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Informative Articles & Videos

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The Hurva Synagogue: A Symbol of Rebuilt Jerusalem

This post tells the story behind the historic Hurva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.

How did the Tower of David Get its Name?

This informative article [4 pgs.] from the official website of the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem,

The Old City of Jerusalem: a Tour of the Ramparts

This video [03:46], produced for the Jerusalem Development Authority by the Israeli audio touring company, Tour-man, guides viewers through the

History of Jerusalem’s Tower of David

This video [05:43], published by i24NEWS, an Israel-based international news channel, briefly explains the multi-layered history of Jerusalem’s “Tower of

The Walls Surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem

In this video [10:36] produced by i24NEWS, an Israel-based international news channel, tour guide Asaf Salomon explains the history of

An Introduction to the Al-Aqsa Mosque

This informative article introduces the history and significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest

Muhammad’s Night Journey to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ascension from the Dome of the Rock

This short video (01:17) briefly describes the physical and spiritual Night Journey described in the Quran and other Muslim teachings,

The History & Significance of the Dome of the Rock in Islam & Judaism

Produced by Andrew Henry, a Ph.D student in Religious Studies and creator of the Religion for Breakfast YouTube channel, this

An Introduction to the Dome of the Rock

Written by Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay-Lewis, an archaeologist and architectural historian, this article explains the history, design and political and religious

The Second Temple & its Destruction: A Look into the Psyche of Ancient Judaism

An except from Rabbi Irving Greenberg’s “The Jewish Way: Living the Holidays,” this article describes the unimaginable shattering of the Jewish

The Construction, Spiritual Significance & A 3D Virtual Tour of Solomon’s Temple

This lengthy video (16:30) is a dramatic, animated short film in which King Solomon describes to King Rehoboam, his son

An Introduction to the Sacred Jewish Temples

Produced by Christian historian and author, Kelly Warman-Stallings, this video (08:11) provides an introduction to the history of the First

The Roman Siege of Jerusalem and the Destruction of the Second Temple

Created by HistoryPod a daily “on this day” YouTube history channel, this brief video (02:44) recalls the Roman attack on Jerusalem,

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

The Babylonian Conquest and the Destruction of the First Temple

Produced by Megalim, the City of David Institute for Jerusalem Studies, this informative video (07:32) recalls the history of the

Virtual Tour of the Second Temple

This fascinating video (12:29) takes viewers on a virtual tour of an animated 3D reconstruction of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Jewish History from the Building of the First Temple through the Destruction of the Second Temple

This post presents four short, informative videos in which Jewish historian Rabbi Berel Wein explains the period of Jewish history from the building

What Was the Holy Temple?

Written by Rabbi Mendy Hecht for AskMoses.com, this thorough article describes the physical structure of the First and Second Temples,

Solomon’s Stables

From the GoJerusalem City Guide website, this article describes the history and significance of Solomon’s Stables, a large underground space

The Layout of the Temple Mount During the Crusader period

In this informal yet informative video (03:36), archaeologist Frankie Snyder draws a diagram and describes the the layout of the

Photographs & Explanations of the Closed Sites of the Temple Mount

Compiled by Ron Peled of the All About Jerusalem city tour guide website, this 18-page document contains photographs and descriptions

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

Thorough Virtual Tour of Haram-Al Sharif

Created for AramcoWorld Magazine, which aims to broaden knowledge of the Arab and Muslim worlds, this link opens up a

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

BBC Archives: Tensions in Jerusalem Following the Six Day War

From the archives of the BBC, this video (03:20) presents the tensions in Jerusalem immediately following the Six Day War. The video

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

The Strategic Importance of 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

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

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,

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 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

Introducing the Holy City from the Armon Hanatziv Promenade

This low quality video (0:54) presents tour guide Muki Jankelowitz introducing a group to the significance of Jerusalem from the

The Tolerance Monument Near Armon Hanatziv

This post presents a video and article introducing the Tolerance Monument, a symbolic statue located in the Tolerance Park between

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

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 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 Hasmonean Water Tunnel

Created by Israel Inside Out, this low quality video (01:47) introduces the 2000 year old Hasmonean aqueduct located near the Armon

The History & Spiritual Significance of Armon Hanatziv

In this video (03:04), tour guide Rabbi David Ebstein provides a comprehensive introduction to Armon Hanatziv, including its biblical history, its role

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ancient Maps of Jerusalem

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

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

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

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

Jaffa Gate

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

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

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

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

12 Things You Need to Know About Moses Montefiore: Jewish Benefactor Extraordinaire

This article provides both basic biographical information and lesser known facts and anecdotes about Sir Moses Montefiore, the British Jewish

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

The Story Behind Jerusalem’s Iconic Windmill

In Hebrew with English subtitles, this fascinating video (12:58) tells the story behind the iconic windmill of Jerusalem, showing how the

The History of the Windmill: Official Brochure

Created by the Jerusalem Foundation, this 10-page brochure details the history of Jerusalem’s iconic windmill, from the initial construction by Sir Moses

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,

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

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

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

Women of the Wall: Liberating the Western Wall Again

Created by the Women of the Wall in 2013, this promotional video (05:03) introduces the goals and challenges faced by this multi-denominational

The History of Yom Kippur

This article from ReformJudaism.org presents the historical development of the focus and rituals of Yom Kippur, from its biblical origins

Six Reasons Why The Western Wall Is Holy

This article from Aish.com provides historical and spiritual reasons for why the Western Wall is a holy site in Jewish tradition. Among the explanations

Sacred Siteseeing: A Virtual Tour of the Western Wall

In this video (5:15) from Chabad.org, tour guide, Rabbi Mordechai Weiss, takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Western

Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook: Behind Our Wall

An English translation of an excerpt from an article written by Rav Tzvi Yehudah Kook in 1937, this piece describes

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

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

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

The Ancient Significance of Mount Moriah

This article briefly lists some of the ancient biblical stories that allegedly took place on Mount Moriah (later known as

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

Mourning Rituals at the Western Wall

In this post from JewishAnswers.org, Rabbi David Stadley (Orthodox) answers the question of what prayers should be said at the

Reenactment of the Biblical Shavuot First-Fruits & Twin Loaves Offerings

This 4-minute long video presents a reenactment of the first-fruit and twin loaves offerings, as they were performed in the ancient Temple

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Customs

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The Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall

This short video (4:08) 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

Prayer for the Women of the Wall

This post presents the Hebrew and English text for a special prayer written for the Women of the Wall, by

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

A Traditional Sephardic Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall

This 7:40 minute long video presents highlights from a traditional Sephardic Bar Mitzvah ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The

Mareh Kohen: A Song About the High Priest’s Yom Kippur Service

This post provides an audio recording of “Mareh Kohen,” a song from the Yom Kippur Mussaf prayer service that attempts

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

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

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

Mourning Rituals at the Western Wall

In this post from JewishAnswers.org, Rabbi David Stadley (Orthodox) answers the question of what prayers should be said at the

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Music

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Oh God, We Want to Pray at Al-Aqsa: Arabic Children’s Song

In Arabic with English subtitles, this music video features Mohammed Bashar and Dema Bashar singing about the historical and religious significance of

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

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

Safam: Nachamu Ami (Comfort My People)

This video presents Safam singing “Nachamu Ami” in both Hebrew and English with Hebrew, English and transliterated subtitles. The lyrics,

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

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

The Shira Chadasha Boys Choir: Psalm 125:1-2

This music video features the Shira Chadasha Boys Choir’s song about Jerusalem, an emotive melody for Psalm 125:1-2. These verses, presented

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

Ammunition Hill Song

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

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

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

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

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

Sir Moshe Montefiore: A Wind Band’s Rendition of the Famous Hebrew Song

This video presents a lovely version of Sir Moshe Montefiore, a famous Israeli song dedicated to the life and contributions of the

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

Women of the Wall: Can’t Keep Quiet

Created by the Women of the Wall, this music video puts footage from the organization’s controversial monthly Rosh Chodesh minyan at

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

Mareh Kohen: A Song About the High Priest’s Yom Kippur Service

This post provides an audio recording of “Mareh Kohen,” a song from the Yom Kippur Mussaf prayer service that attempts

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

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

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

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

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

Tisha B’Av at the Tayelet

This low quality video (01:18) shows the Armon Hanatziv Promenade on Tisha B’av, where people gather together, overlooking the Old

A Slideshow of the Tayelet

This low quality video (01:43) presents a slideshow of photographs from the Armon Hanatziv Promenade set to the song “Shut Up”

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

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

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

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

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What else?

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