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.