Jewish Heritage Tour of Jerusalem

As the epic center of the Abrahamic religions, Jerusalem is the most sacred city in the western world. Attracting Jews Christians and Muslims over the centuries, it has not been only a major pilgrimage destination, but also a place of many conflicts and wars. In modern times the Zionist movement has fulfilled the long-sought dream of resuming a Jewish presence in the city and sovereignty as well. A tour of Jerusalem from the Jewish perspective is presenting the realization of a dream for many Jews for many generations.

Uncover the Antiquities of the City of David

The tour begins with stunning panoramic views from the Mount of Olives Viewpoint and perhaps making a “shehecheyanu” blessing. This is also a good spot for an introduction to the history of Jerusalem. Next, we head to Where it all began – the City of David. We watch a 3D movie at the Visitor Center and review the finds that may testify to the location of King David’s Palace and King David’s Tomb. We then explore the water system of biblical Jerusalem by walking 533 meters through the wet and dark Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Alternatively, we could walk along through the dry Canaanite Tunnel, which leads to the Pool of Siloam as well.  We review significant discoveries related to Jerusalem of the First and Second Temple Periods of Jerusalem, and then head into the Jewish Quarter. We reach the Old City by an exciting walk through a Herodian era drainage channel, which ends right in front of the Western Wall in the complex of the  Southern Wall Archaeological Park.

Explore the Jewish Quarter

Following a visit to the Western Wall itself, we then head up to the Jewish Quarter. After a lunch break there are many key sites that we can visit as we explore with the Quarter. These include the Temple Institute, the Temple model at Aish Hatorah Yeshiva, the Cardo, the Hurva Synagogue, the unique Karaite Synagogue, the biblical-era Broad Wall, the Herodian Quarter, the Burnt House, the model of Jerusalem during the First Temple Period (“Ariel Center”), and more.

Visit the Tomb Mark of King David

We end the day with a walk to Mount Zion. A large stone cenotaph in an old Romanesque-style building has been venerated for centuries by Jews as the tomb mark of King David. In the early years of the state of Israel this was a major Jewish pilgrimage destination. The rooftop of the building also provides great panoramic views of the Old City. Adjacent to it is a unique institution in memory of the Holocaust – the Chamber of the Holocaust. Alternatively, we could end the day with a drive through Mea Shearim and a tour of Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial.