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Welcome to my Israel travel blog


Ethan Bensinger
Ethan at an archaeological dig in Israel, excavating the "beaten track"

I am writing this blog to share with you my passion for Israel and to help you explore historical, biblical and cultural sights that are "off the beaten track" in this beautiful country. As you complete your visit of Israel's main tourist attractions in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv or Haifa, put down that guide book and join me for an exciting journey by car to castles built by the Crusaders, caves inhabited by early man, archaeological remains of churches and mosques, Roman baths, wineries, great beaches, battle sights, outstanding cuisines, and important synagogues, all the while intermingling with a fascinating people...the Israeli...

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A visit to the city of firsts: Rishon Le-Zion

By Ethan Bensinger | February 19, 2008

Rishon Le-ZionOur travels today will take us to the city of Rishon Le-Zion, a modern city 30 minutes from Tel-Aviv and approximately 60 minutes from Jerusalem. It’s name “First to Zion” derives from the biblical verse in Isaiah, 41:27, and is appropriately so named as it was one of the first settlements

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Aqueducts and tunnels: wonders of Roman technology that brought water to the people

By Ethan Bensinger | January 30, 2008

Aqueducts IsraelIn antiquity, as today, providing drinking water to a growing population in the land of Israel proved to be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. Several types of well-preserved Roman era aqueducts that had brought water from springs on the Carmel Mountains

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The route to Bet Guvrin: David and Goliath, custom made shoes and an underground pigeon coop

By Ethan Bensinger | January 8, 2008

Our destination today is Bet Guvrin, but the drive there, with stops along the way, can be half the fun! We will take the day to follow Routes 44 and 38 through some of Israel’s most scenic countryside, which includes vineyards, rolling hills and lush valleys, with kibbutzim and moshavim on both sides of the [...]

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A Crusader era church, great Middle Eastern food, and the battle for the road to Jerusalem

By Ethan Bensinger | December 18, 2007

Abu Ghosh is a favorite gathering spot for Israelis in search of traditional Arab/Israeli and Lebanese cuisine, as it is ideally located on Route 1, connecting Jerusalem and Tel- Aviv. After a 30 minute drive from either city, exit Route 1 at the Abu Ghosh/En Hemed sign, and follow the main road into town passing [...]

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Ashkelon National Park: home to the world’s oldest arch and Nike the winged goddess of victory

By Ethan Bensinger | November 27, 2007

We start today’s journey to Ashkelon via Route 4 from Tel Aviv, or Route 3 from Jerusalem, with travel time up to 60 minutes. On Route 4, midway between Ashdod and Ashkelon, you may want to stretch your legs on one of Israel’s most beautiful beaches, Nitzanim. Turn right at the Eshkolot junction and follow [...]

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