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Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City
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Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem’s Old City

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The Hurva Synagogue is located in the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City. The synagogue was built in the 18th century, and has gone through many upheavals: It was destroyed by Muslims, rebuilt in the 19th century, destroyed again, and in 1948 – after the Old City was occupied – it was renovated yet again, and it was reopened in March 2010.

A sound and light show is screened on the structure’s eastern wall, surveying the synagogue’s 800-year history (the show is presented free of charge in the evening hours).

The Hurva Synagogue is named after Rabbi Yehuda he-Hasid, who headed Poland’s Jewish community in the 18th century. Rabbi Yehuda he-Hasid immigrated to the land of Israel, with his students, some 300 years ago, to advance the Messianic Era. The rabbi and his students bought an abandoned plot on which to build a synagogue, financed by loans which they used to pay the landowners. Rabbi Yehuda he-Hasid died just days after an acquisition agreement was reached; his students remained a flock without a shepherd, but were able to raise funds from the Diaspora and take out loans from local Arab residents in order to continue the plan to construct a splendid synagogue. After some twenty years, Muslims set the synagogue and the Torah scrolls in it ablaze, claiming that they were not paid what they had been owed, and that the place had become The Ruin of Yehuda he-Hasid. Because of the debt, the Ashkenazi Jews were expelled from Jerusalem and those who wanted to enter the city had to disguise themselves as Sephardic Jews – in dress and style – so as not to be identified.

After 140 years, during Turkish rule, the decree against Ashkenazi Jews was reversed and construction of the synagogue was renewed, funded by Moses Montefiore and Baron Alphonse, a brother of Baron Edmond Benjamin James de Rothschild. The structure of the splendid synagogue was planned in the neo-Byzantine style, which characterized many houses of worship throughout the Ottoman Empire and included four square towers with four 16-meters arches between them. Over the arches rose a large, spectacular dome. The synagogue became a spiritual center in Jerusalem’s Old City, until the 1948 War of Independence. During the war, the synagogue was bombed, the structure collapsed and was destroyed, and only two pillars remained standing. After the 1967 Six Day War, as part of renovation activities in the Jewish Quarter, wide-spread construction work commenced, alongside archaeological digs in which artifacts from different eras were discovered, including: Mikvehs (ritual baths) from the time of the Second Temple and a street from the Byzantine Period, which are displayed in the synagogue basement. The synagogue was inaugurated and reopened on March 15, 2010.

Har Sinai alley and the Great Synagogue

Har Sinai alley and the Great Synagogue

There are a number of popular nighttime eateries in the Har Sinai alley that wraps around the Great Synagogue of Tel Aviv. There is great food and a cool place to hang out in the evening. There is a Shishko Resto-Bar where you can dine. A Balkan influence can be found in its cuisine. You can also find tasty dishes at the other spots - Eyal Shani's Port Said restaurant is located near the Great Synagogue with a variety of dishes offered at discounted prices with a focus on quality ingredients, while Thailandit offers relaxed entertainment, the food remains spicy, challenging in a good way, and faithful to the original. You can walk towards the Harbaa Street, Shenkin Street, Rothchild Boulevard from Allenby, which is on the other side of the synagogue...

The Ben Gurion Promenade, a 3.5 km long path overlooking Nahal Zin

The Ben Gurion Promenade, a 3.5 km long path overlooking Nahal Zin

The Ben Gurion Promenade, a 3.5 km long path in Israel, has been inaugurated. It connects the former residence of the first Prime Minister of Israel to his grave overlooking Nahal Tzin and was based on his morning walk. The second and final phase of the project was completed recently, making it accessible to travelers on foot or by bicycle, with benches, drinking fountains, and explanatory signs along the way. The boardwalk was announced by the previous Minister of Tourism as a step towards realizing Ben-Gurion's vision for the flourishing of the Negev. The regional council hopes the promenade will attract more visitors while maintaining peace and cleanliness. The Ben Gurion Promenade is located in the desert area of Sde Boker in Israel. It offers breathtaking views of the Nahal Zin, the Zin Valley, and the Zinin Cliff. Travelers can enjoy a scenic walking route along the cliff, which was the path of Ben Gurion's morning walk. The area is filled with rugged and dramatic landscapes, characterized by cliffs, canyons, and unique rock formations. Along the route, there are several shady corners, benches, and drinking fountains, making it a comfortable place to rest and take in the views. The promenade is designed to pay respect to the legacy of David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, and the area is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The temperatures in Sde Boker, where the Ben Gurion Promenade is located, can vary throughout the year. Summers can be very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in July and August, and occasionally reaching 40°C (104°F) or more. Winters are generally mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 16°C (60°F) to 20°C (68°F) and cooler nighttime temperatures that can drop to around 5°C (41°F) or lower. Spring and fall tend to be the most pleasant times to visit, with mild and comfortable temperatures during the day and cool temperatures at night. However, visitors should always come prepared for changes in temperature and weather conditions, especially if planning to hike or spend extended periods outdoors.

The Baha'i gardens in Haifa

The Baha'i gardens in Haifa

The Baha'i gardens in Haifa are made up of nineteen tiered gardens (terraces) starting at the top of Mount Carmel and ending at its foot. The central axis around which the gardens were designed points towards Acre, a city of great historical and religious significance for the Bahá'ís. In the heart of the gardens stands the temple of the Báb with its golden dome, the resting place of the prophet-forerunner of the Bahá'í religion. The different parts of the gardens offer a variety of views and sensations, but all are united by a common language of gravel paths, designed shrubs and flower beds, which are nurtured and cared for by a dedicated team of gardeners. From the gardens there is a spectacular panoramic view of the city, the Galilee mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The Bahá'í Gardens are religious sites open to the general public free of charge. As is customary on sites of this type, visitors are asked to dress in modest clothing that covers the shoulders and reaches to the knees and without tears, to help keep the site clean and beautiful, and to behave in a manner that considers the sensitivities of others. Dress Code: Please wear clothes that cover the shoulders and reach to the knees and without tears. Due to the cobblestone paths and sidewalks that can be slippery, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes with good grip. In the summer months, we recommend wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. Photography is allowed, except inside the temples. Food and drinks Visitors are encouraged to bring bottles of water with them. Drinking other beverages, eating food, chewing gum, and smoking are prohibited in the gardens. Main entrance Sderot Zion 80 048313131

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