Directory listings Archive | Page 108 of 259

Treasures in the Walls Ethnographic Museum

The Treasures in the Walls Museum is an ethnographic museum located in Acre, Israel. The museum is dedicated to show the craftsmanship of the city of Acre.

The building was built by the Ottoman ruler of Jazzar Pasha, after Napoleon tried to conquer the city in 1779. The building was originally called Burj Al-Commander and was used as a military base for the Ottoman Empire. One of the reasons why the museum was established to conserve the collections Dan Hortman and Michael Lurie. The design of the presentation of the museum’s exhibits was designed by Michal Mizrahi.

The museum has exhibits on life in Galilee dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum contains artifacts such as local craftsmanship, clocks, vessels, furniture, works of art and books for children. During Hanukkah, the museum displays a collection of menorahs dating back to the 1930s. In 2015, the museum exhibited 40 Haggadot from the Mordechai collection. Some of the museum’s books were collected by artist Mickey Einhorn-Nelkenbaum, as well as children’s books from the Luria collection. The museum contains exhibits of objects such as handicrafts that were found in houses in Acre and Galilee from different communities in Israel.

The Old Acre 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.

Photo attribution:
David Il, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Ghattas Turkish Bathhouse

Emil Ghattas was born and raised in Acre’s Old City. When he returned to Acre after a 25-year career with Intel, he decided to fulfill a lifelong dream: to open a Turkish bathhouse (Hammam) in the old city of Acre. The luxury bathhouse he built, using marble from Turkey and Guatemala includes a Hammam, steam room, dry sauna, Jacuzzi and massage treatments.

Ghattas offers a luxurious and classy experience in surroundings that are as authentic as possible, and he intended for the project to bring more tourists to Acre, so they can discover the history and beauty of his hometown, as well as learn about the rich cultural heritage. Ghattas feels it is important to give back to the city that has given him so much, and expresses this through various charity and community projects.

The luxury Turkish bathhouse, housed in an original Ottoman building, has been painstakingly renovated and restored to its original state. The authentic and original features, alongside the most modern and luxurious equipment offer an all-round experience. The renovations began in 2009 and very close attention was paid to preserving many of the unique architectural features.

In 2012 the renovation works were finally completed and the bath was opened to the public. It includes two floors of indulgence with the ground floor housing a large traditional seating area, steam room, massage table as well as separate changing areas, lockers, bathrooms and showers for men and women. The top floor includes a dry sauna, Jacuzzi, warmed seating area, two massage beds and underfloor heating.

Baha’i Gardens Acre

The gardens at Bahjí in ‘Acre form a wide circle surrounding the historic mansion where Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided during the final years of His life and the shrine where His remains were laid to rest.

The approach to the circular garden is a long, straight path framed with cypress trees and informal plantings. As you walk, the silence seems to grow in intensity. Entering the heart of the site is like arriving in a world of peace and serenity, a wall-less sanctuary that is protected without being enclosed.

The Mansion of Bahjí (meaning “Delight”) was built in 1821 by ‘Abdu’lláh Páshá, then the Turkish governor of Acre. Bahá’u’lláh occupied the mansion from 1879 until His passing in 1892. He is buried in a small building adjacent to the Mansion known as the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. Over the years, this Holy Place has been beautified with formal gardens extending in a large circle around the Shrine. Here the formal, precise gardening flows around historic buildings and natural elements that include a centuries-old sycamore fig tree and the remains of an ancient olive grove.

Zikhron Yaakov, Israel: Where the Roots of Zionism Run Deep

For those unfamiliar with the term, Aliyah, is the symbolic event of Jews returning to live in Israel, which is considered to be their ancestral homeland. The very first Aliyah settlements still hold a substantial place in the memory of modern Israelis today. One of these initial settlements is Zikron Yaakov, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, between Haifa and Caesarea. This settlement would become Israel’s premier and most successful winery, a title it still holds to this day. In addition, Zikhron Yaakov played a large part in the success of Zionism.

The History of Zikhron Yaakov

Unlike a great deal of other Israeli cities, the town of Zikhron Yaakov does not have a substantial ancient history. The town itself is part of the newer age of Israeli history, with roots beginning prior to the establishment of the State in 1948. The story goes that in 1882 around one hundred Romanian Jews made their way from Eastern Europe and founded a settlement on Mount Carmel. The settlement was not entirely a success at first when the population suffered a terrible malaria outbreak. Many settlers either succumbed to illness or migrated to another area of the country.

vineyards of Zikhron Yaakov — Vineyards of Zikhron Yaakov

The man responsible for putting the settlement back on the map was a French Jew by the name of Baron Edmond James de Rothschild. He was a prominent philanthropist and wine maker back in France. When he laid eyes on the slopes of the settlement he knew that they would be ideal for raising grapes.

He re-established the settlement as the town of Zikhron Yaakov, named in memory of his father Isaac, and began the Carmel Winery. At first the winery was a blunder when the grapes succumbed to a parasite that wiped out nearly all the vines, however, Baron was not discouraged. He imported seedling varietals from America that were more resistant to parasite infection and voila, success! The vineyards and winery are still hailed as being some of the best wine on the Israeli market.

Beit Aaronsohn-Nili Museum in Zikhron Yaakov

Other than its established wine history, Zikhron Yaakov played a substantial role in the victory of the British conquest during the early 20th century. The British government supported the Jewish Yishuv movement gaining allies amongst Jews living in Eretz Yisrael. One of the best places to learn about this history is the Beit Aaronsohn-Nili Museum. Nili is an acronym for Netzach Israel Lo Yishaker, roughly translated as “the Jewish nation will live forever.”

The Nili organization was in itself a network of spies that collected intelligence for the British forces. This espionage ring was led by Aaron Aaronsohn and several other members from Zikhron Yaakov. Aaronsohn himself was an agronomist by trade but all members of the Nili movement were dedicated to the success of the British and the promise of a Jewish homeland.

The Aaronsohn Family after leaving Istanbul

The First Aliyah Museum in Zikhron Yaakov

Another site that commemorates the early days of Zionism and the brave men and women who worked tirelessly to realize that dream is The First Aliyah Museum. The building itself is a national heritage treasure built in 1894 by Baron Rothschild as the administrative center of Zikhron Yaakov.

The building was later the site of the historic “First Convention” in 1903. This was when the issues of Zionism were unpacked by Jewish leaders such as Menachem Ussishkin and of course Baron Rothschild. Later on the building was used as a base of operations, hospital, and mosque. In the late 21st century, it was finally converted into a museum to preserve the many phases of its life.

The Amphorae Winery in Zikhron Yaakov

Of course, a visit to Zikhron Yaakov would not be complete without a winery tour. Other than the famed Carmel Winery, Amphorae Winery is also known for its distinct blends and unique approach to raising grapes. The winery itself is very young, having only been established in 2000 but since then it has revolutionized the industry. The winery focuses heavily on environmentally responsible practices. There is limited intervention in its fermentation practices while relying mostly on solar energy for its electricity consumption.

Four Women Drinking Wine at Amphorae Winery in Zikhron Yaakov — Amphorae Winery in Zikhron Yaakov

Innovative practices are common within the history of Zikhron Yaakov. Aaron Aaronsohn, in addition to being the ringleader of the Nili movement, also discovered a wild grain called “mother wheat”. This wild grain is considered to be amongst the first grain strands in the Levant, an ancient source of food.

Aarsonnsohn’s discovery of the grain paralleled the entirety of the Zionist movement in the sense of Eretz Yisrael being the homeland of the Jewish people. In fact, the whole Aaronsohn clan played huge roles in the success of the Zionist movement. Sarah Aaronsohn ran the legions of Nili spies when her brother was indisposed. Their parents were also two of the one hundred community members of the original settlement.

Zikhron Yaakov is the ultimate symbol for Israeli innovation and Zionist history. From the soil on which its wineries thrive, to the irreplaceable contributions of its early community members, this town is a modern day miracle. It reminds Israel and the world what is possible when good men with unrelenting spirits have a dream to realize.

Haifa, Israel: You Go to Jerusalem to Pray, Tel Aviv to Play, and Haifa to Do It All

Haifa is the number one port city in Israel overlooking the Haifa Bay along the Mediterranean coast. The city also spans over the entirety of Mount Carmel giving the whole area a very unreal almost fantasy-like appearance with the mountain meeting the beautiful coastline. The city plays host to a number of groups including Jews, Christians, Arabs, Druze, and those of the Baha’i faith which has created a diverse cultural scene in addition to a major center of faith for just about every Eastern born religion under the sun.

The History of Haifa

In terms of Judaic history, Haifa is first mentioned by name in the Talmud sometime between the 1st and 4th centuries CE. The city is referenced in relation to the murex snail which was farmed in the town near Haifa. This snail was used to produce the purple and blue dyes used for coloring tallit, Jewish prayer shawls typically worn by men.

The area has been inhabited before this citation with the earliest archaeological remains dating to the Late Bronze Age up until the Hellenistic period. At this time, the settlement was known as Tel Abu Hawam, and held the function of a port city just like today. The city is mentioned in various sources throughout Israel’s history of conquest, except for when Muslim rule dominated the land. When the Crusaders arrived, the landscape of Haifa played a large role in building defensible fortifications to gain advantage when enemies attacked.

By 1742, the Jewish community which had dwindled over the last few centuries slowly started to build itself back up again. These were mainly Jews returning from the diaspora in North African nations like Morocco and Tunisia. Just a century after this, the Baha’i faith made its way from Persia to the north of Israel by way of a man called Baha’u’llah. He had been exiled by the Shah of Iran and later imprisoned. When he was released, Baha’u’llah came to Israel and made Haifa the center of the Baha’i religion.

Another century later, during the War of Independence in 1948, the city itself was a highly coveted territory for both Israelis and Arabs but eventually fell to the Haganah. Before the war, the city had over 50,000 Arab inhabitants, and by the end of the conflict their numbers had fallen into the lower thousands. The Arabs that stayed consented to live under Israeli rule. Despite this drop in population, Arabic culture is still a large part of the city’s fabric of daily life, none more so than food culture.

The Baha’i Gardens of Haifa

Out of all the religious groups that contributed to Haifa’s history and architecture, there is one monument that stands above the rest. Literally. The Baha’i Gardens situated on Mount Carmel travel up the entire face of the mountain. The steep white staircase stops are various terraces as you climb each one decorated with the most breathtaking vegetation. You will never see a wilting flower in these gardens, which are attended day and night. At the very top is the golden dome and Shrine of the Bab. This is the final resting place of the Prophet Herald, a central figure of the Baha’i faith. Once you reach the top you can see the entire scope of the city; it is a once in a lifetime view.

view of haifa from the top of the bahai gardens — View of Haifa from the top of the Baha’i Gardens

Other Must-See Sites in Haifa

In stark contrast to the steep heights of the Baha’i Gardens, Elijah’s Cave is also located on Mount Carmel. This site is sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Druze. It is a natural grotto where Elijah was said to have rested during his time in the wilderness. The precise location of the cave was unknown for centuries and is still contested till this day. However, this particular site associated with the prophet still welcomes thousands of pilgrims every year.

Aside from the city’s rich religious history, one of the things that entices people about Israel’s northern region is its abundantly green landscape. One of the best places to visit in order to take in the foliage and landscape of the north is the En Afek Nature Reserve. It is named for the ancient town of Tel Afek, in the hinterland of the reserve, mentioned in both the book of Joshua and Judges. The reserve itself contains extensive swamp land waterways and every freshwater plant and tree native to the northern region. This is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse or two of the local and very colorful water birds of Haifa.

marshland with plants and a pond in haifa, israel — En Afek Nature Reserve in Haifa, Israel

Outside of these attractions don’t neglect the various cultural happenings that take place year round in the city. Some of these include the Karmiel Dance Festival in July, and the Haifa Food Fair that runs from November to December. However one of the best festivals has got to be the Haifa Wine Festival in September. Some of the most delicious grape varieties are grown in the north yielding world renowned wines.

wine being poured into a wine glass at the Haifa Wine Festival — The Haifa Wine Festival

It is no surprise, that with all this history and culture, Haifa has produced some of the most notable Jewish Israeli figures in the world of arts and academia. One of the most famous names is the great Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. He was born during the era of British Mandate Palestine and educated at McGill University in Montreal. Moshe then returned to his native Israel and designed some of the most prominent and breathtaking architectural pursuits in the world. His resume includes Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust museum and research centre, and Ben Gurion International Airport. Another well known name is Hillel Slovak. Born to Holocaust survivors, Hillel made his way to Los Angeles and became the original guitarist for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The band and its members would go on to be multi-time Grammy award winners and all around American cultural icons.

It is a common phrase in the Jewish world that you go to Jerusalem to pray and Tel Aviv to play, but Haifa to stay. It has the character of relaxed beach life combined with the hustle and bustle of a big city. Haifa is the best of all Israel has to offer and then some.

Nazareth, Israel: The City Where Christianity Was Conceived

Every Christian in the world has heard tales of the city of Nazareth since they were first taken to a church service. This was the city of Jesus’ comeuppance as a teacher, religious leader, and eventual Christian messiah. There are monuments, basilicas, and even ancient synagogues that reflect where it all began for the world’s number one practiced religion. If you happen to be visiting the city during the Christmas season, this is the best time to see all these sites in action. Today, however, the city hosts the largest Arab population in the lower Galilee.

The History of Nazareth

At the time of its establishment, Nazareth was a predominantly Jewish city, but is never mentioned in the Old Testament or any Rabbinic sources. During Jesus’ ascent as the voice of a new religious movement, his actions and words contested heavily the established order of the Judeo-Roman world. When the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE the Jewish population of the city declined significantly.

Jesus’ life and teachings prevailed in starting a new life and definition for the city of Nazareth. Centuries later, it invited a whole movement of religious warriors, the Crusaders, whose presence is still being excavated from the land today. When the city was captured by the Ottoman Turks in the early 16th century, they expelled all the Christians from the city. Eventually, those who had been forced to leave were allowed to return. Today, the city hosts the largest population of Christian Arabs anywhere in the Levant. Nazareth is also visited by scores of Catholic Christians and those belonging to Eastern Orthodoxy.

Tradition runs deep in more than just the Christian history of Nazareth. The city is home to some of the best Arab food in the Middle East with restaurants being passed down through the generations. There is also an esteemed school of music, Polyphony Nazareth whose mission is to bring together Jewish and Arab musicians in a shared fusion of two distinct music cultures. This is a great representation of the new flourished life of the Jewish community in an otherwise intensely Christian city.

The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel

Historic Sites in Nazareth

Interestingly enough, many of the Christian historic sites in Nazareth have more to do with the life of Jesus’ mother Mary than they do her son. The first is the Church of Annunciation, the most visited Church in the Galilee. This is where it is said the archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and informed her of her divine insemination by God. This was the monumental event that started it all and as a result, the Church enjoys the status of a minor basilica, a title bestowed by the Vatican according to Canon law. If the Pope happened to reside in the Holy Land it is likely this would be Christianity’s number one basilica.

The Church of the Annunciation interior in Nazareth, Israel

Inside the church is the site where the angel was said to have appeared to the mother of Jesus, known as Mary’s Well. The source of the well’s water is a cave spring located a few kilometers north of the church. In recent years, the church has constructed a new well site where visitors are allowed to gather en masse. The waters from inside the church are filtered down to this new site. For centuries the wells’ waters were said to harbor healing properties and farmers used to water their fields with the holy substance. The site is even considered to be holy amongst Muslims that inhabit Nazareth.

One of the major sites that was supposedly utilized by Jesus in his lifetime is the Synagogue Church. Little is known about the life of Jesus within Nazareth, making the synagogue one of the main staples of Jesus’ presence and teachings. The structure that stands today is thought to have been built on top of the ruins of the original synagogue, hence the contradictory title.

The Synagogue Church in Nazareth, Israel

There are even more sites and tours to be embarked upon designed to lead you down the path of Christianity’s beginnings. In addition to its history, Nazareth is also home to some of the finest Arab cuisine in the north. Family restaurants and recipes passed down from generation to generation, an ode to the modern history and culture of Nazareth. Be sure to include this incredible city on your trip to Israel.

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

Be’er Sheva is one of the largest and most historically prominent cities in Israel. It has both an ancient biblical past and is a primary jewel of innovation in modern day Israel. Keeping with the tradition of Israeli history, the city has hosted scores of Jews, Arabs, Christians. In the last few decades it has been a main center of immigration for the return of diaspora Jewry, and the mix of these cultures is evident and appears in all facets of life.

The History of Be’er Sheva

As mentioned, the Jewish history of Be’er Sheva is cited in the Torah, Judaism’s holiest and most ancient text. It was the site where Abraham made a covenant with the Philistine King Abimelech, mentioned in the book of Genesis. The rest of the four patriarchs of Judaism also lived in Be’er Sheva for a time. Similar to other original ancient sites in Israel, the Jewish population dwindled after several expulsions and conquerings. The city did not regain any historic prominence until it came under the rule of Byzantium. However, the main recurring inhabitants of the city were in fact nomadic Bedouin tribes who frequented the site to collect water. Israel’s Negev desert is famed for its hidden oasis and springs, many of which are located in Be’er Sheva.

During the War of Independence in 1948, the city served as one of the main staging points of the Palmach. Here, Israel’s forces made their significant stand against Arab nations bent on running out the new Jewish arrivals. The attack led by the IDF, known as Operation Moses, took back the city of Be’er Sheva from Egyptian forces that had captured the city a few months prior. This victory was essential to Israel’s overall success in the War of Independence, cementing the land of Israel as a Jewish state after nearly 2,000 years.

Anzac Memorial in Be’er Sheva, Israel; Attribution: zeller -zalmanson Pikiwiki Israel, CC BY 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons

Historic Sites in Be’er Sheva

The importance and prominence of this history can be found throughout several of the city’s historic sites and monuments. Starting with the biblical narrative you can visit Abraham’s Well, the ‘Be’er’ in Be’er Sheva. The name was taken from the historic biblical event of the covenant between Abraham and the Philistine king. ‘Be’er,’ means well, and ‘Sheva’, is translated as oath. This city was the first stop in the land of Canaan for the patriarchs Abraham and his son Isaac, after they had moved from the land of Ur, located in modern day Iraq.

Next on the historic and biblical timeline is the Tel Be’er Sheva National Park. This settlement was initially built in the fourth millennium BCE and underwent a renovation during the Iron Age. It continued to be in use all the way up till World War I. The Ottomans also used the tel as a vantage point to build a fortress to hold off the British advance from the south.

archeological park with stone buildings at the tel be'er sheva national park — Tel Be’er Sheva National Park

Be’er Sheva has seen a great deal of war and has a great deal of monuments and museums dedicated to Israel’s war history. One of more beautiful and artistic reminders is the Monument to the Negev Brigade of the Palmach forces. Designed by Danny Karivan, the monument alludes to the landscape of the Negev. It is constructed entirely out of concrete which blends in with the background of the desert and features eighteen distinct elements. Names of the fallen brigade are etched into the stone along with passages from the Old Testament.

Monument to the Negev Brigade in Be’er Sheva, Israel; Attribution: Talmoryair, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Be’er Sheva is known for battles won in Israel and also on the chess board. The city has more chess masters per capita than anywhere else in the world. Some of the finest players the game has ever seen have hailed from here. Some of the most famous names in Israeli chess include Maxim Rodshtein, born in Russia but trained in Be’er Sheva. Maxim Rodshtein won the title of grand master in 2007 at the FIDE grande prix. Another notable name is Boris Gelfand who took the title of World Chess Champion in 2012. Israel, and Be’er Sheva in particular, is renowned for its ability to train champions and is ranked 15th in the world.

In addition to its rich ancient and modern history Be’er Sheva is a hub of culture, food, and beer. There are tours available designed to introduce newcomers to all of the above and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to check out this jewel of the Negev, central in both the geography and identity of Israel.

Rutenberg

Located in a historic and highly confrontational area on the border with Jordan, Kibbutznik/Chef power couple Yizhar Sahar and Hila Ronen Sahar have created an Eden of food in a simple dining room set for only twenty guests. The restaurant is named for the father of Israeli electricity Pinchas Rotenberg who played a large part in the success story of the Israeli Kibbutz movement. The meal consists of five dishes that are crafted according to the liking of the customer and made from a variety of fresh ingredients directly from the restaurant garden. When you call to make a reservation they will ask you about any dietary restrictions or food aversions to give the customer the best experience possible.

Deda

The origin story of the modern Israeli Georgian kitchen Deda has roots in a small village nestled in the Caucasus Mountains of Eastern Europe. The main heroine of the story is a woman named Nelly, who grew up watching her mother create delicious and warm stews, pastries, and meats that to her were the epitome of home. Years later Nelly prepared these same recipes in her own kitchen in Israel for her son Gore. He saw how much joy his mother received from feeding anyone and everyone who would walk through her door.. In 2008 Gore decided to pay homage to his mother and expanded her love of cooking by opening the original Deda, in Central Israel.

Archives: Directory listings