| Tel Aviv
|
A modern cosmopolitan city, Tel Aviv is truly "The
City that Never Stops." You can have coffee in chic cafes on the beach,
dine at restaurants featuring haute cuisine, shop in the picturesque souk
or at the ultra-modern Dizengoff center, visit the state-of-the-art Diaspora
museum, or walk in the ancient walled city of Jaffa, which has an ancient
air but nevertheless hosts some of Israel's most modern artists in its
engaging artists' quarter. A visit to Independence Hall, where Ben Gurion
declared Israel's Statehood on May 14, 1948, will make you want to sing Hatikvah,
even if you never wanted to before.
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Caesaria,
Megiddo
|
In Caesaria you can explore the reconstructed ruins of an ancient
Roman amphitheater that is
still used for concerts today. Walk under and on the Roman aqueduct and
visit the cardo, or main street, with the remains of two fabulous statues.
Here you can also visit a Crusader fortress that has been restored and
is now home to restaurants and shops.
Inland, between Caesaria and Haifa, Megiddo is an archaeological
site as well as a national park. Excavations here have uncovered the ruins
of 25 cities dating from 4000 BCE to 400 CE. You can see an ancient Canaanite
shrine and the famous well and underground water works, an engineering
feat dating from the ninth century BCE. Megiddo, one of King Solomon's
chariot cities, sits strategically on the ancient coastal road. It has
served as an important battlefield throughout history and is identified in
the New Testament with Armageddon (from the Hebrew Har Megiddo or Mount Megiddo),
where it is said that the last great battle of the world will be fought.
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Haifa,
Beit Shearim |
Haifa is often referred to as the San Francisco of the
Mediterranean. Built on hills overlooking the water, it even has a cable
car system! The famous Baha'i Shrine and Persian gardens are here, as is
the Technion, Israel's version of M.I.T. One of the few cities where Israelis
and Arabs live together mingling freely, from Haifa you can visit the Muraqah,
where the prophet Elijah battled the priests of Ba'al, as well as the Druze
villages of Isfiyah and Daliat et Carmel, with their colorful native crafts.
Not far from Haifa is the ancient site of Beit Shearim.
After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the repression
of the Bar Kochba Revolt in 135 CE, Beit Shearim became a major Jewish
center in the Galilee. Following the burial here in 220 CE of Rabbi Judah
HaNassi, who codified the Mishna here, Bet Shearim became a popular burial
place for both Holy Land and Diaspora Jews. Excavations have uncovered
a network of catacombs filled with intricately carved sarcophagi with many
bas reliefs and frescoes.
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| Acco |
The ancient walled city of Acco is a site rich in history.
Here you can see an underground Crusader city, a Turkish bathhouse, and
a colorful Arab souk, or marketplace, selling wonderful spices, metalwork,
and more. Acco today is a picturesque working port, hosting mostly small
fishing boats. In British Mandate times, Acco held the main British prison.
You may recognize it from the prison scenes in the movie Exodus.
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Safed
(Tzfat) (Zefat) |
The mystical town of Safed is today best known as an
artists' colony. Here you will find exquisite microcalligraphy and the
Safed Candle Factory among the shops in the artists' quarter. The mystical
atmosphere still pervades the narrow cobblestone streets of this mountain
town where the Cabbala was written. Be sure to visit the Josef Caro Synagogue,
a beautiful Sephardic shul where you can see a 400-year-old Sephardic Torah.
If you have time, walk along the promenade and mingle with the people who
live here, primarily Orthodox Jews.
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Banias,
Tel Dan |
Banias, at the foot of Mount Hermon, is the primary source
of the waters of the Jordan River. The name is an Arabic corruption of
the Greek Panias, the original name given to a cult center dedicated to
worship of the Greek god Pan, god of herdsman, music, and wild nature.
Israelis and tourists alike like to hike and picnic here. About two miles
away is Nimrod's Fortress. This is the largest complete fortress in the
Middle East. It was built by Moslems in the twelfth century and today is
a favorite spot for children who love to climb in the dungeon and through
the tunnels. Beautiful views are to be had from here, especially framed
by the arched windows or through the narrow archers' slits in the walls.
Not far from Banias is the Tel Dan Nature
Reserve, a beautiful hiking area where the Dan River flows and where you will find many
varieties of native trees, such as Mt. Tabor Oaks.
If you think of Israel as a desert, Banias and Tel Dan will
surely change your mind. The Canaanite city of Laish existed here
5,000 years ago. The name of the city changed to Dan when the Israelite
tribe captured it. Recently there have been several important archaeological
finds here. One of the most exciting is a stele with what many believe
to be the first mention of the City of David, corroboration that the biblical
story of David has basis in fact.
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Tiberias, Capernaum, Golan Heights |
Tiberias is a resort city on the shores of the Sea of
Galilee, the Kinneret. A good base from whence to visit the northern sites
of Israel (or a great departure for a side trip to Jordan), Tiberias is
one of four cities historically holy to the Jews. Many people know about
Tiberias as the place to eat St. Peter's fish, a kind of Tilapia. It is
prominently featured in the cafes on the pedestrian promenade overlooking
the lake.
Also on the shores of the Kinneret, and north of Tiberias,
Capernaum boasts the beautiful remains of a 2nd-century synagogue said
to be built over the original one where Jesus used to teach. There are
many beautifully carved stones here, showing a typical range of Jewish
motifs from the Roman to the Byzantine periods when this was a thriving
Jewish community. (about 1st century BCE to 6th century CE.) A striking
contrast between old and new is the modern Catholic church, which has been built
over the remains of the House of St. Peter. The octagonal plan of the church
preserves the shape of the Byzantine basilica originally built
around the traditional site where Jesus is said to have visited.
Tiberias is a good place from which to drive to the Golan
Heights. Visit Syrian fortifications captured in the '67 war and, while
enjoying the stupendous views, gain an understanding of the strategic importance
of this area to Israel's defense. At Metulla, which used to be Israel's
northernmost point, and which resembles an alpine village more than an
Israeli town, you can stop at the Good Fence. Many tourists stop here to
see this spot on the Israel - Lebanon border. Here, cooperation between
the people of these two warring countries has become a reality and crossings
are permitted for Lebanese coming to seek medical attention or visit relatives,
or to come to their jobs in Israel.
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Nazareth,
Cana, Sepphoris (Zippori) |
Nazareth is the town where Jesus grew up. Here you can tour the
magnificent modern Basilica of the Annunciation, built about 20 years ago but
encompassing the remains of previous churches. The less grand, but more intimate, Church
of St. Gabriel has inside it the same spring that gave the town of Nazareth its water
2,000 years ago, and which many believe to be the site of the Annunciation. It is
certainly true that this was (and is) the only natural source of water in the town, and so
Mary must have come here daily to draw water.
Near Nazareth is the village of Cana, where the New Testament tells of Jesus performing his first miracle, changing water into wine.
Also close is Sepphoris or Zippori, well-known for its intricate
mosaics. The most famous one is of a beautiful woman. It has been called "the Mona
Lisa of the Galilee."
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Beit
Shean,
Gan Hashelosha |
Beit Shean, today one of Israel's national parks, was,
in ancient times, one of the Roman Decapolis cities. It is a rich archaeological
site where digging reveals more each year. This splendid example of Roman
city life includes a columned cardo, fountains or nymphanea, a coliseum,
bathhouse, mosaic floors, an amphitheater, and much more. Climb to the
top of the tel to get a great overview of the area. In the Bible, it was
at Beit Shean that King Saul's head was displayed after he was killed.
Just a few minutes drive from Beit Shean, Gan HaShelosha
is a spot much loved by Israelis, who bring their families to picnic and
swim. It is not necessarily on the regular tourist routes. Naturally fed
by Ein Harod (Herod's Spring), this water pool has been engineered to be
a full-fledged water park with waterfalls, slide, and more, while maintaining
the feeling of being out in nature. If you don't want to picnic, you'll
find an air-conditioned cafeteria/restaurant.
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| Jericho |
Jericho is said to be the oldest city in the world. Some
of the walls have been determined to be from the late Stone Age (over 9,000 years
old). In places you can see burned areas that some people date to the time when Joshua
caused the walls to "come tumblin' down." Today, Jericho is an important
Palestinian city.
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| Jerusalem |
To some, Jerusalem will always be the center of the world.
Holy to three major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it is
a city that inspires passions. Ancient and modern at the same time -- and
often within the same space -- this is a city that leaves no one indifferent.
Ancient sites in the Old City include the Western Wall and the Western
Wall Tunnel, the Southern Excavations, Roman Cardo, Burnt House, Broad
Wall and Herodian Mansion (Was this the ancient High Priest's house, as
some believe?) See the Dome of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Shop in the the souk or marketplace that has been here in similar form
for thousands of years. Outside the Old City walls, on Mount Zion, is the
traditional site of King David's tomb, and above it the cenacle, the traditional site
of the Last Supper. Cross what today is a modern, busy street, to arrive at the original
City of
David. Here visit Warren's Shaft, what some believe to be the biblical
tzinnor that David climbed up to capture the city of Jerusalem from the
Jebusites.
The modern New City is no less exciting. The Knesset
(Israel's Parliment) is as modern as the State. The New Supreme Court Building
is state-of-the-art. Hadassah Hospital, that boasts care equal to that
anywhere in the world, is even more famous for its stained glass windows by French artist
Marc Chagall. The
Israel Museum has world renowned collections of archaeology, science, and
art, and also the unforgettable Shrine of the Book, where you can see
the Dead Sea Scrolls. Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum, with its Hall
of Remembrance, Hall of Names, Children's Memorial, Valley of Destroyed
Cities, and Avenue of the Righteous Gentiles, insures that indeed no one
who sees it will ever forget what happened or dare to say it never did.
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|
Bethlehem |
Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity,
which commemorates the birth, was originally built at this site in the fourth century CE
by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, the first Roman Emperor to embrace
Christianity. It has been rebuilt many times since then, though a remnant of the fourth
century mosaic floor survives. On Christmas Eve there is always a large celebration here
in Manger Square, Bethlehem's central plaza. Bethlehem is also the site of the matriarch
Rachel's Tomb, and the shepherd's field where the angel appeared to announce the birth of
Jesus. This field is also known as the Field of Ruth, daughter-in-law of Naomi in the
Biblical Book of Ruth who adopted the faith of her Jewish mother-in-law and whose great
grandson David became the psalmist-King of Israel.
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Dead
Sea, Ein Gedi, Qumran |
The lowest spot on the Earth, and the saltiest! The water
is so salty that you can't sink. The standard tourist photo is a picture
as you float in the Dead Sea while reading a newspaper. The salty water
is a great cure for psoriasis, and the black mud is a beauty aid for the skin.
Some say the extra air pressure from being down so low may also have health
benefits. Remember to take your water shoes -- the bottom of the sea is rocky.
Very close in miles to the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is a beautiful,
lush oasis that couldn't be more different than its surroundings. It is
somewhat of a climb to the top waterfall, past smaller waterfalls and pools.
It was in a cave here that David hid from King Saul 3,000 years ago. Another
spot where Israelis like to hike and swim.
There is controversy about the ancient nature of Qumran.
Was it an Essene town, a military camp, a resort villa or...? Everyone,
however, agrees that these are the caves in which the Dead Sea scrolls
were first discovered. There is an upscale souvenir store here, featuring
Dead Sea products and other Israeli products. The restrooms here are among
the best at any tourist spot in the country!
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| Masada |
There are different ways to reach this impressive
fortress. From the western side, coming from Arad, you can take the easier
climb up the Roman ramp, built by the Romans to capture the Jewish zealots
who had seized the site and who committed suicide rather than be taken.
From this side you can also climb to the water cisterns, so immense they
held enough water not only for drinking and washing, but also for growing plants and mikva'ot
(ritual baths). (If you don't take the Roman ramp up, you can
also reach the cisterns by climbing down from the Byzantine gate.) From
the Dead Sea side, climb the more difficult snake path, a tortuous, narrow
trail used by the inhabitants to reach or leave the fortress. Either way,
start early and climb before it gets too hot. Easiest of all is to take
the modern cable car both up and down. At the top of this incredible site
you will see Herod's palace, storerooms, a Roman bath, mikva'ot, a 4,600
foot double casement wall built so that living quarters and guardrooms
were usable between the two walls, and a Byzantine chapel, built years
later when the site was used as a monastery. Masada has one of the earliest
synagogues ever found, apparently already in use during Second Temple days.
Carry water -- LOTS -- if it's hot, although some running water is available
at the top. Sometimes a sight and sound laser light show is available evenings
on the Arad side of the mountain. Call ahead to find out days and times.
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| Eilat |
A World class resort famous for scuba diving and snorkeling,
Eilat is also home to the Coral World Underwater Observatory and Aquarium.
From the Underwater Observatory, fifteen feet below sea level, you can
look out of the round, windowed room at a coral reef that is home to thousands
of exotic tropical fish of unbelievable colors and varieties.
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| Jerash |
Jerash is considered to be the best-preserved and the
most complete city of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Roman cities
dating from the 1st century B.C.E. Built to an extraordinary scale, Jerash is known as the city of 1000 pillars, some of which you can see dance in the
wind. The coliseum, the cardo, and the temples are especially imposing
when compared with what we have always considered the stupendous ruins at
Beit Shean. Jerash is grander. This is second only to Petra as a not-to-be-missed
Jordanian site.
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| Amman |
The capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Amman
was known in biblical times as Rabbath Ammon, and in Greco-Roman days
as Philadelphia! Amman is both ancient and modern. Like Jerusalem, which
has a law requiring all buildings to be built of or faced with Jerusalem
stone, Amman's buildings are all the brilliant white of the native limestone
mandated to be used in construction. It shines in the sun. The modern city,
with a population of over one million people, has nestled within it the
ruins of a Roman theater that seated 5,000 and is still used today. The
Citadel, a hill looking down on the city, has the ruins of the Temple of
Hercules, and also houses a museum with artifacts dating back to the earliest
settlement in the region. We hate to admit that
we were equally impressed with the incredibly modern Safeway with American,
French, Jordanian, Israeli and other brands available for purchase. They
even had Butterball turkeys! The selection was at least as good as at our
local Safeway, and the escalator takes you upstairs to a mini mall.
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Madaba,
Mt. Nebo |
If you have seen pictures of the Madaba Map, you have
to stop in Madaba to see the original. Here, at the Greek Orthodox Church
of St. George, is the earliest surviving map of the Holy Land, created
about 560 C.E. Contrary to the usual pictures, this mosaic is not of just
Jerusalem, but of the entire area. It shows an amazingly accurate picture
of Jerusalem and the entire region.
Ten miles from Madaba is Mount Nebo. This is the site where Moses
is said to have looked out over the promised land before he dies and was buried.
Here there are ruins of a fourth and sixth century church
whose mosaic floor is still beautiful. It is protected today by a building
constructed by the Franciscans, who began excavating here in 1933. On a
clear day, you will have an outstanding view of the Jordan Valley, the
Dead Sea, and maybe even the spires of Jerusalem in the distance.
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| Kerak |
The King's Highway is one of the oldest trade routes
in the world and runs for more than 200 miles through Jordan. Traveling
on it from Amman to Petra one comes to Kerak. An ancient walled city with
the ruins of a 12th-century Crusader castle, today it also houses a
small archaeological museum.
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| Petra |
The most famous attraction in Jordan is the ancient Nabatean
city of Petra. To reach the city, visitors travel on horseback, on foot,
or by horse-drawn carriage through the Siq,
a winding, one-kilometer-long fissure in rose-red sandstone cliffs
over 300 feet high. At its end,
the Siq emerges into a sunlit canyon surrounded on all sides by magnificent
cliffs into which the Nabateans carved hundreds of temples, tombs, burial
chambers, dining halls, baths, staircases and other amazing structures.
The site had all its water piped in through clay water channels you can
still see in the Siq. When Romans captured the site, they built more temples
and a Roman theater seating 3,000. If you saw Indiana Jones and the Last
Crusade, you will recognize Petra as the site where the final scenes were
filmed.
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