Great Synagogue Of Tel Aviv

Author: Ira Riklis  |  Category: Tel Aviv

Great Synagogue Of Tel AvivTel Aviv is an ancient synagogue in Israel. Yehuda Magidovitch designed it in the year 1922, and it took him four years to complete. This construction got the name from the city known as Tel Aviv, and it is known to be an orthodox synagogue. The synagogue lies east of the Shalom Tower, 110 Allenby Street in Tel Aviv. It served as a Jewish worship center during the olden days. The building took an extended period to construct due to insufficient funds. It was later renovated in 1970 with new arches. Its unique features include a huge dome and magnificent stained glass work. During the British reign, they found several weapons in the basement of this church that led to the arrest of its caretaker at the time.

Who Built It?

In 1924 the committee involved in the construction of this synagogue conducted a competition for planning it. Richard Michael, an architect, won this contest, and this helped in the advancement of the programme of the synagogue. Due to the onset of World War 1 Michael was forced to leave the country hence he did not complete this building. Alexander Baerward later replaced him but did not complete the construction due to insufficient funding, hence, in the year 1925 Samuel Nathan Wilson completed the construction of the building.

An engineer known as Arpad Geuthe planned the dome of this great synagogue. This building underwent several renovations to bring it into its modern style. An architect Aryeh Elhanani added cement to support the building. And also lighting and furniture was improved in the building.

The planning of the buildings periphery was crafted by an architect known as Ze’ev Rechter at the end of the year 1930. He planned an Italian-style plaza to wrap around the eastern and northern side of the building. That was meant to create enough space for commercial shops around the building and also to create sufficient space for construction of other buildings like offices.

Attempts To Revive The Building

This building became dormant for a long period and in the year 2009, it was rebounded and since then it has thrived under the indefatigable leadership of Rabbi Ariel and Rabbanit Cheryl. The great synagogue has over the years received little attention and care than it deserves despite being better than other synagogues within the location. People have made many attempts to revive and renovate it with the latest being in 2014. The Tel Aviv synagogue currently lies within a business and a financial center that cropped up majorly due to tourism.

The current managers of this synagogue do not receive any salary or support from the government; the TAIS community seeks donations from well-wishers for the continuation of the building. To date, the synagogue is used for hosting traditional Israeli wedding ceremonies to its congregation. Additionally it serves as a tourist attraction as any people around the world have flocked to this one of a kind warm and welcoming community of Tel Aviv.

History of the Yitzhak Rabin Center

Author: Ira Riklis  |  Category: Tel Aviv

Yitzhak Rabin Center Tel AvivYitzhak Rabin Center which is in Tel Aviv weaves the history of Israel through a life story of one of the most devoted sons. It is a memorial which is dedicated to the monumental man.

The Center Set Up

Yitzhak Rabin was born in 1922 and he grew up in the state of Israel. The museum is a clear indication that both the state and Rabin had their good times and downs and the moments of glory and their fair share of the problems. This is where one of the newest museums in in Israel was founded and brought together history and modern technology. It does so by integrating the sensor-activated audio guides.

The center has three sections which include the inner corridor, the outer corridor and audio guide. In the outer corridor, you will be able to access the story of Yitzhak Rabin’s life. You will be able to know who he was, the major positions he held and the problems he faced, and the common decisions he made. The pathways to the inner corridor appear to be leading you through the amazing story of Israel at that same time in time.

The Outer Corridor Highlights

The outer corridor explains the important news snippets from around the world. When you are there, the audio guide’s sensors will activate the music, news broadcast and speeches that compliment the entire visual exhibit. Unlike other museums, where the audio guide may be extra enhancement at the best and afterthought the worst, the presence of the audio guide at Yitzhak Rabin Center is an important part of how these compelling stories are brought to life. The outcome of this is rich content that gives full understanding of where Yitzhak Rabin spent most of his time, and the key major events that took place in Israel and the entire globe. When you are through with the visit, you will be able to enjoy the view of Tel Aviv from the balcony.

The museum may not be large but you will spend at least three hours exploring the place. You will spend most of your time reading about the events that took place a long time ago in the world, listen to contemporary music, and see the documentary footage of everything ranging from idyllic early kibbutzim to the dark scenes of war.

Everything You Need to Know About the Palmach Museum

Author: Ira Riklis  |  Category: Tel Aviv

Palmach Museum The Palmach Museum opened in 2000, after a decade long process of design and construction. The Palmach in Tel Aviv, Israel is an innovative personal experience museum dedicated to The Palmach strike force of the Haganah. This pre-state underground defense organization started during World War II to defend Israel against possible invasion by German forces. The Palmach became part of the Israel Defense Forces after 1948. Even though it existed for only seven years, the value systems it put in play have become an integral part of history and the Israeli people.

A Tribute To The Fallen

In tribute to the fallen, this museum recreates this period in time for the visitor and not only visually recreates the experience, but also places visitors in a realistic reenactment of the battles. The tour begins with a touching display in memory of those who fought so valiantly on behalf of the Israeli people. The main exhibit however, takes place underground.

Next, the tour leads to a scaled version of Tel Aviv’s Herzl Street in 1941, with a projector portraying vivid images of the war in Europe. It is here that the formation of the Palmach is recreated to fend off the German army and attacks by the Arabs on the Jews.

In the next chamber, a eucalyptus grove at night sets the scene introducing visitors to a seven member unit of the Palmach undergoing training. The rest of the tour follows these seven as they fight for the protection and unification of Israel. The tour begins and ends in the same place, the remembrance hall, for the 1162 fallen members of the Palmach.

An Impactful Tour

The impact of this tour is far greater than any other museum in and around the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. The realistic nature, sets, sounds, and action (including moving rooms), of the tour include the visitor and make them a part of this amazing experience. A part of the museum has yet to be developed, but will include a 450-seat auditorium, a library, more exhibits, and more will be added as funding permits.

  • When visiting this museum, tours need to be arranged prior to visiting and a tour consists of 25 people.
  • No one under the age of six is allowed to take the tour.
  • The tour is 90 minutes in length.
  • The tour is presented in Hebrew. English speakers will be provided with a translation through headphones.
  • Entrance fee: 25 NIS for adults. 15 NIS for school children and pensioners (payment is by cash or check only, no credit or debit cards).