Yad Vashem
If there is a more moving and powerful museum experience in the world, weve yet to encounter it. This memorial to the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis is sobering, of course, but its also beautiful and uplifting. The museums name was taken from Isaiah 56:5 and me
Western Wall
The builders of the Western Wall could never have fathomed that one day their massive creation would be an important religious shrine. Indeed, when it was built some 2000 years ago this most holy of all Jewish sites was merely a retaining wall supporting the outer portion of Temple
Israel Museum
One of Israels most impressive cultural assets, this splendid museum gives an excellent grounding in the regions 5000 years of history in its huge archaeological wing and has another equally impressive wing concentrating on Jewish art and life. But thats not all – the fine arts win
Dome of the Rock
The jewel in the Temple Mount crown is the gold-plated Dome of the Rock, the enduring symbol of the city and undoubtedly one of the most photographed buildings on earth. As its name suggests, the dome covers a slab of stone sacred to both the Muslim and Jewish faiths. According to
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Christendoms most important church huddles amidst souqs on the edge of the Christian and Muslim Quarters. For the past 16 centuries Christian pilgrims have arrived at this spot from every corner of the globe, and while the church building itself may not look particularly regal or a
City of David
Excavations at this site started in the 1850s and are ongoing, proof of how rich an archaeological find it was. The oldest part of Jerusalem, it was a settlement during the Canaanite period and was captured by David, who is said to have brought the Ark of the Covenant here 3000 yea
Discover Jerusalem and the Holy Land
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old City. Photo © Sean Pavone/123rf.
Calls to prayer echo out over valleys and rooftops. The ringing of church bells and the wailing siren for Shabbat are omnipresent. This is a city of religious pilgrimages and a land of ancient stories, where even t
Visiting Jerusalem: When to Go and What to Bring
Sensible shoes are a must, both for cobblestone streets and rough terrain at popular sights. Photo © Paul Arps, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
When to Go to Jerusalem and the Holy Land
There are distinct high and low seasons in this region. The high season is in April-October (approx
Where to Go in Jerusalem and the Holy Land
View of Tel Aviv from the shore of the Mediterranean. Photo © sepavo/123rf.
Knowing how to spend your time and where to go is crucial when traveling in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. There is so much to see and do that you could stay occupied for one week in just one region. No matter what othe
Tips for Shopping in Jerusalem's Old City
The market in Old City Jerusalem. Photo © IsraelTourism, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Shopping in the Old City can be a fun or intimidating experience. In many cases, aggressive shop owners won’t allow you more than two seconds to glance at their products before pushing you to buy. It is
Journey through Jerusalem: A 10-Day Travel Itinerary
The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem. Photo © Dierk Schaefer, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Though 10 days is just enough to scratch the surface of what Jerusalem has to offer, this section maps out a travel strategy that lays heavy emphasis on archaeological sites alongside new attractions
Via Dolorosa: Following the Last Steps of Jesus
The old square stone here is said to bear the handprint of Jesus. Photo © Michael Panse, licensed Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivatives.
Via Dolorosa is a numbered trail that winds through the Old City, marking locations of significant moments during Jesus’ journey bearing the cross he
Jerusalem History: The First and Second Temples
The Second Temple courtyard, also known as the Wailing Wall, the Kotel, or the Western Wall. Photo © Des Runyan, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
No visitor to Jerusalem can escape hearing references to the First Temple and the Second Temple, which refer to historical time periods when
Understanding Jerusalem's Restaurant Culture
Rooftop dining at the Notre Dame Hotel. Photo © Elaine, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Dining out in Jerusalem is a fun diversion and there are some genuinely wonderful gastronomic experiences to be had, but deciphering the unique rules of Jerusalem restaurants is a challenge. The fol
A Guide to Free Saturday Tours in Jerusalem
A road in the Old City leading toward Jaffa Gate. Photo © Brian Jeffery Beggerly, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Saturday is one of the best days of the week to go on a free tour in Jerusalem. Most of the city shuts down and doesn’t start opening again until late Saturday evening so there
The Mount of Olives: My Most Memorable Experience in Jerusalem
View from the Mount of Olives. Photo © Eve Chafarnski/123rf.
While I was working on Moon Jerusalem & the Holy Land, I explored nearly every corner of the city. As a resident, it was easy to spend a few hours each day in a different part, and even when I wasn’t working, I’d go on adventure
Doing business & staying in touch while in Israel
Israel: Doing business & staying in touch
Israel Weather, Climate and Geography
Israel Weather, climate and geography
Israel History, Language and Culture
Israel History, Language and Culture
Israel Travel Guide and Travel Information
Israel Travel Guide
