Be'er Sheva, Israel: A Prominent City From The Battlefield to the Chess Board

400 Years of Jewish Culture in Copenhagen, Denmark

The 25th of November 1622 the danish king Christian IV (1588-1648) invited “Jews of the Portuguese Nation” to settle in Denmark. In many ways this became the beginning of 400 years of Jewish history in Denmark. The first congregations arose in the cities of Glückstadt and Altona. From here Fredericia and Copenhagen became the gateway to Denmark. A diverse Jewish life arose across the country from these cities. In the 1660s Jewish businessmen moved from Altona to Copenhagen. Over time they established the Jewish Cemetery of Vestre, the Jewish Northern Cemetery, and a synagogue. Later, more synagogues came (see The Great Synagogue), and Jewish life was established from the poor street vendors in the slums to the wealthy trading houses in the high end of the city. In the 1800s the Jews in Denmark became Danish Jews with new laws on freedom of religion. The Jews became an important part of Danish trading industry and cultural life as entrepreneurs, businessmen, artists, writers, scientists, and patrons of the arts. In the 1900s new waves of Jewish immigrants came from Eastern Europe, which added more layers to the Jewish history in Denmark. Central to the story is the escape and rescue of the Danish Jews in October 1943 during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. The Jewish life in Denmark is thriving and is still an integrated part of Danish and Copenhagen history. This story is aptly described in the newly refurbished Jewish Museum. In the Copenhagen eBook is a map where you can see the history in many traces and imprints around the city. This map guides you to the hotspots which represent the different aspects of Danish Jewish history though 400 years. It’s a central but often overlooked chapter of Danish history that this map now invites you to explore. Famous Personalities Niels Bohr, physicist, Nobel Prize(1922) Victor Borge, entertainer Victor Bendix, composer, conductor, and pianist

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Amsterdam, Netherlands: An Artistic City with an Abundance of Jewish Culture

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Jewish history is ingrained in the very cobblestones of Amsterdam, and communities of both Sephardim and Ashkenazim have called this city home for nearly five hundred years. The city has produced some of the most well known Jewish writers, artists, intellectuals, and politicians in the world. In addition to its rich history, Amsterdam also has a thriving Jewish cultural life from its restaurants to its museums. Sephardi and Ashkenazi: The Jewish Cultural Communities of Amsterdam Jews arrived in Amsterdam at varying times in the city’s history. The first community that came were the Sephardim from Spain, Portugal and the Ottoman Empire. When Spain began to introduce laws expelling the Jews during the 13th century, the Netherlands became a safe haven for religious freedom. Ashkenazi communities made their way to Amsterdam during the 17th century. Again, these Jews were fleeing from the anti-Jewish measures of Western Europe. At first, they were entirely dependent on the Sephardi community gaining independence over time. Jews established their own cultural centers in the eastern part of the city in the Jodenbuurt, the Jewish Quarter. However, it wasn’t only Jews that lived in the quarter. One of the most famous Dutch artists in history, Rembrandt, had a house there and sketched his Jewish neighbors. [caption id="attachment_38253" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Statue of Rembrandt in Amsterdam[/caption] From Tradesmen to the Intellectual Elite Although they were prohibited from joining workers guilds in the Netherlands, Jews occupied a range of jobs and specializations. They held positions in the diamond and silk industries, worked as merchants and tradesmen, and even owned their own businesses. Despite this success, the community was still considered to be very poor. This, however, was a small price to pay for the freedom to practice Judaism. Culturally speaking, Amsterdam was the ideal place for the flourishing of Jewish language and culture. The dominant language of the community during the 18th and 19th centuries quickly became Yiddish. From that development came the Yiddish printing presses, which turned out more Yiddish literature than anywhere else in Europe. Intellectually speaking, by the 19th century, Jews had also moved their positions upwards, now able to become doctors and attend other prestigious universities and art schools. From Religious Freedom to Nazi Persecution Despite centuries of development, it didn’t take long for the vibrant world of Jewish Amsterdam to come crashing down in the 20th century. The Nazi party made its way to the Netherlands in 1940 and began to instill a range of Jewish limitations and deportations. Most Jews were deported either to Buchenwald or Mauthausen concentration camps. This was done with the help of the Dutch government and the corresponding Dutch Nazi party. Centuries of assimilation and interaction did not stop the Dutch people from turning in their Jewish neighbors. By the time the Canadian forces liberated the Netherlands 80% of Dutch Jewry had perished. [caption id="attachment_38257" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam[/caption] Jewish Amsterdam Today Today the community has managed to rekindle the culture that was lost and commemorate the memory of Jews that died during the Holocaust. There are also a number of Jewish schools, radio stations, a local paper, and a number of kosher restaurants. Jewish culture from other countries also finds a distinct home in the Netherlands. Israelis in particular have found a significant cultural footing in the country through food. Restaurants such as Mana Mana and Machne Yehuda give the people of Amsterdam a taste of Jewish Mediterranean culture. [caption id="attachment_38258" align="alignnone" width="1124"] Mana Mana restaurant in Amsterdam[/caption] Jewish Culture in the Quarter and Beyond Although the original Jewish quarter, Jodenbuurt, was mostly destroyed by the Nazis, the area now houses a range of historic Jewish buildings and museums. One of the most well known buildings is the “Snoga” or the Portuguese Synagogue. It serves as a remnant of 17th century Sephardi Dutch prosperity and is considered to be one of the most beautiful synagogues in Europe. Just across the road from the Snoga is the Jewish Historical Museum which houses over 11,000 artifacts from varying periods of Jewish Dutch history. The museum is famous for its presentation of artifacts and most of the exhibits are designed to show the influence Dutch and Jewish culture had on each other. [caption id="attachment_38254" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam[/caption] One of the biggest points of shared culture between the Netherlands and its Jewish population came from the diamond industry. One family that thrived in this enterprise was the Asscher family who built the Diamond Company House of Culture in 1907. In 1980 they were bestowed with a Royal title by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Although most of the Asscher family perished in the Holocaust, they are remembered for their contributions to the city. Of course, one cannot talk about historic sites in Amsterdam without mentioning the Anne Frank House. Anne Frank, along with her family hid from Nazi persecution in a secret annex at the back of their 17th century canal house. This is one of the most visited sites in the city bringing to life the words captured in her diary. In addition to its tradesmen, there are a number of notable Jewish figures that hailed from Amsterdam. Oftentimes the thriving of Jewish artisans followed the trends of Dutch artistic innovation. One such artist was Isaac Lazarus Israels. He made a name for himself during Amsterdam’s Impressionism movement in the late 19th century. From an early age Isaac displayed unparalleled talent and sold his first painting at the age of 16. Many of his works can be viewed at the Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. [caption id="attachment_38256" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Jewish Historical Museum of Amsterdam[/caption] Amsterdam: A Haven For World Jewish Culture From the very start Jewish Amsterdam has made a lasting name for itself, both in the Netherlands and the world at large. Although the community has seen untold persecution and harm, it has prospered more than most Jewish communities. This history is well preserved in a city that now celebrates its Jewish heritage and continues to welcome new Jewish immigrants with open arms.

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Berlin, Germany: A City of Jewish Culture, History, and Resilience

The Jewish history of Germany predates the establishment of Berlin as it is known today by more than 1000 years. The community has seen success, innovation, and acceptance. It has also been subjected to the horrors of antisemitism culminating in one of the worst travesties against humanity the world as ever seen, the Holocaust. No one would ever have thought that after such trauma the Jewish community of Germany would continue, let alone rise to the heights it has today. From a Cattle Market to a Quarter and Then Near Oblivion From the time the Holy Roman empire stood Jews have lived on German soil. For hundreds of years they existed as a minority in mainly rural areas. The city of Berlin was established in the medieval period in 1237. In keeping with the tradition of European cities a small minority of Jews were granted permission to establish their own insular district. They were meant to increase the wealth and trade connections of Germany. This district was located just outside the city walls. By 1900 the majority of German Jews lived in metropolitan cities like Berlin. Jews served as bankers, lawyers, and merchants. They were also at the forefront of major philosophical movements, both religious and secular, like the Enlightenment period and the Haskalah movement. All this success in German society came to a crashing halt with the progression of the Holocaust. Antisemitism had always existed in spades within German society but the Third Reich fanned these flames of hatred. Despite the obvious merit and contributions of the Jewish community, the general population believed them to be untrustworthy. The seed of all devastation in the nation. In 1933, Jews were demoted to second class citizens. Their businesses were vandalized, they were not permitted to enter certain spaces, forced to wear the yellow star, and finally placed in ghettos. Then came the final hammer fall of the Final Solution. Between 1941 and 1945 Jews were shipped to work and extermination camps. By the time the allied forces liberated camps across Europe only 15,000 German Jews remained. Most immigrated to other countries, however, some chose to stay to try and rebuild what had been lost. The latter was a widely unpopular decision. Most Jews believed that morally and emotionally they could never again call Germany home. After years of painstaking work to confront the evils of the past and rebuild, today there are more than 30,000 Jews living in the city of Berlin alone. The German Jewish Community Remembers and Thrives There is a steadfast commitment to the preservation and renaissance of Jewish history in Berlin, with special concentration on the original Jewish quarter. The city did not establish a Jewish quarter within its limits until the mid to late 19th century. The quarter was named Scheunenviertel, taken from the German word Scheune, wooden barns. This was in reference to the hay barns that were located in the Jewish district outside of the city where there once stood a cattle market. The area was the epicenter of Jewish daily life as well as cultural and religious activities. One of the most iconic sites in the history of the Jewish German community is the New Synagogue of Berlin. This mid-19th century architectural jewel resembling the Alhambra was designed to fit almost 3000 attendees complete with an organ and choir. It was severely damaged during Kristallnacht and set ablaze. The site was saved by Lieutenant Otto Bellgardt. In a brave effort to uphold the protection of the synagogue as a historic site he ordered the arsonists to disperse. Today the synagogue stands as a testament to the resilience of German Jewry and the actions of one righteous man. There are also many sites dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims. One of the most iconic is of course the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The memorial was designed by Peter Eisenman in 1980 featuring 2,711 concrete slabs spaced in a grid formation. There are no names on the slabs, a symbol of the countless victims, some of whom remain unknown to this day. The Contribution of Berlin Jewry However, Jewish German history is not all doom and gloom. For hundreds of years German Jews thrived in Berlin, some of whom made large contributions to the international Jewish world. Moses Mendelsohn, born at the beginning of the 18th century, moved to Berlin in 1743. He started his own businesses, studied under renowned German philosophers and academics, culminating in his founding of the Haskalah movement. This movement proved that Jewish law and culture could be intertwined with the secular life of German culture and enlightenment thinking. Of course one cannot talk about the heights of German and Berlin Jewry without mentioning the legendary Albert Einstein. The father of the theory of relativity, winner of the 1921 Nobel Prize, founding member of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and all around iconic personality. He is without a doubt one of the most famous Jewish names in the world. He lived, studied, and conducted his research in Berlin academies during the early 20th century. In 1933, on a visiting professorship in New Jersey, he learned that Hitler had taken absolute power. He then decided to never return to his homeland and died in New Jersey in 1955. The Continued Story of Jewry in Berlin Jewish Berlin has been revitalized in every sense of the word now drawing in Jewish communities from across the globe. In addition to the rising population of German Jews in Berlin, thousands of Israelis have flocked to the city for career and educational opportunities. It's a story that borders on the unreal, yet manifested all the same, a living dream that you need to experience for yourself.

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6 Iconic Sites That Celebrate Jewish American Heritage

With 7.6 million Jews currently living in America, it is no wonder that the country must be filled with Jewish culture, heritage, and history. Jews have contributed to American society throughout the colonial period, the height of 20th century immigration, and continue to thrive today. While there are endless locations in the United States that serve delicious matzo-ball soup or celebrate Jewish culture, in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, we are sharing 6 Iconic Sites that Celebrate Jewish American Heritage. Lower East Side Tenement Museum Have you ever wondered about what life was like for immigrants in the 20th century? Experience if for yourself at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum! Located at 97 and 103 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, the museum is truly a National Historic Site. The Museum's two historical tenement buildings were home to an estimated 15,000 people, from over 20 nations, between 1863 and 2011. This museum depicts the lives of the previous immigrant tenants and includes restored apartments and shops open daily for public tours, a documentary film, tours with costumed interpreters portraying the building's former residents, tastings of their communities' typical foods, and neighborhood walks. The museum also has an extensive collection of educational programs promoting tolerance and historical perspective on the immigrant experience. Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island Built in 1763, Touro Synagogue, in Newport, Rhode Island, is the oldest synagogue building still standing in the United States. It also happens to be the only surviving synagogue building in the U.S. dating to the colonial era, and the oldest surviving Jewish synagogue building in North America. In 1946, it was declared a National Historic Site. The first congregation was made up of Sephardic Jews, who are believed to have come via the West Indies, where they participated in the triangular trade along with Dutch and English settlements. Today, the Touro Synagogue offers prayer services on the Sabbath and is open to visitors through tours. The synagogue also offers exhibits and education about Jewish life in Colonial America. Katz’s Delicatessen, New York's Lower East Side Katz's Delicatessen, originally named Iceland Brothers in name of the founders, opened in 1888. Only in 1910 was the deli officially bought out and renamed. This delicatessen served the Lower East side throughout the earlier part of the twentieth century, a time when the area was home to millions of newly immigrated families. At the time, Katz’s was a focal point for congregating. Today, the now famous spread on the delectable sandwiches, platters, and meats at Katz's brings thousands of visitors from around the world weekly. The deli prides itself on having the best cuts of beef and other fine foods and are also free of chemicals or additives. The deli's finished products can take up to 30 days to cure, unlike commercially prepared corned beef that is often pressure-injected in just 36 hours. Sherith Israel, San Francisco, California Established during America’s Gold Rush period, Congregation Sherith Israel is one of the oldest synagogues in the United States. It’s history began in 1849 when young, Jewish pioneers from around the world gathered for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Despite the lack of a building, rabbi, or Torah, the pioneers worshiped together again during Passover and the High Holy Days in 1850. They also formed societies to aid the needy and bought land for a cemetery. In 1851, the permanent congregation was built. Today, Sherith Israel is a congregation widely known for its innovative approach to worship and lifecycle celebrations and is part of the movement of Reform Judaism. It’s historic sanctuary building is one of San Francisco's most prominent architectural landmarks and attracts visitors from all over the world. [caption id="attachment_22869" align="alignnone" width="640"] Sanfranman59, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum founded in 1976. Professor Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University led the development of the core exhibit for the museum. The museum collections include over 30,000 objects that range from the Colonial period to the present day. Exhibits at the museum focus on the lives and experiences of Jews in America. There have also been past exhibitions centering on famous Jewish-Americans, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Leonard Bernstein. [caption id="attachment_22868" align="alignnone" width="640"] Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Canter’s Deli, Los Angeles, California After moving from its original location that was founded in 1931, Canter's Deli is a Jewish-style delicatessen in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, California. It has been frequented by many notable movie stars and celebrities. The restaurant has continued to serve traditional food items, including: lox and bagels, corned beef, matzoh ball soup, and challah bread. Canter's has remained open 24/7, except on the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Note: Canter's Deli is not certified kosher, as it is open on Saturdays and offers many non-kosher menu items. [caption id="attachment_22867" align="alignnone" width="640"] ChildofMidnight at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons[/caption]

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Acre, Israel City Story: Israel's Crusader Legacy Etched in Stone

The city of Acre (Akko) is one of the most ancient port cities in the Middle East. Located in northern Israel on the western Mediterranean coast, Acre is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The city contains some of the oldest archaeological ruins in Israel and beneath the ground is a whole other universe of tunnels, remnants from the Crusader Period. In fact some of the most well preserved Crusader sites in the world can be found here. This ancient city has plenty of modern features as well with renowned restaurants, beaches, markets, and festivals. On your next trip to Israel make Acre one of your preferred destinations. The History of Acre Acre is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the world. Before the region even existed as a city the earliest signs of human occupation date all the way back to 3000 BCE. At this time, the city consisted of small Canaanite farming communities. The first written designation of Acre is from a 19th century BCE Egyptian document known as the Execration texts. The city was known across the ancient world, and has retained its popularity through Israel’s various historic periods of conquest. It is not mentioned in connection with the Jewish people until the Biblical chapter of Judges and Isaiah. The Israelites had conquered the area and distributed the land amongst the twelve tribes of Israel. Hellenism appeared with Alexander the Great in 332 BCE who later turned the city over to the Ptolemy Dynasty and renamed the city Ptolemais. Next came the Romans who used the city as a base of operations during the Jewish Revolt in 66 BCE. After that came the Persian conquest (614), then the Arabs (638), the Crusaders in the 12th century and the Mamluks. Ottoman Turks controlled Acre from the 16th-20th century which ended with the establishment of British Mandate Palestine in 1918. For all those periods Jews continuously inhabited Acre as a minority until Israel troops seized the city in the War of Independence. After that the city once again became a Jewish majority with a few remaining Arab families. Today Acre is one of the most diverse cities in Israel with substantial Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Baha’i populations. The city is a true representation of the high level of diversity that is a staple characteristic of Israel today. Top Sites to Visit in Acre The city’s broad history under the rule of many nations has contributed to the multilayered aspect of the Old City. Acre is a very typical ancient city that follows a layered construction plan. The last society to conquer Israel built its structures on top of previous rulers' sites. Therefore the Old City of Acre is located both above and below the surface level. In the layers below one can find fortifications from the Crusader period over which there are numerous Turkish style structures including citadels, mosques and ancient public baths. Just a few streets over from the Ottoman built walls of the Old City is the Or Torah Synagogue. This Tunisian Jewish house of worship was erected in 1955. Among synagogue styles Or Torah is truly one of a kind, featuring mosaic-covered walls and floors as well as seven Torah arks. The entire synagogue is a visual depiction of Jewish history, both past and present. Its mosaics include scenes from the Bible and classic ancient Jewish symbols like the menorah. Inside the walls of the Old City is the Citadel of Acre, a large compound that served as fortifications for several of Israel’s conquerors dating all the way back to the Hellenistic period. The most extensive remains belong to the Crusader period. During this time the Citadel was known as the Knights Hospitaller and extended over an area of 8,300 square meters. During the Crusader period the notable Jewish scholar Nachmanides (Ramban) brought the study of Torah back to Acre. At the time Jewish learning was not a prominent pursuit. The Ramban made Acre his home until his death in 1270. Other than the iconic sites and Jewish personas, Acre is also home to a rich modern cultural life including some of the best food to be found in Israel. Uri Buri, a restaurant located right on the edge of the Mediterranean in the Old City is one of the best spots to sample the fruit de mer of Israel. Chef Uri Buri is famous for his eclectic personality and innovative dishes like his bass or trout casserole. This introduction to the city of Acre just scratches the surface of experiences to be had. There are several resources available to make your trip as in depth as possible. Be sure to check out some of the local tours led by experts in Acre’s cultural scene that focus on food and archaeology. Some of the tours are even private, giving you the opportunity to gain a one on one learning experience. Acre is a paradise of history and culture, keeping its patrons engaged and awestruck at every step of the journey.

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5 Virtual Tours That Will Connect you to Israel

Virtual Tour in Israel = A Stress-Free Travel Experience Can I travel to Israel? The answer is unfortunately no for many. However, you will be able to scratch that Israel travel itch with an Israel Virtual Tour. For the last two years, there has been a lot of back and forth when it comes to the subject of international travel and Covid-19. As if the regular pattern of air travel weren’t already stressful and exhausting enough. These countless questions have turned international traveling into a cesspool of nerves. The interaction between Israel and the rest of the world is still halted even after two years. You might still be wondering: Birthright Interactive Tour The best part of the Birthright interactive tour is that the trip suggestions are optional. Unlike an actual Birthright trip which is scheduled down to the second. Tour guide Navee Cohen takes you through all of the iconic Birthright sites letting you choose your own adventure. The tour also calls on the expertise of local and specialized guides. These guides explain everything Israeli from tech innovations to historical sites and then some. Not only do they take you to some of the most iconic Jewish heritage and historic sites but the tour also gives you food options. Every sort of food experience from the fine dining of Tel Aviv to the Arab cuisine is to be found in Nazareth. You can taste the homemade hummus through the screen. Delicious Israel Virtual Tour Speaking of delicious cuisine there is plenty to be had in a country that can be covered by car in nine hours. The famed abundance of Israeli Shuk restaurants as well as the history of food assimilation and acceptance in the larger narrative of Israel. The name of the game here is diversity. It is one of the main themes of the tour filtered through the lens of the Israeli breakfast table. Incorporating some staple Israeli breakfast dishes but also staying true to specific cultural Jewish roots. The Delicious Israel Virtual Tour also sought after the guided advice of local food and wine experts. If there is a specific area of food interest that you would like to know more about, reach out. Let the guides know and they will do their best to give you a customized food experience. This tour is ideal for families looking to connect. Perhaps even parents looking for a fun out-of-the-box activity to do with their kids or as a couples date night. Kibbutz Sde Boker: BTS with David and Pola Ben-Gurion David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s mythic first prime minister, model Zionist, and all-around mensch was obsessed with the desert. He believed the desert to be the intellectual birthing ground for the Jewish people. On a trip to the south in 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Ben-Gurion passed by Kibbutz Sde Boker. They were so enthralled with the small community they asked their driver to pull over for a quick tour. Ben-Gurion adored the hopeful mission of the kibbutz. He requested to become a part of the community and made Sde Boker his home. Today you can take a virtual tour of the Ben-Gurion hut and surrounding gardens. This tour allows you to experience what first enchanted the Prime Minister. A humble yet rich community. The tour is 45 mins and answers any and all sorts of questions one might have about the life of one of Israel’s greatest leaders. Are you curious to see what Pola Ben-Gurion kept in her kitchen drawers? How did they organize the bathroom? What did Ben Gurion keep on his desk? Masada: A Virtual Hollywood Story If you do not know the story of Masada, get ready for a movie to come to life. In the Second Temple Era, around 70 CE, there was a community of Jewish rebels taking refuge at the great palace-fortress of Masada. King Herod had originally constructed for himself the most elaborate summer palace on top of a mountain in the desert. The entire complex is 1.6 million square feet. It includes storage facilities, a palace complex, and elaborately frescoed Roman baths. The Romans overtook the fortress and all the rebels committed suicide but still, this 2,000-year-old ruin remains. Now you can take a virtual tour of Masada so that you do not have to miss one bit of this amazing history. It’s like the google maps of tours, taking you through a 3D model of the entire complex. Jerusalem: City of Gold Stone The jewel in the crown of Israel tourism is without a doubt the city of gold herself, Jerusalem. In the last few months, however, the city has been lonely. Jerusalem is so used to being toured and admired by people from around the world. Now you and Jerusalem can reunite through virtual tours offered at Jerusalem.com on all the significant monotheistic sites. Although you will not be able to touch the stones of the Kotel or walk in the plaza of the Dome of the Rock, there are benefits to taking a virtual tour. One benefit is that the tour is on your schedule. You don’t have to worry about what hours of the day non-Muslims can visit the Temple Mount. Not even getting your clothes wet and dirty when visiting the tunnels under the Kotel. Virtual Connection These virtual tours can provide a point of connection for Olim and their family overseas who can’t partake in the experience together. Israel is once again shutting its doors to more and more nations. However, people are generating new and diverse solutions to close that gap. World Jewish Travel has curated these virtual Israel tours to help keep the connection between Israel and the world.

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5 International Jewish Cultural Festivals Happening This Summer

For the past year, we have been unable to gather in large numbers in order to make new memories and celebrate life. As we slowly return to life in a post-pandemic world, we are able to rekindle one of the long forgotten staples of summer, the festival. Below are five Jewish cultural festivals happening this June around the globe that celebrate the diversity of Jewish culture and Jewish history. If you’re in the area, or able to travel this summer, consider this is your official invitation to attend. 30th Jewish Culture Festival June 24th-July 3rd The Jewish Cultural Festival in Krakow has celebrated the diversity of Jewish cultural life since 1988. Today, the festival focuses on celebrating the contemporary dynamic world of Jewish life both within Israel and the diaspora. Patrons can attend all night jam sessions and concerts in the main tent, sip mint tea and eat hummus at the festival café, or partake in any of the other numerous workshops, lectures, discussions, guided tours, and art exhibitions. This year’s main festival project, “Kumzits,” focuses on eight public art projects in Kazimierz, the historical Jewish quarter of Krakow; this project is a collaborative effort between artists in Berlin, Jerusalem and Krakow. [caption id="attachment_25440" align="alignnone" width="640"] Jewish Culture Festival in Krakow Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FestiwalKulturyZydowskiejwKrakowie[/caption] Jerusalem Jazz Festival July 5th-7th For those who enjoy taking in the sounds of jazz while wrapped in the ambiance of art, the Jerusalem Jazz Festival is your scene. The festival began as a joint collaboration between the Israel Festival and the Israel Museum to create a dialogue between art, music, and festival visitors. The festival is held in the sculpture garden of the Israel Museum and the artist’s original compositions are inspired by the artworks found in the museum. This festival engages its audience in a visual and audible feast for the soul. This year the festival will feature solely Israeli musicians from a wide array of contemporary styles that fuse Jazz with other musical traditions from classical to hip-hop. [caption id="attachment_25436" align="alignnone" width="640"] Avishai Cohen, the co-founder and artistic director of the event, performs on stage during the Jerusalem Jazz Festival in Jerusalem on September 8, 2020. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-jazz-dares-jerusalem-festival-adapts-to-pandemic/[/caption] 29th Toronto Jewish Film Festival June 9th-26th Since its debut in 1993, the Toronto Jewish Film Festival has sought to exhibit the diversity and contributions of Jewish culture through film. Their selection represent a wide scope of Jewish cultural identity, innovation, and achievement. The 2021 selections include Israeli Academy Award Winners, groundbreaking documentaries about marrying against one’s sexual orientation in Orthodoxy, ethnographic retrospectives, and even the first Torah to make it to outer space. Unfortunately, this year’s festival will not be in person but rather virtual so you need not be in the Toronto area to attend; just go to their website and sign up! [caption id="attachment_25438" align="alignnone" width="600"] https://tjff.com/lineup-2021/[/caption] Sababa Music Festival June 16th-19th The 5th annual Sababa Music Festival will be taking place this summer in Bethel, New York, just down the road from the site of the legendary Woodstock music festival. This event is the ultimate Shabbat weekend uniting Jews of all denominations and backgrounds from the tri-state area in a celebration of Jewish culture and tradition. The itinerary includes camping, bonfires, morning yoga, minyanim, and a headlining performance by the world-renown Israeli born international music ensemble, Yemen Blues. This festival combines the great outdoors with Jewish music, culture, and religion, a must for anyone trying to experience their own Jewish version of Woodstock. [caption id="attachment_25435" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo; Shimon Lindenblat, https://www.sababafest.com/2019-shimon-lindenblat[/caption] 16th Festival des Culture Juives (Festival of Jewish Culture) June 12th-27th Le Festival des Cultures Juives, held in Paris, is the premier festival for international Jewish culture in France. After the long year of separation between families due to the pandemic, this year the festival was curated around the concept of family entitled “Airs de Famille” (Family Resemblances). Memory, heritage, and the transmission of culture are key pillars in each event and exhibition. There are twenty events that festival patrons can attend including film screenings, poetry readings, tours, and concerts, as well as conferences and debates on a wide variety of Jewish cultural traditions from around the world. [caption id="attachment_25437" align="alignnone" width="640"] DAFNÉ KRITHARAS : DE RHODES À TANGER[/caption] These festivals gather together people from all walks of life to absorb and commemorate the Jewish experience, past, present, and future. In addition to a good time one can expect to learn a great deal about the diversity of Jewish life and appreciate the wide spectrum of culture that is Am Yisrael. Whatever your preference, be it dancing the night away with a beer in your hand in Kazimierz, joining the havdalah drum circle at Sababa Fest, catching a Jazz trio at the Israel Museum, or taking in a documentary about a space Torah these festivals will certainly deliver.

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4 Ways to Escape the Summer Heat of Jerusalem

Depending on when you visit Israel, you may want to have a few activities to help cool off from the sizzling summer heat. Though the days are hot, it cools off at night making it the perfect time for walking around the city and exploring the vibrant nightlife. Here are a few activities and place to visit if you need to cool off during the day. Play in The Fountain at Teddy Park Boaz Dolev Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons Teddy Park is a public park situated opposite Jerusalem's Old City and David's Citadel. The park was developed by the Jerusalem Foundation in memory of Jerusalem's long serving mayor, Teddy Kollek and opened to the public in 2013. The park complex includes structures, landscaping, and a splash water fountain which is enjoyed by people of all ages during the summer months. Water shoots from the fountains in sync with music every 30 minutes; in the evening a light show plays while during the day children run among the water spouts. The fountain is said to be a place where people from every segment of Jerusalem's ethnically and religiously varied population mingle with visitors from around the globe. Visit Yad Kennedy Wilson44691, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons In the breezy Jerusalem hills of the Match Yehuda Region lies the 60-foot high Yad Kennedy, or Kennedy Memorial. This memorial is for John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States who was assassinated in 1963. The shape of the memorial is that of a stump of a fallen tree to symbolize his life that was cut short and inside the bronze memorial is an eternal flame which burns in the center. The memorial is made of 51 concrete columns, one of each of the 50 states and an additional one for Washington D.C., the United States capital. Not only are these breezes from the mountains great for summer hikes, but there are breathtaking views and natural springs with cool water. Go Biking at the Train Track Park User:אלאר, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons The Train Track Park is a rail trail urban park in West Jerusalem with 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) of walking and biking trails. The park follows the route of the original Jaffa–Jerusalem railway from the Jerusalem Railway Station near the German Colony to Teddy Stadium in Malha. The pedestrian path is a raised boardwalk made from molded concrete planks with an imitation wood finish, laid directly over the original railroad tracks and ties. To the side of the tracks is a paved bicycle path which you can take to the Biblical Zoo and Ein Lavan. If you don't have a bike, you can rent one at the First Station complex and start your journey from there. Indulge At The City's Top Rated Ice Cream Parlour, Mousseline Next to Shuk Machane Yehuda lies the Mousseline ice cream parlour which greets visitors with a variety of ice creams and sorbets. Along with traditional flavors this shop offers unique and vegan-friendly flavors of ice cream and sorbet such as black sesame, Matcha, wasabi, saffron, chai masala, lemon mint, and basil grapefruit. This shop has been highly rated by visitors and is a great place to stop during the hot summer for a refreshing treat.

Blogs

36 Hours in Jerusalem

Visiting Jerusalem in a short amount of time can be a real challenge. Every corner is a testimony to the history that forged the city. I moved to Jerusalem 20 years ago after emigrating from Gibraltar and I continue to discover the city's secrets each day. On a chilly but sunny morning in Jerusalem, the first step would undoubtedly be the Old city. Divided into four quarters - Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim - surrounded by a magnificent fortress, walking around is a must to feel the depth of its history. You can enter the Old City through the Jaffa Gate welcomed by the Tower of David Citadel, dating back more than 3,000 years and subsequently rebuilt by the Mamluk during the Ottoman period. Numerous street food booths, quaint cafes and souvenir shops await your arrival. Once through the Armenian Patriarchate, you would be amazed by the beauty of the St. James Cathedral built to commemorate the first bishop of Jerusalem - St. James Minor. It is one of the rare remaining cathedrals from the Crusades. A few metres away you can visit St. Mark's Chapel, a fascinating Syriac Orthodox church. Then, you head to the Jewish quarter and pass by the Hurva Synagogue and the Katros House - testaments to the history of both Temples of Jerusalem. After continuing your way downstairs with a stop at the artistic shops in the Cardo byzantine, you will arrive at the Western or Wailing Wall (Kotel), the only remaining wall of the Second Temple. Near the Western Wall, you will find a gate to ascend to the Temple Mount and visit the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa. There pilgrims can visit the beautiful mosques, pray and walk around the most expansive plaza in the city. Walking across the Temple Mount will lead you to the heart of the Muslim quarter, with an indulgent market filled with spices and products. Leaving the market up Via Dolorosa, you will enter the Christian quarter. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre hosts the Tomb of Jesus and bears witness to his journey. Around the courtyard of this Church, you could also visit the Mosque of Omar and the Al-Khanqah al-Salahiyya Mosque, adorned with almost identical minarets equidistant to the door of the Tomb of Jesus. With all of this walking around, you're probably hungry. I suggest you head over to a delicious gourmet breakfast at Mahane Yehuda Market which is our shuk (souk). Now it's time to delight your taste buds! Jerusalem cuisine is a fusion of Middle Eastern and Western cuisine. I would strongly recommend stopping by the "Atelier" where Chef Tali Friedman will invite you to cook a feast with the high-quality ingredients you will pick yourselves in the market, and eat in her restaurant overlooking the hustle and bustle of the market. In the evening, stroll through the market to enjoy live bar music, and once again enjoy the contrasts from the traditional to the modern. On the second day, book your breakfast at the legendary five-star King David hotel. Opened in 1931 under the British Mandate, the hotel hosted heads of state and famous personalities - among them King Abdullah I of Jordan, Margaret Thatcher and Madonna. Following breakfast, head to the Israel Museum and the Bible Lands Museum. In the first one, you will receive a complete glance of the history of Israel and precious objects including the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are 2,000 years old ancient manuscripts of the Bible discovered near the Dead Sea as well as a model of Jerusalem during the Roman Empire. The Bible Lands Museum allows you to explore the early Canaanite civilisations. From this hill of museums, snap a few photos of the view of Jerusalem and the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. While your 36 hours in Jerusalem might be finished at this point, there is so much more to see and experience. As you leave the city, you will most likely already be planning your next visit and we can't wait to see you again soon. What makes our city unique is a combination of the history rooted here, the modern economy being built here, and our people. We're very excited to welcome you. Written by Fleur Hassan-Nahoum on January 18, 2021 Original link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business-and-technology-review/36-hours-in-jerusalem

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