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Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem
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Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem

Jerusalem travel guide

The Rockefeller Museum is located in East Jerusalem, opposite Herod’s Gate. The museum was designed by renowned British architect Austen St. Barbe Harrison in the 1930s. In his beautifully impressive architectural design, Harrison successfully merged east and west. The museum, which opened in 1938, exhibits numerous important historical findings from Jerusalem and around Israel, found mostly during the British Mandate period. Among the items on display: A collection of gold jewelry, Megiddo ivory collection, Lachish letter ostracon and decorated wooden doorposts from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The museum’s exhibit halls have high ceilings, inspired by the Roman halls built around a beautiful courtyard with three different levels.

Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem
Address: Sultan Suleiman 27, Jerusalem (near Herod’s Gate, a short drive from Safra Square, parallel to the Old City walls).
Telephone: 02-628-2251

Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City

Hurva Synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City

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.

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory - JBO

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory - JBO

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory - JBO, houses the Israel national bird-ringing center and is a part of the Israeli Ornithological Center of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI). The JBO strives to protect urban wildlife sites. All of its Ecological, research, and educational activities are non-profit. The JBO is located in the center of Jerusalem near the Knesset. Visitors can stop by for an eco-experience. Bird watching and presentation about bird migration in Israel is available for tourists visiting as groups or individuals. The JBO provides Israeli students, particularly children living in Jerusalem and other urban areas, with a unique opportunity to experience the environment first-hand. Student activities include "close encounters" with ringed birds, birdwatching tours, a birdwatching club, lectures about bird life, nature conservation, and presentations of current research being conducted at the JBO. Meetings may will include a bird walk followed by a lecture or video presentation on a wide variety of topics relating to birds such as the wonders of migration, how birds fly, raptors of Israel and more and may feature a variety of guest speakers. Some presentations will be in English and are open to all – beginner to experienced. Most meetings will start at the Bird Observatory although a couple will start in other locations. A schedulue will be provided on registration.

Exploring the History and Beauty of the Jerusalem Walls Ramparts Walk

Exploring the History and Beauty of the Jerusalem Walls Ramparts Walk

Jerusalem is a city that is rich in history, culture, and religious significance. One of the most impressive features of this ancient city is its walls. The Jerusalem Walls Ramparts Walk is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. In this article, we will explore the history of the Jerusalem walls and provide some useful information for visitors who are planning to take the Ramparts Walk. History of the Jerusalem Walls The Jerusalem Walls are a series of fortifications that were built to protect the city from invaders. The first walls were constructed by King David around 1000 BCE. However, the most famous walls were built by Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Sultan, in the 16th century. The walls are about 4 kilometers long and are made of stone. They are between 10 and 15 meters high, with eight gates and a number of towers and bastions. Over the centuries, the walls have undergone significant restoration and reconstruction. Today, they are a testament to the city's long and fascinating history. The Ramparts Walk The Ramparts Walk is a unique way to experience the Jerusalem Walls. It is a walk along the top of the walls, which provides stunning views of the city and its surroundings. The walk is about 2.5 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Along the way, visitors can see some of the most important landmarks in the city, including the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Ramparts Walk is divided into two parts: the northern and southern sections. The northern section starts at the Jaffa Gate and ends at the Damascus Gate. This section offers spectacular views of the Christian and Muslim quarters of the Old City. The southern section starts at the Tower of David and ends at the Dung Gate. This section offers great views of the Jewish Quarter and the Temple Mount. Tips for Visitors If you are planning to take the Ramparts Walk, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing – The walk can be challenging, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Bring water – It can get hot on the walls, so bring plenty of water. Respect the holy sites – The walls provide views of some of the most important religious sites in the world. Be respectful of these sites and the people who worship there. Be prepared for security checks – The walls are a popular tourist attraction, and security is tight. Be prepared to go through security checks before you start the walk. Consider hiring a guide – A guide can provide valuable information about the history of the walls and the landmarks you will see along the way. Conclusion The Jerusalem Walls Ramparts Walk is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Jerusalem. The walls are a testament to the city's long and fascinating history, and the Ramparts Walk provides a unique way to experience them. By following these tips, visitors can make the most of their experience and gain a deeper appreciation for this ancient and beautiful city.

Jerusalem - one of a kind
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