The Holon Children’s Museum is one of the most popular educational museums in the Middle East. It has been home to the very popular “Dialog in the Dark” and “Invitation to Silence” exhibits and has now opened the third chapter in this series, “Dialogue with Time.

The Museum, located just outside Tel Aviv, is known for its trademark form of interactive education. “Dialog in the Dark” utilized blind guides, “Invitation to Silence” used deaf guides, and now “Dialogue with Time” is using elderly guides. The series strives to instill visitors with an appreciation for the challenges of the handicapped using a combination of fun and educational simulations. Throw in some hands-on activities, games and discussions and visitors are treated to the whole experience, all of which is led by museum guides over the age of 70!

Museum visitors are invited to simulate the experiences of the elderly in a room that presents a number of physical challenges that accompany aging, such as coping with reduced muscle strength and memory and hearing loss. A highly interactive approach is encouraged and visitors are invited to reveal prejudices about the elderly. For instance, in one area of the exhibit, visitors are encouraged to give their opinions about their perceptions of an elderly person’s fitness for sensitive jobs like airline pilots or ritual circumcisers.

All of the exhibits are designed to be experienced in groups comprised of adults and children 12 years and older, and promises a dynamic mix that is very often humorous and always revealing! The “Dialogue with Time” exhibit was developed by Andreas Heinecke and Orna Cohen. They also developed the first two exhibits in this series and have contributed in the design of similar presentations at other leading institutions around the world.

Contact Israel Tour Connection for more information on the Holon Children’s Museum to your itinerary.

Israel’s rich history attracts millions of tourists each year. And most long for a sense of what it was like to live in the Holyland during biblical times. Kfar Kedem, which literally translates to “The Ancient Village” does just that… and more. At Kfar Kedem you will be transported to life in a Jewish village in the Galilee two thousand years ago via hands on experiences.

Ride donkeys across the rolling hills just as Abraham did. Smell the same scents that Jacob did while tending Leban’s flocks. Hear the words of the prophets as they thresh grain, press oil from fresh olives and wine from grapes while dressed in the clothing of the time.

Ancient Galilee comes to life at Kfar Kedam, which is located in lower Galilee between Tiberius and Haifa and adjacent to Kibbutz Hoshaya on one of the main roads of the Galilee that has served the area for thousands of years. The Orthodox Jewish community of Hoshaya has created a holistic experience that includes the actual production of staples such as milk, wool and bread. This recreated ancient Galilean village lets you touch the past by taking part in a multitude of experiences. Professional guides enhance and enrich the experience with historical and spiritual facts. The activities are open to all ages and can be topped off with a rustic meal at the village’s Sheppard’s Tent restaurant.

The Village has been developed following strict halachic rules and is completely kosher and closed on Shabbat. Located only 20 minutes from Nazareth, it’s an easy addition to any itinerary.

Learn more about life in biblical times by adding Kfar Kedam and other wonderful destinations to your itinerary. Let Israel Tour Connections help you plan your travels to Israel.

Spencer Tunick, world famous photographer and artist, returned to Israel again this year for another photo shoot of the Dead Sea and to receive the Green Globe Award given by Life and Environment, Israel’s umbrella organization for its environmental group.

In 2011, Tunick made the news for his shots of over 1,000 nude models floating in the Dead Sea that was designed to raise awareness of the Dead Sea’s shrinking shores. The models, all volunteers, were photographed covered in Dead Sea mud in the sea and on the shore. The event was sponsored by Save Our Sea, a group of activists suffering from skin diseases who rely on the Dead Sea waters for treatment and relief.

This year Tunick is returning to once again film the shrinking shores, but this time with clothed models. Tunick has stated that he is happy to return as the Dead Sea is a natural wonder and deserves rehabilitation and protection both on the local and international levels. Additionally, Tunick hopes his project will help with the selection of the Dead Sea as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and bring international attention to the region. Tunick stayed at the Dan Tel-Aviv Hotel along with his extensive film crew. A frequent visitor to Israel, this is his second stay at the world-class Dan Tel-Aviv Hotel.

At the same time, four Hollywood executives were also staying at the Dan Tel Aviv, while running location scouting for a movie that is to be filmed in Israel.  This group is headed by Edward Zwick, the Academy Award winner director and producer (“The Last Samurai”, “Legends of the Fall”, “Blood Diamond” and more) and David Rubin, Deputy General Director for CBS productions.

Contact Israel Tour Connection for more information about the Dead Sea and the Dan Tel-Aviv Hotel.

Image from freeisraelphotos.com

Israel is proud of its reserves and parks and entrusts the maintenance and preservation of them to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Many of these have visitor centers, guided tours and audio-visual displays. Following is the first in a series of notable reserves and national parks in Northern Israel that you will want to experience firsthand.

Nimrod Fortress

At the center of the Nimrod Fortress National Park in the northern part of the Golan Heights stands one of the most beautiful fortresses in the Middle East. The remains you see today are what is left of the construction that took place on top of a medieval Crusader fortress. This fortress once commanded the northern road that led from the Mediterranean coastline to the city of Damascus, overlooking the magnificent views of the Hula Valley, the Upper Galilee, the Golan Heights, Mount Hermon and the mountains of Lebanon.

Walking along the different paths reveals stories of plots and intrigues from the days of the Crusaders. Remains of stairs spiraling to the top of the tower, hidden passageways, wide halls, watchtowers, verandas used by guards, water holes and even a prison can all still be seen and experienced. The Fortress has impressed all who have visited it, including author Mark Twain who, after visiting, wrote “This is probably the most exquisite ruins in the world.”

The Banias Reserve

Children in the Banias Reserve

On your way either to or from the Nimrod Fortress via Road 99, stop at the Banias Nature Reserve. Filled with flowing water, waterfalls and springs gurgling in the shade of huge plane trees, this reserve is an example of nature at her finest.

At the center of the reserve is the Hermon River, one of the sources of the Jordan River. Take the path that winds along the river, leading to the remains of a small mill and later to a pool of water called “the officers pool” and then to the impressive Banias waterfall.

Water from the springs erupts from the rocks at the heart of the reserve and is the source of the river. Melted snow seeps into the rocks down the slopes of Mount Hermon and when it reaches the Banias region, it flows out and is collected in large pools used by visitors for dipping and wading. Near the springs, one can see the remains of the city of Panias and the temple to the god Pan carved in stone.

Banias is also an archaeological site with remains from the Hellenistic Period, a temple built in Roman times by Herod, palaces, walls and structures from the time of Kings Phillip and Agrippa II and findings from the Christian and Crusader eras.

Part II coming soon …

Contact Israel Tour Connection