Tiberias is one of the four Israeli cities holy to Judaism. As a result, number of important Jewish rabbinical figures are buried in this scenic and historic coastal town. Visiting the graves of righteous people who, during their lifetimes, spiritually uplifted the Jewish people is an important part of a Holy Land tour. Jewish tradition teaches that praying at the grave of a righteous person allows you to build upon the spiritual merit of that person, in order to assist your prayers to ascend with greater force. And Tiberias is a wonderful place to do so.
Post Tour Tag: Heritage
Jesus Trail Hiking Package from Nazareth
The 6-Day Jesus Trail Hike will take you on an unforgettable walk through history, culture, and spirituality. Journey through small villages, bustling cities, and sweeping farmland along a well known trail where Jesus chose to carry out his ministry. Beginning in Nazareth, you will visit the old Roman Galilean capital: Zippori, the location of the first miracle in Cana, a fully-functioning religious Jewish Kibbutz, ancient olive groves, Mount Arbel, and of course – the Sea of Galilee. Along the coast, you will visit important churches, with the final destination being Capernaum: the center of of much of Jesus’ ministry. An additional hike to the Mount of Beatitudes is an optional, and recommended walk.
Discover Secrets of Nazareth with a Local
We will start by a short briefing on our beloved city and enter the St. Gabriel Church to discover this unique ancient shrine and will drink from the authentic Mary’s well.
Then proceed to towards the old city and make various stops in local bakeries, spices shops, carpentries, goldsmith shops, cultural corners, oriental sweets & café’s, art shops, souvenirs, antiques shops, ancient luxury houses, religious shrines, and most important …
Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the story of Christianity began. We will stand before the archeological site where Nazareth of Jesus was located and also visit the house and workshop of St. Joseph.
You will have the opportunity to meet people and exchange life stories and get to know how they struggle with their living. And do not forget to get your camera ready to take shots in each and every corner. These pictures will become a “teaser” for your friends and complement your memory as you go back home.
Chagall Windows & Heritage Center Tours
Come visit us in the Abbell Synagogue, home to the famous Chagall Windows, in the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem, Jerusalem.
The twelve stained glass windows, which Marc Chagall created for the synagogue and donated to Hadassah in 1962, represent the unique characteristics, attributes, professions and strengths of the twelve sons of the biblical patriarch Jacob. Marc Chagall’s main inspiration is derived from the Bible, particularly Jacob’s blessings to his twelve sons and Moses’ words to the twelve tribes.
The colorful light that emanates from the twelve stained glass windows bathes the Abbell Synagogue at the Hadassah University Medical Center in a special glow. The sun filters through the brilliant hues of the stained glass capturing their radiance. Even in the misty haze of a cloudy day, Chagall’s genius transforms time and space.
The tour of the Hadassah Heritage Center and the Chagall Windows is the best way to discover one of the most famous and splendid works of Marc Chagall and the incredible humane work of the Hadassah organization throughout the past 100 years.
Following the Forerunner, Private Tour From Jerusalem
Two churches – Visitation Church where Mary learned that she’s bearing child, and St. John Ba Harim Church where the immerser, John the Baptist was born – two churches that comemorate two events that gave Christianity two of the most ancient hymns – The Magnificat and Benedictus.
And in between these two churches we will learn about the obsession of purity of that time, of unique individuals that came to live in Ein Kerem at the western part of Jerusalem following the carisma of John. These include Major General Charles Gordon, the Ratisbonne brothers, two Jews who converted to Christianity and formed the Sisters of Zion Order, Eliszabeth, sister in law of the last Russian Zar, all followed the forerunner’s place of birth and where he grew as a child, some learning about him and others setting up convents and churches.
We will walk through the picturesque alleys of the village that has not changed much during the last 2000 years and attempt to better understand John’s childhood.
Acre Old City Market
The Crusader city of Acre lies on the Mediterranean coast just north of Haifa. It is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in Israel with a hidden Crusader city beneath the ground and the 18th century Old City above ground. One of the most exciting things to do in Acre is walking through the Old City where the main streets are lined with market stalls and shops that open up onto the street.
The Acre Old City Market is a dirty, colorful, loud and bustling market where the local residents do their shopping among curious tourists. The prices are very reasonable, the vendors friendly and you can even try bargaining. Most of the market is covered so you won’t be in the sun and vendors display their goods hanging from every possible surface and spread out onto the street. The market operates during daylight hours and it is perfectly safe to walk around during the daytime. If you follow the market streets you will eventually reach the sea.
The market’s real purpose is to supply locals who live in the Old City with all they need. Among the goods on sale there is clothing, kitchen utensils, toys, jewelry, accessories, shoes, leather goods and more. Food on sale includes both raw and ready-to-eat food. See the fish monger; butcher; vegetable stalls; cheese and spice stalls. At the bakery see large trays of traditional baklava sweet cakes being prepared. You can find unique traditional items in the Acre Old City Market like hooker pipes. In among the market, stalls are several restaurants selling grilled meats, fish dishes, shawama and falafel.
Having entered the Old City Market and walked for a few meters you will see a doorway on your right that opens up to a gentrified, restored 18th century market street. This market is dedicated to arts, crafts and souvenirs. It is completely different to the Old City Market and is lined with elegant boutiques, eateries and pubs. If the Old City Market is a bit much for you then head in to this quieter and cleaner side street.
Jaffa Old City Tour
Old Jaffa, one of the oldest port cities in the world, is one of the magical places to visit in Israel. A city that has existed for over 4000 years in which many peoples have conquered, ruled, lived and left their mark to this day. From Ramesses and other Egyptian kings, through the Philistines, the Byzantines, the Ottomans and the English to the establishment of Israel and its union with the Hebrew city of Tel Aviv.
The city is full of diverse and fascinating history ranging from myths from Greek mythology, the beginnings of Christianity as an independent religion, the Eichmann Prison, the rise of Old Jaffa as a stronghold of artists and many other events and stories. Prepare your eyes, and heart for an interesting and exciting tour!
YIVO’s 2022 Study Tours
Lithuania & Poland
Join YIVO for an enlightening journey to Lithuania and Poland. Examine the life that was lived as you reconnect with your own heritage. Discover the remarkable treasures of old Warsaw, Kraków, Vilnius, and the magical Białowieża Forest.
Literary Tour of Jewish Galicia
Due to popular demand and the success of the 2018 tour, YIVO will host its second Literary Tour of Jewish Galicia, where we will read the works of writers such as Peretz, Bruno Schulz, Agnon, Celan, Babel, and many others in the places that they were written, and travel through the historic landscape that shaped them.
St. Petersburg – Moscow – Prague
YIVO is proud to announce a study tour to St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Prague. This tour will explore the history of Russian and Soviet Jewry, as well as visit some of the major attractions of these two Russian capitals. The tour will conclude in Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe.
Jewish Colmar
Part of Germany until 1681, Colmar has a Jewish community that dates back to the mid-13th century. The medieval community, which owned a synagogue, mikvah, and a cemetery, settled between the present Rue Chauffour and Rue Berthe-Molly (then names Rue des Juifs).
We can arrange for you to visit the Colmar Synagogue, originally built in 1840. This neo-Romanesque synagogue was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II and then restored by the local community after the war. You may also tour the Musée Bartholdi, which contains a fine collection of Jewish rituals objects and synagogue furnishings. The museum is located in the house of Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. Another museum to see this year is the newly renovated Unterlinden, listed as one of the notable destinations for 2016.
Colmar Synagogue Tour
The synagogue is situated in the town center, minutes away from the pedestrian zone and near many hotels. Guided tours are available by appointment, every day except for shabbat and festivals.
To book please phone either : The synagogue office +33 3 89 41 38 29 (if answering machine please leave a message); or the tourist office, place Unterlinden in Colmar or by phone +33 3 89 20 68 92.
For security reasons you will be asked to show your passports, identity card or driving license, and your bags may be checked.
