Tel Aviv, Israel

History and culture can be on vivid display in a city's street signs. History: Eliezer Ben-Yehuda has a special place in the history of Israel because he developed the modern Hebrew language. Culture: Three languages + three alphabets = one street sign design. [2010]

Tel Aviv, Israel

Perhaps translating your name into the local language, Hebrew, will not be enough to keep you company in business. Just ask Subway. The chain closed its Israeli operations, including this store on Dizengoff Square, in 2004. Their operations in Jordan and Georgia seemed to work out better. [1996]

Jerusalem, Israel

Important gates in medieval city walls always led somewhere important, and the place of importance gave the gate its name. There were only two cardinal places in Jerusalem's local universe: Jaffa, a seaport on the Mediterranean, and Damascus, a port on the Syrian Desert. This is Damascus Gate. [1999]

Tel Aviv, Israel

Watermelons were originally known as gourd apples: mēlopepon in Greek. It is doubtful, though, that they looked much like these large, richly-colored, water-engorged hybrids, which were grown in Israel. Why would a desert culture grow something so water-demanding? Because, historically, they could be put in storage and used later to slake all thirst. [2010]

Beersheba, Israel

Pizza Hut has 90 stores in Israel. To insinuate itself into local markets, the chain has transliterated its name into Hebrew, which is read right to left. The company's official logo, in the middle, is in English. P.S.: Thanks, Pizza Hut, for pulling out of Russia! [1997]

Capernaum, Israel

What places made you who you are? In the case of Jesus, two villages, a town, and a city were paramount: Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Jerusalem. Today, in fact, ancient Capernaum has been excavated and bills itself as "the town of Jesus." Located on the Sea of Galilee, it was the headquarters of the Jesus movement. [2000]

Tel Aviv, Israel

When Dunkin' Donuts came to Israel in 1996, it had to appeal to a new market, one that did not speak English. To fit in, DD looked to the Hebrew alphabet for signage (read right to left and look for the D sound). Alas, not even the native alphabet could keep the chain afloat in Israel. Dunkin's last donut shop closed in 2001. [2000]

Jerusalem, Israel

The walled city of Jerusalem is punctuated by eight portals (but one is closed). This is the newest and is therefore called the New Gate even though it is well over a century old. It was cut through the ramparts to provide easier access to the Christian Quarter from the outside world (where you see the traffic). [2010]

Jerusalem, Israel

Look at the timepiece. Is it a clock or a wormhole? If you don't recognize the numerals, it might be the latter, i.e., a time tunnel connecting two dimensions: 21st century CE Israel with 10th century BCE Phoenicia. The numbers are letters from the ancient Phoenician alphabet. The only one that looks familiar is the 8. Yet, surprisingly, you can read all twelve! [2010]

Tel Aviv, Israel

McDonald's came to Israel in 1993 and today has over 180 outlets. This one overlooks the sea in Tel Aviv. Do you think it is open on Shabbat? Do you think it serves cheeseburgers? Only a minority of McDonald's in Israel abide by Kosher dietary regulations. But, they all use the Hebrew alphabet to identify themselves. Remember: Read from right to left. [1999]

Jerusalem, Israel

Holy Week begins tomorrow. But, the original Holy Week began here, outside the old city walls of Jerusalem. Today, the site is totally enclosed by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church's small dome covers the site of the crucifixion and the large dome covers the site of the resurrection. [2010]

Jerusalem, Israel

In which quarter of Jerusalem do these boys live? (a) the Jewish quarter; (b) the Armenian quarter; (c) the Christian quarter; (d) the Muslim quarter. Some friends of theirs have the answer. [2010]

Jerusalem, Israel

The Dome of the Rock, on the left, is the most recognizable and most architecturally significant monument in Jerusalem. Rarely, though, is it photographed with its little brother, the Dome of the Chain, which is visible through the arches. Both were built in 691 AD, and the Dome of the Chain was probably the model for the larger Dome of the Rock. [2010]

Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate is one of seven gates that give access to the walled city. An additional one has been sealed off for centuries. The road from here led to Jaffa, Jerusalem's seaport. Although there is automobile access into the old city, driving is not recommended, and many people portage their luggage in and out. [2010]

Jerusalem, Israel

His church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, holds title to a small chapel in the Holy Sepulchre of Jesus. His church is one of the eastern churches, one whose liturgical language is Syriac (a version of Aramaic), which is the language Jesus and the Disciples spoke. So, this monk may be reciting to himself the Lord's Prayer just as it rolled off Jesus' lips: in Sryriac. [2000]

Jerusalem, Israel

The juice market. Think that only citrus fruits can be hand-juiced? Think again. In fact, the best way to get your daily share of pomegranate is to drink it. That means you don't have to cope with all those seeds. Interested in the history of the pomegranate? Consult Deuteronomy 8:8. [2010]

Jaffa, Israel

Here's the fish that made Jaffa famous. And, a certain prophet named Jonah, too. It was on Jaffa's shore that "the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." Your assignment: Compare and contrast the symbolism attached to the Jonah story by Jews and by Christians. [2010]

Jerusalem, Israel

Early morning it was, on the day we call Easter. Right here (now within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher) sat an angel. He was guarding the empty tomb of Jesus. From his mouth, the messenger of God delivered these words: "He is not here: he is risen." And, the world has not been the same since. Happy Resurrection Day! [1995]

Jerusalem, Israel

Late afternoon it was, on the day we call Good Friday. The body of Jesus was taken down from the cross. Only one of the disciples was there, but all of the women showed up. Can you identify Mary Magdalene? Mary, mother of Jesus? Were they not even more faithful disciples than the men? This mosaic is inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. [1998]

Cana, Israel

"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." John 2:11. The Franciscan Church of the First Miracle stands today on the site of the wedding feast, where the son of Mary turned six stone jars of water into wine. If today is your wedding day, may the blessings of God be upon you. [1999]