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Visit Bethlehem and sample the best of the biblical city over the course of one day.
Bethlehem is more than just the birthplace of Jesus Christ and a destination for Christian pilgrims. The city is a living, breathing piece of history both ancient and modern. Biblical architecture that spans eras is placed side by side with modern constructions resulting from decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Bethlehem's small size make it easy to walk around and, contrary to salacious headlines, the city is relatively peaceful and an important destination not to be missed.
GETTING IN AND GETTING OUT
A quick Google search explains getting into Bethlehem is immensely easier than trying to compromise on a two-state solution. The Jerusalem light-rail runs along Jaffa road for NIS 6.60 to the Damascus gate stop. When you exit the train the Arab bus station is behind you. The number 21 bus runs every 15 minutes and is NIS 7.60. The bus ride takes around 30-40 minutes and makes around 3 stops before it alights at the Bab al-Zqaq stop along the Jerusalem-Hebron Road in Bethlehem. From here, most main centers are walking distance but taxis are lined up with negotiable prices.
To leave Bethlehem to return to Jerusalem, take the same number 21 bus, on the same side of the street where you originally got off. If you're nervous about the direction of the route, just double check with the driver that he
Tags: bethlehem travel
A new digital library, stored on Google servers, and containing fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls was launched today by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Google Israel. The current library contains 4,000 high resolution scans of infrared photographs that were taken after being discovered iin the 1950's. An additional 1,000 new scans were specially constructed by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
The actual Dead Sea Scrolls are on display inside the Shrine of the Book exhibit at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The scrolls were discovered in the 1950's in caves situated in the Judean Desert at the site of Qumran.
To learn more about the new Dead Sea Scroll library visit this link: http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/
Hanevim Street is known as the Street of the Prophets and runs east west from the Damsacus Gate in the East to Davidka Square in the West side of Jerusalem. Many major historic buildings are situated along the corridor, including the Ethiopian Church.
History of the Ethiopian Church in West Jerusalem
The Ethiopian community evolved around the Haneviim corridor in the 1880's and the church was built along Ethiopia Street, that was purchased in 1888 just north of Hanevim Street. Ethiopia Street bought in 1888, just north of Street of the Prophets. Under the initiative of Empress Taytu Betul, Ethiopian Empress Taytu Betul was instrumental in encouraging other Ethiopian nobles and wealthy individuals to purchase homes on Ethiopia Street and Street of the Prophets, which still belong to the community to this day.
One of the hidden gems in Israel's north, which has recently undergone a major renovation, is Ramat Hanadiv. It is, in ,a botanical garden about 20 minutes from Haifa and about half an hour from Nazareth. However, it's so much more than that - it's also a tribute to Baron Rothschild, who helped to shape the successful return of the Jews to Zion.
Setting the Scene
Before we talk about Ramat Hanadiv, it's important to know just who is buried there and why they were so important. Interred in a special mausoleum at the site are Baron Edmund de Rothschild and his wife. The two of them were Jewish philanthropists in the 19th century who helped to found numerous towns and cities throughout Israel, including Petach Tikvah (which means the gateway of hope) and Rishon Letzion (the "First" of Zion).
Baron Rothschild is something of a mythical figure in Israel. At a young age, he devoted his life to bringing the Jewish people home and to helping them make a living working the land. He was instrumental in building the Carmel Winery in Israel (the full name was Carmel Mizrachi, meaning Carmel East, since the family owned a winery in Europe called Carmel as well).
He arranged to get cuttings of French varieties of grapes sent directly to the Holy Land (a feat almost unheard of befor
As we reach deep into spring in the Holy Land, the blossoming of the almond trees in Ein Kerem is now at its glorious pink and white peak.
The charming village, with its narrow streets and alleyways nestled in the ancient terraced slopes west of Jerusalem between the Hadassah Hospital and the suburban sprawl of Har Nof, is a lush bustan (orchard) studded with historic churches, picturesque stone domed houses and quaint restaurants. A sunny warm early spring weekend is the ideal time to follow in pilgrims' footsteps, marvel at the town's beauty, and enjoy a rural repast.
An Art gallery in Ein Karem; photo courtesy Travelujah
Though today part of municipal Jerusalem, until 1948 Ein Kerem was a mixed Christian-Muslim Palestinian village known in Arabic as 'Ain Karim (the Noble Spring ) far from the city. Traces of settlement have been found here dating back to 6000 BCE. Following the April 1948 massacre at nearby Deir Yassin,
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the latest of the many Holy Land shrines to have its own dedicated website. The site, unveiled today, was created by the Custody of the Holy Land, is offered in Italian, English, Spanish and Frend, along with many as well as rich images and photos of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The site offers a wealth of content that will enrich the experience of tourists, but those that are interested in doing in depth research on one of the most significant Christian holy sites.
The website offers a number of special tools , the most elaborate of which is a new Virtual Photo Tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visitors can actually go into each of the rooms of the church and study the architecture. They will also be able to participate in Easter 2012 festivities in real time through the many videos produced by the Franciscan Media Center.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre website is the latest site launched by the Custody of the Holy Land, which is two years into an enormous project that will ultimately provide a website for each of the shrines, as well as the libraries, Christian guesethouses and
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