBlack horse carriage in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo byAvi TheretonUnsplashEvents in Northern Israel in May 2022Whether you’re hiking in Galilee, tasting wines and cheeses on the farms of the Jezreel Valley, or kayaking down theJordan River, the Holy Land is waiting for you!Shivat Roim Dairy, northern IsraelBefore Shavuot arrives (in early June), why not head north to Shirat Roim (‘Shepherds Song’) up in the Galilee. It’s a boutique dairy, making fantastic sheep and goat cheeses, all without preservatives! It’s so good, it’s won prizes in Europe for its fabulous products. At their dairy on Kibbutz Lotem (near Karmiel), you can see the entire process (the making and the ripening), attend a workshop, and taste some samples. The ‘House of Cheese’ which is next door is open to the public on weekends and holidays. Yum! Where: Shirat Roim Dairy, Kibbutz Lotan, Western GalileeKayaking on the Jordan RiverThis is a really good activity for May because the weather is fantastic - not too hot and not too cold. It’s also a great experience for adults and kids - and the Jordan River is perfect for kayaking. Slide over small cascades, as your guide directs you through thick vegetation. Enjoy the fabulous views - the river banks are green and peaceful and if you’re lucky, you might even see a turtle!Where:the Jordan RiverView of the Golan Heights from Mount Bental.Photo credit: © ShutterstockYom Ha’Atzmaut (aka Israel Independence Day)Taking place this year on 4th-5th May, this is one of the most joyful days of the year, with celebrations that kick off at dusk and last through the night, followed by more celebrations the following day, in the form of a traditional Israeli ‘mangal’ (barbeque) at the beach, or in your friend’s back garden.All towns and cities in Israel have festivities, which include fireworks and concerts. In Jerusalem, there is the traditional torch-lighting ceremony atMount Herzl, attended by dignitaries, and in Tel Aviv, there’s a huge gathering atRabin Square(the square named after the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin) with dancing and music.The following day, if you’re not a fan of barbeque, you can enjoy free entrance to certain museums, includingYad La Shiryonin Latrun (Israel’s official memorial for fallen soldiers) and theHall of IndependenceonRothschild Boulevard, where David Ben Gurion read out the famous Declaration of Independence in May of 1948.Where: Events all across the countryFireworks at the end of the 70th Independence day ceremony on Mt. Herzl. Photo byLavi PerchikonUnsplashJeep Tours, Golan HeightsThere are plenty of jeep tours you can take in Israel, but one we’d highly recommend is run by the company ‘No Other Land’ up in the Golan Heights, based on Kibbutz Merom Golan. It’s not just a great chance to explore northern Israel but really to see how locals, especially on kibbutzim, live in this part of the country.Guided by Ilan Shurman, who not only served in the IDF as a paratrooper but also holds a degree in Israel and Middle East Studies, he’ll give you plenty of history and geopolitics, with trips out to Qunietra (today a ghost town) and a stop outside one of the Israeli bunkers close to the border with Syria. This is a perfect family attraction and teenagers in particular, tend to love it!Where: Kibbutz Merom Golan,No Other Land Jeep Tours.International Yoga Festival in Israel, May 2022Israelis love yoga (seriously!) and this year, between 12th-14th May 2022 an enormous festival is taking place in the north of the country. Featuring teachers, lecturers, musicians, and workshops, people will gather together to learn and practice their skills for a long weekend, in the most pastoral of environments.A woman doing advanced yoga pose. Photo byARA CHOonUnsplashThe ‘yoga village’ at which it will take place is atGan HaShlosha National Park, one of Israel’s most beautiful nature reserves, which is located close to Mount Gilboa. The surrounding streams and astonishing waterfalls lend themselves to an atmosphere of happiness and tranquillity…and the festival is even promising a special ‘water compound’ with special sessions.The International Yoga Festival, along with all of the usual the ‘yogie’ activities, will feature music shows, a kid’s compound (complete with fun activities and shallow swimming areas), food stands (many of which are promoting vegan food), and a great artist’s fair, where you can purchase jewelry, clothing, and art.Wine Tours in the Carmel MountainsIsrael’s full of fabulouswineriesand what better thing to do than to take a tour of one, whilst enjoying the astonishing scenery? The Carmel Winery was founded by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1892, with the aim of helping farmers earn a long-term living, rather than relying on more simple crops.The Centre For Wine CultureinZichron Yaakovprovides guided tours and this includes a wine shop, restaurant, two specialist-tasting rooms, a small cinema, and a barrel room in an underground cellar. And Zichron itself is a lovely little town, so take a stroll afterwards on its midrachov (main pedestrianized street) or even head off toHaifa, which is just 30 minutes away.Where: Carmel Wintery, 2 Derek Ha Yekev, Zichron YaakovInterested in special events in Israel, private orday tours in Israel?Feel free to contact us!Flam Winery, Eshtaol, Israel. Photo by Eli Levit on Unsplash

Every year, milions of people come on trips to Israel. Their reasons are varied - pristine beaches on Mediterranean coastlines, endless sunny days with beautiful blue skies, museums and art galleries, hiking trails, boutique vineyards and a foodie scene that’s taken the world by storm.Dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. Photo byAdam KringonUnsplashIsrael - Land of the BibleBut, for many visitors, the most important reason to visit is to take a biblical tour of the Holy Land - to see the many beautiful and extraordinary sights connected with the history of the country. Israel is a melting pot, and home to people of many faiths - Jews, Christians, Muslims…and for each, there are places that are incredibly important.Walk in the Footsteps of JesusFor Christians, a tour of biblical Israel is often the trip of a lifetime, giving them a chance, literally, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and visit many of the places mentioned in their holy book. Whether it’s Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, Nazareth, where he spent his early years, Galilee, where he ministered and recruited his twelve disciples, or Jerusalem, where he was arrested, crucified, buried and then resurrected, taking a biblical tour in Israel will not disappoint.Even better, for anyone curious about archaeology, the land of Israel is literally bursting at the seams with fascinating sites, dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years. Places of worship, fortresses and ancient cities that were built in different eras (Roman and Herodian, Byzantine, Crusader, Arab, Mamluk and Ottoman) are easily accessible and can really bring history to life before your very eyes.The Church of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor, Israel. Photo byJoshua LanzarinionUnsplashThe History of Christians in IsraelThe history of Christian communities in the Holy Land dates back to the life and times of Jesus. After his death, the Apostolic church - particularly around Jerusalem - remained Judeo-Christian but after 130 CE, when Emperor Hadrian established Jerusalem as the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina, the church changed its composition.Today, when exploring Israel, in particular Jerusalem, it really is possible to see a chain of continuity and survival of the Christian community in the country, despite the war, natural disasters and endless conquests. Many of the churches, convents, shrines and monasteries that pilgrims visit are sites associated with the earliest times of Christianity, back in Herodian and Roman times, and really give the visitor a sense of how Jesus lived.In this article, we’ll be looking at the biblical side of Israel - places of worship dating back thousands of years, their architectural styles, and what their particular traditions were. This will help you understand what different Christian communities exist in Israel today, and how they have not just survived the centuries, but are thriving. We’ll also give you an idea of the ‘must sees’ on your visit, as well as famous archaeological sites in Israel. Direction sign showing the way to the Garden Tomb, Jerusalem. Photo byJonny GiosonUnsplashHow Many Christians Live in Israel today?In 2022, Israel’s population stood at just under 9.5 million people. The majority of these are Jews, with a sizeable Muslim community, and then smaller communities, including Christians and Druze. Today, Christians account for about 2% of the country - about 182,000 people.Approximately 76.7% of Christians in Israel are Arab and Christians make up 7% of Israel’s Arab population. Most of these people live in areas such as Haifa, Nazarethand Jerusalem, so for anyone coming on a biblical tour of Israel, these cities will surely be visited.The Christian community in Israel can be broken down into four basic groups - Orthodox, Catholic (Latin and Uniate), Protestant and Non-Chalcedonian (Monophysite). Apart from the Armenian church, most of these communities use Arabic as their lingua franca and many of them may well be the earliest descendants of Christians born in the Byzantine period.What Places Should I Visit on a Biblical Tour in Israel?Israel is a small country, with very many sites of interest for Christians. However, if you really want to get the most out of your visit, taking an organised day tour or private tour is a good way of seeing a great deal in the shortest time. You’ll also have the services of a professional guide, whose job it is to answer every last question you have. The good news is that it’s easy to take an organised tour of biblical sites in Israel, as well as specific Christian tour packages. They run regularly and in many languages and set off both from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, so all you need to do is find one that suits you. Here are a few of the top holy sites in Israel we’d recommend, with links to specific tours you can take…Pilgrims lighting candles in the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Photo byPeter AschoffonUnsplashThe Biblical Sites of JerusalemArguably the holiest city in the world, there is no shortage of sites to see in Jerusalem - in fact, you could spend weeks, if not months, exploring the churches and Christian sites of the Old City of Jerusalem. Divided into quarters (Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian), the Christian quarter is the second-largest and most marvellous place to explore, wandering through its narrow alleyways. The Christian quarter of the Old City is most easily entered through the Jaffa Gate and is a huge draw for most visitors, with a wealth of attractions which include: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre - the most sacred site in the world for Christians, it is filled with magnificent artwork, shrines and altars and can hold up to 8,000 people. The original structure was built by the mother of Constantine the Great, on what she considered to be the hill of Golgotha and the tomb in which he was subsequently placed.Inside, pilgrims can walk up a small staircase to the Place of the Crucifixion, and also see the Stone of the Unction, where tradition holds that Jesus’ body was prepared for burial here. All year round, pilgrims flock here, and in the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday the Christian quarter of the Old City takes on a more serious (and subsequently joyful) tone. Jerusalem Biblical garden, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinFun fact: as you explore the church, pay attention to its stone walls, in which you will see inscribed thousands of tiny crosses. These were made by the Crusaders, who took shelter here after making their holy pilgrimage from Europe. Via Dolorosa - in Latin meaning ‘the Path of Sorrow’ in Latin is the traditional path Jesus took en route to his crucifixion, stopping at points along the way which are now known as ‘Stations of the Cross.’ Established in the 18th century, it runs through the Old City, beginning close to the Lions' Gate and ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is a place of contemplation and prayer, and comes alive particularly on Good Friday, at the annual procession. Temple Mount - this walled compound within the Old City, houses the famous ‘Dome of the Rock’. Whilst the debate usually focuses on Jews versus Muslims, it certainly has religious significance for Christians too, since it was here that Jesus came, studied, learned and argued with the leaders of the Temple at that time (an act which, it is argued, led to his eventual arrest and killing).Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on UnsplashMount of Olives, JerusalemEast of the Old City, Mount of Olives is the place where Christians believe Jesus ascended into heaven. It is a very special place for believers and home to many interesting sights, including the Church of All Nations - also known as the Basilica of the Agony, and built on the ruins of a 4th-century basilica and a 12th century Crusader chapel. The beautiful interior is built on Corinthian columns and a mosaic, portraying Jesus as a mediator between God and man.Dominus Flevit - this Roman Catholic church offers splendid views of the Temple Mount and is the spot at which Jesus stood and foresaw the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, before weeping (the church’s name actually means ‘the Lord Wept’). Designed in the shape of a teardrop (representing Jesus’ tears) its impressive western window (which looks out on the Old City) makes for marvellous photographic opportunities.Garden of Gethsemane - at the foot of the Mount of Olives, this is the spot at which Jesus prayed and was later arrested, the night before his crucifixion. Church of the Pater Noster - meaning ‘Our Father’ in Latin, the importance of this church is bound up with Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer here, to his disciples. Indeed, throughout the cloister and church, you can see beautiful ceramic plaques on which this prayer is translated into no fewer than 140 languages. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe Biblical Sites of BethlehemChurch of the Nativity - one of the oldest working churches in the world today, was first built by Emperor Constantine in 4 CE over the grotto where, according to Christian tradition, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Walking down two flights of stairs, a fourteen-point silver star marks the exact spot where the Son of God came into the world.Today, custody of the Nativity Church is shared by three denominations - Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian and - of course, it is a focal point of any tour, Each year, on Christmas Eve, there are celebrations in Bethlehem as well as a public mass, attended by thousands, which is held in Manger Square.Shepherds' Fields- situated in Beit Sahour, about 1km east of Bethlehem, this is the spot where - according to Catholic tradition - angels announced the birth of Christ. Nearby is the Shepherd’s Field Chapel (adorned, inside, with beautiful frescoes depicting the nativity scene) and also the Greek Orthodox chapel of Dar El Rawat.Mar Saba Monastery - dating back to the 5th century, this Greek Orthodox monastery overlooks the Kidron Valley and, to this day, maintains many of its traditions (including forbidden entrance to women, past the main entrance). Its thick walls and small windows are reminiscent of a fortress, and its remote location, around 15 km from Bethlehem, and down a steep road, means it is difficult to reach independently, thus best seen as part of a private tour.The interior of Nativity Church, Bethlehem.Photo credit: ©Dmitry MishinThe Biblical Sites of Jericho, the Dead Sea and MasadaIn biblical times, it was the city of Jericho where Joshua fought his famous battle and, in the words of the song, ‘the walls came tumbling down.” Here also lies the Mount of Temptation which is where Jesus was tempted by the devil. Not too far away lies the ancient fortress of Masada, one of Israel’s top attractions and full of astonishing Herodian excavations. Built as a palace for the King, it stands atop a mountain, overlooking the wilderness of the Judean desert and really takes one’s breath away. From there, it’s an easy journey - by car - to the Dead Sea, where you can float in the salty waters and slather yourself in black mud (which is excellent for the skin!). Because public transport is rather limited in these areas, by far and away the most convenient way to see these places is with a Masada group tour or a private tour. The Biblical Sites ofNazarethChurch of the Annunciation - this is where the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced to her that she would conceive and bear Jesus, the Son of God. It was founded around the same time as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity and has a splendid basilica, designed by Italian architect, Giovanni Muzio. Outside the courtyard is decorated with beautiful mosaics, donated by communities from across the globe. Church of St. Joseph - close to the Basilica, this Franciscan Roman-Catholic church was built over the remains of much older churches. According to tradition, it stands above what was once the carpentry workshop of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Donkey in Nazareth, Israel. Photo byJonny GiosonUnsplashThe Biblical Sites of GalileeAny highlight of an Israeli biblical tour has got to be a trip to the Galilee, in northern Israel. This is where Jesus spent much of his time ministering and performing miracles - turning water into wine, raising the dead, walking on water and transforming two fishes and five loaves of bread into sufficient food to feed a crowd of 500 people.Church of the Beatitudes-- this is the spot at which Jesus gave his famous ‘Sermon on the Mount‘. Built on the site of a 4th century Byzantine church, its octagonal design represents the eight beatitudes (‘blessings’) and, inside, seven virtues - charity, faithy, hope, justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude) are symbolised on the mosaic floor. Yardenit - located at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, on the banks of the River Jordan, this is where Christian pilgrims from around the globe come to be baptised, replicating the baptism that Jesus undertook by John the Baptist, thousands of years earlier. Capernaum, a biblical village in Galilee, Israel. Photo byJoshua LanzarinionUnsplashChurch of Multiplication - located in Tabgha, a church and monastery were built here in the 5th century to commemorate the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. Parts of the exquisite mosaic floors (which are rare in Byzantine churches) were unearthed in archaeological excavations, and depict the flora and fauna of Galilee.Megiddo - In the New Testament, Megiddo is referred to as Armageddon and, according to prophecy, it is the spot where a great battle will take place at the ‘end of days’ i.e. before the Second Coming of Jesus. Today it is a splendid national park, full of archaeological finds including an 80- metre long aqueduct that supplied this ancient Canaanite city with spring water. An excellent way to see it is on a private tour of Megiddo and Nazareth.If you are interested in biblical sites in Israel, feel free to join one of our Day Christian Tours or a Christian Israel Package.Mount Precipice, Nazareth, Israel.Photo byShalev CohenonUnsplash

Spring has arrived in Israel, in earnest, and with it comes the festival of Passover, one of the most beloved and most celebrated festivals in the Jewish calendar. However, Passover, unlike other festivals, does not last one or two days - it lasts an entire week - only of which two of these days are actually religious holidays! Complicated? Well, maybe, but let’s try and explain it here in terms that don’t have you scratching your head!People praying at the Western Wall. Photo bySnowscatonUnsplashWhen you know it’s spring, you know it’s PassoverAll Jewish festivals begin and end at sundown since the Jewish calendar is lunar. Of the seven days of Passover (in other communities around the world, Passover is celebrated for eight, but that’s another story) only the first and last day in Israel are days where observant Jews obey many aspects of Jewish law. Chol HaMoed - the ‘secular’ days of the festivalThe middle five days are referred to as ‘Chol Ha Moed’ - the ‘weekdays’ of the festival. The literal Hebrew translation is ‘application of the consent’ or ‘the secular part of the occasion’ and these days apply both to the holidays of Passover and Sukkot (which falls every year in the autumn, after the Jewish Day of Atonement).In Israel, Passover is a much loved holiday, celebrated both by secular, traditional, and Orthodox Jews, in different ways. Almost all Israelis attend a ‘seder meal’ on the first night of Passover where, along with friends and family, they celebrate their freedom, telling once more the story of Exodus in the Bible, when the Israelites fled slavery in Egypt and became a free people.A counter with spices at Jerusalem shuk.Photo credit: © ShutterstockHow to celebrate Passover over Chol HaMoedHowever, even though the days that follow are not religious, all schools are closed and many people take time off from work, to be with their children or to travel, in Israel or abroad. Not all work is forbidden, according to Jewish law, but generally, if you are in Israel at this time of the year, you will notice that people are out and about, enjoying themselves and it’s quite common to find that businesses are closed for the entire week.Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the things that are going on in the Holy Land this Passover, over Chol HaMoed. And, trust us, there is plenty to do, and not just for the kids either. The weather is good, everyone wants to be out, taking advantage of the best beaches in Israel, hiking trails, and desert scenery, but there are plenty of cultural attractions too. Best of all, many of them open their doors for free at this time of the year, so a day out won’t necessarily be hard on the pocket. So, pack yourself a matzah sandwich and some fruit, and enjoy yourself, wherever you choose to go… A Jewish man eating matzah. Photo bycottonbroonPexelsWhat’s going on in Jerusalem over Passover?1. Ice Eat Complex Offering food and music and workshops, this is a great place to bring the kids. They can learn to make Passover muffins with a yummy chocolate frosting, enjoy storytime sessions and join in their ‘cooking hour’ with top chef Chen Koren. The entrance is free.2. Passover at Train TheatreClose to Liberty Bell Park and offering all kinds of puppet performances, both in English and Hebrew, there are storytelling sessions with music and daily shows here too, including ‘Goldilocks and the Three Pandas’, ‘Toto and Friends’ and ‘Yuka the Doll’. 3. Bloomfield Science MuseumWith free entrance for kids toBloomfield Science Museum, this is a fantastic day out in Jerusalem, giving the whole family a chance to learn about Leonardo da Vinci, Hypatia the mathematician, electricity, levers, and why buildings don't fall down! What a way to make science fun.4. Passover at the Tower of DavidIf you want to learn more about the history of Jerusalem, you should visit the Tower of David. Take part in a ‘Hide the Afikomen inside the Box’ and crack the riddle or Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city. Or come at night for the ‘King David’ performance, and learn - through lights and music - about the boy who became King and founded this amazing city.Bloomfield Science Museum. Photo credit: © Katya Savina5. Passover at the Israel MuseumThe world-famous Israel museum is hosting a special Children’s Exhibition over Passover, as well as ‘Family Tuesday’ photography sessions, recycling workshops, and storytime in the illustration library. You can also enjoy the sculpture gardens, and the Dead Sea Scrolls area and tour the model of the Second Temple.6. Jerusalem Botanical GardensOffering free entry, this wonderful oasis offers a glimpse of plants from around the globe, and the opportunity to learn about biodiversity too. Wander from garden to garden and continent to continent, and escape the hustle and bustle of the capital for a couple of hours in Jerusalem Botanical Gardens. 7. The Bible Lands MuseumThis is the place to go if you want to engage in some ‘Pharoah Mania’. The Bible Lands Museum is hosting a special exhibition for kids called ‘Egypt Here We Go’ where you can unravel the mysteries of Egypt, play online games and puzzles, enjoy crafts workshops and theatre performances and learn about the great Pharaohs!8. Ramparts WalkThe best place to see Jerusalem? From above, on the ramparts of course! Not everyone knows about this tour but it;’s fantastic….and two different routes are included in the admission ticket. From the north side, you’ll go from the Jaffa Gate to the Lion’s Gate, close to the Dome of the Rock. The south side (easier for kids) begins at the Tower of David and ends at the Western Wall. Put on your walking shoes!Ramparts Walk, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinWhat’s going on in Tel Aviv over Passover?1. ‘White City’ Architecture TourRun by the Bauhaus Center, and recommended by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, if you’re a fan of this German design style, you can’t miss this. Each Friday, beginning at 10 am at 77 Dizengoff Street, their two-hour tour of the ‘White City’ architecture of historic Tel Aviv takes you through Rothschild Boulevard, Ahad Ha’am, Montefiore Street, giving you a chance to see how many of these classic buildings have been lovingly restored. There are also family tours and private tours available. 2. Yitzhak Rabin CenterAssassinated in 1995 by an Israeli extremist, Rabin’s memory - as a brilliant soldier, much-loved Prime Minister and ‘typical Sabra Israeli’ has been honored at this museum, which is wonderfully designed. As you walk through the passages of Yitzhak Rabin Center, on one side you’ll learn about Rabin’s life, whilst on the other side - concurrently - you’ll see what was going on in Palestine/Israel at the very same time. Moving and emotional. Free entrance.Yayoi Kusama: A Retrospective, Tel Aviv Museum of Art.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin3. Food Tour of the Carmel MarketThe Carmel Market typifies everything that is Tel Aviv - it’s chaotic, bustling, and sends your senses into overdrive with all of the sounds and smells on offer. Either walk around there alone or take a food tasting tour there, where you’ll mix with locals, learn about the history and the culture of the market and hopefully come away with some goodies for your pantry! 4. Tel Aviv Museum of ArtShowcasing modern art from both Israel and around the world, entrance to Tel Aviv Museum of Art is free this Passover. Not only can you wander their permanent collections, but there are also activities for kids such as ‘kaleidoscope’ (inspired by the Japanese artist Kusama’s work) and Shai Ignatz’s ‘Goldi’ portraits.5. Jaffa Flea MarketJaffa is the kind of place everyone falls in love with - wandering the narrow alleyways of the Artist’s Quarter, wandering down at the historic port, overlooking the Mediterranean, enjoying hummus at local eateries, and, of course, poking around at the flea market. It’s a treasure trove - bric-a-brac, vintage, furniture, second-hand clothes, and piles of toys on the floor. And if you’re really curious about the market’s history, then sign up for a Shuk to Chic tour!Jaffa Flea Market, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhat to do in Haifa and Northern Israel over Passover1. Haifa ZooA great day out for the entire family, this lovely little zoo has more than 100 species, including lemurs, meerkats, anacondas, Griffon vultures, camels, and the rare Persian fallow deer (who live almost exclusively in the Upper Galilee). All of the animals are in specially-designed habitats, and once you’ve had your fill of animal watching, you can enjoy their botanical garden and the Prehistory Museum in Haifa.2. Madatech Museum of ScienceA leading science and technology museum in Israel, Mada Tech offers more than 20 interactive science and technology exhibitions to its visitors. Learn about binoculars and microscopes or Leonardo da Vinci. Check out the solar system or discover what green energy is (steam, wind, solar), and don’t miss the exhibition ‘Smile’ where you can learn all about the teeth inside your mouth!Hi-Bar Carmel National Park. Photo credit: © Manu Grinspan. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority3. Carmel National ParkPacked full of walking paths, bicycle lanes, dedicated nature reserves, and endless archaeological sites, Carmel National Park is Israel’s largest national park and you can easily spend an entire day there. There are scenic views both of the Mediterranean and the mountains, and hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties. Look out for jackals and eagles, and enjoy peace and tranquillity, even though you’re very close to Haifa. 4. The Old City of AcreThe extraordinary Crusader City of Acre has much to offer the visitor, including the Knights Halls, Templar's Tunnel, the traditional market, and the historic Acre port. Home, over the years, to Romans, Byzantines, Mamluks, Ottomans, and the British, it is steeped in history and actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. After you’ve explored the Turkish baths, mosques, and citadels (all built on top of Crusader ruins), eat lunch by the sea (the fish is excellent), and you can even take a boat ride (for a small fee) and see the city from the water.5. Tour the Sea of GalileeArguably one of the most lovely areas of Israel, Galilee is a large area but a drive around the sea area is a fantastic day out. Explore the historical sites - the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Multiplication, the ruins of a fourth-century synagogue…then head onto Ein Gev, where your kids can explore the kibbutz on a train and you can eat a good fish lunch, whilst overlooking the sea.The route of the Old Akko walls, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhat to do in the Negev Desert and Southern Israel over Passover1. Mitzpe RamonIf you wanted to capture the spirit of beauty and silence in the desert, there’s no better place to do it than in this small town, which is home to an enormous Ramon crater. Here, you can hike, climb, abseil or just sit by the edge and enjoy the stunning views of Mitzpe Ramon. There’s also an Alpaca Farm nearby, which the kids will love, as well as the opportunity to spend the night at a Bedouin camp, complete with a bonfire and traditional dinner.2. Ein Avdat CanyonClose to Kibbutz Sde Boker, the burial place of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, this hidden gem of a hiking trail boasts springs, hiking trails, and a marvelous canyon, with steps carved out of the rock itself. Set within the striking landscape of the Zin Valley, the Ein Avdat canyon stretches for over 60 km and is home to all sorts of flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you might even see an eagle soaring high above you!3. The Negev Wine RouteDespite all the odds, there are a growing number of wineries in the Negev so why not explore them on this route? These include Nana Estate, Ramon, and Sde Boker wineries, all along Route 40 between Beersheba and Mitzpe Ramon. It’s a great opportunity to meet the owners who, in true pioneer spirit, have overcome the many challenges of working in such an inhospitable climate and are excelling in their trade.Ein Avdat National Park, Israel. Photo credit: © Oksana Mats4. Timna National ParkAbout 25kms north of Eilat, in the Arava desert, lies Timna National Park, which affords the visitor extraordinary hiking and biking trails. Once home to a copper mine, dating back to 4500 BCE, it is home to extraordinary rock formations, in hues of pink, orange, red and brown. And if you’re really adventurous, you can actually descend down one of the ancient mine shafts…affording you relief from the heat of the ground!5. Eilat over PassoverIt might be a bit of a cliche, but who can resist Eilat at Passover? It’s a holiday resort, with all kinds of attractions - restaurants, bars, the famed Dolphin Reef, and Underworld Observatory. And because it’s on the Red Sea, you can snorkel, dive, jet ski, swim, or just hire a sun lounger and lie on the beach all day, looking out at the Gulf of Aqaba! Wherever you end up going this Pesach, however, enjoy yourself, both at seder night and on Chol HaMoed and if you’d like to book a day trip in Israel with us, just contact us - we’re here to help. EilatAquapark, Israel. Photo byMichal IcoonUnsplash

Greetings readers! I’m Sarah Mann, writer, editor, and travel blogger and today I’m on the road, once more, with Bein Harim Tourism. They’re a family-owned and family-run travel company that organizes all kinds of tour packages in Israel, not to mention plenty of day trips around the country too.Capernaum, aerial view.Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhilst I write often on their blog (which is a great read, by the way, and you can find it here) I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to group travel since I’m usually on the road solo. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a day trip and - actually - if you don’t have a driver’s license, feel nervous about renting a car in Israel, want to learn more with a professional guide, or simply want to meet new people, this is the chance to do it.Today, I’m giving you the rundown on Bein Harim’s day trip to Nazareth and Galilee, which is the perfect way to get a taste of Israel’s north, not to mention the opportunity to see extraordinary historical sites. People often ask us what to expect on our day trips and it’s a good question. Since I’ve never been on this particular tour before, I arrived at the pick-up point with an open mind…and here’s what I discovered…Tel Aviv Pick-Up for Nazareth and Galilee Tour - 7 amIt’s an early start for us since it’s a reasonably long drive north but everyone seems in good spirits. We climb into our minibus (we’re a group of 12) and all start chatting to each other - it’s a mixed group, with half the participants from the USA (including two kids) and the other half from Latin America.Luckily, our guide Yuval (“Call me Yuvvi”) is a whizz kid with languages - he’s trilingual (Hebrew, English, and Spanish) which means everyone’s happy (and also gets the chance to brush up on their second languages). He tells us to get comfortable and promises us a coffee stop before we reach Nazareth, so we can dose up on caffeine for the trip that lies before us.Nazareth is approximately 105 km north of Tel Aviv, and with the coffee stop, it takes around two hours. We watch urban landscapes give way to fields of spring flowers and, luckily for us, it’s a glorious day, with almost no clouds in the sky. By the time we arrive at our destination, the sun is out!The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish, Tabgha, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockExploring NazarethNazareth, as is well-known, is famous for being the city where Jesus spent his early years. Although he was born in Bethlehem, this is where his parents, Mary and Joseph, were from and it is where Jesus was raised, studied, and began attending Temple, astounding the Priests there with his knowledge. The central point of interest is, of course, the Church of Annunciation, the Catholic basilica where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, telling her that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.Tourism is picking up again in Israel but we’re in luck - there’s only one other group with us. We enter the courtyard and gaze at the beautiful artwork outside - there are many mosaics of the Madonna, all donated by Catholic communities from around the world (including one, poignantly, from Ukraine) and also a statue commemorating a Papal visit.Inside, we see that the church is on two levels - the lower part is the holiest, being the cave where Mary was visited by an Angel. Inside there is an altar, on which is inscribed, in Latin, ‘Here the Word was made Flesh’. The first church here was built on the site in 427 CE and others have been built and destroyed since. This building, which is designed in a modern style, is one of the largest and most impressive churches in the Middle East.The basilica takes our breath away. Almost 60 meters high, it is shaped like an inverted lily. Designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Muzio, it is decorated with indented dots, and, staring up at it, we realize why it dominates the Nazareth skyline. Glance down at the marble floor to read the names of Popes over the centuries and don’t miss the large mosaic portraying Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Peter.We then make the short walk to the Church of St. Joseph, where Joseph had his carpentry workshop - in contrast to our first stop, it’s a modest, humble building, run by the Franciscans and was erected in 1914, over the remains of a Crusader church. Walking back to the bus, we stop at a fruit stand nearby, for some pomegranate juice (it’s freshly squeezed and delicious) then it’s onwards and upwards, to our next destination - the Sea of Galilee.Inside the Annunciation Church, Nazareth.Photo credit: © Oksana MatsOnwards to GalileeIt’s a beautiful drive, with all the flowers in bloom - particularly the cyclamen - and as we continue we pass Cana, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine. Before we know it, we have a fantastic view not just over the Sea of Galilee (or ‘Kinneret’ as it’s known in Hebrew) but also ofMount Hermon in the Golan Heights. We’ve really hit the jackpot in terms of weather…and it’s a stunning sight.The next stop is Yardenit, Israel’s official baptismal site, where Christian pilgrims come from around the globe to be immersed and ‘born again’ in the waters of the River Jordan. This isn’t actually the spot Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist - that is down near Jericho in Qasr al Yahud - but it’s set up nicely with a lovely entrance, where the Lord’s Prayer is written in an array of languages.Inside, it’s incredibly tranquil, with Jordan’s waters clear and green. Normally, Yardenit welcomes around 400,000 visitors each year and - at peak time - can be packed but because of Corona, it’s a lot quieter. However, we’re in luck - a group of pilgrims from Brazil is down at the water’s edge, dancing, singing, and being immersed, one by one, by their Priest, and it’s a moving sight, watching it all. For any Christian, being able to partake in a baptism ceremony here is the opportunity of a lifetime and Yardenit obliges, offering white garments for rent and plenty of space for people to stand, sit or wade into the water. Whilst it’s definitely more commercial than the site down by Jericho, it’s well-organized, with clean facilities, a gift store, and even a restaurant. It really is a beautiful spot and we’re all happy to spend 45 minutes there.And now it’s lunchtime - and we head off to a local restaurant, offering classic Middle Eastern fare - either fish, chicken, or a kebab, with plenty of mezze (salads and dips) to enjoy too. We all chat about our reasons for visiting (or in my case living in) Israel and it seems everyone’s having a wonderful vacation in the Holy Land, even the kids (who got a week off school in the US to come here but are learning plenty!). It’s not a long, leisurely affair though because there’s much more to see…after all, this is where much of Jesus’ ministry took place.St. Joseph's Church Franciscan Roman Catholic church in the Old City of Nazareth.Photo credit: © Oksana MatsTabgha and CapernaumWe drive through the regional capital, Tiberias (located on the water’s edge) but don’t stop - we’re heading to the Church of the Multiplication, in Tabgha, on the northwestern shore of the Galilee, the spot where Jesus performed another of his miracles, turning two fishes and five loaves of bread into enough food to feed a crowd of 5,000.The church is maintained by a Benedictine order and rests on the sight where a Byzantine church was erected in the 4th century. It’s a simple and modest structure, constructed out of limestone with black basalt walls. Inside, we’re all captivated by intricate floor mosaics, actually the earliest examples of Christian art in the region. All of them relate to plants and animals found in Galilee, save for a lotus flower. At the altar, there is one more, showing two fish and a basket of bread. Yuval, our ever-knowledgeable guide, fills us in on the history of the area and points out a large stone structure in the courtyard, asking us what we think it is. My guess is closest - I think it’s a wine press. In fact, it’s an olive oil press. Olive oil is what made this community wealthy - used for lighting, soap-making, anointing, cooking and as a medical remedy, you can’t underestimate the importance of the olive trees in this area…Our last stop of the day is to another church, close by in what was once the ancient village of Capernaum. Rediscovered in 1838, it was restored by Franciscan monks, and today it’s known as the ‘House of Peter’. According to Christian tradition, this is where Jesus appeared to his disciples, after being resurrected, as well as appointing Peter as head of this new movement.In fact, it is a compound of three different churches - the Insula Sacra (circa the time of Jesus), Domus Ecclesia (4th century), and the Octagonal Church (5th century). Its location is beautiful - adjacent to the shores of the Sea of Galilee it affords us perfect views across the water. At its entrance, Yuval points out the statue of St. Peter, holding keys (symbolizing the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven) and as we walk inside the building, we notice the stand-architectural feat.Yardenit baptismal site, Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThe church has been built above the ruins of what is thought to be the centuries-old home of St. Peter. Yes, this is truly a futuristic design - as you look down, you see what was his dwelling, through a glass floor! Now, this really is walking in the footsteps of Jesus and his disciples!Peter’s house, moreover, pre-dates the Constantine era and is the earliest known example of a house/church in the area. Beneath the large glass windows are sculpted icons with scenes from Christian history - including a tabernacle, wooden panels depicting the Virgin and Peter on a boat, and an altar mosaic showing the miracle of the loaves and fishes and the manna was sent by God to the Israelites, whilst they wandered in the desert.Adjacent to the house under the glass floor are the ruins of the synagogue that Jesus himself attended. It was clearly an impressive structure in its day, built of white limestone blocks hewn from the surrounding Galilee. Built on a platform above the houses in the town of its time, its southern facade was decorated, and - of course - it faced Jerusalem since this was (and remains) the direction in which all Jews pray.As I wander around, listening to Yuval captivating me and the rest of the group with all kinds of interesting stories, I try to imagine the courtyard, entrance porch, and staircase that led to the synagogue itself. The prayer area was divided by a row of columns, creating three aisles, and the columns were on high pedestals, with Corinthian capitals. As I shut my eyes, the years fall away…I am transported back to the time of the Bible.Yuval points out engraved motifs - animals (eagles and lions) as well as Jewish motifs such as a seven-branched menorah (today one of the national symbols of Israel and found on every citizen’s passport), bunches of grapes, pomegranates, and what is thought to be the Ark of the Covenant.Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockThere are also geometric motifs - stars, pentagons, hexagons, and even tiny rosettes! Finally, he takes us to an area where archaeologists made a fine discovery - evidence that children played games when they were tired of the rabbi’s sermons in the form of ‘tic-tac-toe' engravings in the stone! This is the kind of thing that makes you glad you’re with a guide - their knowledge and passion for the job can really bring this kind of site to life.There’s also time just to sit by the water, in quiet contemplation, looking out over the Sea of Galilee, and hearing the waves lap against the shore. It’s incredibly peaceful and light-years away from the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv. I think some of us would truly like to stay longer, up here in the north, but time is marching on, the sun is fading and our day is drawing to a close. It’s been another great day out with Bein Harim - my first ‘day tour’ experience was down in Masada and the Dead Sea, last November. This time, I’ve swapped the desert for green hills and floating in the Dead Sea for views of the Golan Heights, but the fact is that this tour held its own, and everyone’s talking about how much they’ve enjoyed themselves. We drive back to Tel Aviv, talking amongst ourselves, swapping phone numbers, and I can’t help thinking to myself that we’ve packed an awful lot into today’s trip. We’re all tired, and our feet ache (I’ve just checked my fitness app, and I’ve clocked up over 13,400 steps today) but no one’s complaining. This is one day out no one will forget in a while.If you are interested in Christian day tours or Christian Tour Packages in Israel, feel free to contact Bein Harim's office.Entrance to Capernaum biblical site, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

The Jewish festival of Passover, arguably is one of the most important events in the annual calendar, up at the top of the ‘must celebrate’ with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). One of the three biblically-ordained pilgrimage festivals (along with Shavuot and Sukkot), it is widely celebrated, both in Israel and across the globe, by Jews.The word Passover. Photo byAlex ShuteonUnsplashIt has an extraordinary history too - the backdrop for the festival is centered around the story of God, Moses, and the Pharaoh (as told in the Book of Exodus, in the Hebrew Bible) and the Israelites' miraculous escape from slavery in Egypt - possibly the most monumental event in Jewish history. Passover takes place each year on the 15th day of the month of Nissan which, according to the solar-lunar Jewish calendar, falls between March and April. Etymology of Pesach. What is Passover?The origin of the word Passover can be traced back to the Hebrew term ‘Pesach’ which means to omit or to ‘pass over.’ The word ‘Passover’ also refers to the story in the book of Exodus (see below) where God’s tenth plague killed the firstborn son in every home in Egypt. However, Israelites were exempt from this, with God ‘passing over’ their homes. And how did God know whose homes to ‘pass over?’ Because the night before the Israelites fled Egypt, they sacrificed a paschal lamb, then marked their doorposts with its blood, as a sign to God that he should spare their children.In ancient times, in Jerusalem, an animal would always be sacrificed before Passover (either a lamb or a goat) in the courtyard of the Temple. Only those who were circumcised could take part in the ritual and, once sacrificed, the priest would collect the blood. Modern attempts to revive this tradition in Israel have not been particularly successful, especially because of concern about cruelty to animals.In Latin, Passover means ‘Pascha’, which refers to the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ, and - in fact - the Last Supper, held by Jesus in Jerusalem. As he knew that this was the last meal he would ever share with his disciples, he used elements of the Passover meal, which later became symbols of his death.Matzoh-crusted chicken for Passover. Photo by Sheri SilveronUnsplashThe Story of Passover in the Hebrew BibleThe story of the Passover is recounted in the book of Exodus, the second book of the Hebrew Bible. After Joseph (he of the multi-colored coat) went to Egypt, his father Jacob and his brothers moved there to be close to him. However, once Joseph died and a new Pharaoh came to the throne, distrust of the Israelites grew.The Egyptians’ answer to that was to enslave the Jews, compelling them to carry out backbreaking labor. Still, however, their community continued to grow, which is why Pharaoh commanded all midwives to kill newborn Jewish men. When Moses was born, his mother makes a cradle for him out of bulrushes and placed it in the Nile, where it was found by the Pharaoh’s daughter. The upshot? Moses was raised at the palace.However, as he grew older, he came face to face with oppression when he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. In a moment of fury, he kills him, then flees to Midian. Whilst herding a flock of sheep, he stumbled on a burning bush and it was here that God spoke to him, commanding him to go to the Pharaoh and tell him ‘Let My People Go” and promising Moses that, eventually, he and the Jewish people will find themselves in the Promised Land.After Pharoah turned his heart to stone, God sent ten plagues - including frogs, pestilence, locusts, and boils - to smite the Egyptians, but the Israelites are still not freed. Finally, God ​​instructed the Israelites to make an offering - a slaughtered lamb, whose blood should be sprinkled on every one of their doorposts. The tenth plague - killing the firstborn in every home - was enacted, but the Israelites were spared.Finally, Pharoah relented, telling the Jews to leave, and so they did. But because they left in such haste, there was no time for their dough to rise, which is why they took only matzah. Fleeing, with the Pharaoh and his troops still behind them, they were trapped at the Red Sea. At that moment, Moses lifted his staff and the waters parted, letting the Israelites pass through, en route to freedom. As the waters closed over the pursuing Egyptians, drawing them, the Israelites sang a song of gratitude for their deliverance.The Seder table. Photo byPhil GoodwinonUnsplashPassover Today. How long does Passover last?This is an interesting question and, believe it or not, it depends on where you are in the world. In Israel, Passover lasts for 7 days whereas in the diaspora (all of the Jews who live outside the Holy Land) conservative and orthodox Jews add on an extra day. This is because, historically, the Hebrews’ months began with a new moon. In Israel, this was easy to ascertain but communities further away were always a little more uncertain. Therefore, they adopted the practice of adding another day, just in case their calculations were wrong. What are some of the important rituals involved with Passover?Let’s start with the cleaning of one’s house from top to bottom, to ensure that every last particle of leavened food (‘chametz’ in Hebrew) is removed - from the kitchen to the salon to the bedroom. Any substance which has flour in it has to be discarded - this includes bread, flour, baking powder, cereals, dried pasta, etc.The cleaning out of chametz before Passover is often used as an excuse for a big spring clean, in Jewish homes, and may begin a good week before the festival commences. In orthodox Jewish homes, all existing plates, dishes, and cutlery are also packed away, and others specifically designed for Passover are brought out.Discarding and Burning ChametzIt is common for children to get involved in the whole process, especially on the last night before the festival begins, when - according to tradition - the family carries out ‘bdikat chametz’. Using a feather, a spoon, and a candle, they search for any last crumbs - some very observant Jews place ten small pieces of bread around the house so that the search should have a strategic purpose.The next day, all chametz that has not been thrown away is discarded and, in some communities, burned, whilst reciting a blessing. If you are visiting Israel and in Jerusalem, it is possible to observe this ritual in many Jerusalem neighborhoods, especially the ultra-orthodox area of Mea Shearim.Baking matzah on the day before Pesach. Photo byavitalchn on PixabayUsing special utensils and cutlery over PassoverSpecial utensils are used over Passover - plates that are kept packed away the rest of the year. This is because, in daily use throughout the year, regular pots and pans in the kitchen have absorbed chametz through cooking. Observant Jews will also ‘kasher’ their kitchen before the festival, to make it kosher for Passover.Eating MatzahOne of the most important rituals involved in Passover is the eating of matzah and it is fair to say that this unleavened flatbread forms an integral part of the holiday experience! As the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) recounts, God commanded the Israelites to eat only unleavened bread for seven days during the festival. There is also a symbolic reason for the eating of matzah - it represents redemption and freedom. It is also ‘lechem oni’ (poor man’s bread) and so it teaches Jews to remain humble and not forget the pain of their servitude.Matzah and many other goods that are labeled ‘kosher for Passover’ are all easily obtainable in Israel, beforehand. The day before the holiday begins, all bakeries (and some restaurants) will close for a week and, outside of Tel Aviv, restaurants that remain open will only be serving food that is considered kosher for Passover (i.e. nothing made with flour).Haggadah, the Jewish text that determines the order of the Passover Seder. Photo by Ri_YaonPixabayGreetings at PassoverThere are different greetings you can use in Hebrew, at this time of the year. One is ‘chag sameach’ which means ‘happy holidays.’ (and you can use this for any of the Jewish holidays). The second is ‘chag Pesach kasher vesameach” ’ which means ‘have a kosher and joyous Passover.’Ashkenazi Jews whose parents grew up speaking Yiddish may often say ‘Gut yom tov’ (the last word often sounding like ‘yontif’), meaning ‘have a good day’ or ‘a zissen Pesach’ meaning ‘have a sweet Passover.’The Passover SederThe Passover Seder is a ritual that has been taking place in Jewish communities for thousands of years. It is a holiday that is popular with all - including secular Jews - and, indeed, even in Israel, where many Jews do not identify as religious, the proportion of people attending a seder is as high as 96%.The table is set beautifully, with a special ‘seder’ plate in its center. Seder, as mentioned before, means ‘order’ in Hebrew because the evening is always conducted in a certain order, set out in the Haggadah - a book which instructs you how to proceed, and which everyone has a copy beside them. On any seder plate you will find a few essential ingredients. These include:a hardboiled egg (‘beitzah) - this represents both the circle of life and the coming of spring; a shank bone (‘zeroah’) - this represents the Paschal sacrifice before the Jews fled Egypt.Horseradish (‘maror’) symbolizes the bitterness of slavery; a sweet mix of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine (‘charoset’) - when eaten with the maror, it balances out the bitterness and symbolizes optimism; vegetables (‘karpas’) - these should be something other than bitter herbs and represent renewal and hope. They are dipped in saltwater before eating, and this represents the salty tears of slavery.4 cups for Passover.Photo bymonove on FreeimagesFrom Oppression to LiberationThe seder is, literally, the recounting of the story of the Exodus, as told above and concepts such as oppression, slavery, and liberation are at the forefront of the narrative. In fact, the word ‘Haggadah’ in Hebrew means ‘telling’ and, according to Jewish law, Jews are commanded to tell this story. Moreover, they are told that, as they read, they are to imagine that they are slaves themselves, back in Egypt, being liberated from oppression. Throughout the meal, four glasses of wine are drunk (if you want to stay sober, fill yours just half full!) with blessings over them. Although there is always someone knowledgeable who will lead the seder, it is customary to go round the table in the course of the ritual and let everyone read a few verses. There is not just reading in the seder but also singing. Traditionally, the youngest person at the table sings ‘Ma Nishtanah’ which asks why this night is different from all other nights. (Click on the link for a lovely rendition of this song, by the ‘Maccabeats’).Another song that is very popular is ‘Dayenu’ which, literally translated means ‘It would have been enough’ and refers to the ten plagues that God inflicted upon the Egyptians, for not letting the Israelites go. After each plague, Jews explain “if God had stopped there, it would have been enough for us.’ The earliest version of this poem is from a 9th-century Babylonian prayer book!The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible.Photo byBrett JordanonUnsplashA third that is always a big hit is ‘Ehad Mi Yodea’ which means ‘Who Knows One?’ It talks of all the things important to the history of Judaism, including the two tablets given to Moshe on Mount Sinai, the five books of the Torah, and the eight days before a baby’s brit milah (circumcision).After the first part of the reading from the Haggadah, everyone enjoys a festive meal and once, sated, resumes the reading. The last song of the evening is ‘Chad Gadya’ (‘One goat’) which is a playful song that children love, written originally in Aramaic and telling the story of a father who purchased a goat for ‘two zuzim’.One final tradition that we shouldn’t forget is the one that kids love the most - searching for the ‘afikomen’. Early in the seder, a piece of matzah is broken in two and the bigger piece is hidden somewhere in the house. Every child helps search for it and the winner receives something small, like a piece of candy. It’s also a great way of keeping younger attendees interested in what can often be a long evening!Sculpture of Moses at the entrance of Mt. Nebo, Jordan. Photo byLaura SeamanonUnsplashWhat foods are traditionally eaten at the Passover seder?Every home has their own traditional Passover recipes - Ashkenazi Jews often serve gefilte fish, matzah balls, potato kugel, and brisket; in a Sephardic home, you are more likely to be given seared salmon, lamb shank, and rice with vegetables. Desserts in both homes are often fruit salads or macaroons/biscuits made with almond flour.Activities Offered Over Passover in IsraelPassover is a holiday that lasts a week and whether you’re a first-time tourist in Israel or a local with kids, there’s plenty going on all over the country. And because only the first and last days of it are religious holidays, that leaves the intermediary period (‘chol ha moed’ in Hebrew) for enjoying yourself.Many museums in Israel offer free entrance at this time, there are all kinds of performances for children (music and theatre, both indoor and outside) on offer, endless activities set in nature (hiking trails, waterfalls, treks in the Negev desert) and, of course, the beaches and the Mediterranean Sea to take advantage of. In conclusion, Passover isn’t just an opportunity to remember, it’s an opportunity to enjoy - and if you’d like to take any of our organized day trips or book a private tour of Israel with us, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Passover 2022 falls out at sundown on Friday, April 15. Chag sameach! Happy Passover!Judean Desert, Israel. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

What do you think when the word ‘Israel’ comes to mind? An exotic, faraway land where the natives ride around on camels? The place Jesus was born, ministered, was crucified and rose again? The land of milk and honey, with plenty of other wonderful produce besides? High-tech companies, housed in gleaming modern glass buildings? Miles and miles of sandy beaches, at which people sun themselves and cool off with a dip in the Mediterranean Sea?Roman ruins in Beit Shean, Israel. Photo byPatrick CampanaleonUnsplashWhy visit Israel?Well, if you mentioned any of the above, you wouldn’t be wrong, because Israel is a small country but it’s just bursting with things to do and see. Whether you’re looking for a chillout vacation at the beach, a hiking holiday in the Galilee, the opportunity to visit boutique vineyards and enjoy gourmet restaurants or simply the chance to wander the cities and countryside, soaking up the sights and sounds of the place, you won’t be disappointed.Archaeological Sites at Every TurnAnd for anyone interested in history, there’s no doubt about it, Israel’s a top destination. The fact is you can barely take a few steps without tripping over an ancient building or Roman ruins in Israel patiently restored by archaeologists. Actually, compared to other countries in the Mediterranean, Israel has an enormous number of archaeological sites - about 35,000 in approximately 22,00 square km! And that’s some serious history.In Israel’s long and chequered past, Roman rule was perhaps one of the most exciting periods in terms of building - particularly when it comes to King Herod, who was - by any standards - a Master Builder. Undertaking all kinds of gigantic building projects, the results of his labours are still visible today, and truly a sight to behold. Today, we’re going to look at some of them - Roman ruins all across the country that tell the remarkable story of their period of rule over the Jews.Herodion National Park (Herodium), Israel.Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhen exactly was the Roman Period?Roman rule in Israel began around 63 BCE and did not end for almost 400 years. This period in Israel’s history was, in many respects, extraordinary because not only did it incorporate the crucifixion of Jesus and the destruction of the Second Temple, but it was also a period of prosperity (after all, the Romans were not just organised, but obsessive when it came to infrastructure). For much of these four centuries, Israel (known as ‘Judea’) was an ‘autonomous’ part of the Roman Empire - the Jews paid taxes but had a certain degree of freedom when it came to self-rule. Of course, when disputes arose, the Romans would not hesitate to lay down the law.However, it was King Herod who really upped the ante, building prolifically during his reign, including the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the maritime port of Caesarea and palaces at Jericho and Masada, to name but a few. In the words of the scholar Vermes: “Without a doubt, he was the greatest builder in the Holy Land, planning and overseeing the execution of palaces, fortresses, theatres, amphitheatres, harbours and the entire city of Caesarea, and to crown them all, he organised the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem".Roman Theatre at Beit Shean National Park, Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe Roman sites in IsraelToday, all of these sites are easily visited, with many of them ‘must-sees’ in Israel, whether youexplore them independently or visit them as part of an organised tour, with an expert guide. Here are a few suggestions, to give you a deeper understanding of how the Romans left their mark in this extraordinary time.1. Roman sites in JerusalemThere’s no better place to begin than in the capital of Israel - Jerusalem - and its breathtaking and captivating Old City. Church of the Holy Sepulchre - one of Christianity’s most holy sites, according to tradition this is where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. It was the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great who made Christianity the official religion of his Empire and decided to build a shrine on the spot where Jesus was said to have died. He actually had the Temple of Venus in Jerusalem demolished as a result and, in doing so, a tomb was discovered that was thought to be the burial place of Jesus. Today, it is visited by millions of pilgrims from around the globe and cared for by priests of different denominations, under rules still in place from Ottoman times!Practically razed to the ground in 1009, the Holy Sepulchre Church and wider complex were rebuilt in the centuries that were followed by different groups, including the Byzantines and Crusaders. Evidence of this can be seen in the thousands of crosses carved in its stone wall - they were made by crusaders who had travelled to the Holy Land from Europe. Roman Pillar, Сardo, the Old City of Jerusalem. Photo byShraga KopsteinonUnsplashThe Cardo - cardos were ancient Roman cities that ran north to south, filled with merchants’ stores and decorated elaborately with stone columns. Jerusalem’s Cardo was no different, beginning at the Damascus Gate and running south through the Old City, ending at Zion Gate. During excavations inside the Jewish quarter, archaeologists discovered that it had a central open-air passage for both carriages and animals, as well as pedestrian sidewalks. Today, you can still walk its cobblestoned streets and admire the arches, Corinthian columns and stone walls. Second Temple Compound and Western Wall - within this compound lies both Temple Mount (housing the Dome of the Rock) and the Kotel - the last remaining wall of the Second Temple, built by Herod. Complete with pinnacles, inner courts, retaining walls and underground vaults, Jews from across the Roman Empire would travel there (via the port of Jaffa) to ritually cleanse themselves then worship. Today, it remains an extraordinary site - the Western Wall Plaza is open around the clock but it’s likely that whatever time you choose to visit it, you will see Jews close to the wall, singing, praying and placing notes they have written to God in its cracks. You can also take a tour of the Western Wall tunnels, underground, which run for 488 metres and were built to carry water from nearby valleys to the Old City.City of David - actually located just outside of the Old City walls, surrounded by the Kidron Valley, Mount of Olives and Mount Zion. It was after David’s amazing conquest over Goliath that it took his name… and soon after, his son Solomon would erect the first Temple. After the Six-Day war in 1967, extensive excavations were carried out and today you can see treasures dating not just from Roman times, but also Greek, Muslim, Persian and Ottoman eras.Caesarea ruins at the Mediterranean Sea, Israel. Photo byJacques BopponUnsplash2. The Roman site of CaesareaSituated on the Mediterranean coast, about an hour’s drive north of Tel Aviv, this is one of Israel's most impressive archaeological sites. Once a Phoenician port, King Herod built here a magnificent harbour (which could accommodate 300 ships!) and afterwards an aqueduct (bringing water from Mount Carmel), hippodrome, amphitheatre and even a Roman palace. Excavations in recent times have uncovered no end of treasures, including a mosaic floor, synagogue, bathhouse, a temple dedicated to Augustus Caesar government buildings, courtyards and a cardo. Caesaria really is a ‘must visit’ on any visit to Israel, not just because of its ruins but also because of the beautiful views from atop the harbour.3. Masada National ParkProbably Israel's most visited site, the astonishing fortress of Masada is situated in the remote and barren Judean desert, close to the Dead Sea. Built by King Herod for use as a private residence, today you can ascend either by cable car or by hiking its long, winding snake path. At the top, as well as marvellous views looking out as far as the Dead Sea, you’ll see the remains of a bathhouse, mosaic floors, thermal baths, storehouses (with clay pots) and a magnificent palace. Masada is also the site at which the famous revolt of the Maccabees against the Romans took place, culminating in a siege by the Romans and mass suicide of the Jews there. In recent years, archaeologists have found coins minted within the time frame of the rebellion, fragments of Torah scrolls and even skeletons. As you wander the complex, you can’t help but be filled with a sense of awe - this was truly a feat of engineering, as well as the last stand of its Jewish patriots.Masada National Park, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock4. Beit Shean/Scythopolis This enormous national park in Beit Shean in northern Israel was once a city named Scypotholis. Built by the Roman statesman Gabinius, it was the only city of its time west of the Jordan river and flourished under the ‘Pax Romana’ (a period generally regarded by scholars as to the ‘golden age’ of Roman rule).Today it is home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres of its time (it could seat 7,000 people), not to mention Roman temples, cardo, stores, the workshops of artisans, collonaded streets, and a hippodrome. Excavations have uncovered rare mosaics, burial tombs (in which sarcophagi have been found) and other notable treasures, including a bronze incense shovel. As well as these spectacular Roman ruins, you can also wander around buildings from other periods - Crusaders, Mamluks and Ottomans to name a few. The setting of this park is also wonderful - it’s surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, which only adds to its grand past. A perfect attraction as part of any trip to Northern Israel.Beit Shean Archeological site, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin5. Winter Palace of JerichoAbout 3 kms from Jericho stands a winter palace constructed by Herod the Great - who, as well as being a master builder, had a taste for the finer things in life. This huge palace complex stretched across the entire Wadi Qelt gorge, not too far from the Monastery of St. George, and was connected at both ends by a bridge.Inside were upmarket amenities, including spacious sunken gardens, swimming pools and courtyards. Excavations beginning in 1973 actually showed the complex was made up of three different palaces and showed just how opulent life in Jericho was. Even the bathhouse was sophisticated - paved with red, white and black geometric tiles, it is one of the earliest mosaic floors uncovered in Israel.Additionally, because this palace was reasonably close to Jerusalem (it could be reached within a day) and had access to a regular water supply, from the nearby springs, it was also a place where dates, spices and aromatic plants were grown. With unobstructed views of incredibly desert scenery, it’s an easy trip from the capital, and can even be visited en route to the Dead Sea.Wadi Qelt Gorge, West Bank.Photo byChristian BurrionUnsplash6. HerodionThis impressive archaeological site is home to yet another palace belonging to King Herod (in case you are wondering, he had 15 of them!) Also known as the ‘Mountain of Paradise’ or ‘Jabal al-Fourdis’ it is only 12 km south of Jerusalem and was commissioned by the king, and built between 23 and 15 BCE. Today, it is believed to be the burial spot of Herod.Archaeologists working at Herodion have uncovered many elaborate buildings, including a synagogue, bathhouse, churches, tunnels, the palace itself and also a Mausoleum in which Herod is believed to have been interred. As you walk around, marvelling at this fortification, look out for the theatre that seated 400 and the escape tunnels (carved out by the rebels during the Bar Kochba rebellion). 7. Apollonia/ArsufEstablished by the Persians, between 5 and 6 BCE, this settlement close to Herzliya, on the Mediterranean coast, was once inhabited by a community famed for a purple dye that they made and exported! During Roman times, the town grew substantially and today you can see the remains of an elegant Roman villa, built around 2 CE using the finest Roman architectural touches.Furthermore, Apollonia is well-known for the remains of a Crusader castle established there in the 13th century. After you’ve explored the villa and castle, walk along the coastal path, looking out for the Sidna Ali Mosque, built in 1481, and the furnace, constructed in the Byzantine period. Archaeologists discovered shards of pottery and glass close by, concluding that the furnace was used to make both clay and glass vessels.Apollonia National Park, Israel.Photo credit: ©Dmitry Mishin8. TsiporiOnce the capital of the Galilee, Tsipori was known in Roman times Diocaesaraea lies just a few kilometres from Nazareth and is an archaeologist's delight, containing remains from all kinds of periods, including Roman, Byzantine, early Islamic, Crusader and Mamluk. Tsipori, in Hebrew, means ‘little bird’ and this name might refer to the fact that the site is perched on the side of a mountain like its namesake could be.King Herod captured this city in 37 BCE and, today, much of Tsipori has been subject to excavations, which have revealed cobblestoned streets, homes of the Jewish people who lived there and also ritual baths. It’s also home to a Roman theatre, villas (containing elaborate mosaic floors) and a 5th-century synagogue. Archaeologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem also made a discovery, in recent years, of a winepress that dates back to Byzantine times, found inside a Roman-era reservoir…At Bein Harim, we offer both day trips, private tours andtour packages around Israel, many of which incorporate some (if not all) of the Roman ruins in Israel. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you’d like further information. We know Israel well and our guides are experienced and professional and perfect when it comes to leading groups around these ancient sites. Enjoy your trip - and we hope you get to enjoy some of these extraordinary places…Tsipori National Park.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

There are many things that non-Jewish visitors to Israel find fascinating and also perplexing - the list is long but can include kosher dietary laws (why can’t you mix milk and meat?), Shabbat laws (why doesn’t public transport run from Friday night to Saturday night?), Yom Kippur (why does the whole country shut down for 25 hours, even the airport?!) and the nature of the state itself (if the state is ‘Jewish’ then do Christians and Muslims have the same rights as Jews?)Sevivon, a spinning top, played during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.Photo byRobert ZunikoffonUnsplashThese are all good questions, and deserving of good answers, but there’s another question too, that many people ask, again and again, which we’re going to discuss today. That question is ‘Why is the Jewish calendar different from calendars used in most of the West today?” Well, let’s take a closer look at the historical events in Israel and the history behind Jewish dates, and why the Hebrew calendar (‘Ha Luah Halvri’) differs in any respect from the Gregorian one.Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll even be able to tell locals what Hebrew month your birthday falls in, and why Jewish holidays such as Pesach, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah fall on different ‘Western’ dates each year. Put simply, the date of these Jewish holidays doesn’t change i.e. it's celebrated on the same day of the Jewish calendar each year, but because the Jewish year works on a different basis to that celebrated by most of the world, the date will always shift on the ‘Western’ (civil) calendar.Matzoh-crusted chicken for Passover. Photo bySheri SilveronUnsplashThe Biblical PeriodFrom the earliest of times, peoples and countries in West Asia, including the Israelites, made use of the Babylonian calendar. This was ‘lunisolar’ in nature - it consisted of 12 lunar months, each of which began at sunset on the day a new crescent moon was cited. Additionally, a thirteenth month was added - as needed - by decree (more of this later). The Babylonian calendar took its shape from the Umma calendar of Shulgi, which dates back to around 21 BCE. By 6 BCE, with the Jews in captivity by the Babylonians, the names of their months were incorporated into the Hebrew calendar. By the Tannaitic period (10-220 CE) an additional month was added every 2-3 years to ‘correct’ (or at least account for) the difference between the solar year and the twelve lunar months. This additional month was usually added depending on agriculture events in ancient Israel.By the 12th century, Maimonides - one of Judaism’s greatest sages - addressed the issue in his book ‘Mishneh Torah’. He ruled that the world was created on October 6th, 3761, according to the narrative of creation in the Book of Genesis. All of his rules for this calculated calendar (with its scriptural basis) are used by Jewish communities throughout the world today.Religious Jews against the background of Jerusalem walls. Photo byArno SmitonUnsplashHow the Jewish Calendar WorksEssentially, the Jewish calendar is based on three astronomical events - the Earth rotating on its axis (one day), the moon revolving around the earth (a month), and the revolution of the earth around the sun (a year). On average, it takes 29½ days to make a month and 365¼ days to calculate a year, which comes out at about 12.4 lunar months.Now, the civil calendar (in use in Europe, North America, Africa, etc) has long since abandoned the idea of correlating the moon cycles and months - instead, the lengths of various months have been set (somewhat arbitrarily) at 28,29,30 or 31 months. However, the Jewish calendar coordinates all three of these astronomical phenomena - its months are either 29 or 30 days (in line with the 29½-day lunar cycle) and years are either 12 or 13 months (in line with the 12.4-month solar cycle).Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel. Photo byOndrej BocekonUnsplashWhen does the lunar month begin in the Jewish calendar?This begins when the first ‘sliver’ of the moon becomes visible after the sunsets. Historically, this would be determined just by looking at the sky - when Jews saw the new moon, they would notify the Sanhedrin (a kind of ‘Supreme Court’, universally acknowledged by Jews). Once two of its members had listened to testimony from two eyewitnesses, who they deemed to be reliable, they would declare ‘First of the Month’ (‘Rosh Chodesh’ in Hebrew).This shows that the Jewish (Hebrew) calendar is lunisolar, as opposed to the Gregorian (Roman) calendar, which is linear and works around the date of Jesus' birth. The Jewish calendar's months start and finish according to the moon - when the crescent’s center leans right and gets bigger every day, it’s the beginning of the month. By the time it is full, it is the middle of the month and when the crescent leans light and becomes slimmer, this shows that the month is concluding.Of course, the problem with this is that the lunar calendar is slightly shorter than the solar calendar, so the year ends up becoming shorter. (Actually, according to the Lunar calendar in Islam, holidays such as Ramadan can be held in winter one year and in summer a couple of years later). However, because the Jewish calendar places great emphasis on nature and agriculture, it is deemed important that the holidays fall in the same seasons each year.The star of David with Blossoms on a fruit tree in spring. Photo byDavid HolifieldonUnsplashThe Months of the Jewish calendarHere are the 12 months of the Jewish calendar: Nissan (March - April), Iyar (April- May), Sivan (May - June), Tammuz (June - July), Av (July - August), Elul (August - September), Tishri (September - October), Cheshvan (October - November), Kislev (November - December), Tevet (December - January), Shv’at (January - February), Adar (February-March), Adar II (every 3 years),February - March.In Jewish leap years (which occur seven times in a 19-year cycle, which amounts to approximately once every 3 years) an additional month of Adar is added (Adar II). This ensures that the lunar months align with the solar year and that the Jewish holidays continue to fall in their proper seasons.When do Jewish days actually begin?In the west, a new day begins at midnight. But that’s not the case in Judaism. According to Jewish law, the day begins with the appearance of three stars in the sky. This is because, in the first book of the Hebrew Bible - Genesis - in the first chapter, which describes the creation of the world, it is said: “And there was evening and there was morning…one day.” Thus, Jews argue, first was evening and only afterward the next day. This is why Jewish holidays always begin at sundown - and why the Jewish Sabbath ‘’Shabbat’) begins Friday evening and ends Saturday evening. According to Western culture, each day begins at midnight.Freshly baked (challah) bread. Photo byshraga kopsteinonUnsplashWhy does the Jewish New Year Begin in September or October?The Jewish (Hebrew) calendar begins with Rosh Hashanah (which means’ First of the Year’) and this always falls on the first day of Tishrei (the seventh month), which is some time in September or October. Fun fact: the Jewish calendar actually has several ‘New Year’. Nissan 1 - for the purpose of counting the reigns of Kings and months), Elul - for the tithing - voluntary contribution/taxing - of animals, Shevat 15 - for trees, determining when the first fruits of the season can be consumed. Tishri 1 - the new year for years. The Jewish Year - Why is it Only in the Five Thousand?The Jewish calendar’s specific year number represents how many years have passed since creation. It’s important to remember that for the most part, Jews do not use the terms ‘AD’ and ‘BC’ to refer to the years in the civil calendar. This is because Jews do not believe Jesus is Lord, ergo would not want to use terms such as ‘Before Christ’ and ‘Anno Domini’ (Latin for ‘In the Year of our Lord’). This is why Jewish scholars will always use the terms ‘BCE’ and ‘CE’ which refer to the Common Era, before and after respectively.An Orthodox Jew against the background of the red wall. Photo byCarmine SavareseonUnsplashSo what year is it in the Jewish calendar?Currently, the Roman year is 2022 because, according to them, Christ was born 2022 years ago. However, because Jews do not believe that Jesus was the son of God, they, therefore, count the years from what they believe was the creation of the world.This means that, according to Jewish calculations, the year 2022 is currently 5782. The years of the Hebrew calendar are always 3,750 or 2,761 greater than the Gregorian calendar - and why this discrepancy? Because the number of the Hebrew New Year always changes at Rosh Hashanah, in the Autumn/Fall, rather than on January 1st.Of course, this leads to a huge debate between theology and science, since most scientists regard the beginning of the universe as commencing with the ‘Big Bang’. Roughly speaking, that is around 13.8 billion years ago! How do Orthodox Jews account for this disparity? It’s a good question and the fact is that many will freely admit that the first ‘six days’ of creation did not necessarily occur in 24-hour periods (particularly because, according to Genesis) the sun was not created until the fourth day!)As a result, they say, these ‘days’ of creation were actually much longer periods of time. They could have been ages or even periods lasting billions of years. As some Jews remark, “A billion years to man might be like a mere day to God.” This is a way, perhaps, to get around the current discrepancy between the Bible and science, although no doubt the debate will continue to rage.Weekly Torah reading. Photo byEran MenashrionUnsplashAre there any other Jewish calendars in use?This is an interesting question and the answer is ‘yes’. Outside of mainstream Judaism, there exist smaller groups who use calendars based on the above practices, but with some differences.The Karaite calendarKaraite Judaism differentiates itself from mainstream Jewish beliefs in that it recognizes only the written Torah as the basis for religious law (Halachah). Karaites believe that all of the commandments that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai were recorded in the written Torah alone. Therefore the Oral Torah (which takes its form in the Talmud) and other interpretations of Jewish law are not considered binding by Karaites.The Karaite calendar uses the lunar month and the solar year, but there are two major differences. The first is that the beginning of a new month - Rosh Chodesh - is contingent on the sighting of a new moon so, if for any reason, it is not sighted, then it will be put back a day. Karaites also differ from the mainstream in that they calculate the leap year - Adar II - by the ripening of barley at a certain stage, which means they can occasionally end up one month ahead of their counterparts.Star of David.Photo byBenny RotlevyonUnsplashThe Samaritan calendarThe Israelite Samaritans trace their lineage back 127 generations within the Holy Land, adhering to the laws of the Torah and reading the scriptures in ancient Hebrew. Rather than a rabbi at their pulpit, they usually have a ‘High Priest.’ Their calendar is similar to the Jewish one, with the main difference being when its starting year is. Traditionally, it was calculated on observations of the moon, as mentioned earlier in this article. However, whilst mainstream Judaism takes the day of creation (as told in Genesis) as its first day, Samaritans count day one as the day the Israelites entered the Promised Land with Yehoshua Bin-Nun. Consequently, they are not completely synchronized, and, as a result, after a cycle of 19 years, the Samaritan festivals take place one month after the mainstream Jewish festivals.The Qumran calendarThe Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered accidentally by a shepherd boy, in Qumran, in 1947) make several references to a calendar used by the people who lived there in ancient times - the Essenes. It seems that they used a Mesopotamian system of twelve 30-day months, and then added on four days at the solstices and equinoxes. This amounted to 364 days in a year, in all, which meant that after a few years their calendar would have been seriously out of sync with the seasons. No one really knows how the Essenes dealt with this - whether they regulated it or simply ignored it!We hope you’ve got something out of this article, and now understand a little more about Jewish festivals and why they fall when they do in Israel. If you’re interested in learning more about Jewish history in Israel, why not consider taking one of our Jewish tours, giving you the chance to see important sites and learn more about the heritage of the Israelites.The Qumran caves, Israel.Photo credit: © Shutterstock

There are so many reasons to visit Israel - to sun yourself on sandy beaches, next to the Mediterranean Sea, to hike in the lush greenery of the Galilee and Golan Heights, to explore the still and beautiful Negev desert, and, of course, to visit Jerusalem, arguably the world’s most important city, because of its significance to three major world religions. The Tsipori National Park, Israel. Photo credit: © Manu Grinspan. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityThere’s also the foodie scene (which has really taken Tel Aviv by storm), the museums (especially the world-famous Israel Museum) arts and culture (in the form of small galleries, opera, and modern dance), and music (think pop concerts in the theater of Caesarea, Israeli folk music at Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem or jazz at the annual Red Sea Jazz Festival). But there’s also another reason people show up - their fascination with the history and archaeology of a country that is thousands of years old and, over the ages, has been conquered and ruled by a slew of leaders. When you travel around Israel, you only have to throw a stone to find a site that dates back to the reign of Kings like Herod and Solomon. And that, in part, is how biblical archaeology sprung up in Israel.Mosaic floors at the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes at Tabgha, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockWhat is Bible Archaeology?Essentially, biblical archaeology is an academic school of thought that deals with Levantine archaeology and biblical studies combined. These sites are all over the Ancient Near East but, in particular, in Israel (which was also known as Palestine, the Holy Land, and Canaan, at different periods). Why is it so important, you might ask? Well, because it can provide insights where biblical historiography can't. Looking at archaeological discoveries, in combination with biblical texts, is an excellent means by which to gain a better understanding of Ancient Near Eastern peoples and their cultures.Moreover, compared with other Mediterranean countries, Israel has a much higher concentration of archaeological sites, in a smaller area. Kursi National Park, Israel.Photo credit: © Sarit Palachi Miara. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityThere are estimated to be around 25,000 archaeological sites in a country of just 22,145 square meters. Jewish history began with the patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - and these finds show how deep the connection was between Jews and the Land of Israel. Of course, many other peoples ruled here too and excavations indicate just how many of them left a huge imprint on the country. The fact is that nothing helps us better understand the lives of the people who inhabited this land - after all archaeology helps us all gain a better idea of where we came from. Biblical archaeology goes one step further - the artifacts that have been found here in the Holy Land let us piece together the lifestyle of the Jews who lived here many years ago, as well as supporting the historical accuracy of the Hebrew Bible.Model of Israelite Megiddo (in the Tel Megiddo Museum), Israel.Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinThe History and Stages of Biblical ArchaeologyBiblical archaeology began in the 19th century when European explorers began arriving in Ottoman-controlled Palestine. Here are just four examples of the many archaeological sites discovered in Israel, over the years. Biblical ArchaeologyBefore the British Mandate (pre-1917)A fantastic find, in 1867, Hezekiah’s tunnel was discovered close to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, by Charles Warren. Constructed circa the 8th century, it was used to transport water from the Gihon Spring to inside the city walls. An inscription on the wall indicates that the tunnel was dug by men with axes, who started at opposite ends and met in the middle!Tel Hazor National Park, Israel.Photo credit: © Yuval Gassar. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityBiblical ArchaeologyDuring the British Mandate (1917-1948)Arguably the find of the century, it was at Qumran, close to the Dead Sea, where a shepherd boy wandered into a cave and stumbled upon what we now know to be the Dead Sea Scrolls. Around two thousand years old (from 3 BCE to 1 CE) and offer insight not just into the Essene sect, who lived at Qumran, but also the wider rituals and belief system of the Jewish people in ancient times.Biblical ArchaeologyAfter the British Mandate (1948 onwards)After the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel recaptured the Old City of Jerusalem, British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon led a series of excavations of Jericho and the Ophel Ridge and Mount Zion in Jerusalem where she found grains in jars, broken walls, pottery shards, and destroyed towers. She not only discovered the true age of Jericho but also, controversially, proved that the Battle of Jericho (and the city’s downfall) could not have happened exactly as the Bible says.Masada ruins near the Dead Sea, Israel. Photo credit: © ShutterstockModern, 21st-CenturyOne of the latest archaeological findings in Israel was made just last year, in 2021. Archaeologists working at the City of David discovered an ancient wall, five meters wide, proving that the biblical accounts of Jerusalem being fortified were indeed correct. Today, there are more or less two different schools of thought when it comes to biblical archaeology - minimalism and maximalism. Essentially, these two schools take differing positions as to whether the Bible is a historical and religious document, or not.The most prominent of the ‘Minimalists’ is the Copenhagen School, who argue that the Bible was written in the Persian (or perhaps even Hellenistic period), which was between 5 and 2 BCE, therefore too late to give relevant details about the previous centuries. In stark contrast are those who take the Bible very literally and do not believe the scriptures need to be ‘proved’. The debate no doubt will continue to rage, especially when it comes to Biblical characters, places, and events.Tel Hazor National Park, Israel.Photo credit: © Doron Nissim. Published with permission of the Israel Nature and Parks AuthorityNotable Archaeological Sites in IsraelIf you have more than a passing interest in archaeology and are prepared to veer off the beaten tourist track, we’d recommend visiting any one of these sites:1. Beit Alpha - at the foot of the Gilboa mountains, this ancient synagogue was discovered in 1928. Archaeologists believe it was built in 6 CE and was once the center of a Byzantine Jewish village. Inside the building is an extraordinary mosaic floor, divided into three panels, all depicting different biblical themes, including the famous ‘Akedah’ (Binding of Isaac).2. Beit Shean - first settled 6,000 years ago and continually inhabited since then, today it is one of Israel’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Today a national park, are remains of what was once a bustling Roman city, including baths, a basilica, craftsmen’s stores, and a Roman theater.Synagogue of Katzrin, Golan Heights.Photo credit: © Shutterstock3. Katzrin - this ancient village in the Golan Heights has, as its highlight, a synagogue, which was originally built in 4 CE and then again in 6 CE. Constructed facing Jerusalem, its entrance is topped by a lintel, featuring decorative carvings. 4. Megiddo - Megiddo lies east of the Carmel Mountains and this ancient city overlooked the Via Maris trade route. Many civilizations came and went, all leaving behind traces of the cities and excavations have uncovered 26 layers of ancient settlements back to 7000 BCE!5. Nimrod Fortress - at the foot of Mount Hermon, in the Golan, this fortress is the largest surviving medieval castle in Israel. It was built in a great rush, in just three years in fact, as a defense against the arrival of Kaiser Frederich II in 1227, as part of the Crusades. Nimrod Fortress. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinIsrael’s Top Biblical Sites for TouristsIf you're visiting Israel and want to explore some of the many archaeological sites it has to offer, where should you begin or prioritize? To give you a better idea, take a look at the map of biblical sites in Israel below…And if you’re still stuck, here are a few of the must-see biblical sites which we believe belong at the top of the list, in terms of their beauty and sheer impressiveness.The GalileeCapernaum - the city where Jesus ministered and its synagogue. Archaeological digs have proved that the city was established in 2 BCE, during the Hasmonean period. Today, Capernaum is one of Israel’s most holy Christian sites, where visitors can explore the ancient synagogue where Jesus visited and walk in the same streets that he did. Indeed, the whole area is steeped in history, from Nazareth, where Jesus lived as a child, to the Sea of Galilee, where he gave sermons, healed the sick, and recruited his disciples. Today, you can experience all this for yourself by hiking Israel’s Gospel trail, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.The map of the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel.This image is the copyright of theSociety of Biblical LiteratureBiblical sites in JerichoKing Herod’s Winter Palace - just 3 km from Jericho, this site was chosen by Herod for the building of a grand palace since it was a lush oasis in the desert (therefore had a water supply) but was also just a day’s travel from Jerusalem. Archaeologists discovered evidence of courtyards, swimming pools, and sunken gardens and the entire complex spanned the Wadi Qelt gorge (with a bridge connecting its different sections). Biblical sites in JerusalemTower of David / Citadel Museum - Situated close to the Jaffa Gate, leading into the Old City of Jerusalem, this ancient citadel (also known as the Tower of David) dates back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods and some of its archaeological finds date back 2,500 years. Dan Bahat, an Israeli archaeologist who led excavations in 1971-1972 actually discovered that the citadel’s walls were built on the remains of a tower that protrudes three meters from the line of the wall.The 1:100 scale aluminum model of the Jerusalem Citadel, Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Dmitry MishinCity of David - this world-famous site (and probably the most important archaeological site in Israel) can be found southwest of the Old City, under the Arab Village of Silwan. Many excavations have been carried out here, and all kinds of artifacts continue to be discovered on a regular basis. Considered to be the birthplace of Jerusalem, the City of David gives tremendous insight into the lives of people at the time of the First Temple. Ticket admission includes access to walls and fortifications of this holy city, including Hezekiah’s water tunnel. Carved out of rock, it brought water from the Gihon Spring to the Siloam Pool and helped Jerusalemites survive a siege by King Sennacherib of Assyria. A true feat of engineering.Entrance to the City of David, Jerusalem.Photo credit: © ShutterstockChurch of the Holy Sepulchre - the oldest and most famous church in the Old City of Jerusalem, this is the place Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. About 50 years ago, as part of a restoration project, excavations were carried out below the foundations, which led archaeologists to reconstruct a plan of the old complex.They realized it had four distinct quarters - the Cardo, the Basilica, the Holy Garden, and the Rotunda.A few years ago, the custodians of the church jointly agreed for renovations to be carried out, the first since 1947 actually. Since it’s such an enormous project, don’t be surprised if you see scaffolding and archaeologists peering at pillars and walls, when you visit there…The Cardo - in ancient times, this was the main street in Ancient Rome, running from north to south and full of stores and craftsmen. Built by Emperor Justinian (527-565) it was a path that linked two main churches in this Byzantine period - the Nea Church and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel.Photo byAdam KringonUnsplashActually, historians originally believed the Cardo was constructed by Hadrian, but excavations carried out between 1971-1981 under Nahman Avigad uncovered many architectural features that gave scholars the idea that Hadrian could not have been behind the architecture.The Western Wall Tunnels - the Western Wall of the Temple Mount is one of Jerusalem’s most iconic sights - it’s also the last remnant of the Second Temple, destroyed 2,000 years ago. Many people, however, do not realize what lies beneath - tunnels, which were first excavated in the 19th century and run for 488 meters, where you can see a large part of the wall which is hidden from view when above ground.The real digging, however, began after the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem. The Western Wall Tunnels are full of extraordinary archaeological findings, including water pits, an ancient aqueduct, and huge stone arches. Painstaking work means you can walk through parts of this original site, which dates back to the first century. Aerial view of Judean Desert, Israel. Photo byDaniel NewmanonUnsplashBiblical sites in the Judean DesertMasada - overlooking the Dead Sea and situated in the Judean desert. Built by King Herod of Judea, Masada is one of Israel’s top tourist attractions. It was excavated extensively between 1963-1965 by a team led by Yigal Yadin, an Israeli archaeologist, and former soldier. Since it was so remote, they concluded that it had remained mainly untouched for two millennia. Today you can walk up its snake path or take a cable car to the top, at which you’ll get an idea of the daily lives of the people who lived there. Rather than discovering luxurious items, the team found cooking pots, urns for collecting wine, bathhouse structures, and even a bakery. Excavations continue even today. If you’re curious about any of these sites and want to delve into their histories, don’t hesitate to contact us - we offer both private tours and tour packages to many of the spots mentioned in this article.Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem. Photo credit: © Shutterstock

After two long years where many countries were hard to visit, and Israel was - to all intents and purposes - closed to visitors and tourists - we’re perhaps seeing a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. COVID rates are down, regulations are being relaxed and, once more, countries are opening to business, including us!North Theater of Jerash, Jordan.Photo byChijui YehonUnsplashHere at Bein Harim, we’re slowly returning to normal with the operation of our many Israel and Jordan tours and it’s a good feeling to see them running again - whether they’re daily, weekly, private, or entail crossing a border. In the case of 3-4 day Jordan packages, which we’re discussing today, even as we go to press, it’s not entirely clear how many different kinds of trips to Petra From Israel we’ll be offering in the near future, but rest assured there will be many! For anyone travelling to Jordan (whether in a group or independently), the lost city of Petra, with its feats of Nabatean engineering and beautiful coloured rock formations, has got to be the highlight of a trip. But it’s not the only place worth visiting in Jordan - there’s also the desert of Wadi Rum (made famous by Lawrence of Arabia), the capital Amman and the Greco-Roman city of Jerash.So, to recap, the good news is that if you’re heading to the Levant, it’s now possible to freely travel both in Israel and Jordan. Today, we’re looking at one of the three border crossings between Israel and Jordan - the one furthest north named Sheikh Hussein, which is probably the quietest of the three in Israel but still used on a regular basis.The Treasury, Petra, Jordan. Photo byBrian KairuzonUnsplashWhere is the border crossing of Sheikh Hussain?The border crossing of Sheikh Hussain lies on the outskirts of the city of Beit Shean, in the Jordan Valley in northern Israel. To drive there from either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv takes approximately two hours.What hours is the border crossing between Israel and Jordan open?The Jordanian border crossing here is open seven days a week, year-round, save for two days - Yom Kippur (the Jewish people’s most holy day) and the first day of Id El Hijra, the first day of the Muslim New Year. Specific hours are: Sunday - Thursday: 08:00- 18:00ִִ; Friday: 8:00 - 18:00; Saturday: 08:30hrs - 18:00.Do I need a visa to enter Jordan?The answer is yes, a visa is usually required if you want to travel to Jordan. However, the good news is that it is easily obtainable and can be purchased at the border crossing itself. So obtaining a visa for Jordan is really not too difficult. Here’s the lowdown:For most tourists of western countries, conditions to meet are quite simple. You must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the time you are planning to stay, and at least two blank pages in your passport that officials will use for stamps.For citizens of other countries, including South Africa, Indonesia, Ecuador and states that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), visa-free travel is granted, for periods of time that range from one to three months. The ruins in Jerash, Jordan.Photo by Hisham Zayadnh on UnsplashHow much does a visa for Jordan cost?At present, the cost of a single-entry visa to Jordan, valid for one month, is 40 Jordanian dinars (JOD) which comes out to approximately $56. A double-entry visa, which is good for three months, will set you back 60 JOD (approx. $84) and if you need to travel back and forth regularly, then you may want to purchase a multiple-entry visa which costs 120 JOD (approx. $170).How do I travel independently to the Sheikh Hussein border?If you are not travelling to Jordan as part of an organised tour, then - to be honest - this is probably not the best border crossing for you to use, since it is the furthest distance from Petra of the three, and also not easily accessible by public transport. However, it is possible. From Jerusalem, you can take Egged bus 961 from the Central Bus Station, which takes 1 hour 50 minutes. If you prefer things to be organized for you, just take a Jerusalem to Petra tour.From Tel Aviv, you can catch the 843 bus from the Central Bus Station on Levinsky Street - it is a huge building, and you should head to the 7th floor. The journey will take 1 hour 55 minutes. Arriving from either of these cities, you will be dropped off in the centre of Beit Shean and from there you will have to take a taxi to the border - this should cost you around 50 NIS ($15). If you are driving in your own car, it is possible to leave it at the nearby Kibbutz Maoz Haim, which costs approx. 40 NIS per day in parking fees.There is also a bus service that runs three times each week, from Nazareth to Amman. Operated by Nazarene Tours, it is a cheap way to get to the capital since it only costs around 80 NIS one way. The bus leaves Nazareth at 08.30 and, traffic and border controls permitting will have you in Amman by 14.00.Beit Shean, not far fromSheikh Hussein Border Crossing, Israel.Photo byBriana TozouronUnsplashWhat Facilities are there at the Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing?Facilities are quite minimal - there is no bank and no major eateries, so come prepared with your own snacks and lunch. There is a small Currency Exchange where you can exchange notes. There is also a Duty-Free at the crossing, on the Israeli side. The terminal is wheelchair accessible and all staff speak good English. If you’ve forgotten snacks, there is a machine where you can purchase sweets, fizzy drinks, water, etc.What is the Procedure for Crossing the Border into Jordan?Whether you are travelling independently or as part of an organised tour, you will have to pay an exit tax to Israeli officials which stands at 107 NIS (about $30). Your passport will then be stamped and you will be free to continue on your way. You will then need to take a shuttle to the Jordanian side (walking is not an option) which costs 5 NIS (just under $2). Make sure you have this money in small change and give it to the driver of the shuttle.The shuttle will take no more than 3 minutes and will leave you on the Jordanian side of the border. There, you will be met by a Jordanian, English-speaking representative that works with your tour company and they will assist you, by taking your passports and organising the processing of your group’s visas. Once this is complete, you will soon be on your way. Please note that if you have dual nationality, between Israel and another country, you must use your Israeli passport to cross the border.If you are not in a group, after formalities have been carried out, you will find yourself in a deserted open space with just a few taxi drivers, all hungry for your business. There are no public buses from the border onto any Jordanian cities (Amman or otherwise) so you are really at their mercy - of course, they also want you to take their car, so it is possible to haggle about the price of a cab to the capital. In general, you should be prepared to pay around 50 JOD ($70) for this 90 km drive.Amman Citadel, Jordan.Photo by Hisham Zayadnh on UnsplashDo I need to take a PCR test before leaving Israel for Jordan?Since yesterday, the regulations for COVID testing have been updated, both by Jordan and Israel. As things stand, this is the procedure you must follow:1. You MUST be in possession of valid personal health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment for the entire period of your visit to Jordan.2. Before arriving at the border, you must visit the Gateway to Jordan platform to register your details online, filling in all the relevant information. Once you have done this, a confirmation will be issued to you by email/cellphone, containing a QR code. It is imperative that you understand that without this QR code confirmation, you will not be allowed to enter Jordan.3. No PCR test is required if you are making a short trip, but if you are staying longer than 72 hours in Jordan you may be required to take a test. Ruins of Amman Citadel, Jordan.Photo by Hisham Zayadnh on UnsplashCrossing from Jordan via the Sheikh Hussein Crossing, back into IsraelThe first thing that is worth mentioning is that the longer you’ve stayed in Jordan, the less you will have to pay in departure taxes. No doubt this is to encourage people to book hotels and spend money in restaurants. The departure tax will be around 10 JOD (14 USD), depending on how many nights you’ve stayed in the country. If you have stayed more than three, it will be exempt. Whilst restrictions have been eased substantially since the beginning of the COVID pandemic unless you are an Israeli citizen you will still need to take a PCR test before you leave Jordan and once arriving in Israel. Here is the procedure:1. Two days (48 hours) before your planned arrival, fill out Israel’s entry statement form. In it include your personal information, and sign the health declaration.2. Take a PCR test in Jordan, any time up to 72 hours before your arrival in Israel. This should cost you around 20 JOD (28,5 USD).3. Pay in advance for the PCR test you will be required to take on arrival at the Israel border. This will cost you 80 NIS (25 USD) if you pay in advance, 100 NIS (31 USD) if you pay on the spot with a credit card and 115 NIS (36 USD) if you wish to pay in cash.4. Once you have left Jordan, and arrived in Israel, wait to take your test and then travel directly to your hotel, apartment or place of residence where you should enter isolation. Wait until your result is proven to be negative, or that 24 hours have passed before you venture outside.Please note that these rules and regulations are changing regularly and that they are subject to change at any time. If you are interested in tours to Petra and Jordan, feel free to contact us.

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

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

The Russian Ascension Church is part of the Convent of the Ascension, on the highest point of the Mount of Olives. The complex covers 54,000m² and is surrounded by a 1.5-meter-long wall. Inside the complex are a pilgrims’ hostel, a chapel, a freestanding bell tower, an olive grove, and well-kept gardens. Russian Orthodox nuns from around the world run the convent. They are known for their singing, icon painting, and embroidery. According to Orthodox tradition, this is where Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after his resurrection (Acts 1:9-11). In 1870, Archimandrite Antonine Kapustin bought land on the Mount of Olives and established the Russian compound where the church stands. This was in part an effort to expand the Russian presence in the Holy Land.Where Did Jesus Ascend to Heaven?The Bible identifies the Mount of Olives as the site of Christ’s ascension. But there are several churches on the mount that are dedicated to this Biblical event. The Russian Orthodox Ascension Church stands on the southern peak of the Mount of Olives. Nearby is the Dome of the Ascension. Most Christians believe that Jesus ascended to heaven from where the 4th-century Dome of Ascension stands. Today, the small eight-sided structure is within a walled compound that includes a mosque. On the northern peak of the Mount of Olives is the Greek Orthodox Viri Galilaei Church. It is named after the “men of Galilee” (Acts 1:11) who were addressed by two angels after Christ’s ascension. A fourth ascension church is part of the Augusta Victoria church-hospital complex where Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip receive medical care.The Fascinating Features of the Russian Ascension ChurchThe standout feature of the Russian Ascension Church is its 64-meter (about 200ft) high square bell tower that symbolizes Christ’s ascension. It was built for pilgrims to see the Jordan River from the tower belfry. The freestanding tower holds an eight-ton bell brought from Russia. It was the first church bell to ring in Ottoman Jerusalem. In the church, there are flagstones from an earlier Byzantine church that once stood here. Stains on the ancient flagstones may be the blood of nuns slaughter during the Persian invasion of 614. The beautiful church murals were painted by the convent nuns. On the outside wall of the church is a stone where according to Orthodox tradition Mary stood as she watched Christ’s ascension.A small cemetery lies within the convent complex, and there are several interesting gravestones. The founder of the Russian complex, Antonin Kapustin is buried to the left of the church entrance. In 1909, one of the convent’s first leaders, Father Parthenius, was found stabbed to death in his room. He is buried behind the church. His murder was never solved and the murderer was never found.The Chapel of John the BaptistAccording to tradition, a Christian woman named Joanna saw Herod Antipas’ wife disposing of St. John’s head. Joanna retrieved the head and secretly buried it in a clay jar on the Mount of Olives. In the 4th-century St. John appeared to two Syrian monks and told them where the head was buried. Helena, the mother of the Christian Emperor Constantine, ordered the construction of a chapel where the head was found. Today the Chapel of St. John the Baptist stands behind the Russian church. The chapel incorporates a mosaic floor from a 5th-century Armenian chapel that once stood here. There is a hole in the mosaic floor where the head of John the Baptist is said to have been found.

The Mount of Olives rises across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem’s Old City. On the mountain slopes is the most sacred and largest Jewish cemetery in the world. It has been in use since King David made Jerusalem his capital 3,000 years ago. The cemetery holds about 150,000 graves, but there may even be more. Prominent Biblical figures, great statesmen, creators, and religious leaders are buried on this sacred ground. Many Jews want to be buried in Jerusalem, but the Mount of Olives holds even more significance as a Jewish burial site.What Makes the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery so Special?Jewish writings (midrash) state that the resurrection of the dead will start on the Mount of Olives when the Messiah arrives. The risen dead will then cross Kidron Valley to Temple Mount. Today Temple Mount is home to the Dome of the Rock. But Solomon’s Temple stood on Temple Mount until 586BC, and the Second Temple stood there until 70AD. According to Jewish tradition, a third Temple will occupy Temple Mount when the Messiah comes. The bodies on the Mount of Olives are buried with their feet facing Temple Mount so they can simply rise and walk straight ahead to the Temple.There may have been more practical reasons for the site of the cemetery. People of ancient Jerusalem would have buried their dead to the east. This would prevent west-blowing winds from bringing the smell of death into the city. The topography of the mount meant that a graveyard was more practical than trying to build or cultivate the land, and the relatively soft rock made it easy to dig graves. The location, not too far from the city, offered a peaceful resting place.Interesting Graves in the Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of OlivesThe Christian prophet Zechariah is buried in the Mount of Olives cemetery. Zechariah mentioned the Mount of Olives as the place where the resurrection of the dead would begin. Other graves include one of King David’s sons, 15th-century rabbis, and the former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin (1913-1992). The cemetery holds the graves of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda (1858-1922), father of modern Hebrew, and Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865-1935), Zionist and Chief Rabbi of Palestine under the British Mandate. Buried here is Judah HeHasid (1660-1700), who led a large group of Jewish immigrants to the Holy Land in the 17th-century. The grave of famed Hebrew fiction author and Nobel Prize laureate, S.Y. Agnon (1887-1970) is in the Mount of Olives cemetery.More recent Mount of Olives graves belong to British Jewish businessman Robert Maxwell (1923-1991) and American businessman Sheldon Adelson (1933-2021). You can even find Christian royalty buried on the Mount of Olives. 12th-century Danish queen, Boedil Thurgotsdatter and Princess Alice of Battenberg (1885-1869), the mother of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, are both buried here. Abraham Zelmanowitz (1945-2001), an American victim of the 9/11 tragedy, is buried on the Mount of Olives, as well as several Israeli terror victims.The Mount of Olives Cemetery TodayThe Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery is still in use today. It costs an average of $30,000 or more to be first in line for resurrection. Space is rapidly running out, and soon there will be no room for new graves on the Mount of Olives. But you can still stroll among the graves, old and new, as you consider the incredible history “buried” here.

The people of Israel have been making wine for thousands of years. In the Bible, there are many references to wine and vineyards. Among the rolling hills, and green fields of the Upper Galilee is a small village called Kfar Tabor. This is where the Tabor Winery was born. Today, they continue the tradition of winemaking in the Holy Land, producing a wide selection of award-winning kosher wines. The winery’s original vineyards are at the foot of Mount Tabor, but they source grapes from vineyards in Israel’s top wine-growing regions. They produce an extensive range of wines from various grapes grown in different soils and a variety of climates. The best wine-making regions in Israel are the Golan Heights, Galilee, Judean foothills, and the central mountains. Winemakers at Tabor Winery are driven by their passion, love of the land, and innovation. This internationally recognized winery still has the heart of a family business.The Tabor Winery StoryThe Tabor story goes back over a hundred years to when philanthropist Baron Rothschild invested in the future of Israel as the Jewish nation. He supported Jews settling in the Holy Land and financed many of their efforts, including the Carmel Winery in Zikhron Yaakov. In 1901 Rothschild supported the establishment of a small town named Mes’ha, after a neighboring Arab village. Then in 1903, Zionist Menachem Ussishkin encouraged the village to take a Hebrew name. And so, Tabor Village (Kfar Tavor) was born in the shadow of Mount Tabor. The village has always had a connection to grape cultivation. But it never really got off the ground in a big way until 1999, when the Tabor Winery was established.Four experienced wine-growing families pooled their resources to create the new winery. At first Tabor Winery was a boutique winery, but they have grown to gain international recognition. In the first year, Tabor Winery produced approximately 30,000 bottles. Today it can produce about 2 million bottles a year. As the winery has grown, so has the variety of wines they produce. In 2005, IBBL bought Tabor Winery, giving them wider distribution and support. They continue to produce quality wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Syrah, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, White Riesling, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo, Tanat, Cabernet Franc, Roussanne, Barbera, Sauvignon Blanc, and French Colombard. Tabor wines are available in the UK, Europe, USA, and Japan.Tabor Winery’s Dedication to ExcellenceTabor Winery is committed to crafting fine wines while caring for the land and nature. The Tabor vineyards have kept to ecological standards since 2012. They have implemented various actions to protect the environment and restore nature. Tabor Winery’s ecological efforts are overseen by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.Kosher wine is notoriously expensive. Producing it requires strict standards and certification. Tabor Winery offers world-class wine, that is kosher and affordable. Tabor produces what is known as QPR wine, or Quality-to-Price-Ratio. This means the wine is of high quality, but the price is low. Their Earth series, in particular, has been awarded for its excellent Quality-to-Price-Ratio. Tabor Winery continues to push the boundaries of winemaking and to maintain the passion of the original boutique winery that grew up in the shadow of Mount Tabor. The Tabor Winery Visitor Center is set in an idyllic location. Here you can sample wines from the Tabor Winery’s exclusive collection. Professionals are on hand to tell you interesting facts about winemaking in Israel and share entertaining stories of wine lore.

Visiting the Holy Land isn’t just about visiting religious sites. It also means getting to know the country, people, and local attractions. One of the fascinating places to visit in Israel is the House of Marzipan and Chocolate. The Marzipan Museum is in Tabor village, at the foot of Mount Tabor, in the Galilee. Farmlands and beautiful almond groves surround the rural village. The museum is part of the Tabor Visitors’ Center. Here you can learn about the agricultural settlement’s three main crops–olives, grapes, and almonds. Local industries produce olive oil, wine, and marzipan from these crops.Tabor Marzipan MuseumMarzipan is made from almonds grown by the Tabor village farmers. In 1998, locals opened the first marzipan sculpture display at the small Tavor Museum. As interest in the unusual sculptures grew, the museum needed a bigger home. In 2001, the Marzipan Museum moved into the Kfar Tavor Visitors’ Center. Talented marzipan artists have crafted fun and fascinating marzipan scenes and figures. Among the marzipan displays, are a Jerusalem street scene, Elvis, international leaders, animals, fairy-tale characters, and plates of food made of marzipan. Imagine a marzipan pizza, a marzipan forest scene, marzipan Netanyahu, or a bowl of marzipan fruit!Things to See and Do at the Marzipan MuseumThe museum offers hands-on workshops where you can create your marzipan figures. There are also chocolate workshops where you can make pralines. If you’re traveling with kids, this is an excellent break from sightseeing.A visit to the Marzipan Museum starts with a short introductory video. Learn how marzipan is made from the almonds grown by local farms, and the process from field to table. Take a look through a large window at the marzipan factory at work. Then, walk through the small museum admiring the many marzipan sculptures. Visitors can taste the marzipan and even try almond milk. You can join a marzipan workshop or chocolate-making workshop. On the way out, stop at the museum store for baked goods, almonds, olive oil, marzipan, and chocolates. The store also sells locally grown spices and natural products from the Galilee.

Kibbutz Ein Dor is nestled among farmlands at the foot of Mount Tabor, in the Lower Galilee. The small agricultural community was the first Jewish settlement founded after Israeli independence in 1948. The Kibbutz is home to the Kibbutz Ein Dor Archaeological Museum. It was established in 1986 to house ancient artifacts found in the Lower Galilee and Jezreel Valley. On display are historic agricultural tools, and items people used in their day-to-day lives hundreds of years ago. The exhibits come from various historic periods and different cultures. But the museum aims to do much more than simply display archaeological artifacts. Ein Dor Museum is not just a collection of pottery shards and ancient stones. It aspires to encourage coexistence between the diverse cultures living in the region.What Makes the Ein Dor Archaeological Museum Special?The archaeological museum uses interactive exhibits, workshops, outdoor exhibits, and state-of-the-art displays to nurture regional coexistence. The museum teaches visitors about the cultural roots and challenges faced by people living here many years ago. A better understanding of their neighbors, their history, and mutual love for the land, should bring cultures together. Thousands of Arab and Jewish schoolchildren visit the Ein Dor Archaeological Museum each year and come away knowing a little more about the people they share the land with.Ein Dor Archaeological Museum Flagship ExhibitsThe interactive Peace Labyrinth exhibit is designed to teach children aged 10 to 16, about how conflict arises and how to resolve it. Explanations are displayed in Hebrew and Arabic. The exhibit is a labyrinth, with sections representing the four stages of a conflict. The award-winning Learning from the Past-Building Bridges Today exhibit promotes coexistence. Groups learn to better understand other cultures and their history, through archaeological artifacts.The newest wing of the museum focuses on day-to-day activities in ancient cultures. It covers harvesting, preparing food, pressing olives for oil, and working in the olive groves. In the past, life was often determined by the seasons. With every season came new challenges and tasks. Visitors can try performing some of these seasonal tasks, like grinding wheat or tending the olive groves. This section of the museum gives new life to ancient festivals and celebrations, like the annual Olive Festival and the Milk and Honey Festival.Ancient Crafts WorkshopsVisitors can take part in ancient crafts workshops and make olive oil, grind wheat into flour, or weave wool. This lets visitors feel what it was like to live in the Galilee hundreds of years ago. The craft workshops are determined by the ancient seasonal tasks and available natural resources. There are various activities focused on local culture, and religion, past, and present. Seeing archaeological artifacts, and ancient agricultural tools is interesting, but the lessons this museum gives, are worth much more. Ein Dor Archaeological Museum has won prizes for its educational activities and has been recognized for promoting the values of coexistence in the Jezreel Valley Region.

The Ghetto Fighters’ House was established in 1949 by a community of Holocaust survivors at Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot (the Ghetto Fighters Kibbutz). The founding members included holocaust survivors and resistance fighters from World War II. Some founding members fought in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The full name of the museum is Itzhak Katzenelson Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Heritage Museum, Documentation and Study Center. It is named after a Jewish poet who died in Auschwitz. Kibbutz members wanted to preserve the stories of heroism and self-sacrifice made by Jews who fought the Nazis. The museum at Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot is the oldest Holocaust museum in the world. The museum’s rare and extensive collection of Holocaust data serves as a vital part of Holocaust education in Israel.Jewish heroes of the HolocaustThe Jewish Warsaw exhibit tells the story of the founders of the museum and their daily lives, beliefs, and struggles during the Holocaust. The exhibit takes visitors from life in pre-war Poland through the Holocaust and the first years following the war. Visitors gain an understanding of the massive destruction of an entire culture. The Home of Testimony section of the museum holds 148 personal stories of the founders of the kibbutz. The Yizkor Hall (Memorial Hall) is a state-of-the-art archive of the personal papers, photos, religious items, artwork, and documents of people who lost their lives in the Holocaust. The Warsaw Ghetto Fights Back exhibit highlights the personal stories of Yitzhak Zuckerman and Zivia Lubetkin. They were leaders of the Warsaw ghetto uprising, and founders of the kibbutz. One of the museum exhibits focuses on the Jews of Holland during the Holocaust. About 80 percent of Netherlands Jewry were slaughtered during WWII.Children in the HolocaustThe Holocaust Museum at Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot has taken young visitors into account. There is a section dedicated to Jewish Children during the Holocaust. Before entering this section, visitors pass through a hall with 17 stained glass windows. The window designs were based on drawings by children in the Terezin ghetto. There is also an exhibit called Korczak of the Children. This exhibit tells the story of Janusz Korczak, a Polish Jewish educator and author of children’s books. The exhibit uses three-dimensional installations to tell Korczak's life story and the story of a boy deported to Treblinka. The museum runs a book-sharing project, so children can access books about the Holocaust.The Glass Booth of Adolf EichmannOn display is the original glass booth in which Adolf Eichmann sat during his trial. As you walk around the booth, quotes from a famous Eichmann interview echo through the room. Text reports and audio-visual displays show courtroom footage of the camp survivors testifying against Eichmann. The highlight of the Concentration and Extermination Camps exhibit is a scale model of the Treblinka concentration camp. The model was used at the Adolf Eichmann trial. Alongside the model are eyewitness testimonies, artifacts, and rare photos and video footage of the camp.Visiting the Lohamei HaGetaot Holocaust MuseumThe museum is much more than a collection of exhibits. It includes a study center, library, the Center for Humanistic Education, a publications department, and a department for research on the Holocaust of Soviet Jewry. The museum honors the Jewish resistance heroes, some of whom established the community that runs the museum. A visit to the Holocaust Museum at Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot ends on an observation deck where visitors can look out towards the future.

The incredible fortress city of Acre is on the coast between Haifa and Nahariya in the Western Galilee. Thousands of years ago people settled here to have access to the sea. But Acre lacked a freshwater source. In the Hellenistic Period (c.323BC-31BC) engineers created an aqueduct system to bring water to Acre from springs north of the city. In the 18th-century, the population of Acre had grown to about 40,000, and they needed a better water supply. Ottoman ruler, Pasha al-Jazzar extended the Acre aqueduct to accommodate the city’s growing needs. When Napoleon held Acre under siege in 1799, the system was badly damaged. Al-Jazzar’s adopted son and successor, Suleiman, rebuilt the water system in about 1814. The magnificence Pasha Aqueduct remained in use until 1948. Today you can still see sections of the 200-year-old aqueduct stretched out across fields and farmlands near Acre.Engineering the Acre AqueductThe water source was 14km north of Acre, at the springs near Kibbutz Cabri. The springs were on an elevated piece of land, about 70 meters high, and Acre is at sea level. This meant that Ottoman engineers could use the natural topography and gravity to channel the water towards the city. The first stretch of the system ran along a raised open aqueduct elevated by a series of beautiful arches. Each kilometer of the aqueduct had a 5-meter drop so that it gradually sloped down towards Acre. The raised aqueduct then joined the second stage of the system. This stretch of the route ran underground with a series of Siphon towers (suterazi towers) at intervals along the way. Water pressure forced the water up into the towers, through ceramic pipes to a pool at the top of the tower. Then gravity pulled the water down a second pipe to continue its journey underground to the next tower. A bit like water climbing over a wall, with gravity and water pressure forcing it up and over.Where to See the Acre AqueductA tour guide can show you the 1km-long section of the Hellenistic aqueduct near Ness Harim and several surviving sections of the Ottoman-era aqueduct. The most impressive section is the elevated aqueduct near Kibbutz Lohamei HaGetaot. At Manof Youth Village the raised aqueduct ends and the water continues through underground pipes. This section uses water pressure and gravity instead of the natural slope of the land. There are seven siphon towers, each 0.5km apart. See the towers at El A’uoji, in the Wolfson neighborhood, and on David Noi Street, in Acre. Then the water channel reaches Acre’s northern moat, and the pipes go underground beneath the city walls. The stone pipes continue to the defensive north tower and into the city.Bringing Water to AcreOnce the water reached Acre, they channeled it into several supply lines. Some of the water was stored in underground cisterns, like the one beneath the Al-Jazzar Mosque. Other channels led to over 30 public water fountains (sebils), like the one that stands at the entrance to the Al-Jazzar Mosque. Thanks to the innovative Ottoman engineers, the freshwater made this incredible 14km-long journey to the water fountains of Acre.

If you’re looking for endless untouched landscapes and hike trails with unexpected twists and turns, then head for Adamit Park. The park is on the Adamit Mountain Ridge, in the Western Upper Galilee. One of the park’s highlights is the Arch Cave, (in Hebrew, Me’arat HaKeshet or Keshet Cave). The dramatic arch is on a rocky cliff, overlooking Nahal Betzet Valley from a height of 150-meters. About 40-meters (130ft) below the arch is the shallow Keshet Cave. Like many other caves in the area, the Arch Cave was formed by natural erosion. At one point, the cave ceiling collapsed, leaving only the arch.Visiting Keshet CaveA path leads to the cave floor, and another path takes you to the arch above. Between the cave floor and the arch is the huge opening that forms a natural frame for the scenic views beyond. Keshet Cave attracts visitors who climb the rock steps to the top of the arch to take in the views. There are metal railings for visitors to hold on to, as they walk across the rock arch. Keshet Cave is also popular with extreme sports enthusiasts who can rappel from the arch down to the cave floor.Legend of Keshet CaveLegend has it that a band of highway robbers would prey on travelers crossing the Betzet Valley. One night the Prophet Muhammad appeared to one of the thieves and told him to convince the men to mend their ways. The thieves didn’t want to change, despite the constant pleas of the man who had seen the Prophet. To shut him up, the thieves told him they wanted to do one more robbery before they left the highway robbery business for good. They appointed the reformed thief as lookout and posted him on the cliff above the Keshet Cave. The thieves intended to throw the man off the cliff. At that moment, God caused the roof of the cave to collapse on the thieves, leaving only the stipe of rock where the reformed thief stood. This is the rock arch we see today.Adamit ParkThere is more to see in Adamit Park than the Keshet Cave. There are woodlands, groves of fruit trees, lookout points, and hike trails. You can discover many caves created by the abundant rainfall in the area, which has dissolved the dolomite rock over thousands of years. It’s worth seeing the Namer Cave where there are stalactites and stalagmites. A one-way scenic road circles east from the park entrance to the upper car park. Leave your car here and set out to explore on foot. Take the Scented Flowerbeds Trail or the Terrace Path that leads to the Keshet Cave. The scenic road continues from the upper car park to the Henion-Nof Recreational Area. Here there are picnic tables, toilets, drinking water, and fantastic views. Two paths branch off from the recreational area. One leads to the Keshet Cave, about five minutes away. The other path is a circular route to Khirbet Admit, through cedar forests and fields of spices.

Park Goren is in the Upper Galilee, in northern Israel. The park features the spectacular Montfort Fortress. The fairy-tale Crusader fortress clings to a steep slope overlooking the Kziv Stream and thick Mediterranean woodlands. Hike trails crisscross the rolling hills and gullies where there is lush vegetation and ancient ruins. Take a hike through the natural scenery to the Park Goren observation point where you can get the best views of Montfort Fortress.Hike Trails in Park GorenThere are many hike trails through Goren Park. Some lead you to recreational areas, others pass ancient ruins and thick woodlands. Take the Goren Park Scenic Trail that winds through woodlands and between the cliffs of Kziv Stream Gully. The route starts at the park entrance and stretches for about 8km. The Sinkhole Path is a short circular trail that passes several places where the rain has dissolved the chalk rock to create holes. A third trail cuts straight across the park from north to south. It is fittingly called Path Across the Park and ends at the Scenic Lookout Recreation Area. This area has a campsite and other facilities. From the recreational area, there is a wheelchair-accessible path that leads to an observation point overlooking Montfort Fortress.Montfort Fortress Observation PlatformA circular path links the Path Across the Park to the Carob Recreation Area and the observation platform. This is a short, easy trail that takes about 25-minutes to complete. The observation point is on the edge of a cliff. The views from here are breathtaking. You can look out across the gully and the Kziv Stream where the riverbanks are dense with vegetation. Thick Mediterranean woodlands create a carpet of green that sweeps up towards the spur of rock where the fortress is perched. A footpath leads from the observation platform to Montfort (Strong Mountain). The path takes you down into the Kziv Gully, past a 12th century water-driven flour mill and the remains of a Gothic-style structure. On the opposite riverbank are the remains of a Crusader dam wall, which was used to block the river flow and create a pool. The path then leads up to the fortress.Montfort FortressIn the 12th-century one of the richest noble Crusader families, De Milly, established a farm near where the fortress stands today. He owned property, villages and land in the area. In 1187, Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, captured the farm. It was reclaimed and rebuilt in 1192. In 1229, the Teutonic Knights bought the land. With financial help from Pope Gregory VI, the German Teutonic Knights built the fortress on the ruins of an earlier Roman fort. The Teutonic Knights were a Catholic military order founded in Acre to help protect Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. The knights used the fortress as an administrative center, and for their archives and treasury. They built an inner and outer wall, but what remains are watchtowers and the fortress keep. At the rear of the structure, you can still make out where a moat once protected the castle from attacks. The tower at the northwestern gate is the most prominent part of the ruins.Not long after construction, in 1266, the Mamluk Sultan Baybars laid siege to the fortress. But thanks to the castle’s defensive walls and the difficulty of navigating the rocky terrain, the Sultan’s attack failed. A few years later, in 1271, the Muslim ruler attacked the fortress again. This time the Mamluks broke through the southern outer wall. The Crusaders were trapped in the inner fortress. They surrendered, rather than lose their lives, their archives and treasury. The Sultan had the fortress destroyed, and it has remained unoccupied ever since.

Discover some of Israel’s amazing artists and the country’s only artists’ village at Ein Hod. Ein Hod is located just south of Haifa at the foot of Mt. Carmel. The pastoral village community is nestled among olive groves and orchards with the sea on one side and the Carmel Mountain range as a backdrop. The village welcomes visitors and there is plenty to see and do. Ein Hod was founded in 1953 by a group of artists lead by Dada artist Marcel Janco. Today Ein Hod is home to 150 writers, architects, sculptors, potters, jewelry designers, painters, actors, musicians, and their families. Many of the artists are prize winners and ten have won the Israeli National Award. The village has 18 galleries, 14 workshops, restaurants, cafes, a museum, and several bed and breakfasts.What to See and Do in Ein Hod Artists VillageEin Hod Central Art Gallery is the heart of the community. At this gallery, the resident artists display their work in a shared exhibition space. Artists’ workshops and galleries can be found In addition to the Ein Hod Central Art Gallery. There are many artists who display their work in private studios and galleries. Others invite visitors into their studios to see them at work. Some of the workshops hold short and long art courses and others offer demonstrations and lecture evenings.The Janco Dada Museum was established to honor the founder of the village, Marcel Janco and it exhibits a permanent collection of Janco’s work. The museum also has exhibitions for young and up-and-coming artists. The museum is home to Dadalab; an experimental area where young artists can explore Dada art. Yad Gertrude is a performance venue for chamber music concerts donated by dancer Gertrude Krause, a former resident of the village. The venue also holds the village archives and exhibits work by deceased former residents.There are several quaint houses and courtyards which have been turned into beautiful cafes and restaurants. Among the great places to eat there is the Dona Rosa, an Argentinean restaurant located on the village square. The restaurant hosts live acoustic musical performances every Friday evening on the terrace of the stone building. Café Ein Hod is a homely and ethnic café where vintage goods are displayed in the space. Ein Hod has an excellent website where you can find out about guided tours of the village, the galleries, museums, restaurants, cafes, bed and breakfasts, and guided tours.

The Ein Chardalit (Hardelit) Spring is one of five springs that feed the Kziv Stream in the Upper Galilee. Ein Chardalit runs through the Nahal Kziv Nature Reserve. The crystal-clear water is easily accessible and has become a popular place to enjoy untouched nature. Pools of cool spring water are shaded by the surrounding vegetation. Fig trees, sycamore trees, oaks, raspberry bushes, eucalyptus trees, and tall reeds help to create this paradise oasis. Water levels vary according to rainfall and the seasons. The water in the pools is usually between knee-height and waist height, and along the stream, it is usually ankle to knee height. The national water carrier (Mekorot) pumps the spring water for use by local residents. Then they release the rest of the water back into the Kziv Stream. Ein Chardalit is in the western part of Nahal Kziv Nature Reserve where there are hike trails, natural attractions, and ancient ruins.What Does Ein Chardalit Mean?Ein is Hebrew for spring. Hardelit describes a fast, strong flowing stream that originates in the mountains and reaches a pool that holds at least 40 se’ah. Se’ah was an ancient unit of measurement found in the Bible (Genesis 18:6). It refers specifically to the depth of a ritual bath (mikvah).Ein Chardalit Hike TrailThe Ein Chardalit hike trail is a short, wet hike following the stream for 200-300-meters. The family-friendly route involves wading through the water. Wear shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. And don’t be tempted to go barefoot as the pebbles on the stream bed are difficult to walk on without protection. There is also a dry route alongside the stream. The trail starts after a five-minute walk from the Ein Harelit parking lot near Moshav Abdon. The first wading pool is about 200-meters from the start of the trail. If you continue about 1km, you’ll reach the pool created by the national water carrier pipe releasing water back into the stream. This is the larger and more impressive of the pools.Along the route, thick greenery surrounds you on both sides. At some places, the overgrown plants form a natural tunnel stretching from one side of the stream to the other. The water is shallow and calm most of the way. There are small fish in the water, and the sun breaks through the treetops to sparkle on the water surface. You can walk the Ein Chardalit trail at any time of the year. In summer water is at its lowest; in autumn you can enjoy fall foliage; in springtime, there are wildflowers, and in the winter the water level is at its highest.Nahal KzivThe Kziv Stream is a perennial stream that runs for 39-kilometers through northern Israel’s stunning countryside. It is the longest stream in the Western Galilee flowing from the western side of Mount Meron to just north of Achziv and the sea. The stream passes through the Nahal Kziv valley, a gully with thick vegetation. Overlooking the valley from the southern ridge is the 12-century Crusader Montfort fortress. Most of the stream runs through the Nahal Kziv Nature Reserve where you will find the Ein Chardalit Spring. Take a moment to escape the bustling cities and enjoy the idyllic hike through Ein Chardalit’s cool water.

The Ophel Promenade runs parallel to the eastern wall of Jerusalem’s Old City. It stretches from the Lions’ Gate and entrance to the Gihon Spring, around the southeastern corner of the Old City to the Dung Gate and the City of David archaeological site. The promenade is part of the Jerusalem Walls National Park that surrounds the Old City. On the western side of the promenade is the Old City wall, and beyond it stands Temple Mount. On the eastern side of the promenade is Kidron Valley and beyond it the Mount of Olives. Along the promenade are observation points at strategic locations to give visitors the best views in all directions. Highlights of the Ophel Promenade are the views of churches on the Mount of Olives, a close-up view of the sealed Golden Gate in the Old City walls, and views of the Ophel Archaeological Garden.What is the Ophel, and Where is It?The Biblical word Ophel refers to a part of a settlement built on an elevated and fortified piece of land. In the Bible, Ophel refers specifically to two cities, Samaria (Kings II, 5:24) and the City of David (Chronicles II, 27:3; 33:14 and Nehemiah, 3:26; 11:21). The City of David was King David’s city, established just outside the walls of present-day Jerusalem’s Old City. From the Biblical references, experts have established that Jerusalem’s Ophel was on the eastern ridge, sloping down to the Temple on Temple Mount. In the Bible, the Ophel is described as being an area of strategic importance. Roman historian, Josephus described the Ophel as a place on the eastern ridge, next to the southeast corner of Temple Mount. This area is now within the Ophel Archaeological Garden.Ophel Archaeological GardenA walk along the Ophel Promenade takes you past the Ophel Archaeological Garden, which is part of the Davidson Center Archaeological Garden. Here excavations have uncovered artifacts from the First Temple and Second Temple periods, as well as Byzantine and Early Muslim periods. A 3,000-year-old pottery shard was discovered bearing a description of Jerusalem. This artifact is known as the Ophel Inscription or Ophel Pithos and is the earliest alphabetical description of Jerusalem in existence. Remains from the First Temple Period (1200BC-586BC) include a segment of the wall that probably encompassed the city. Other findings from the same era include a jar with a Hebrew inscription, an inner gatehouse, and a corner tower. Not all archaeological experts agree with the dating of these findings. There have also been discoveries of Hellenistic-period buildings. Archaeologists uncovered Roman-era ritual baths where worshipers may have bathed before entering the temple. Also uncovered were the southern steps to Temple Mount, and some pots and stones still charred black from the fire that destroyed the First Temple. Excavations revealed Byzantine Christian structures and Muslim palaces from the Umayyad Period(661-750AD).Points of Interest along the Ophel PromenadeAlong the length of the promenade, you can see the ancient Old City walls built by Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent between 1537 and 1541. The Golden Gate is one of eight gates in the Old City walls. But it is the only one that is sealed permanently. The gate has deep religious significance. For Jews, it is the gate where the Messiah will enter the city. For Christians, it is where Jesus entered the city on Palm Sunday. And for Muslims, the gate is the site of Allah’s final judgment. As you turn the southeastern corner of the Old City, there is an observation point on the Ophel Promenade that looks out to Avshalom’s Tomb. The monumental rock-cut tomb is one of three in the Kidron Valley. The tomb with the conical roof is traditionally the burial place of Kind David’s rebellious son, Absalom. All of these ancient sites, and more, can be seen on a walk along the Ophel Promenade, from the Lions Gate to the Dung Gate.