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Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem

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

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Virtual Tour - The Western Wall of Jerusalem

The holiest Jewish site in the world and a renowned symbol of Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall is a remnant of the retaining wall built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, to encompass the Second Temple enclosure. As the only remainder of their sacred, destroyed Temple, Jewish people from all over the world, throughout two thousands years of exile, have faced the direction of the Western Wall on their prayers. It is a Jewish belief that the Holy Presence has never left the Western Wall, thus it became the most significant site of Jewish pilgrimage, where Jews came to mourn the ruin of the Temple. This is how the Wall, "Ha'kotel" in Hebrew, has gained the name - the "Wailing Wall". The big plaza in front of the Wall is divided into two sections - one for women and one for men. Here you can observe different kinds of Jewish activities and prayers, from orthodox Jews dressed in black reading their bible, to Israeli soldiers and groups of Jewish tourists. Leaning against the Wall and kissing the stones, the prayers' most famous custom is to insert a note with a prayer to God between the Wall's bricks, believing in its priority to be answered. The Western Wall serves as a favorite location for Jewish traditional celebrations, and gets amazingly alive on Friday eve (the arrival of Sabbath) and on Jewish holidays. While visiting the Kotel you may see a Bar Mitzvah kid holding the Torah on his traditional ceremony, or an excited bride & groom being photographed before their wedding. Information: The Western Wall is open 24 hours, and requires a modest dress for women and a head cover for the men. Admission is free. The closest gate to enter the Old City directly to the Wall is the Dung Gate. Buses No. 1 and 2 reach inside the Old City to the area of the Wall.

Discovering Abu Gosh: A Historic Village of Hummus, Music and Monasteries

Abu Gosh is a lovely, picturesque village located in the Judean Hills, off a winding road between Tel Avi and Jerusalem, dating back some 6,000 years. The village is situated on a mountainside and serves as a tourist attraction, drawing in many visitors. The village is particularly famous for its hummus restaurants. You may not reach the original Abu Shukri restaurant, but there are many restaurants serving authentic and particularly tasty food throughout the village, at affordable prices. Aside from the famous restaurants, twice a year – during Sukkot and Shavuot - the village holds a vocal music festival. The festival hosts choirs from across the country and around the world, which perform in the village's monasteries. The village has a number of guest houses, gift shops, candle shops and glassware stores. The atmosphere in the village is unique, as it serves as a meeting point for the three religions: Jewish Israelis and tourists from around the world visit the Muslim village in order to hear music at a Christian church. During Biblical times the village was called Kiryat Ye'arim. The Ark of the Covenant was placed there and it was a site for religious rituals. Later, during the Byzantine period, a church was built on the highest point in the village. This church was destroyed during the Persian occupation, and The Church of Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant - which features a large statue of the Virgin Mary - was built on its ruins. These days, nuns live in the church and twice a year, during Sukkot and Shavuot, it hosts choirs from across Israel and around the world during the vocal music festival. According to Christian belief, Abu Gosh is where Jesus appeared following his resurrection. During the Crusader period a church and stunning monastery were built in the village, which have been preserved to this day. The Benedictine Monastery is surrounded by a huge, lovely garden with ancient olive trees, an orchard and grapevines. The monastery's interior walls feature frescos that were drawn during the thirteenth century, and a spring flows from the monastery's crypt. The site also houses a ceramics and candle factory, operated by the monks. Six daily prayer sessions are held at the monastery, from 5:30 A.M.-8:30 P.M., and visitors are encouraged to visit during one of the sessions, for the unique opportunity to hear prayer songs performed in an 800-year-old church. Monastery Visiting Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday: 8:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.

Yearim Hotel - A Tranquil Retreat in the Heart of Israel's Natural Beauty

As an American traveler visiting the Yearim Hotel, I was truly captivated by the serene and enchanting atmosphere that awaited me. Nestled atop one of the highest peaks in the Jerusalem Hills, this hotel offers a remarkable retreat immersed in Israel's breathtaking natural beauty. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a genuine desire to ensure my stay was nothing short of exceptional. The Deluxe Room, named Shaked, provided all the comforts I needed for a relaxing stay. Equipped with a mini-bar, private safe, cable television, coffee-making facilities, and reliable Wi-Fi, it effortlessly combined modern amenities with a touch of elegance. What truly stood out was the hotel's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to hospitality standards. It was evident in every aspect of my stay, from the immaculate surroundings to the courteous and knowledgeable staff. Whether it was offering insightful recommendations about the local culture and nature or ensuring a seamless experience, their professionalism was commendable. One of the highlights of my visit was the hotel's spa, a haven of tranquility. With its heated, covered swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and an extensive menu of indulgent treatments, it was the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. I particularly enjoyed the massage beds, which provided a blissful escape from the outside world. Traveling with my family, I was delighted to find that the hotel catered to all age groups. The children's club offered creative games, puzzles, and engaging activities, keeping the little ones entertained and allowing us to fully relax and savor our time together. Dining at the hotel's meticulously kept dining room was an absolute delight. Overlooking the awe-inspiring landscape of the Jerusalem Hills, each meal was a culinary journey complemented by the impeccable service. Every bite seemed to capture the essence of the region, leaving me with a profound appreciation for the rich flavors and traditions of Israel. As an American visitor, I found the Yearim Hotel to be a true gem that effortlessly blended tranquility, nature, and top-notch hospitality. Its location, perched atop the hills, provided an unobstructed view that left me in awe of the surrounding beauty. I departed with a renewed sense of energy, feeling deeply connected to Israel's rich history and enchanted by its unchanging corners. If you're seeking a serene and unforgettable getaway in Israel, I wholeheartedly recommend the Yearim Hotel. Its remarkable ambiance, impeccable service, and unwavering dedication to creating an exceptional guest experience will undoubtedly leave you feeling inspired, refreshed, and longing to return.

Jerusalem - one of a kind

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