A Guide to Jewish Sites in Israel

For over 3,000 years, Israel has been closely associated with Jewish life and history. From the miracles witnessed in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem to the mystical revelations in Safed, Israel is a place for the soul as well as for the senses. Israel offers a variety of vistas, climates and activities with its mountains and beaches, deserts and forests. A good tour of Israel incorporates these varied elements and locations. The following is a sample tour that includes excursions to the major areas of historical and cultural interest. Obviously, the longer you want to take for the trip the better, but this trip can be completed in 7-10 days.

Diaspora Museum

After you arrive in Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and relax, you will want to go the Diaspora Museum which depicts thousands of years of Jewish life around the globe, from the shtetls in Eastern Europe to the communities in Medieval Spain, these exhibits recreate worlds of the ancient and not so distant past. Included among the permanent exhibits are original copies of Psalms in Ladino, a hypothetical Jewish family tree spanning generations and continents and priceless artifacts from everyday life. Also included are exhibits on the Holocaust.

Cesarea

Next on the agenda is an excursion to the Roman city of Caesarea, built by Herod. This city contains many archeological treasures including original pillars, an aqueduct and an imposing Roman theatre, one of the largest in the world, which is the location for many summertime concerts. Take a walk over the drawbridge into Crusader City, built by the Crusaders in the 13th century. Not everything in Casearea is ancient; the Ralli Museum of Modern Art houses 20th century art, including a sculpture by Salvadore Dali

Haifa

Take a trip to Haifa, Israel’s third largest city and northern capital. The majestic white cliffs of Carmel Mountain tower over the Mediterranean Sea. On the East side is Mt. Hermon. Take time to enjoy the many theatres, museums, restaurants and beaches. There are many breathtaking nature walks in the surrounding forests, or take a stroll in the Botanical Gardens.

Safed

Mystical Safed is known as the highest point in Israel, physically and perhaps spiritually. The great kabbalists and mystics inhabited this city in the 15th century after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. One of the greatest sages was Rabbi Isaac Luria, also called “Ha Ari” meaning “The Lion”. His synagogue still stands close to the center of the Old City. Joseph Caro, who wrote the Code of Jewish Law and Solomon Al Kabetz, author of the Shabbat hymn “Lecha Dodi” were also closely connected with Safed. Today, you can attend a lecture in Kabbala at Ascent of Safed, or simply explore the winding cobblestone streets. Safed is known also for its many artists; you can find high quality paintings and Judaica at reasonable prices.

Meron

If you have time for another excursion in the area, go to Meron, the burial place of famed Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, author of the Zohar. Legend has it that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai composed the Zohar with his son, Eleazer, as they hid from the Romans in a cave in Pequin. Every year on Lag B Omer, thousands flock to Meron in a mass pilgrimage to the gravesite of this holy Rabbi.

Golan

For something different, tour the natural beauty of the Golan with its rare flora and spectacular wildlife, including wolves, gazelles and unusual squirrels. The hills of the Golan are quite striking, and it was on these hills that Jewish resistance fighters defended their territory from Roman invasions.

Tiberias

Tiberias was a Roman city built by Herod Antipas and named after the Emperor, Tiberius. There are 17 natural hot springs in the area. The land was originally given to Naphtali, and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish High Court) was located here during the Second Temple Period. It was in Tiberias that the mishna was composed under the guidance of Yehuda haNasi, as well as the Jerusalem Talmud in 400 C.E. The Rambam, the great codifier of Jewish law, is buried in Tiberias, and Rabbi Akiva is believed to be buried on Rehov Yochanan Ben Zakkai. Tiberias is located on 32 miles of shoreline, with the Sea of Galilee bringing most of the city’s fresh water. If you have time, enjoy the hot springs in the neighboring city of Hamnat.

Jerusalem: Old City

Jerusalem combines the best of modern and ancient life and contains within its history the greatest triumphs and tragedies of the Jewish People. As you come into the Old City, you will see a large arch from the wall of the Great Hurva synagogue that was built in the 16th century, destroyed by the Ottomans, and rebuilt in the 1850s only to be damaged in the war of 1948. Visit the synagogue of the Ramban, who revived Jewish life in Jerusalem after the devastating Crusades. As you walk around the Cardo, you will see columns which are from the Herodian Period (37 B.C.E.-70 C.E). Make your way to the Western Wall, the holiest Jewish site in the world. Feel the smooth stones, say psalms, and put a letter in the cracks between the stones. You will also want to visit the tomb of King David.

Dead Sea and Masada

On the last few days of your trip, it is worth making an excursion to the Judean desert and the Dead Sea. Immerse in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, which have been so famed throughout the centuries for their curative properties that Cleopatra wanted to own the entire territory. The Dead Sea is located 400 meters below sea level and contains mainly salt. Ironically, its very barrenness provides therapeutic salts for all kinds of ailments. The famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the local caves by Bedouin shepherds. These texts were composed by mystical hermits, and have fascinated scholars and laymen for decades. Take a cable car to Masada, the last Jewish outpost before the Roman conquest was completed in 73 C.E., or ascend the many steps to the fortress where it is alleged that 1,000 Jewish rebels took their own lives rather than submit to Roman capture.

Jerusalem: New City

A day or two before flying home, return to Jerusalem for a tour of the New City. The Israel Museum is worth a visit. There you can get a glimpse of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Shrine of the Book. Take a trip to the Knesset, the Biblical Zoo, the Botanic Gardens, or spend some time in the Orthodox community of Mea Shearim (if you do, be sure to dress modestly). End the day with a visit to the world’s largest Holocaust Memorial, Yad Vashem, which contains extensive archives, artifacts and photos from the Holocaust. Visit the Hall of Names commemorating the victims or listen to videotaped tales of survivors.

After completing your tour of Jerusalem, return to Tel Aviv for a day of shopping or a night on the town before flying home.