KOTEL/ WESTERN WALL (Wailing Wall)
The Kotel (Hebrew: wall) is today the holiest (freely accessible) site in Judaism. Originally, it was the western retaining wall of the Jewish temple destroyed in 70 CE. Currently it is the closest place to the former temple where Jews are allowed to pray. The name Wailing Wall originated in the Middle Ages (among non-Jews), due to the assumption that Jews were mourning the loss of their Temple in Jerusalem. Since the reunification of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day-War, connoisseurs use only the name Western Wall. Recommendation: take time, go alone (i.e., not in a group) and open your heart. Highlight: a promise for non-Jews God's promise and Solomon's prayer for foreigners: 1 Kings 8:41-43 "And when strangers who are not of your people Israel hear of you and come from distant lands to worship your name-for they will hear of you and your mighty wonders and your power-when they pray turned to this house, hear them in heaven where you dwell, and give them whatever they ask." 1 Kings 9:3 "And the LORD said to him: I have heard your prayer and your supplication, which you prayed before me. I have sanctified this house that you have built, to make my name dwell there forever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there always."
TEMPLE MOUNT
The Temple Mount Har ha-Bayit (Hebrew) is a hill in southeastern Jerusalem called Mount Moriah according to Jewish tradition. On its summit is an artificial plateau of about 14 hectares, in the center of which stood Solomon's Temple and later the Herodian Temple. The latter was destroyed to the foundations by the Romans in 70 CE. According to Halacha (Jewish law), it is the only place, where the Third Temple could be built in the future. Since the 7th century AD, the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsā Mosque are located here. As the holiest site of all Jews and the third holiest of Muslims, the Temple Mount is one of the most controversial holy sites in the world. Shortly after the start of the Six-Day-War in 1967, Israeli troops conquered the Old City of Jerusalem as well as the Temple Mount. Today, Israel controls access and provides security on the Temple Mount, and the Waqf Authority (an Islamic foundation funded by Jordan) manages the area and the holy sites. Since 1967, visiting all of Jerusalem's holy sites is theoretically possible for members of all religions. In concrete terms, this looks as follows: - Access to the Temple Mount is available to Muslims at all times through eight gates on the north and west sides of the site. - Jews and Christians have access only through the Mughrabi Bridge and the Moroccan Gate near the Western Wall. Entry is permitted only after security checks; outside Muslim prayer times and only from Sunday to Thursday between 7:30-10:30 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m. In addition, bringing religious books and cult objects of any kind and holding prayers of any other religion than the Islam is prohibited in the entire area. The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque must not be entered by non-Muslims. Thus, the actual current situation is that Jews are not allowed to pray at their holiest site in their land.
HURVA SYNAGOGUE
The name Hurva means "ruin". The synagogue was destroyed several times, the last time by the Jordanians in the 1948 War of Independence. It was rebuilt again after the Six-Days-War and today it is not only the largest and most magnificent synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, but also one of the most beautiful in the world - and a testimony to the renewal of the Jewish settlement in Jerusalem.
SHORASHIM SHOP
A must-see: a special store (on the square in front of Hurva Synagogue), to get to know Israel better. There are not only valuable books, special maps and beautiful jewelry, but it is also a place to meet and learn. Moshe Kempinski, the owner brings you closer to Judaism, Israel and the Tanach.
CITY WALL
The Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded by a city wall from the 16th century. A part of it is walkable and offers a nice and original way to get an overview. Entrance and tickets next to the Jaffa Gate. A task and a goal from the Bible: Isaiah 62, 6-7 "Jerusalem, on your walls I have stationed guards, whose duty it is to speak out day and night, without resting. They must remind the Lord and not let him rest till he makes Jerusalem strong and famous everywhere."
FRIENDS OF ZION - MUSEUM
The Friends of Zion Museum (located at 20 Yosef Rivlin St., Jerusalem) tells the powerful stories of extraordinary women and men, who saw it as their mission to be a blessing to Jews and Israel. They were even willing to risk their lives to save lives and to contribute to the miracle of Israel. The exhibits tell the entire story of Israel from Abraham through World War II to the establishment of Israel. It is the story of the dream of restoring the Jewish people to their historic homeland. Audio tours are available in 16 languages.
AMMUNITION HILL
This site on the western slope of Mount Scopus was a fortified Jordanian military post in the northern part of Jordanian-ruled East Jerusalem. It was the scene of one of the fiercest battles of the 1967 Six-Day-War. Today it is a national memorial. Trenches and armored vehicles give some of the atmosphere of that time. The museum (especially the film "The Battle for Jerusalem") conveys and explains the miracle of the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem.
YAD VASHEM
Yad Vashem is a memorial to European Jewry destroyed in the Holocaust. It was intended to become a "monument to the will of the Jewish people to live and to fight, emphasizing their ability to endure the most severe and bitter trials that human history has ever imposed on a people" The name of the memorial, Yad Vashem, comes from the Book of Isaiah 56; 5: “to them I will give … a memorial (Yad) and … an everlasting name (Shem) that will endure forever.” The mission of Yad Vashem is to lead the documentation, research, education and commemoration of the Holocaust. This includes remembering the six million Jews murdered, the Jewish communities destroyed and the ghetto and resistance fighters, as well as honoring the Righteous among the Nations, who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The 180-meter-long building bores through the mountain like a wedge; its uppermost edge - a skylight - protrudes from the crest. Across disciplines, the history of the Holocaust is highlighted here through original artifacts, personal belongings and eyewitness accounts from survivors. At the end of the historical overview in the museum is the Hall of Names, where the memorial sheets for millions of Holocaust victims are kept. Finally, one arrives at an observation terrace that reveals a panoramic view of Jerusalem - the prospect of a better future. The Memorial Day for the Martyrs and Heroes of the Holocaust (Hebrew "Yom HaShoah") is a national day of remembrance in Israel which, according to Jewish tradition, begins at sunset on the 27th of Nisan and ends in the evening of the following day.
ISRAEL MUSEUM
The Israel Museum is the national museum of Israel and ranks internationally among the leading museums of fine art and archaeology. It has one of the world's most extensive archaeological collections on the Bible and history of the Holy Land and with the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest biblical manuscripts in the world (especially the Book of Isaiah). Here you can marvel and discover for hours.
ISRAEL TODAY NEWS AGENCY - EDITORIAL OFFICE
"Israel Today" is a Jerusalem-based news agency that offers a mix of information, interviews, inspiration and daily life in Israel. Israel Today's mission is to be the definitive source for truthful, balanced perspectives on Israel; and to provide timely news directly from Jerusalem. Interested parties are welcome to get in touch and visit the office in central Jerusalem. Editor-in-Chief Aviel Schneider's lectures on current issues are exciting and offer compelling, in-depth analyses of current events. PS: Brigitte also is writing articles for Israel Today.
JERUSALEM THEATRE
The Jerusalem Theatre was founded in 1971 and is one of Israel's largest arts and cultural centers, bringing together the arts of the stage and screen as well as the visual arts. The theatre also has a coffee house, a book and music store, and spacious foyers that are often used for art exhibitions and concerts. Become a Jerusalemite for an evening and enjoy culture at a high level. For example, in the international language of music at a concert.
HOTEL BEZALEL
A wonderful accommodation in the center of Jerusalem. Good location, great service, delicious breakfast buffet, but most of all very friendly, competent and helpful staff. One has the feeling of being a guest and not just a customer. If you don't feel like going eating in the evening, you are very well served with the dish and snacks from the happy hour. And an absolute highlight is the very nice roof terrace. We loved this boutique hotel.
RESTAURANT MARGO
Margo is where excellent service, brilliant cuisine and creativity come together. And while you are still enjoying the explosion of flavors on your tongue and the original combinations, you are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity with which you are treated. Although it was our first time here, we felt like we were with friends. Ezekiel, the brilliant chef, even gave us a wonderful additional dish to try. We were excited.