ah Jerusalem, the city of gold. on almost every single guided tour of Israel, after tel aviv, this is the first stop. nothing makes me feel more at home than winding up the giant, green rolling hills and taking in the scenic view. walking through the old city is a must with the cobblestone streets and the Jerusalem stone buildings towering over you while strolling through the narrow alleyways.
located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is considered holy to the three major Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The Old City became a World Heritage site in 1981, and is on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
According to the Biblical tradition, King David established the city as the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel and his son, King Solomon, commissioned the building of the First Temple. As a result, despite having an area of only 0.9 square kilometres (0.35 sq mi),[18] the Old City is home to many sites of seminal religious importance, among them the Temple Mount and its Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque.
All branches of the Israeli government are located in Jerusalem, including the Knesset (Israel's parliament), the residences of the Prime Minister and President, and the Supreme Court. Jerusalem is home to the Hebrew University and to the Israel Museum with its Shrine of the Book.
there are so many amazing places to eat in this maginificent city so here are some places that come to mind and put a smile to my face, even in thought of them:
Roza (Meat)
Where else can you enjoy the best of Italian, Mexican, and Jerusalemite dishes? We’ll put our bets on nowhere – except, that is, for Roza in Jerusalem. With branches in two different vibrant, nightlife-rich Jerusalem districts, Roza stands out for its intricate cuisine and settings both. Satiate yourself on their varied meat dishes, with main courses such as chicken fajita, steak tortilla, lamb sausage, meat-filled foccacia, lamb bolognaise, and veal-stripped salad.
Hachatzer (Meat)
HaChatzer means “the courtyard”, describing its initial grand entrance space, welcoming you when you reach the restaurant grounds in the First Station complex area, just on the cusp of the upscale German Colony.
HaChatzer’s first courses feature such culinary intricacies as goose liver terrine (delicious!) with red wine poached pears and sauteed filet mignon with tahini and village eggplant. So, if you’re looking for solid, yet extremely creative Mediterranean meat cuisine with a warm, comfortable atmosphere, HaChatzer is a secure bet. In fact, several people we surveyed actually claimed they had one of the best meals of their life in this restaurant.
1868 (Meat)
The 1868 restaurant repeatedly gets listed as a top restaurant in Jerusalem, be it popular, upscale, or as in this case, kosher. It’s simply a successful venture, run by French-trained Chef Yankale Turjeman.
1868 has a varied and intricate meat menu. You can delight in meals such as Arborio Risotto (with asparagus, Jerusalem artichoke, and black truffles); 28-Day Aged Entrecote (with onion confit and spinach, topped with mustard sauce alongside crispy potatoes); and Beef Fillet (with crusty sweet bread, cream of wild mushrooms, and marrow and bordolz sauce).
Ryu – Asian Kitchen (Meat)
After dazzling many a Hollywood star with his cooking talents, Ryu‘s master chef Tomer Biran gravitated towards Orthodox Jewish observance and landed up in Jerusalem where he established this kosher Asian cuisine restaurant in the upscale area of Emek Refaim Street, the heart of the German Colony. A variety of Asian staple dishes are represented: Sushi, dimsum, noodles, and several meat and poultry dishes, including a specific menu section called, “From the Wok”.
Café Inbal – Ein Karem (Dairy)
Relatively new to the Jerusalem restaurant scene, Café Inbal (not to be confused with the Inbal Hotel) is located in picturesque Ein Karem. The cornerstone of Café Inbal’s offerings is its mini loaves of bread of sundry varieties both in taste and shape, from challah types to foccacia. The breads are highly tasty on their own, with or without their zestful dips. Offerings include lasagnas, quiches, crepes, soups, and the like. A highlight is the cheese, chard and tomato lasagna. Additionally, one can find the expected salads from any Israeli café restaurant, however these will wow you. And to top it all off, the cakes are at once scrumptious and aesthetically designed.A plus: breakfast is served during all open hours.
Al Dente (Dairy)
Al Dente feels like a place you might just happen upon and become intrigued. Chef Shuki Shukrun knows his Tuscany cuisine, offering up the likes of filet of red snapper in a chestnut wine sauce; ricotta, cream cheese, mushroom and spinach rotelle in sage butter; and a goat cheese salad with endive, beets, carrot strops and macademia nuts on a pomegranate vinaigrette. Al Dente has gone through a few renovations since its inception a few years back, each time upping the already-good feel of its friendly service with delectable tastes.
alright so after you've (tastefully) stuffed your faces with asian, mexican, italian and israeli delicicies, here are some places that will be sure to entertain the family:
HaMifletzet (The Monster)
The best things in life are free. The Mifletzet has been thrilling Jerusalem children day in and day out for nearly 40 years, and nobody pays a dime. Erupting out of the ground in a modest Kiryat Yovel park, the grotesque glory is the work of renowned sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, and literally every single person in Jerusalem knows it by one-word name alone (even though, technically, it's called "The Golem"). Sure, your kids have gone down slides before...but were the slides erupting from the rouged mouth of a creature that looks like a Picasso interpretation of a melting cow? No. No they weren't. So head over to the Mifletzet and join a venerable Jerusalem tradition.
The Bloomfield Science Museum
There is no child-oriented institution in the world that wrings as much fun out of so modest a premise as the science museum. Lightning balls. Houses of mirrors. Play gyms. Robots. Bright lights, loud noises, and more interactivity than you can shake a TV-addled attention span at. The Hebrew University's Bloomfield Science Museum does not let down. The museum pursues its worthy goal of making every Jerusalemite child love science by putting together scads of hands-on science-made-real activities and exhibits, giving your child the opportunity to literally climb all over learning.
The Israel Museum Youth Wing
Here, it's all about art, and reading, and self-expression, and creativity, and all those other things you try to instill into your munchkins between rapt Dora the Explorer viewings. Whether your child is exploring a cave/tower of books seemingly constructed by Georgia O'Keeffe or participating in one of many craft workshops, you'll be able to proudly watch as their artistic sides grow, develop and start getting designs on your hard-earned money for art school.
The Biblical Zoo
Officially known as the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, a name far too cumbersome for anyone to bother remembering, the Biblical Zoo gets its more pedestrian nickname from its main (and entirely unique) draw: the zoo houses dozens of animals mentioned in the Bible as being native to the land of Israel - some of which had gone locally extinct and had to be brought to Israel from other countries. But little kids don't really care about neat stuff like that. They can also climb all over a massive Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture garden of animals spilling out of Noah's Ark.
The Time ElevatorThere has to be a better way to experience history than reading a dusty old book. Maybe if Haim Topol was somehow involved. Maybe if there were moving, vibrating seats. Maybe if water occasionally sprayed from the ceiling. That's history Jerusalem Time Elevator-style. It's actually exactly like that scene with the filmstrip and moving seats in Jurassic Park, except instead of dino cloning, the Haim Topol-augmented movie documents 3,000 non-stop years of Jerusalem history, using those wobbly chairs to make your kids believe they're taking an active role in the grand history of Jerusalem, which might not be such a stretch after all.
(there is much more to be discussed which will be talked about in part 2. stay tuned)
ah so we finally arrive at my favorite place in all of israel. the streets, the art, the food and the people. besdies for the holy cities such as Jerusalem and Tzfat. it may be a little of the way but i highly recommend it for those interestead in a sophisticated Greenwhich village atmosphere. located about 22 miles south of Haifaand at the southern end of the Carmel mountain range overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, near Highway 2.
Zikhron Ya’akov is a wonderful town for tourists, both local and foreign. This picturesque moshava semi-cooperative farming community built at the tip of the Carmel mountain range is the first moshava ever built in Israel and is a main tourism and vacation site in this region.
Anyone who visits Zikhron Ya’akov goes straight to Ha-Nadiv Street, and Ha-Meyasdim Street in the town center, which has become a very popular pedestrian mall, thanks to the special atmosphere in this place. The streets are paved with stones and pass between the moshava’s original houses (some of which have been reconstructed), which are bustling with activity.
There are many quaint and charming restaurants and coffee shops, interspersed between beautifully designed stores that sell local art works and lovely souvenirs. There are art galleries, unique artists' studios and workshops. New, modern buildings stand alongside old ones, such as the synagogue and the administration building, an old courtyard with a display of antique agricultural implements.
Two of the moshava’s original buildings have been turned into history museums: Beit Aharonson - dedicated to the history of the pre-state NILI underground resistance organization - and the Museum of the First Aliya (wave of immigration to Israel). All these and more make the main street a vibrant and colorful celebration of history and life.
From its early days, Zikhron Ya’akov had two main characteristics: wine and tranquility. The moshava’s founding farmers cultivated vineyards and the large winery built here in 1889 became the area’s most important industry. The winery (now owned by Carmel Mizrahi wineries), has a visitors center with free guided tours. During the British Mandate period (1917-1948), the moshava became a holiday resort and rural vacations site, and to this day has hotels, spas and guesthouses.
Zikhron Ya’akov was founded in 1882 and was assisted greatly by Baron Edmond de Rothschild, a Jewish philanthropist who established and financially supported many of the early moshava communities. During World War I the moshava became the headquarters of the NILI underground organization, which provided the British with intelligence information in order to help the British conquer the Turks, who ruled the country at that time. Despite rapid urban development after Israel’s independence, and even though the local population has grown thanks to immigration absorption, the unique rustic character of the town has been preserved.
Zikhron Ya’akov is surrounded by many tourism sites. To the south are the Ramat ha-Nadiv Gardens, a special, well-tended garden planted around the tombs of Baron Rothschild and his wife Adelaide. Opposite the gardens is a lovely nature reserve with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean coastline. Near the entrance to these sites is Ha-Nokdim farm, which offers activities from the past, such as camel rides and Bedouin hospitality, for children and families. Further south is the beautiful Shuni fortress, from the Roman period, and to the north the Carmel mountains rise in all their glory.
now around here i would usually include some of the kosher resturants but because we're dealing with wine country, and most people dont come to zichron for the food, here are some of the best wineries (the first and last are my favorite)
Tishbi Estate Winery
Along with being the 5th largest winery in Israel, producing 1 million bottles a year, Tishbi has a kosher dairy restaurant attached to the winery. They also have a café located along the Promenade in Zichron Yaakov Center.
The restaurant at the winery has two seating areas, one is outside under a canopy of vines, which is majestic.
Also, do not miss the Oshra Fine Food products which consist of wine jams and olive oils. Some of Oshra’s wine jams are Mango Chardonnay, Fig Cabernet, Merlot, Late Harvest Riesling, Strawberry Merlot and many more!
Carmel Winery
the oldest established winery in Israel, which just celebrated their 120th year in existence, has a Visitors Center and a very nice kosher, dairy Bistro. The menu consists of fish, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, paella, couscous, and salads.
Binyamina Winery
an old perfume factory during the time of Edmond Baron De Rothschild’s influence in Zichron Yaakov.The Winery has a kosher dairy and meat restaurant attached to the winery. The winery also produces a variety of liquors, such as chocolate, peach, amaretto, and berries.
Gush Etzion Winery
has a kosher dairy restaurant attached to their facility. They serve pasta, pizza, sandwiches, Israeli breakfast, shakshuka, and fish dishes.
Adir Winery
located in the Upper Galilee, in the Dalton Industrial area. Adir Winery is a boutique kosher winery producing 30,000 bottles annually. Adir is also a dairy and while you drink your deep oaked red wine and dessert wine you can enjoy a tasting of kosher organic goat cheese (is so much better than it actually sounds), aged for 3 months, 6 months and 2 years. There is also a cheese platter with gourmet cheeses and goat yogurt and ice-cream. Adir Winery has a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking their vineyards. The customer service is wonderful and the ambiance is extremly classy.
(stay tuned for Jerusalem)
known for it's artsy atmosphere and incredible beaches, Haifa is one great city you do not want to miss out on. Built on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the history of settlement at the site spans more than 3,000 years. Today, the city is a major seaport located on Israel's Mediterranean coastline in the Bay of Haifa covering 24.6 sq mi. It is located about 56 mi north of Tel Aviv and is the major regional
center of northern Israel. Two respected academic
institutions, the University of Haifa and the Technion (both home to some of ,the most intelligent individuals in the world) are
located in Haifa. This awesome city plays an important role in Israel's economy due to it's vast tech industry and large seaport.
The turqoise sea enxompasses all three sides of Haifa with it's goregous beaches. You can schedule a whole day of your vacation at the sea and take in the beautiful Haifa pictures. Begin with a morning run along the promenade at Bat Galim or on the sands of Carmel Beach. Afterwards, relax with breakfast at a cafe overlooking the sea. In the afternoon, take a dip at one of the well-tended municipal beaches, or set out for windsurfing on the smooth waters of the Haifa bay.
If scuba diving's your thing, explore our underwater archaeological sites. Wind up the day with a romantic sunset, cooled by a cocktail or a slice of watermelon at one of the many restaurants or hotels along the beaches.
You can see also the city slopes from the sea. Boats leave Kishon port for a cruise around the busy harbor, affording a perspective of Haifa and the Carmel no less marvelous than the view from the top of the Carmel Mountain.
due to it's location on the seaport, there are many awesome dairy resturants and small cafe's that are enough to appeal to the average beach lover. between surf lessons, here are some resturants that perfect amount to satisfy but not stuff you.
Ototo Pizza Lazino Haifa
Aroma expresso bar
Beit HaPri VeHaSendwich
Broadway Bagel
at the same time, after a long day at the beach or the boardwalk, a nice steak with a glass of wine might be the way to go as well. here are some hearty places that will surely not dissapoint:
Beit HaShnitzel
Burger Ranch (my favorite)
El Gaucho
Confi
as stated before, haifa is famous for the beaches so here are two of my favorites:
kiryat haim beach
bat gilim beach
and as stated before, Haifa is a city dedicated to variety so here are some great activities to do around the city:
- Port of Haifa
- Bahá'í World Centre
- Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space
- Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art
- Haifa Museum of Art
- Terraces
- Cave of Elijah
(stay tuned in for zichron ya'akov)
so as many of you are aware, (usually) the first location you will end up in as you enter the country will be Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main International Airport. even though it is located in Lod, it is approximately a 12 mile car ride from tel aviv, one of Israel's most productive cities. it is the second most populous city in Israel and the largest metropolitan area. The city is located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline in central-west Israel.
Tel Aviv was founded by the Jewish community on the outskirts of the ancient port city of Jaffa.Tel Aviv is an economic hub, home to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, corporate offices and research and development centers. It is the country's financial capital and a major performing arts and business center. It is known as "the city that never sleeps" and a "party capital" due to its thriving nightlife, young atmosphere and famous 24-hour culture.
although the list of widely acknowleged kosher resturants is limited, the great places to dine and relax are just enough to suffice the pickiest of eaters. here are some of my favorite:
Liliot
Being one of the finest and most well-established kosher restaurants in Tel Aviv, Liliot manages to juggle between quality food, a kosher menu and a social conscience.
Pasha
Specializing in authentic Turkish cuisine, Pasha is an excellent kosher option in Tel Aviv, if you are looking for simple, tasty and quite reasonably priced fare
Meat and Wine CO
A state-of-the-art kosher restaurant, located outside Tel Aviv, that serves a wide selection of meats and wines
Goshen
A kosher restaurant in Tel Aviv that is a real treat for kosher keeping carnivores
2C
2C is a Mediterranean-gourmet kosher restaurant at the top of Azrieli Center, which offers one of the most impressive views of Tel Aviv.
the Carmel Market (Shuk Ha'Carmel)is one of Tel Aviv’s biggest and busiest marketplace is filled with colorful stalls and shouting vendors selling a variety of goods, from dried fruits and exotic spices to clothing and footwear. it is a must for every trip of mine to Israel. the smells, tastes and personalities found there match no other place in the rest of the country and the world. it is one of the more "Artsy-er" markets where there are often parades and outdoor sales happening weekly.
for those of us who just love to sit on the beach and relax, boy will tel aviv keep you entertained. here are a list of a couple that will surely not dissappoint:
The Religious Beach (Nordau)
To respond to needs of the religious community, there is one beach in Tel Aviv that separates between men and women.
Hilton Beach
Between the Religious beach and Gordon, we have this fine beach which is named after the nearby Hilton Hotel, and is especially popular with three different groups of Tel Aviv's residents.
Gordon and Frishman Beaches
This lovely stretch of sand is probably the most popular of Tel Aviv's beaches. It offers the choice between lounging chairs and sunshades or sand only, so each bather can take his or her pick, and features a rather good beachside restaurant
and here are some general attractions that the city will provide endless entertainment for:
1. a stroll through the streets- at any given moment you are standing in a place where your Jewish Ancestors stood hundreds of years before you have. take a minute and process what's around you
2.Old Jaffa – Walk through the picturesque neighborhood and absorb its unique charm.
3. The Nightlife Scene - Explore Tel Aviv's famous and infamous Nightlife spots.
4. Neve Tzedek – Visit the museums, shops and restaurants in one of the most beutiful neighborhoods in Tel Aviv.
5. Tel Aviv Museum of Art – See the best of Israeli art.
6. Bauhaus Architecture – Stroll through the streets and see the bauhaus architecture of the White City.
7. Park Hayarkon – For fun, relaxation, outdoor activities and a bit of greenery.
8. Suzanne Dellal Centre - Catch a dance show by the best Israeli and international artists.
9. Azrieli Observatory - Get the "Big Picture" of Tel Aviv by viewing it from high above.
(stay tuned for Haifa)
כי את כל הארץ
אשר אתה רואה
לך, לך, לך אתננה
ולזרעך עד עולם
לך אתן את הארץ הזאת
את הארץ, הארץ הזאת
וברך כל מיני תבואתה לטובה
ותן ברכה על פני האדמה
The whole land
That you see
To you I will give
And to your descendants forever
To you I will give this land
The land, this land
And bless all kinds of produce for good
And give a blessing on this earth
This was G-d's message to Abraham midway through his life. he is told to pick up his belongings and travel to a place unknown to him. Abraham in return did not question any of G-d's word and followed him strictly. nowndays we would love to believe that we have an equal belief system in the one above, where every word of his is followed to a tee. Sadly, this does not hold true to all of us. many commandments are obscured,unclear and confusing and therefore many choose not to do it. however there is one that is blantantly clear. the land of Israel is yours and will be forever yours. so come along with me as we explore our home away from home with it's history, beauty and overall incredibility.
