Happy New Year from IsraelExperts

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Air Force Memorial

Last week I joined a synagogue group on their journey from Tel Aviv towards Jerusalem. Instead of taking the main highway, the guide instead took the back road, winding through the hills that looked like something out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and eventually pulled into the Air Force Memorial, as a special surprise for one of the enthusiastic youngsters who had been talking excitedly about planes throughout the entire trip.

We wound up the hill, away from the quiet road, and then got out and walked into a memorial garden. Set up like a maze, the site marked the location of an Israeli airplane crash in 1948.

The Israel expert pointed out the first memorial to the group—remains of the inside of the plane formed into a small sculpture. He shared different amazing stories of the pilots’ wars. As we wandered through the forested maze we stopped to look at the names carved on each stone - all four sides, pointing up towards the sky. The stone felt cold under my hand, as I felt the names of those who had died in war and in air accidents since the founding of the country.

When we found our way out of the maze of trees, we saw a guard tower stretching up towards the sky. The entire experience was amazing and very meaningful, and the quiet surroundings made me feel like I was suspended in air, as I looked out over the view of the Jerusalem Hills.

This memorial is very beautiful and should not be missed.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

A Christmas story in Israel: different perspectives

   At IsraelExperts, as in many companies, it is customary to bring colleagues candy from the country visited when one returns from abroad.

   Ros Roucher returned from the US last week and brought with her green and red M&Ms. As co-workers happily discovered them in the kitchen, people kept coming into our office with remarks. Some were excited. Some were confused and some were sentimental, but as we listened to the various comments, Ros and I discussed the perspectives which were almost dictated by where the people grew up.

   After things quieted down, Ros sent out the following email to the company:

Little did I know that bringing in red and green M&Ms would begin a conversation of culture and ideology!

As an American, red and green screams out Christmas to me.

However, in the short hour since the chocolates have sat in the kitchen, I've had the pleasure of hearing the different reactions:

• American born see Christmas
• Israeli born see the Palestinian flag
• In Europe- Christmas is red and white (who knew?)
• And one South African born person saw 'Smarties' and when pressed admitted to Christmas tree.

Underneath it all, it's just chocolate.  But the conversation has been fascinating to me!

Roslyn Roucher

Senior Education Consultant

IsraelExperts - Initiatives in Education

P.O.B. 298, Gedera 70700  Israel

Israel Tel: 072-277-4425  Mobile: 054-210-2470

Fax: 972-8-857-3813

USA: 212-796-4111 ext. 425

Roslyn@israelexperts.com                 www.israelexperts.com

   After the email went out, I realized how important it was to look at the different perspectives and how happy I was that this is something done often at IsraelExperts. Perspectives are formed from our experiences, and the examination of the different perspectives is something that gives a clarity to a situation, no matter what it is. There are different perspectives for every situation, and the realization and explanation helps to truly educate and inform. 

   Have a happy holiday, from whatever perspective you approach it.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us for more information.

Taking a look at first temple period ruins of Zippori to commemorate the siege of Jerusalem

Dionysus in the Roman villa

   Asara b'Tevet (the fast commemorating the first siege of Jerusalem) is a minor fast day in the Jewish calendar. My husband and I like observing holidays of this sort by visiting locations that were pertinent during that time period and/or event.

   This year we drove north to take a look at Zippori, a city which was built around the 7^th century BCE, and was the center of the northern region of Israel during the Assyrian, Babylonian, Hellenistic and Persian rule, when it was called Sepphoris. It was a location where many Jews escaped to after the siege of Jerusalem following the destruction of the Second Temple.  The Sanhedrin (supreme Jewish religious and judicial body), headed by Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi, was located in Zippori at the beginning of the third century.

   There were a few highlights in the national park that we particularly enjoyed:

The view: There are some who say that the name was changed to Zippori because of the root- Tzipor, or bird, because of the bird’s eye view. From the top of the hill the view is indeed breath-taking.

   The Mona Lisa of the Galilee: In the floor of the ancient Roman villa which was destroyed by an earthquake, the remains of an ornate mosaic were uncovered during excavations. Researchers called it the "Mona Lisa of the Galilee," due to the intricate detail done with tiny tiles. The image is almost lifelike.

   The Crusader Tower: Overlooking the rest of the park, this is a great place to take in the view.

Also, don’t miss the excavated town! As he led the tour, our IsraelExperts guide pointed out the carvings in the street of an ancient game (kind of like tic-tac-toe) and a menorah. You can also see the ancient mikvot (ritual bath houses) and synagogue, as well as the Roman amphitheater. 

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Trekking through Nimrod's Fortress

   Nimrod's Fortress, first known as "the Fortress on the Cliff," is an Arab-built fortress which sits on a hilltop and can be seen from all directions as you approach. Once you follow the signs to the main entrance, you lose sight for a moment, before driving up the winding road to park along the walls next to the canteen.

   Built around 1229 by Saladin’s nephew Al- Aziz Uthman, the fortress now resembles a botanical garden. It is a partially restored ruined fortress with plants growing all along the paths.

   Shmuel and I went up there recently with a group and had fun exploring every nook and cranny. The views from the hidden rooms are not to be missed! It’s pleasant in the summer, with a cool wind blowing from the surrounding hills.

   It is truly an experience to walk along the paths, with stone slabs edging on one side, and a forest down the middle. It’s peaceful, with the noise and bustle of society blocked by the trees, walls and distance. My favorite place is the Beautiful Tower- a tower in the middle, with stones carefully crafted.

   After the Port of Akko was conquered, Nimrod’s Fortress lost its strategic value. It fell into disrepair until it was used again during the Ottoman period as a luxury prison for exiled Ottoman nobles. 

   For further reading on Nimrod's Fortress, check out the article from the Jewish Times Asia http://www.jewishtimesasia.org/tourism-israel-topmenu-58/33-tourism/1083-nimrods-castle-lets-the-imagination-run-wild ..

   The August torch-light tours are an experience which will be remembered by all members of the family, but must be carefully planned in advance due to timing and location. However, if you have to choose between a trip during daylight hours or at night, go for the daytime trip, as the view of the deep Hermon Valley is something that should not be missed, and will not be clearly visible at night.

   Nimrod's Fortress was named for the hunter Nimrod, grandson of Noah, who was first depicted in the book of Genesis. Sir Walter Raleigh discussed the "Land of Nimrod" in his History of the World (1616). Tradition says that Nimrod was the leader of those who built the Tower of Babel. Different versions of Nimrod are also recounted in Armenian and Hungarian legends, and in some stories, was one of the founding fathers of the Free Masons. This area in the Golan Heights is, according to legend, where Nimrod hunted, and thus, the fortress is now called Nimrod's Fortress.

   While Nimrod's Fortress is off the beaten path and a bit of a drive away from civilization, it is definitely a site that should not be missed for a well travelled tourist who is looking for something different.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Midya and the Macabee graves

The tombs of the ancient Macabees are still a mystery today. The writings of Josephus describe them as pyramids from which the sea can be viewed, but the memorial site that is marked  in Modiin is questioned. Many historians believe instead that the ruins in the forest close by that have not been excavated may be the actual burial place. Hirbat Sher is another suspected place, where Hasmonean tombs have been discovered—some with ornate inscriptions.  This location was discovered in 1907 by a group of Jewish school children who were directed there by an Arab sheepherder who described the area as the tomb of the Jews. 

The Arab town of al Midya is also a possible location for the tombs. Excavations at er-Ras, a nearby hill, revealed a tomb with a view of the sea. This location was proposed as the original location of Modiin in 1866 by Father Emmanuel Forner, a French Franciscan monk,  for a few reasons. 

Firstly, the tomb found there matched the description of the tomb of the Macabees, as found in the writings of Josephus. The 19^th century excavation revealed seven triangular tombs with a view of the sea.

Secondly, some believe its location corresponds with the location of the ancient city of Modiin according to descriptions in the Mishnah. 

Since 1948, candles have been lit on Chanukah to commemorate this as a place connected to the great battle.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Rosh Chodesh Tevet: The beginning of the journey

The Hebrew month of Tevet begins Tuesday evening December 7^th. During the month of Tevet we start reading the book of Exodus which begins “These are the names of Israel’s sons who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his family:” (Exodus 1:1). The beginning of the greatest journey in the history of Israel begins—a journey which led us down from the land of Canaan, into the lands of the Nile, back for forty years through the desert, before finally returning after 460 years to the land of Israel once more.

When I read the Torah portions and think about them, I try to think about the whole story of the Exodus, which recounts the well-known story of Passover. The Passover saga begins with the rise of a new leader in Egypt “who knew not Joseph” and thus begins the enslavement of the Jewish people. Assuming you saw at least one of the movies (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Prince of Egypt, The Ten Commandments) or picked up a bit over the years during Passover, I won’t go into the whole story.

But the Book of Exodus and the Passover story, in addition to being about slavery & freedom, recount the beginning of the journey of the Jewish people through the wilderness and desert into the land of Israel. In fact, most of the Torah & Bible reflect this ongoing journey in and around the Holy Land. The Land of Israel is inseparable from Jewish life.

Israel is not merely a piece of land. Rather, it is the heart and soul of 3000 years of Jewish history. Because our Jewish roots, no matter where we live, are in the Land of Israel.  In the month of Tevet we remember that the Jewish story is a journey to and a relationship with Eretz Yisrael. 

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Titura Hill

Last time we looked at Um El Umdan; another possible location of the ancient Modiin is Titura Hill, an archeological site in the middle of modern Modiin. 

Remains have been found dating back to the 8^th century BCE, distinguishing this as a thriving city, not just a village like Um El Umdan (link to the Um El Umdan blog) is thought to be. The size of the city throughout history, along with the continuing habitation of the location, are some arguments presented by historians to establish this as the remains of ancient Modiin.

The story of the Macabees states that the tomb of the Macabees is built with a view of the sea.  Titura Hill also fulfills this requirement, as the sea can be seen from it on clear days.

The Hasmonean city was dismantled and the stones were used to build the crusader fortress, and other buildings which are there today.  Ruins can be visited from the Hasmonean period, through the Roman and Byzantine and Crusader periods and include wine presses and olive presses, water cisterns and caves used for hiding during the Bar Kokhba revolt. 

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.