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Via Dolorosa

Jerusalem travel guide

The Via Dolorosa, or the Way of Sorrows, is believed to be the route that Jesus took on his way to his crucifixion. This route marks the 14 stations in the Way of the Cross, from the first station where Jesus was condemned to death by Pilate, to the last station where he was laid in the Holy Sepulchre.

These stations follow the order of events that is mentioned in the gospels. The last five stations are located inside the church itself and signalize the stations of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The first eight stations are marked along the street, which goes up from the Muslim Quarter, near the Lions Gate, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at the Christian Quarter.

Information:

Visitors can join the official prayer procession every Friday afternoon, which goes along the Via Dolorosa, from the first station and up to the Holy Sepulchre. The Christian Information Center, located at the Old City, can provide further information regarding Christian sites, Tel: 972-2-6272692.

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The Western Wall Virtual tour – Visit the Kotel

The Western Wall also called the Wailing wall, is the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount, the one that was closest to the Holy of Holies when the Temple stood. 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. http://www.inisrael.com/news/?p=55

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.

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.

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