Generally the main purpose of a family tour of Israel is to familiarize the younger generation, maybe also the older generation, with Israel and Judaism and the history of the Jewish people. If there are several children and of varying ages, it can be a challenge to find ways to satisfy all members of the family.

someone in Hezekiah's tunnel

I should say here that most of the time the children are a delight, and the older usually take a great interest in the historical places and our explanations. I have had many reports from the families after they return home, on how valuable the tour has been, and how it has enriched the lives of all.

One of the ways to make tours with children more memorable is to find activities that stimulate them. Luckily there are loads of places catering to this younger generation, and where the parents and even grandparents find enjoyment.

Not all activities available are suitable to the touring family. There is of course also the season to take into consideration. Obviously there are many more attractions in the summer months, when Israeli children are off scholl and parents need to find activities for them. All the activities that a visiting family may use, are activities set up for the local population. Using such activities gives an additional incentive – it is a way for the children to meet up with Israeli children.

I will admit that despite my extensive knowledge about Israel, the subject of children’s activities is not my strongest, and so it is wonderful, when I can avail myself of websites and blogs. A friends of mine from a business networking group has established a blog: Fun in Jerusalem. I think all activities in and around Jerusalem are there.

There is an abundace of museums. Oh no, you may say, not museums for children. Well, why not if the visits are geared to the children, and there are plenty of those.

There are also historical sites that can be made into the high light for children, such as the City of David and Hezekiah’s Tunnel (pitch dark and in water).

Some items are usually on my Jerusalem itinerary anyway, such as the Arab market and the Mahane Yehuda Market. There is of course the Jerusalem Zoo, but also other unique green activities, such as the Bird Observatory (with special childrens activities).

In short there is plenty to do for the younger and older generation in Jerusalem. I just wish there was time for all of these within the normal itinerary of a private guided tour in Israel and Jerusalem.

In another posting I will report on fun things to do with children outside of Jerusalem.

Click here for the blog: Fun in Jerusalem.

I have made a decision that I want to start every week with something uplifting, something fun or something unusual. Coming off a great weekend we need to jumpstart the week.

This week I am starting with wine. I will admit I am not so knowledgeable in wine, Israeli or otherwise. I do love a good wine with a good meal, or even a glass of cold white wine on a hot summers evening, looking out over the Mediterranean or the Mountain of Judea.

I think I know enough to distinguish between a good wine and a bad wine. I can even say a few chosen words about the wine, such as fruity, very fruity. But that’s about all. But that is me, and there are plenty of Israelis who know their wines.

In fact Israel has very much come on to the world scene of producing excellent wines. There are of course the large wine cellars, such as Carmel and Golan Wines, but in addition there are innumerable smaller wine cellars. I have been told something like 250 in all. That’s not bad for such a small country.

When you visit Israel it is quite possible to visit wine cellars throughout the country, from the Golan Heights and the Galilee in the north to the Judean Mountains and the Negev to the south. But you may want to get to know more about Israeli wines even before you get here. That can be done by reading about it on the premier blog on Israeli wines Hakerem: The Israeli Wine Blog. “Kerem” is Hebrew for vineyard. Well-chosen name.

There is so much information about Israeli wines on their blog, including a list of many, though not all wineries in Israel. There is also a lesson on Wine Tasting, which of course can never substitute the real thing.

The real thing can of course be had during a visit to Israel. But many Israeli wines are todaysold in many places in the world, especially USA and Europe.

Reference:

Hekerem: The Israeli Wine Blog

It will be a completely individual choice which ones should be part of your itinerary. It will very much depend on your interest and life style.

Mt. of Olives – the highest mountain in Jerusalem. It affords a spectacular view of the city from the east. This is one place where a first understanding of what Jerusalem is can be had.

The Jewish Cemetery on the Mt. of Olives
The oldest and largest Jewish cemetery, it has been in use for app. 2500 years and is still in being used. Can be seen from the panoramic view on the top of the mountain.The Chapel of the Ascension (within the grounds of a Moslem Mosque)
The different churches that stood on this site were built around the stone from where Jesus ascended to heaven. The proof is in the footprint in the rock.

The Church of Pater Noster (Catholic)
Belonging to the Carmelite order, the church is built around the grotto where tradition has it that Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer.
It is famous also for the plaques of the Lord’s Prayer in more than 140 languages.

The Church of Dominus Flevit
Built over the site where traditionally Jesus prophesized the destruction of Jerusalem.

The Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Agony
Lying at the foot of the Mt. of Olives Gethsemane still has 8 ancient olive tree. The Church of the Agony within Gethsemane is built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed his last prayers (The Prayers of Agony) before being arrested and brought to trial.

The Church of Mary
Built over the site where Mary, the mother of Jesus, was laid to rest after falling in to eternal sleep, and from where she was assumed to heaven by Jesus.

The Ramparts or The walls of the Old City, and one of several of the Gates to the city.
The walls of the city can be visited and walked, offering a fascinating view down into the city for a different perspective.

The Citadel
Situated right next to the Jaffa Gate, the Citadel is a museum to the history of Jerusalem, through maps, pictures (as if drawn in the appropriate period), models, dolls dressed in contemporary dress style, and more.

The Four Quarters of the Old City
They are called quarters but should be thought of as the four neighborhoods: Armenian, Jewish, Moslem and Christian. Each quarter has its own distinct atmosphere.

The Herodian Mansions and the Burnt House
The restored remains of 7 mansions from the Herodian period, destroyed in the year 70 CE. and discovered during the excavations of the Jewish quarter in 1968.

Hezekiah’s Wall
Almost the only remain ever found of the wall King Hezekiah built around Jerusalem in 728 BCE to defend the city against the Assyrian attack by Sennacherib.

The Cardo
Today the main shopping area of the Jewish Quarter. Originally built by the Romans, expanded by the Byzantines and topped by Crusader market.

The Sephardi Synagogues
Four synagogues built next to each other, each with its own unique history and symbolism. Restored after 1967 and used by the residents of the Jewish Quarter

The Western Wall
The holiest place to the Jewish world. A large segment of the western retaining wall of Herod the Great’s temple compound.

The Western Wall Tunnel
An archaeological treat – the tunnel runs alongside the Western Wall and tells the story of the building of Temple Mount by Herod the Great, as well as Jewish traditions around it. Booking is needed as early as possible.

The Generations Museum
The history of the Jewish people told through spectacular glass sculptures. Booking is needed.

The Davidson Archaeological Museum
The place to truly discover ancient Jerusalem, the construction of Temple Mount and how pilgrims to Jerusalem may have felt at the time.
Also has remains of later periods: Byzantine houses and Moslem palaces built over the earlier periods.

The City of David
Jerusalem’s origins come to light starting with King David and King Solomon. New discoveries are still being made in the ongoing archaeological excavations. A visit will allow for understanding of the issues of defense and water in various periods.
For the braver – walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel.

Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque
The site of the First Temple (Solomon’s Temple) and the Second Temple. The size of Temple Mount dates back to its construction by Herod the Great. Since the 7th century it is the third holiest place to the Moslem world with the El Aqsa Mosque. The Dome of the Rock is the largest, oldest and one of the most spectacular buildings standing in Jerusalem. Known as the Rock – believed by many to be the site of the Jewish Temples, as well as the place of the Sacrifice by Abraham and the teachings to Mohammad by Allah.

The Church of St. Anna and the Pool of Bethesda
The pools have been partly excavated and are the place where Jesus heals the lame. The Church of St.Anne was built by the Crusaders over the traditional site of the home of  St.Anne, the mother of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Via Dolorosa and the Stations of the Cross
Via Dolorosa (The way of the Cross) begins with the Church of the Condemnation (St. I) and the Church of The Scourging (St. II). The carved paving stones in the Sisters of Zion Convent are by many considered the true site of the condemnation.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Originally built by Emperor Constantine in 324 it stands over the sites of the crucifixion of Jesus, Golgotha or Calvary, and the Tomb of Jesus, the Holy Sepulchre. The last five stations of the Cross are within the Church.
It is shared by 7 different Christian denominations, and one of the most visited sites in Israel.

The Arab Market (The Shuk)
Runs along many main streets and even more side streets. Whatever the heart desires (almost) can be bought here, from souvenirs to scarves to Arab dresses to belly dancing outfits, just to mention what comes to mind. There are many coffee houses, fruit juice stands, eating places for the weary visitor to rest at.
No visit to Jerusalem is complete with a walk through the Market.

Mt. Zion
Several places are important here:
The Room of the Last Supper or The Upper Room, where tradition has it that Jesus ate his last meal with the disciples
The Tomb of King David, the traditional burial site of King David
The Dormition Abbey, a more modern tradition of where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was laid to rest.
The Church of St. Peter in Galicantu is believed to be built over the House of Caiaphas, High Priest at the Temple at the time of Jesus, and where Jesus was held prisoner overnight and where Peter denies Jesus.

Bethelem
Though not part of Jerusalem, Bethlehem is just a short trip from Jerusalem. At its center is the Church of the Nativity, built over the grotto believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.

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