Jerusalem's Historic Neighborhoods Outside the Old City Walls

Some of the Sites we can explore that day include:

Mishkanot Shananim- The first Jewish neighborhood built outside the old city in 1860 by Sir Moses Montefiore.  We will visit the famous windmill which was brought from England.
 

​Gei Ben Hinnom Valley- A must see for Tanach (Bible) enthusiasts. We will see a site which is probably familiar to the kids from their learning. Aqueduct build by the Maccabee’s (of Chanukah fame)- Brought water to the Temple.
 

​Yemin Moshe-  Today one of Jerusalem’s most beautiful neighborhoods with gardens, ponds, and a serene quiet in the middle of the city.  In 1948, this was the border with Jordan. Ideal place for a picnic.Herod’s tomb- second temple tomb believed to be that of King Herod’s family.

Brand new Biblical Gei Ben Hinnom Valley Bridge - Longest suspension bridge in Israel. For more on this incredible attraction, check out this article I wrote: New Suspension Bridge

First Temple Burial Tombs - The oldest piece of Torah scroll ever discovered was found here (about 500 years older than the Dead Sea Scrolls 

Menachem Begin Heritage Center - Audio-visual adventure dedicated to Israel's Iconic former Prime Minister
 

King David Hotel- world’s first themed hotel (before Disney). Made famous in 1946 when the Irgun, led by Menachem Begin (future Israeli Prime Minister) blew up British headquarters. Past guests of the hotel include Bill Clinton, Prince Charles, Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher. The war stories will fascinate the kids.
 

​YMCA-Beautiful Architecture. It was built by RJ Shreve and William Lamb who also built the Empire State Building
 

Machene Yisrael- Second neighborhood of Jerusalem outside the city walls (first Sephardi one). Beautiful Turkish gardens. Ever heard of it? Probably not! We will see why!
 

Mamilla Pool- old Muslim cemetery, today a beautiful walking park. Remains of a 2000 year old pool which was the foundation of Jerusalem’s water source when the Second Temple stood.
 

Nachlat Shiva/ Ben Yehuda- Today Jerusalem’s trendy, downtown are area, but rich in history, beauty and architecture (Jerusalem’s third neighborhood)

Musical Hebrew Museum and Virtual 3D Temple-Virtual Museum where we will hear the different sounds which make up Israel's Music. When Jews from all over the world returned  to their ancestral homeland (coming from countries like Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, Eastern Europe, Ethiopia, Italy, etc), they have brought their unique musical traditions with them. The Highlight will be the 3D Virtual Temple experience where you will be "transported" back in time, feeling like you are actually in the Temple!
 

​Nachlaot (and its cute and storied alley ways). This is a legendary and eccentric Jerusalem Neighborhood

Machene Yehuda (i.e. Israel's famous shuk/marketplace)-  Authentic middle eastern food market place. Historical stalls with different types of specialties (I,e. the Cheese guy, Halva King (Israeli Pastry), Estrog Juice man,  Dried fruits, etc) Many these stands have been in the same families for generations and have their own unique stories. We will interact with the owners, hear their stories and taste their products

Rechavia-Jerusalem's ritzy, historical garden Neighborhood

German Colony

The First Train Station-First Train Station in the Middle East (September 1892). Today a very trendy spot.