Shiksa in Israel

Mini Israel is NOT Mini Jerusalem, and vice versa

Somewhere between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is Mini Israel.

From Hwy 1: Turn off at the Latrun junction towards the Armored Corps site. At the traffic light, after about 500 meters, turn right, and after 1 km turn left into the Park.
-or- From Hwy 3: Continue from Nachshon junction to Latrun junction (Sheva junction), turn left at the junction, (just before the Armored Corps Memorial), and after about 1 km turn left into the park.

Entry is no more than 65-NIS (it varies with age and size of group). Mini Israel opens 10am every day; closing times differ. Call with questions: 08-913-0000.

Here's the Shiksa's question: how Mini is Mini Israel when the tour in a mini electric vehicle takes about an hour?

Mini Jerusalem (aka the model of Jerusalem from the Late Second Temple Era) is actually Mini. It's an exhibit at the Israel Museum and is 2000 square meters, built to a 1:50 scale.

CSJ was convinced that Mini Israel and Mini Jerusalem from the Late Second Temple Era were the same thing. I knew better. In the end he was quite satisfied by Mini Jerusalem from the Late Second Temple Era and did not need to see Mini Israel. I think it's because we did the headphone guide thing. I highly recommend it.

Jaffa Wishing Bridge

Apparently you should stand on the bridge gripping your astrological sign while staring at the Sea and making your wish. If you can do so many things at once, your wish will come true.

While watching the film in the Jaffa Visitor's Center I overheard a great conversation:

She: I want to go to the Jaffa Wishing Bridge. Read this.
He: (after a brief moment reviewing whatever she's handed to him) Sounds touristy.
She: I don't care.
He: Sounds dumb.
She: We're going.

Ramon Visitors Center

we found it, which isn't hard at all considering it's the giant building on the edge of the crater. basically, go into the town of Mitzpe Ramon and look for signs. I hate to say that, but it's true.

they have some good maps there, and a museum, and a bathroom that is not free.

The Israel Museum

The Israel Museum is open Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat 10am-5pm. Tues 4pm-9pm. Fri and holiday eves 10am-2pm

Pictured here is the model of biblical Jerusalem that CSJ calls mini-Jerusalem. Behind it is the Shrine of the Book (white thing), and the Knesset (far back).

The Israel Museum
Rupin Road
Jerusalem
T: 02-670-8811
www.imj.org.il

Yad Vashem slightly more in depth

I’m hoping that CSJ’s cousin who did a report on Yad Vashem for school will help me out here. In the meantime, I’ll mention some highlights of Yad Vashem:

The Hall of Remembrance is incredibly moving. The names of 22 concentration camps are written on a stone floor in a structure dark but for the light entering the doorway and the burining eternal flame. Just reading the names in your head will turn your stomach. It’s intense, yet so simple.

The Children’s Memorial is intense in a different way (which I guess you can say about everything within Yad Vashem). Flickering lights (candles?) reflect against mirrors in a way that is both beautiful and disorienting. Again, there is not overhead light here. As you walk through the memorial, trying to get your bearings, the names, ages, and countries of child victims are announced. To say it’s moving is an understatement.

Get to Yad Vashem at least one hour before closing or you will be locked out of the Museum and will not have enough time to take it all in.

Yad Vashem
Open Sunday – Friday 9am. Closes 5pm Sunday-Wed; 8pm Thurs; 2pm Friday and holidays
www.yadvashem.org
no kids under 10-years in the Holocaust History Museum.

Yad Vashem Basics

Before I get to the obvious (it’s disturbing, overwhelming, etc.) let me tell you something you likely do not know: Yad Vashem is absolutely gorgeous. I don’t know who designed the landscape and the buildings but it’s really perfect.
That ramp exiting the Museum - as if you’re walking into nothingness, or heaven, or something – genius, especially since we exited as the sun was starting to set. I do not think I have ever appreciated good design as much as I did at Yad Vashem.

If you don’t know what I am talking about, Yad Vashem is Jerusalem’s Holocaust museum. But it’s much more than just a museum. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, and much to consider.

Yad Vashem
(The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority)
Open Sunday – Friday 9am. Closes 5pm Sunday-Wed; 8pm Thurs; 2pm Friday and holidays
www.yadvashem.org
no kids under 10-years in the Holocaust History Museum.

Qumran National Park

Qumran’s fame came from a Jewish break-away sect (the Essenes) who lived and studied there for two centuries. They recorded their moves and thoughts on what we now call the Dead Sea Scrolls.
In 1947 some Bedouin shepherds found 7 scrolls (in jars, in a cave, a cave you cannot go into, by the way). Other scrolls were found in later years.
The scrolls include books of the Old Testament, the Apocrypha, and the sect’s own works (details of their bathing and eating rituals, for example). Some of the scrolls are on display at The Shrine of the Book, an exhibit in the Israel Museum.

Because you cannot go into a cave, Qumran is slightly disappointing. My dad, however, tells me he got a taxi driver (from Jerusalem) to bring him and some other people to the cave. Just saying.
There is a funny little movie at Qumran, and clean bathrooms, and a man giving camel rides in the parking lot, but you really need to go to the Israel Museum to experience the scrolls. If you’re looking for more ancient desert life information, Qumran is a good stop. And it is cool to consider the group of people who were able to conceal their library for 2000 years. Amazing, in fact.

the Ruins at Hamat Gader

It’s not just us modern folk who enjoy a hot soak. Check out the 1700-year-old facilities at Hamat Gader. There’s a Roman ampitheatre too (not pictured). Pretty cool.

Hamat Gader

Past the fence and the signs warning you about mines, you’re looking at Jordan as you drive to Hamat Gader. It’s somewhat spooky and completely deserted which makes the GIANT Ad/Welcome Sign a bit of a shock. I took a picture of the smaller, interior sign because I can read it (look left).

Hamat Gader itself is massive. It’s sort of an amusement park (petting zoo), sort of a park park (soccer fields, volleyball courts), sort of a tourist attraction. Maybe I say ‘sort of’ re: tourist attraction because CSJ and I paid a little extra to go to the VIP area, which is much quieter and therefore more relaxing than the bigger, main pool area. Though I have to say it’s impossible not to relax in a hot spring, unless you are CSJ, who is determined to be the exception to that rule. Maybe he was worried about his jewelry: Silver and Gold Tarnishes in the Sulfer Springs!

CSJ’s cousin and I recommend taking your time (not rushing) at Hamat Gader. It’s a good place to lounge and breathe and alleviate orthopedic problems, stimulate blood vessels, and regenerate skin cells.

Hamat Gader is most crowded in the winter when the outside temperature is cool. I’m told it’s quite lovely to sit there when the area’s seasonal light rain falls. I believe that is true.

Hamat Gader
T: 04-665-9999
Hamat Gader site

Spa Village Hotel
T: 04-665-5555 (29 Suites).
Spa Village and Treatment Center open 9am every day. Closes 11pm Sunday – Thursday; midnight Friday, and 10pm Saturday.
Kids under 16-years will not be admitted.
Towel, robe, slippers (not waterproof), soap, shampoo, and a free drink are included with your treatment at Spa Village. You get your drink at the Blue Bar, which overlooks the pools and is also a kosher restaurant.

Abu Shukri in Jerusalem

Perfect for families and large groups, this favorite spot for traditional Palestinian food specializes in hummus, falafel, salads, and grilled meats. Although located deep in the Muslim section of Jerusalem's Old City, Abu Shukri is so well known that any local can easily offer directions to the street (one of the quarter's main thoroughfares) that it's on. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Abu Shukri
63 Al Wad Road
Jerusalem
t: 972-2-627-1538

*where did I get this text? I am pretty sure I did not write it. eek. sorry.

Here's my addition - clear in the picture - Abu Shukri is across the street from the 'site' of the 5th Station of the Cross: Simon the Cyrenean helps Jesus carry the Cross. You'll have no problem finding that.