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Archives for July 2023

Your Guide to Yad Vashem: Israel’s Holocaust Museum

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One of the essential museums all visitors to Israel need to visit is Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. It’s different from other Holocaust museums, and well worth your time. Here are the details you need to know to plan your visit.

*Please note that children under 10 are not permitted to visit the museum.

Opening Dates and Times

The museum is open Sunday-Thursday from 8:30am-5:00pm. Yad Vashem closes early at 2:00pm on Fridays, and is closed entirely on Saturdays for Shabbat, plus all Jewish holidays. Keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Admission & Reservations

Admission to the museum is free to all visitors. However, advance reservations are required, whether you are visiting solo or with a group. You can use their online reservation system here.

Location

Yad Vashem is located just outside of downtown Jerusalem and is accessible by car or public transportation. Visitors can take the light rail from Jerusalem to the Mount Herzl stop, or take the Line 91 bus to Yefeh Nof stop and walk downhill to the museum.

Highlights of the Museum

The World that Was Exhibit: The first exhibit you’ll encounter is a film projected on the wall of Jewish life before the Holocaust. Everyone living today has the benefit of hindsight and knows what the Jews in the early 20th century were about to experience. But this exhibit is an important reminder that they were innocent in that they had no idea what was about to happen to them and everyone they knew.

The Progression: The next several exhibits show the slow but steady progression of Hitler’s “final solution,” and how the Jews lost their rights, homes, possessions, and dignity bit by bit. But these exhibits also highlight how life went on. Children made toys, adults made board games, music continued, people kept writing. The Jews kept living even as their families, and neighbors, were sent to concentration camps and murdered.

Return to Life: This exhibit is unique in that it’s not a part of the Holocaust that people learn about in school, or that’s written about in books. It’s the rebuilding of the survivors’ lives. This part of the museum shows the difficulty in finding lost family members, re-nourishing their bodies without killing themselves in the process, and finding a place to live when they could not return to any kind of home.

Many survivors were sent to what were called “DP (Displaced Persons) Camps,” which were just repurposed concentration camps. Finding a place for the survivors to rebuild their lives led to the creation of what is now officially considered Israel.

The Hall of Names: This is one of the most moving exhibits in the museum, because they’ve put together faces and names of 600 Jews who did not survive the Holocaust. That is only 0.01% of the 6 million who died. In this hall are also “Pages of Testimony,” in which there are biographies of each Holocaust victim.

The Exit: Yad Vashem is quite dark, solemn, and the concrete construction makes it seem very stark. That is, until you see the view of Jerusalem through the trees at the exit. It’s meant to be a glimpse of hope at the end of the gray, triangular tunnel.

For more information, visit their official website here.

The Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

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Tel Aviv is a logical place to base yourself in Israel, at least for a long weekend or a few days. Tel Aviv offers endless restaurant options, beaches, and nightlife here unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s not ideal for every place you want to see in Israel, but it’s a great place to base yourself for these incredible day trips!

The Best Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Old City Jaffa

Okay this one’s easy. It’s literally adjacent to downtown Tel Aviv. You can spend as little or as much time here as you want, depending on your timeframe in Israel. Tel Aviv is very modern and sleek, but Jaffa is the original. It was the main port city in Biblical times, and the place where Jonah fled out to sea while avoiding God’s plan to send him to Nineveh in the Book of Jonah. There may be a whale fountain here to commemorate the event.

But there’s far more here these days than just the old port. Any walking tour will take you past Roman, Ottoman, and Palestinian history. Not into a guided tour? Let yourself get lost (but not too lost—it’s small) in the alleyways of the Old City. The charming shops and restaurants welcome visitors with open arms, and the Ilana Goor Art Museum will appeal to art lovers from around the world. 

Caesarea

About 45 minutes north of Tel Aviv is Caesarea, a Roman port city dating to around 30 B.C. The main draw here is Caesarea National Park. The harbor built by King Herod and the historic amphitheater have been restored, and the most adventurous travelers can even dive in to literally swim through the ruins of the old port city in the Caesarea Underwater Archaeological Museum!

For those who prefer adventures on land, head to the picturesque Aqueduct Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in Israel due to its aqueduct ruins and more local vibe. You can see sections of the aqueduct along its ancient route, but one of the best-preserved stretches is on this beach. 

Caesarea and Haifa can easily be combined into one day trip.

Haifa

Haifa is Israel’s third largest city, after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It’s also the world headquarters for the Baha’i faith. The iconic, 19-level Baha’i Gardens are recognizable, along with the golden dome, and you can take a guided tour to learn more about the site and the Baha’i faith. Just across Haifa Bay is a historic city called Acre (or Akko) and it a worthwhile stop if you’re already in Haifa. 

Haifa itself is over 3,000 years old. It was built on the side of Mount Carmel, which is an important site in several Bible passages. One of the most notable mentions is in 1 Kings 18, when Elijah confronted and defeated the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. You can take a cable car up the mountain to visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, and from there, take a trail to the Cave of Elijah, where he once lived.

Haifa and Caesarea can easily be combined into one day trip.

Valley of Elah

This could easily be a half-day trip, or can be combined with a day trip to Jerusalem if you like. The Valley of Elah is the site where the epic (and short) battle between David and Goliath took place in 1 Samuel 17. Stop at Tel Azeka to take in the view of the battlefield below. If you’re feeling active and have the time, take the trail down into the Valley for a closer look. Take the 1.4-mile Tel Azeka Loop Trail.

The Valley of Elah can easily be combined with a day trip to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem truly deserves more than just a day, but if one day is all you have, you can really cover some ground! Join a walking tour to cover the most ground as efficiently as possible, and also so that you’ll know what you’re looking at and how it all fits together. Be sure to go up to the Mount of Olives (by cab if you need to save time) and take in the view of Jerusalem while you’re there.

When making your Jerusalem plans, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Remember that almost everything closes for Shabbat from Friday afternoon through Saturday, and non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the Temple Mount on Fridays. It’s best to plan your visit from Sunday-Thursday if possible.

A day trip to Jerusalem can easily be combined with a stop at the Valley of Elah.

Sites Not Recommended as Day Trips from Tel Aviv

Basing yourself in Tel Aviv is the perfect way to take advantage of all this modern city has to offer, as well as all the day trips listed above. I do not, however, recommend planning to only stay in Tel Aviv if you want to see the rest of Israel. 

You’ll be spending a disproportionate amount of time in the car or a bus if you do try to see everything while staying solely in Tel Aviv. If you want to visit the Dead Sea, any place in the Negev Desert, or any sites in the Galilee region, it’s best to plan on staying in Jerusalem, or Jerusalem and Galilee, to make the most of your time without feeling rushed. 

5 Things to Know Before You Visit Qumran and the Dead Sea Scroll Caves

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Qumran National Park is on many Israel itineraries, but you may not really know what that is based on the name alone. You are more likely familiar with what it’s known for: The Dead Sea Scrolls. The first of over 1,000 well-preserved scrolls were discovered here in the 1940s. The scrolls were hand-written copies of every book of the Old Testament (with the exception of Esther) dating back well over 2,000 years. Here are a few things you know before you see the caves for yourself.

It’s in the West Bank

This isn’t really a problem, just an issue of geography. Because it’s in the West Bank, you may (or may not) be asked for your passport on your way back across the border. Just make sure you have it with you. The caves and visitor center are about 45 minutes from Jerusalem, near the Dead Sea at Kalya. Unlike other West Bank sites like Bethlehem and Jericho, you don’t need a Palestinian guide or driver to visit.

The Dead Sea Scrolls are… Not Here

It may seem odd, but you won’t find any scrolls here, unless there are some undiscovered others still hidden away. The Dead Sea Scrolls were almost perfectly preserved here, due to the dry and salty climate, but since being discovered, they have moved to a variety of museums and climate-controlled museum warehouses. You can see some of the most intact scrolls in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

The Scrolls were Found by Accident

It’s true. A couple of teenage shepherd boys from the local Ta’amira tribe were tending their goats and sheep around caves in the Qumran area. One of the boys would throw a rock into one of the caves every time he passed it, and he would hear the sound of breaking pottery, which he thought was odd.

When they went inside the cave, they found several large, clay jars. Some of them contained what we now know as the Dead Sea Scrolls. At first no one thought much of them–in fact, some of the scrolls were sold in the Wall Street Journal’s classified ads in 1954! Once people realized their significance, however, everybody and their brother started poking around the caves to see what else was there. The rest is history.

It was Once a “City of Salt” and Home to the Essenes

The site where the Qumran Caves are located was once home to a Jewish sect called the Essenes. When you visit, you’ll see the foundations of buildings, pools for bathing, and other ruined elements of an entire city. These are possibly the people who copied and hid the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the visitor center and museum onsite will give you an idea of who these people were and how they lived.

It’s the Perfect Stop on a Day Trip to the Dead Sea

Qumran is definitely a worthwhile stop on a day trip from Jerusalem, but don’t make it your only stop. On your way here, be sure to stop off at Jericho and/or Jesus’ Baptismal Site (Qasr El-Yahud). Continuing on, you could also visit Ein Gedi and go for a float in the Dead Sea.

Would you like to take a day trip to see where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered?

Everything You Need to Know about Visiting the Dead Sea

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Israel is one of those places that everyone has on their bucket list. It’s unique for so many reasons, including the fact that it’s home to another bucket list item: A trip to the Dead Sea. If this is also on your list of places to go in your lifetime, keep reading. Here are the essentials that you need to know before your visit to the Dead Sea.

It’s One of the Lowest Places on Earth

You will definitely notice your descent on your drive to the Dead Sea. When you reach it, you’ll be a full 427 meters (1,400 feet) below sea level. And if you could go to the bottom of the Dead Sea (which you can’t do because you’ll just float), you would be an additional 306 meters (1,003 feet) down.

It’s One of the Saltiest Places on Earth

How salty is salty? The Dead Sea has 34% salinity, or saltiness. Compare that to the typical ocean at just 3.5%, and you start to realize just how salty that is. The water is so salty and mineral-rich because of the rocks around it (bring water shoes). As the rocks erode into the water over time, the saltiness and minerals are dissolved into the Dead Sea.

Yes, You Really will Float

The massive salinity of the water creates much more buoyancy than non-salty water. So, instead of sinking, or even swimming, you’ll float in the Dead Sea. Also, when you get out, you’ll feel kind of slippery due to the salt content and other minerals in the water.

Yes, You Can Wear Your Bathing Suit

Israel is in the Middle East, so you have to stay covered from head to toe, 24/7, right? Well, no. It’s definitely good to lean on the conservative side when choosing what to wear in most of Israel, but even Middle Eastern countries cut visitors some slack when there’s a beach situation involved. You don’t need to go out and buy a burkini. Maybe leave the string bikini at home, but yes, you can wear your regular bathing suit at the Dead Sea, and anywhere else there is a beach in Israel.

You Can Visit from Israel, the West Bank, or Jordan

The Dead Sea is big. It stretches over 37 miles in length, with Jordan on the east side, and Israel and the West Bank on the west side. The Jordanian side has the nicest resorts and beach areas for longer stays, but the beaches on the west side are great for a float and for the Dead Sea experience. The main beaches all have bathrooms, showers, shops, and restaurants, so you’ll have everything you need for your visit right there.

You Can Visit Other Nearby Sites on the Way

You can make the Dead Sea your entire goal for the day if you want. However, if you’re interested in seeing more along the way, think about putting Qumran, Masada, Ein Gedi, Jesus’ Baptismal Site, or Jericho on your itinerary. These are all easily reached by car, and you can spend as little or as much time as you want at any place.

Pro tip: Save your float in the Dead Sea for the end of your day trip. That way, you can just relax and enjoy the float, plus you won’t be wet during your visit to the other sites on your list.

Is the Dead Sea on your “must go” list for Israel?

How to Visit Jesus’ (Real) Baptismal Site

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There’s a controversy in Israel. Well, there are several controversies in Israel. But there is one very important site for Christians that holds a bit of controversy: Where was Jesus baptized? The interesting thing is that we do know where it happened, but for years, Christians were told it was somewhere else. Curious? Keep reading.

Wait, there’s more than one baptismal site?

Well, yes there is. For many years (and sometimes still), Christian tourists were directed to a place called Yardenit at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. That’s because the actual site in the West Bank, Qasr El-Yahud, was an inaccessible Jordanian military zone. It was literally in the middle of a mine field, making it completely unsafe for tourists.

The misdirection wasn’t intended to be deceptive so much as protective. Christians wanted to see where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, but it was far too dangerous. So they came up with the site in the Galilee region, where Christians were already visiting anyway, because Jesus lived and did so many of his miracles there. It made sense, and it kept the tourists safe.

Today, however, the landmines near the site have been cleared enough that is it perfectly safe to visit. In fact, it’s a great site to include with a day trip that includes Jericho, Masada, the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, etc.

How can I get to Qasr El-Yahud?

This site is in the West Bank, but it is accessible by car (not Israel-licensed rental car). Many tour buses make the trip out here as well. Public buses (961, 966, and 967) all come within 3.5 miles of the site, but you’ll still need transportation to get to the actual Qasr El-Yahud site. It’s best to go with a tour guide who is also a driver so you don’t need to deal with the logistics.

Can I get baptized there?

Yes, you can. Many Christians choose to be baptized, or even re-baptized here. Those who choose to can rent white baptismal clothes from the gift shop and visitor center at the site.

Is this site only for Christians?

Actually, this site just so happens to be an important one in Jewish history as well. According to Joshua 3, this is the site where the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land of Israel after wandering in the desert for 40 years. Many see Jesus’ baptism here as symbolic for that reason.

Can I cross over to the Jordanian side?

Well, yes, but you can’t get there from here. There are three designated crossing points for the Israeli-Jordanian border, none of which is here. You’ll have to cross by land or air (from TLV to AMM), as crossing the Jordan River is prohibited the entire length of the border.

Is Qasr El-Yahud on your must-see list of places to go on your trip to Israel?

What is Masada, and Why Do I Need to Visit?

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While it didn’t necessarily play a role in the life of Jesus or the Jewish history he learned growing up, the mountain-top fortress that is Masada is an important place in Jewish history. It may not be on the top of your list of places to go in Israel (yet), but perhaps it should be. Here is what you need to know about Masada and why you’ll want to see it for yourself.

What is Masada?

Masada is a massive stone fortress on top of a Mesa, overlooking the Dead Sea. It was built by Herod the Great in the first century B.C. During the Great Jewish Revolt (also called the First Jewish-Roman War) in the early 70s A.D., a group of nearly 1,000 Jews took refuge here during the Siege of Masada. When they realized their capture was imminent, the men of the group made the choice to commit a mass murder-suicide, instead of allow themselves to be captured, imprisoned, tortured, and murdered by the Romans.

Only seven people survived (two women and five children) by hiding in a cistern. Josephus Flavius, the first century writer, recorded their story, which is how we know what happened there. It has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

In a way, we keep Masada for the same reasons we keep Concentration Camps, as a reminder of tragedies in an effort not to repeat them, and to honor those who died. It’s a sad part of history, but it’s also significant in Jewish history because this was one of the last hold-outs while Jews were fleeing Judea (modern-day Israel) and settling in other places all over the world.

How can I get there?

The best way to get to Masada is with a driver and guide. Once there, you can choose to hike the Snake Trail or take the cable car up to the top. Many Jewish families hike the Snake Trail together at sunrise to celebrate coming-of-age birthdays.

Do I have to hike up?

No, you do not have to hike! The Snake Trail is about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers), but is very steep and takes about 45 minutes one-way to hike up. It’s a popular activity for some to hike up in time to see the sunrise. The cable car is certainly faster and easier for a casual visit.

What else is there?

Masada is an easy day trip on its own from Jerusalem. While you’re there, you can also take a float in the Dead Sea, stop at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, and visit Qumran (the Dead Sea Scroll Caves). You’ll be passing by both Jericho and Qasr El-Yahud (Jesus’ Baptismal Site) on the way as well, so you can include those as well if you like.

Is Masada on your list of places to visit in Israel?