Trip to Jerusalem

Known as The Holy City, Jerusalem is a small city in Israel that attracts millions all over the world. It is the epicenter of three of the world’s biggest religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – coming together to pay homage to the most sacred place on earth. Tourists and pilgrims from different countries consider visiting the place as being in touch with the divine. Some even experience overwhelming and unexplainable outbursts of emotions described by some psychologists as some sort of “holy madness.”

Jerusalem holds some mystique that make people want to step in and see places revered by all people of the civilized world. Here are some of these oft-visited sites and some interesting facts about them.

1. The Israel Museum is the country’s biggest museum. The most significant artifacts and manuscripts ever found in history are found in museum’s “shrine of the book.” The Dead Sea scrolls served as the foundation of three of the world’s major religions. Aside from these artifacts, large scale model of Ancient Jerusalem, and other arts are on display.
2. Yad Vashem is the Holocaust museum. Learn about Israel’s traditions and religious ceremonies that have been practiced since the time of the Patriarchs. People can gain some insights on Israel’s view about God and worship by just visiting the site.
3. The Garden Tomb is believed to be the actual site of Jesus’ burial. It is a peaceful, solemn place where one can find emotional and spiritual revival. Lush big garden makes this site also a refreshing place to relax and meditate. The tomb can be viewed every afternoon.
4. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the busiest and most crowded place in Jerusalem. Built by Queen Helena (emperor Constantine’s mother), this place is considered to be the holiest spot on earth for Christians. Because of the large crowd of pilgrims must actually queue for an hour just to get a glimpse on the tiny tomb chamber.
5. The Temple Mount is the 3rd most important site in Islam. Designed from the reign of Umayyad to Ottoman, this magnificent structure features elaborate and exquisite Islamic designs and still remains as a significant place for religion and education for Muslims. Sitting atop the Temple Mount is a stunning view of the Dome of the rock, built masterfully out of brilliantly shining gold.

To accommodate visitors, tourists, and pilgrims, Jerusalem has plenty of religious hospices and affordable hotels all over the city. One of these is the Jerusalem Gate Hotel that has the Glatt Kosher LeMehadrin Rabbinate Supervision. It has its own coffee shop, bar, as well as banquet hall that can accommodate up to 550 guests. The most famous of all hotels in Jerusalem is the King David Hotel located at 23 King David St. It offers a superb view of the walls, domes, and minarets of the Old City due to its high elevation.