Israel for Beginners

The First Aliyah Museum, located in picturesque Zichron Yaakov, depicts the challenges and hardships faced by the thousands who made Aliyah in the late 1800s to the early 1900s.  This museum contains traditional exhibits, as well as multimedia aids, to tell the story of these pioneers.  The museum is a bit dated compared to the newer museums built in Israel and may not be an exciting place for young children.  However, it is certainly an interesting place to stop as part of a visit to Zichron Yaakov. First Aliyah Museum - 04-629-4777 - Zichron Yaakov

I recently made another visit to both the Israel Museum and Tel Aviv Museum of Art.  The newly created spaces in both museums are definitely worth a visit.  At times, both buildings actually impress more than the actual exhibits.  And while I did not have time to visit either of the cafes at the museums, they do look welcoming and lovely. Israel Museum - Ruppin Boulevard, Jerusalem (near the Knesset) Tel Aviv Museum of Art - 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd, Tel Aviv

Jaffa - filled with history and charm - is a great place to wander around.  But to learn about Jaffa's history in a quick and entertaining way, visit Jaffa Tales in the center square of Old Jaffa.  This 40 minute multimedia experience conveys the history of Jaffa through two entertaining short films and a small sample of the archaeological finds of the area.  A perfect way to learn in an entertaining way! Jaffa Tales - Jaffa, Tel Aviv - To reserve call 03-603-7700 or email tourism@oldjaffa.co.il

After much fanfare, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art recently opened its new wing. There has been much criticism that the building as a piece of art overshadows, rather than enhances, the displayed artworks. I agree with this sentiment but not because I think the architecture of the building should have been toned down. Rather, it is unfortunate that an art museum, located in a city that prides itself on being on par with other international metroplises, lacks an impressive art collection (and stellar temporary exhibits are few and far between). In the absence of a great art collection, the very modern and chic wing is artwork worth visiting! Tel Aviv Museum of Art - 27 Shaul Hamelech Blvd., Tel Aviv - www.tamuseum.com

I would not make a special trip to see the Caesarea Experience and Time Tower, but if you are visiting the Caesarea port, both are worthwhile and seem to get little traffic (one ticket allows entry to both places). The Caesarea Experience is a 30 minute movie that takes you through the history of Caesarea. While waiting for the movie, you can interact with 3D holgraph figures who shaped the history of Caesarea. After the film, make your way to the Time Tower where an even shorter film will use computerized animation to explain the history of the architecture of the port. Children will probably prefer the Caesarea Experience and Time Tower but both will provide an educational experience to a beautiful place. Caesarea Experience and Time Travel - tickets can be purchased when paying for entry to the park. Reservations can be made by calling *6550, extension 3 or at http://www.caesarea.com/

The Hurva synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem has actually been built and destroyed several times since originally established in the early 18th century. In 2010, the restoration of the synagogue was completed and the building is now open to the public. One hour tours (given in both Hebrew and English) convey both the architectural beauty of the structure, as well as its rich history. Make sure to join one on your next visit to the Old City. Hurva Synagogue Tour - Old City, Jerusalem -02-626-5900 or hazmanot-rova@012.net.il - RESERVATIONS A MUST

In the 1860s, the Russians built the site known as the Russian Compound near the Old City which included a hostel for women making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. When the British came to power, the building was transformed into the central British prison; until 1948, hundreds of Jewish underground members of the Haganah, Etzel and Lehi were housed there together with Arab and Jewish criminals. In 1991, the building was reopened as a museum depicting the unique stories of the underground prisoners. One can walk through the recreated rooms of the prison and see two short films. It is a fascinating piece of history. I did not bring my children but I am told that there are some great activities for children. Museum of the Underground Prisoners - 1 Misheol Hagvurah Street, The Russian Compound, Jerusalem - 02-623-3166

In the words of Galit Gaon , the creative director of the Design Museum of Holon , "the building itself is the biggest object in our collection". I found the exhibitions of the museum too avant- garde for my taste, but I was blown away by the building itself and its brilliant design. Upon admission to the museum, one is given an audio guide (with a screen) that highlights the many unique aspects of the building that combine creativity with practicality. And, there is a small film that discusses the challenges in constructing such a special building. If you do nothing else on your visit, make sure to see the film and use the audio guide . Also, there is a gift shop that is very pricey but offers some very unusual and interesting objects. If you have time, there is a lovely indoor outdoor cafe tucked in the belly of the building where one can enjoy a cup of coffee among the amazing architecture. Design Museum Holon - 8 Pinhas Ellon Street, Holon - 03-215-1515

Mount Bental is located in the Golan Heights 1170 meters above sea level, making for some amazing panoramic views. The mountain also contains bunkers and trenches and was the location of a pivotal battle during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. I would not suggest a special trip to visit Mount Bental but if you are in the area it is a worthwhile stop. Mount Bental - Golan Heights

The Herzl museum, along with the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem and the Palmach museum in Tel Aviv , represent the new wave in museums; rather than viewing historical documents and objects behind glass displays, visitors move from room to room as technology mixes with history to tell a story. I had heard that the Herzl museum was the least effective of the three. Having now visited all three, I would have to disagree. The Menachem Begin Heritage Center is based on actual history ( Menachem Begin's life) but at times is a bit too tedious and fact oriented. The Palmach museum based on a fictional story of a Palmach unit is very engaging but in the end is more fiction than history (similar to a well-done fictional film loosely based on a historical event). The Herzl museum achieves the perfect balance. The museum does an excellent job of conveying the details of Theodore Herzl's life while at the same time being entertaining and engaging. It is a great wa...

Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's Tel Aviv residence (he also had a residence in Kibbutz Sde Boker) is a small gem tucked away in central Tel Aviv. The house and its personal objects are preserved as if David and Paula Ben-Gurion still live there. Most impressive is his large library - essentially several rooms - that contain some 20,000 books. On one of our visits we saw a short film (in English) depicting Ben-Gurion's life. It is worth a visit if you are spending the day in Tel Aviv. Admission is free. David Ben-Gurion House - 17 Ben-Gurion Street - 03-522-1010

When Bank Discount wanted to build a large tower on the corners of Herzl and Yehuda Halevi Street in south Tel Aviv, permission was granted on condition that the bank renovate the adjacent Schiff house which was built in 1910. From this, the Museum of Banking and Tel Aviv Nostalgia was born. While the museum aims to explain the growth of commerce and banking in Israel in terms that are understandable to laypeople, there are many exhibits that also highlight the general history of modern day Tel Aviv. One moves with a guide through rooms that contain short films, interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that will appeal to all ages. There are several rooms that are clearly designed for groups of young children and a room containing an interactive game that is aimed for older children. I spent a little more than an hour at the museum and enjoyed every second of it. This is truly one of those hidden gems in Tel Aviv. And, best of all, admission is free! Herzlilienblum - Museum of ...

Hatachana (the "railway station") located between Jaffa and Neve Tzedek, is a fascinating place where history, commercialism and renovation all come together to form a charming and historically meaningful area. From the late 1800s until the beginning of the State of Israel, the railroad station complex serviced the rail line that operated between Jaffa and Jerusalem. In addition, during approximately the same time frame, the Weiland family, a German templer family, established a personal residence and factory alongside the railroad station. In 2005, the Tel Aviv municipality took over the railway complex and began the process of renovation. In order to fund the project, the complex contains many shops and cafes (see www.uonlybetter.blogspot.com for more information about some of the shops). However, the commercialism did not come at the expense of historical authenticity. The original structures have been lovingly restored; in addition, there are numerous plaques o...

Kibbutz Revadim, located not too far from Ashdod and right off Highway 6, is a small non-descript kibbutz. However, it does contain the Ekron Museum of the History of Philistine Culture, which basically consists of a recreated Philistine street showing ceramics, weaving and an olive oil press. This is only for those who are die-hard biblical archaeological buffs such as my mother who enjoyed the experience very much. Naama Lanciano, the Kibbutz member who cares for the site, has herself over they years developed an interest in biblical ancient history. Once she realized that my mother was a kindred spirit, she was quite informative and chatty - even bringing us scholarly articles. Unfortunately, like many other historical sites here in Israel, I think that with the proper creativity, a guide could make this into a fun place for children. As of now, not sure that for the general public it is worth the trip. Ekron Museum of the History of Philistine Culture - Kibbutz Revadim - cont...

From the late 1800s until 1948, the Templers (German Christians) lived in an agricultural settlement right in the heart of Tel Aviv (next to what is now the Kirya). The settlement has been slated for preservation and is currently undergoing renovation for what will become a combination of historical buildings, cafes and shops. One can wander the grounds alone and even have a lovely picnic there, but a guided tour will be more informative. While no buildings are currently open, our tour guide provided a lot of information regarding the area, the grounds and the individuals that lived there. In addition, we were able to enter the underground tunnel that connects the two wineries on the settlement. It was fascinating and I look forward to what will be there when the preservation is completed. Sarona - see www.sarona.ahuzot.co.il for information (in Hebrew) or call 03-516-6188 to schedule a tour (in Hebrew) NOTE: I hope to obtain a list of tour guides who give English tours of Sarona...

Neve Tzedek , established in 1887, received "protected area" status in the 1980s which means that all structures must be renovated or rebuilt in keeping with the existing style.  Thus, Neve Tzedek , with lots of charming residences, shops and cafes, has retained an old world feel (and dare I say it - a very non-Israeli feel).  But, of course, beyond the superficial appearance, this is a place with lots of interesting stories and tidbits.  It is only recently that I took an actual tour of Neve Tzedek where I actually learnt about the history of  Neve Tzedek and its well-known inhabitants.  On the tour, I visited many of Neve Tzedek's memorable sites, such as Shimon Rokach's house (see 3/24/09 blog entry) and the Suzanne Dellal Center.  Our fantastic tour guide, Paule Rakower , was informative and enjoyable.   Neve Tzedek is a great place to wander about but it is even better appreciated through a tour. Paule Rakower - krpaule@hotmail.com - 03-546-4917 You ...

Beit Shearim is an ancient Jewish town located in the Western Galilee.  What makes Beit Shearim fascinating is the several combs that contain burial chambers and coffins reached through corridors, steps and courtyards.  There are carved reliefs, inscriptions and paintings contained throughout the caves.  My children did not appreciate the site as much as I did, but I believe that with the proper tour guide, this place could come alive for children as well.  Also be sure to stop at Kiryat Tivon , a lovely town located nearby. Beit Shearim - 04-983-1643-  to make the most of the visit arrange for a guided tour TIP:   Beit Shearim is part of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.  If the entire family is visiting, it may be worthwhile to purchase a yearly family membership which entitles the family to free admission at all the sites that make up the Authority.

The Ayalon Institute, located near the science park of Rechovot, was established in 1945 by the Haganah in its fight against the British. Located beneath a kibbutz, the Ayalon Institute served as a bullet factory producing over two million bullets between the years of 1946 and 1948.  It is a fascinating place with lots of amazing stories.  Somehow this historical site seems to be under the radar in terms of publicity but it is an extremely worthwhile place to visit, especially for school age children and above. Tours are by appointment only and are with guides.  There are both English and Hebrew tours. Ayalon Institute - Rechovot - 08-940-6522

Beit Aaronson is one of those small historical sites that are hidden gems. The Aaronson family members were part of " NILI " - the Jewish underground movement that helped the British fight against the Turkish occupation of Palestine during World War I.  Without revealing too much, the Aaronson family story has become legendary.  Part of the premises has been preserved as the original home with the remainder converted into a museum.  A visit to the museum will take about an hour.  Once done, you can stroll down Hameyasdim street, the main street in Zichron Yaakov , which is filled with lots of cafes and small shops. Beit Aaronson - 40 Hameyasim Street, Zichron Yaakov - 04-639-0120 Tours are generally offered every hour on the half hour BUT call in advance as there are often group bookings.  English tours can be arranged.

The Romans built a complex water system stretching from the Ein Tzabirin Springs to the aqueducts in Caesarea . A network of canals, tunnels, clay pipes and aqueducts transported the water from the springs (23 km. northeast of the city) to the city port. Mei Kedem is one of those sites; visitors can now explore a 280-meter stretch of a 6-km. tunnel in Alona Park which is right near Binyamina and Zichron Yaakov . There is a small film beforehand (in English upon request) followed by a guided tour of the water tunnel. Flashlights and water shoes are required and a change of clothing is recommended. The experience takes about an hour. Kids will love it! Mey Kedem - Alona Park - 04-638-8622 - www.meykedem.com