Category Travel

Observations on China

photo - A Magen David is still attached to the roof of a former synagogue in Harbin, China

A Magen David is still attached to the roof of a former synagogue in Harbin, China. (photo by Deborah Rubin Fields) If a few years ago you had flown on an international flight from Beijing, China, you would have noticed…

Exploring Jewish Marseille

photo - BirthWrong participants in Calanques de Morgiou

BirthWrong participants in Calanques de Morgiou. (photo courtesy Jewdas) Marseille, a lively port city sloping down toward the Mediterranean Sea, has a long, rich history of immigration and multiculturalism – including a Jewish presence dating back 1,000 years. Today, France’s…

Travel along Incense Route

photo - A sculpture of camels traversing the Incense Route in Avdat National Park

A sculpture of camels traversing the Incense Route in Avdat National Park. (photo by Kate Giryes) Close your eyes and travel back in time 2,000 years. You’re riding on the back of a camel laden with frankincense and myrrh from…

Nidje Israel – a hidden gem

photo - Nidje Israel – now called Sinagoga Histórica – was built by Eastern European Jews who came to Mexico in 1930

Nidje Israel – now called Sinagoga Histórica – was built by Eastern European Jews who came to Mexico in 1930. (photos by Rubén López Vargas) Walking around the historic centre of Mexico City, where the main buildings are Catholic churches…

Nature, adventure close up

photo - If you’re coming for the natural splendours of Costa Rica, you won’t leave disappointed

If you’re coming for the natural splendours of Costa Rica, you won’t leave disappointed. (photos by Lauren Kramer) This travel story comes with a caution: if you’re visiting Costa Rica for any reason other than its nature, don’t bother. Don’t…

A trip to a garden paradise

photo - If you are seeking a mecca for happiness, and are going to take your first trip with your baby, you might want to consider a relaxing and beautiful place like Hawaii

If you are seeking a mecca for happiness, and are going to take your first trip with your baby, you might want to consider a relaxing and beautiful place like Hawaii. (photos by Masada Siegel) According to a 2014 Gallup…

A Jewish gladiator?

photo - A painting from Pompeii showing gladiators fighting. It is housed in the National Archeology Museum in Naples

A painting from Pompeii showing gladiators fighting. It is housed in the National Archeology Museum in Naples. (photo by Deborah Rubin Fields) Among the fabulous finds of Pompeii is the helmet of an apparently Jewish gladiator. Who would have thought?…

Going with the flow in Petra

photo - An ancient water reservoir at Petra

An ancient water reservoir at Petra. (photo by Orli Fields) Desert living is tough. The toughest part of it is having water fit for consumption. Nobody knew this better than the Nabatean people. The desert was their home. Some 2,600…

Navigating Northern Ireland

photo - The HMS Caroline, a First World War light cruiser, is worth visiting

The HMS Caroline, a First World War light cruiser, is worth visiting. (photo by Deborah Rubin Fields) Identified for so long – from the late 1960s to the late 1990s – by “the Troubles,” peace appears to be bringing both…

Bevis Marks 315 years later

photo - The interior of Bevis Marks Synagogue looking towards the ark and with the bima in the left foreground. The ark is made of oak, but painted to look like Italian marble, as are the supports to the ladies gallery

The interior of Bevis Marks Synagogue looking towards the ark and with the bima in the left foreground. The ark is made of oak, but painted to look like Italian marble, as are the supports to the ladies gallery. (photo…