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Welcome to Jerusalem

Customs

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The Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall

This short video shows tens of thousands of worshippers gathered together at the Western Wall for the Birkat Kohanim, the

Selichot at the Western Wall

This short video shows thousands of Jews gathering together for the final night of Selichot prayers before Yom Kippur at

5 Psalms to Recite at the Western Wall

Although there are no specific prayers that must be said at the Western Wall, there are several chapters of Psalms

The Masorti Movement’s Transitional Ceremony between Yom Ha’Zikaron & Yom Ha’Atzmaut

This link opens up a PDF file of Twilight: Moving from Memorial to Independence, a ceremony written by the Masorti Foundation

Beit Tefilah Israeli’s Transitional Ceremony between Yom Ha’Zikaron & Yom Ha’Atzmaut

This link opens up a PDF file of Havdalah: A Transitional Ceremony between Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, a Hebrew and

Orthodox Evening Prayer Service for Yom Ha’atzmaut

This PDF booklet contains an Orthodox evening service for Yom Ha’atzmaut in Hebrew and English. Although the basis for the Yom

Prayer for the Rebuilding of the Temple After Candle Lighting

There is a custom to recite this prayer for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after making the blessing

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Learn How

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How Jews Pray

In this short video, Jews of different backgrounds share their personal approaches and questions about prayer and what makes them

How To Visit the Western Wall

This useful article offers 8 practical tips for visiting the Western Wall, from when to go, how to get there,

How to Visit the Western Wall With Kids

This useful article provides practical tips and tricks for a successful visit to the Western Wall with children, from how

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Informative Articles & Videos

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The Talmudic Tale of Kamtza & Bar Kamtza and the Destruction of the Second Temple

Created by Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence, this animated video (04:03) retells the famous Talmudic tale of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza as

Interactive Virtual Tour of Haram al-Sharif

Produced by Al Jazeera, a state-funded Qatari news network, this interactive video (06:37) provides a detailed virtual tour of the Haram al-Sharif

The Significance of Jerusalem in Christianity

Produced by Voice of America News, a U.S. government-funded international multimedia agency, this video (04:00) explores the significance of Jerusalem

The History of Jerusalem’s Importance in Islam

Produced by Israel for Tourists, this informative video (02:53) provides a historical approach to the significance of Jerusalem in Islam,

IDF: The Military Story of the Six Day War

Produced by the Israel Defense Forces in Hebrew with English subtitles, this video (09:04) describes Israel’s military victory against four enemy

Mayor Nir Barkat: Jerusalem as the Eternal Capital

In this short video (0:53), Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat affirms that the city of Jerusalem is the spiritual, national, united

President Reuven Rivlin’s Speech at Opening of US Embassy in Jerusalem

This video (06:52) presents Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin’s speech at the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem in 2018. He

The Battles of the Paratroopers in the Six Day War

From the official website of Ammunition Hill, this link provides detailed information about the role of the Paratrooper Brigade during

Soldiers Describe the Battle for Ammunition Hill & Jerusalem: 50 Years Later

Written by journalist Paul Auster to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, this article from the Jerusalem

Israeli & Jordanian Veterans Meet On Ammunition Hill 50 Years Later

This article from the Times of Israel describes a unique encounter between Israeli and Jordanian veterans of the Six Day

PM Ariel Sharon’s Address at the Jerusalem Day Ceremony at Ammunition Hill

This post presents the text of then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s speech at the Jerusalem Day Ceremony at Ammunition Hill

Inspired by 1967: A Panel Discussion with Yossi Klein Halevi, Michael Oren & Nir Barkat

Held in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War, this video (17:30) presents a panel discussion about

The Significance of Ammunition Hill

This home video (02:50) takes viewers on a brief tour of the bunkers and trenches of Ammunition Hill, emphasizing the heroism

The Battle for Ammunition Hill: An Interview with Abraham Rabinovitch

In this video (05:12), Abraham Rabinovich, author of “”The Battle for Jerusalem,” describes the battle for Ammunition Hill, including the strategic

Ammunition Hill Memorial Site: Telling the Story

Produced by the Jewish National Fund, this video (02:09) describes the Memorial Site of Ammunition Hill as a symbol of Jewish and Israeli

The Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill: A Tribute to Jewish Soldiers Around the World

Produced by the Jewish National Fund, this video (06:32) introduces the Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill, a tribute to

IDF Veteran Yaki Hetz Returns to Ammunition Hill: 50 Years Later

In this video (04:19), produced by i24News to mark 50 years since the Six Day War, Yaakov “Yaki” Hetz, a decorated IDF veteran

The Battle for Ammunition Hill

This video (07:40) recalls the bloody battle of Ammunition Hill, explaining why this strategic site needed to be conquered in

Interviews with Soldiers from Ammunition Hill: 40 Years Later

In this video (04:02), three IDF veterans recall the bloody battle of Ammunition Hill during the Six Day War. With honesty,

The Battle for Jerusalem in the Six Day War: Survival of a Nation

Produced by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, this moving video (08:29) tells the story of Israel’s 1967 battles for Jerusalem and

An Interview with the Director of “In Our Hands: The Battle for Jerusalem”

Filmed at Ammunition Hill, this video (06:47) presents an interview with Erin Zimmerman, the director of the Christian Broadcasting Network’s

The Conquest of Armon Hanatziv in 1967

From the Ammunition Hill Memorial Site website, this lengthy article provides a detailed account of the military conquest of Armon

The Peace Forest

This article, from Shalom Israel Tours, introduces the history and attractions of the Peace Forest. The forest was planted by Keren Kayemeth

The Hasmonean Aqueduct Tunnel in Armon Hanatziv

Written by Ron Peled from AllAboutJerusalem.com, this article provides a detailed description of the 2000 year old aqueduct that once

Psalm 125:2 – The Mountains Surrounding Jerusalem

This post presents the Hebrew and English text of the second verse of Psalm 125, in which God’s protection for

Armon Hanatziv: The Palace of the Governor

From World Jewish Heritage Wiki, this article presents the modern history of the Armon Hanatziv government structure in Jerusalem from

Armon Hanatziv Attractions: Hasmonean Aqueduct & Segway Tours

Created by the City of David, this video (03:01) highlights some of the activities and attractions offered at the Armon

The Modern History of Armon Hanatziv

This short video (0:52) provides a brief historical timeline of the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood, from its founding in 1928, through

An Introduction to the Armon Hanatziv Promenade

From the Jerusalem Insiders’ Guide website, this article provides a comprehensive introduction to the Armon Hanatziv Promenade, including a detailed description of

A Virtual Guide of the Western Wall Tunnels

Created by All About Jerusalem, this video (05:08) takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, the continuation of

A Virtual Tour of the Southern Wall Excavations

Created by All About Jerusalem, in this video (03:13), tour guide and archaeologist Danny Herman, takes viewers on a virtual tour of the archaeological excavations

A Brief Virtual Tour of the Old City of Jerusalem

Created by the Israeli branch of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, the world’s largest Christian television, network, this video (06:14) takes

The Legends of Zedekiah’s Cave

Created by All About Jerusalem, this video (03:27) introduces the mysterious site of Zedekiah’s Cave (also known as King Solomon’s Quarries and the

The Sounds of the Old City of Jerusalem

Written by Sarah Tuttle-Singer, the New Media editor at the Times of Israel, this blog post describes the atmosphere and sounds

The History of the Old City of Jerusalem

From HaAtika, the official website of the Old City of Jerusalem, this post presents a concise history of the Old

Touring the Four Quarters of the Old City from the Rooftops

This video (06:21) from Israeli tour guide, Itay Rotem, presents an excellent introduction to the four quarters of the Old

20 Famous Quotes About Jerusalem

This post presents a selection of famous quotes about the power and role of Jerusalem from a wide range of

Quotes from the Sages About Jerusalem

This post presents a collection of quotes from rabbinic liturgy describing the significance of Jerusalem in Jewish tradition. Quotes from

Liberating the Old City of Jerusalem: A Personal Story

Created by the Israel Defense Forces, this moving video (01:04) recalls the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem and

Ancient Maps of Jerusalem

Created by the the Jerusalem Municipality, this article presents images and explanations of a collection of ancient maps of Jerusalem,

Jaffa Gate

This informative video (03:11) tells the story of the history and significance of Jaffa Gate, one of the main entrances

The Walls & Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem

In this informative video (03:30), local tour guide Jenni Menashe gives an entertaining introduction to the history and significance of

The Gates of the Old City

This post presents a map of the seven gates in the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, along with

Tranquil Dwellings: The Story of Mishkenot Sha’ananim

Written by Israeli tour guides, Shmuel and Aviva Bar Am, this article tells the story of Mishkenot Sha’ananim and Yemin Moshe,

The Jewish Journey of Sir Moses Montefiore

Created by Orthodox Rabbi, Netanel Friedman, this video (04:23) explores Sir Moses Montefiore’s personal connection to Judaism throughout his life. After describing

Sir Moses Montefiore: |A Great Jew Devoted to the Jewish People”

In this short video (03:12), Jewish historian Rabbi Berel Wein, introduces the life and legacy of Sir Moses Montefiore, the

How Did Moses Montiefiore Convince People to Move to Yemin Moshe?

This short video (02:53), provides a brief introduction to the history of the Yemin Moshe neighborhood in Jerusalem, focusing on

The Significance of the Temple Mount in Judaism, Islam & Christianity

In this simple video (05:10), archaeology student and Jerusalem tour guide, Nir Ortal, outlines the significance of the Temple Mount

Why Israelis and Palestinians Both Claim Jerusalem

Created by Vox, a liberal-leaning American news and opinion website, this video (05:00) explains the religious and historical reasons why both Israelis and Palestinians

Featuring Danny Ayalon, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Israeli Ambassador to the US, this animated video (04:00) presents the historical,

Zionism in Animation: A Concise History of Jerusalem

Part of The Jewish Story In Animation, a Zionist educational initiative, this animated video (01:45) presents a concise summary of the history of

Celebrating 3500 years of Jewish History in Jerusalem

Modeled after a Facebook-generated video, this creative video (01:36) celebrates the Jewish presence in Jerusalem from biblical to modern times, highlighting

The Contributions of Different Populations to Jerusalem Throughout History

Produced by Emek Shaveh, this animated video (02:38) briefly summarizes the history of Jerusalem from prehistoric to modern times, focusing

An Animated History of Jerusalem: 4000 Years in 5 Minutes

Produced by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, an independent research institute specializing in public diplomacy and foreign policy, this comprehensive

Educational Resources for Exploring the Western Wall Controversies

This post provides three different resources designed to help guide discussions and programming concerning some of the religious and political

An Archaeological Approach to the Significance of the Western Wall & The Temple Mount

In this informative video (4:50), Ze’ev Orenstein, the Director of International Affairs at the City of David, presents the historical and biblical

What is the Western Wall?

This short introductory video briefly summarizes the historical and religious significance of the Western Wall, the holiest site in Jewish

Rabbi Sacks on Jerusalem: The 50th Anniversary of Reunification

In this moving video (7:15), Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the previous Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, tells the moving story of

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Music

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Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach: Yibaneh Hamikdash (The Temple Will Be Rebuilt)

This short audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original upbeat melody for “Yibaneh Hamikdash,” a popular Jewish song

Naomi Shemer: Father’s Song

Written by Naomi Shemer in 1966, this song expresses the eternal Jewish hope and faith in the rebuilding of the

The Melodians: Rivers of Babylon

This post presents “Rivers of Babylon,” a Rastafari song written by the Jamaican reggae group The Melodians in 1970. The

Flower of Cities: An Arabic Song About Returning to Jerusalem

Sung by the Lebanese artist, Fairuz, one of the most influential singers in the Arab Song, this song was written

Yaffa Yarkoni: Bab el Wad

Written by Haim Gouri, composed by Shmuel Farshko and performed by Yaffa Yarkoni, this moving song commemorates the battles of

IDF Central Command Variety Ensemble: Guard of the Walls

Written in 1977, this classic Israeli folk song by the Central Command Variety Ensemble of the Israel Defense Forces (Pikud Hamercaz)

Yehoram Gaon: From the Summit of Mount Scopus

This song, performed by Israeli singer and cultural icon, Yehoram Gaon, expresses the eternal Jewish longing to return to and

Ami Yares & Heartbeat: Jerusalem

This video features songwriter, musician and educator Ami Yares performing his original song “Jerusalem” together with Heartbeat, a social change organization

Avraham Fried: Yerushalayim SheBalev

With Hebrew and English lyrics on the backdrop of pictures of Jerusalem, this video features Avraham Fried‘s song “Yerushalayim Shebalev,” which describes

Meir Ariel: Jerusalem of Iron

“Jerusalem of Iron” was written by Israeli singer-songwriter Meir Ariel following the Six Day War to the melody of Naomi

Blue Fringe: City of Gold

A moving song to Jerusalem, City of Gold was written by Blue Fringe, an American Jewish band. City Of Gold

Paul Simon: Silent Eyes

Written by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon, Silent Eyes is a moving song about Jerusalem. Silent Eyes Silent eyes Watching Jerusalem

Glykeria: Shabechi Yerushalyim

This video presents Greek singer Glykeria’s Hebrew performance of the Israeli folk song, Shabechi Yerushalayim, together with the Israeli Philarmonic Orchestra. While

Don Mclean: Jerusalem

This video presents American singer-songwriter Don McLean’s song “Jerusalem,” written at the request of then-Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek for a

Lach Yerushalayim: An Israeli Folk Song

This video presents the Israeli folk song, Lach Yerushalayim, written by Amos Etinger, composed by A. Rubinstein, and performed by

Hadag Nachash: Here I Come (Lyrics & Lesson Plan)

This post presents Hadag Nachash’s song “Here I Come,” which follows one man’s journey between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and

Daliah Lavi: Jerusalem

This video presents Israeli actress, singer and model Daliah Lavi performing her song, Jerusalem, released in 1970. The lyrics, provided

Maureen Nehedar: Beautiful Heights

This video features Persian Jewish singer, Maureen Nehedar, singing an emotive melody for a moving song about Jerusalem, with lyrics

Alpha Blondy: Jerusalem

A call for peace between Jews, Christians and Muslims, this video features the reggae singer Alpha Blondy singing in English,

Sabaton: Counterstrike – A Heavy Metal Song About the Six Day War

This video presents a song about the Six Day War by Sabaton, a Swedish heavy metal band who’s songs recount

Ammunition Hill Song

Written by Yair Rosenblum and Yoram Taharlev, this famous song (in Hebrew with English subtitles) tells the story of the bloody

Naomi Shemer: The Binding of Isaac (Hebrew)

This Hebrew song by iconic Israeli singer, Naomi Shemer, tells the biblical story of the Binding of Isaac, as told

Surround Us Lord: A Christian Hymn About the Mountains Surrounding Jerusalem

This video presents an a capella rendition of a Christian hymn based on Psalm 125:2, in which God’s protection for

City of David: The Place Where it all Began

Created by the City of David, this song (03:01) encourages tourists to come visit the fascinating archaeological site that tells

Musical Light Show in Zedekiah’s Cave

This video (01:02) presents a short clip from a fascinating musical light show in Zedekiah’s Cave (also called Solomon’s Quarries and

A Performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” on the Old City Walls

A live recording from the light show on the walls of the Old City celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification

Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival

A promotional video for the annual Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival, this video (02:01) presents highlights from this unique celebration of

Light Show on the Old City Walls: A Timeline of Jerusalem

This video (09:52) presents a beautiful light show on the walls of the Old City, created as part of the

The Sounds of the Old City of Jerusalem

Produced by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this video shows clips from the world music festival in the Old City

Shabechi Yerushalayim: A Musical Performance at the Re-dedication of the Windmill

This video presents a musical performance at the ceremony marking the re-dedication of Jerusalem’s iconic windmill in 2012, where the restored

Sir Moshe Montefiore: A Hebrew Song by Yehoram Gaon

This famous Israeli song is a tribute to the life and contributions of Sir Moses Montefiore, a British Jewish philanthropist

Matisyahu: Jerusalem (Out Of Darkness Comes Light)

This post presents the official music video for Matisyahu’s Jerusalem, an upbeat yet solemn song expressing the eternal Jewish yearning

City of David: An Indie-Gospel Cover Song About Jerusalem

Entitled “City of David,” this is the official music video of Feter Hendel’s cover of an old gospel song taught

Koolulam: 1000 People Sing Bob Marley’s “One Love” in Jerusalem

This inspirational video presents 1000 people of different backgrounds who gathered together to sing “One Love” by Bob Marley in English, Hebrew

Singing Ani Ma’amin at the Western Wall on Tisha B’Av

This video shows thousands of worshippers gathered together at the Western Wall on Tisha B’av singing Ani Ma’amin (I Believe), a song

Naomi Shemer: Yerushalayim Shel Zahav / Jerusalem of Gold

This popular Israeli song written by Naomi Shemer describes the Jewish people’s age-old yearning for and ultimate return to Jerusalem. Released just

Yaakov Shwekey at the Western Wall on Jerusalem Day

This video presents snippets from the concert of the well-known Jewish musical entertainer, Yaakov Shwekey, at the Western Wall on Yom Yerushalayim

Miri Israeli: HaKotel (The Western Wall)

Written by American-born Israeli artist, Miri Israeli, this emotive song describes the Western Wall as a place where one can

Yossi Gamzu: The Kotel (The Western Wall)

Written by Israeli lyricist Yossi Gamzu and performed by Israeli singer Ofra Haza, the song HaKotel conveys the significance of the Western

If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Carlebach Chuppah Song

This audio recording features Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach singing his original melody for “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem,” a Hebrew song often sung under

If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem: A Chuppah Song

This emotive video features Elior Itzkovitz Cohen singing “If I Forget Thee, O Jerusalem,” a Hebrew song often sung under the chuppah prior to

L’Shana Haba’ah: Next Year in Jerusalem

This song captures the eternal Jewish hope and prayer for the return to Jerusalem. Even though the Jewish people have

Orthodox Evening Prayer Service for Yom Ha’atzmaut

This PDF booklet contains an Orthodox evening service for Yom Ha’atzmaut in Hebrew and English. Although the basis for the Yom

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What else?

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