From prosperity to persecution, the history of Jewish life in Vienna, Austria, is extensive. There are few European cities that are so closely intertwined with Jewish history.

By visiting Vienna today you can see many memorials to the hardships that Jews in Austria have suffered. You will also see tributes to the great accomplishments to many famous Viennese Jews, including Franz Kafka, Theodor Hertzl, Martin Buber, and Sigmund Freud.

Did you know that, during the Jewish Renaissance, three out of four Austrian Nobel Prize winners in medicine were Jewish? More than half of Austria’s physicians and dentists were Jews, and so were more than 60% of the lawyers. Today, Vienna is enriched not just by its waltz, but also by its long, rich Jewish history.

When touring Jewish Vienna, a great place to start is with the Jewish Museum Vienna, which is made up of two branches: the Jüdisches Museum in the Palais Eskeles and the Museum Judenplatz.

The Palais Eskeles is a residence in the city center not far from St. Stephan’s cathedral. Originally, the museum opened in 1896, which makes it the oldest museum of its kind in the world. The museum was, however, closed by the Nazis in 1938 and not re-opened again until 1989.

The museum has a permanent exhibition of the history of Jews in Austria, which is spread out over four floors,  and the renowned Judaica collection by Max Berger. There are also between six and eight special exhibitions every year.  The museum has now shown some 150 exhibitions and attracted over 1.2 million visitors from all over the world.

The collections in the Jewish Museum Vienna provide outstanding documentation of the history of the Jews in Austria over the centuries. There are approximately 15,000 objects, which are among the most important archives of Jewish cultural history from the Habsburg empire, the First Austrian Republic, interwar Vienna, and the Nazi era. Many of the items are on display in the Viewable Storage Area.

The next stop on your tour of Jewish Vienna will be at the very heart of medieval Vienna, at a charming square called Judenplatz, or Jew’s Square. Here you can see two memorials. The first is for Gottfried Ephraim Lessing, a German humanist and enlightenment writer.

The other one is Vienna’s Shoa memorial, or Memorial for the Jewish Victims of the Holocaust. The memorial was designed by artist Rachel Whiteread and is made up of a large concrete cube that depicts outwardly facing library walls and book spines. On the ground around the memorial the names of the places where 65,000 Austrian Jews were killed are inscribed.

The somber memorial was unveiled in the year 2000. At the same time, the Judenplatz Museum, which documents the history of Vienna’s Jews in the Middle Ages, was opened.  The Judenplatz Museum offers archeological findings from the excavations on Judenplatz, as well as a multi-media presentation of Jewish life in the Middle Ages, a medieval city model, and documentation about the medieval synagogue.

Your tour of Jewish Vienna does not stop here; there is even more to see! Some other sites you will enjoy visiting include the Schoenberg Center on Schwarzenbergplatz and the Sigmund Freud House at Berggasse 19. You can also visit the Central Cemetery, where you will find the grave sites of some of the most important and influential Viennese Jews.

For more information about the many attractions of Jewish Vienna, you can visit the Jewish Welcome Service website at www.jewish-welcome.at/. The site’s whole purpose is to welcome you to the city of Vienna and to inform people all over the world about Jewish Vienna.

Jewish History in Vienna, Austria is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

In eastern Portugal, about 2 1/2 miles outside of the city of Guarda, there exists a little town called Belmonte. Today, there are only about 2,500 people who live in this small, unassuming rural area. It is so unassuming, in fact, that no one would ever suspect that it hides a rather remarkable secret.

During the Portuguese Inquisition, Jews living in Portugal were forced to either convert to Christianity or be subjected to religious persecution in the form of death, often by burning at the stake. However, many “New Christians” who had been baptized during this period were still killed, because despite their outward affiliation with Christianity, they still held their Jewish beliefs in secret.

In the year 1506 3,000 Jews were massacred in the city of Lisbon. Among those murdered during the Inquisition were many famous Jews, including Isaac de Castro Tartas, Antonio Serrao de Castro and Antonio Jose da Silva, who later became known as “The Jew.”

Obviously, the options presented to Jewish community members in Portugal at the time were all unfavorable: flee to Amsterdam or Salonika (although few possessed the means to do so), convert to Christianity, or be killed. Worse yet, it was likely that one would convert and still be killed.

There was, however, an extremely small minority that created another option for themselves. Some Jews “officially” converted but continued to practice Judaism in the secrecy of their own homes. These individuals became known as Murrano Jews, or Crypto-Jews.

As the years passed, many Crypto-Jews were discovered and killed. But a very small community was able to live and thrive. This existed in Belmonte. The reason that the community was able to thrive here was because they were situated in a place that was somewhat difficult for the government to reach.

At the time, traveling through the mountains meant days or weeks by horse, not mere hours by car. Additionally, the Jews of Belmonte stayed off the radar by living relatively unassuming lives. They worked as merchants or shop keepers, successfully contributing to the community.

For the better part of 500 years, the Crypto-Jews of Belmonte were able to live this way; quietly continuing to live and practice Judaism. Belmonte is the only place that we know of where secret Jews maintained many practices, including Shabbat, Yom Kippur, Passover, the Fast of Esther, elements of kashrut and numerous prayers. As they were a small group, they kept detailed genealogical charts and carefully arranged marriages within their community.

It was not until the year 1917, many years after the Inquisition was officially ended by a liberal revolt in 1821, that the Crypto-Jews of Belmonte were discovered by a Polish (and Jewish) mining engineer by the name of Samuel Schwartz.

The Jewish community of Belmonte made its public and official return to Judaism in the 1970s, and a synagogue was later opened in 1996. As recently as 2005, Belmonte has become home to a Jewish museum.

By visiting Belmonte today, it is an incredible way to immerse yourself into this secret part of Jewish history. You can visit the old Jewish quarter, which is the still today the home to many Jewish families- the largest Jewish community in Portugal.

The Secret Jews of Belmonte, Portugal is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Many people think of vacation as an opportunity to do nothing but lounge around with a drink in their hand. But thrill seekers, I know this is not your cup of tea. For those looking for an adventurous and energizing vacation, Finland is a terrific destination for you.

One thing that makes many parts of Finland, such as Lapland, special is that these areas thrive in snow. Snowfall does not block the roads or close the schools. Instead, it creates a vast winter wilderness to explore. Winter adventure activities certainly do not halt because of snowfall!

A trip to Finnish Lapland will quickly prove to you why this winter vacation destination has been described as “epic.” Here you can visit the Lapland Igloo Village, which consists of 15 snow igloos, 15 glass igloos, an ice bar, an ice gallery, an ice chapel, and the world’s largest snow restaurant.

Because of Lapland’s arctic climate, the temperature within the snow igloos can easily drop below freezing. However, you can stay warm and cozy in special thermal-padded sleeping bags.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a warmer night, you can stay in a glass igloo, where you may even have an opportunity to view the Northern Lights right through the ceiling.

The Northern Lights are considered to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world; their swirling, colorful hues in shades of red, green, violet, and yellow fill the sky. Seeing the Northern Lights is a breathtaking experience, and one that is particularly thrilling because, as they are largely weather dependent, there is no 100% guarantee that you will be able to see them. However, the best time of year during which they are most frequently seen is from late November to mid-February.

Now once you’ve spent the night in an igloo (how many people can say they’ve done that?) it’s time to embark on a wilderness adventure. You can try your hand at dog sledding, where a team of beautiful husky dogs will be your companions.

If this doesn’t float you boat, how about a ride in a reindeer sledge instead? This is a great way for you to experience the lifestyle of the indigenous Sami people, whose daily lives traditionally included coastal fishing, fur trapping, sheep herding, and reindeer herding. Reindeer husbandry has been, and still is today, a very important part of Sami livelihood and culture.

Okay, so by now perhaps you’re thinking, “All of this sounds like fun but I’m ready for a real thrill!” Don’t worry, Finland has plenty of other adventures in store for you.

You can find some of the world’s very best ski resorts here, and with the Scandinavian climate most of these have totally natural snow cover. All in all, you’ll find more than 40 gorgeous resorts where you can ski and snowboard.

While in Finland, you can also try your hand at snow shoe trekking and cross-country skiing through the beautiful wilderness. Never driven a snow mobile before? This is a great opportunity to try it! It’s surprisingly easy for beginners, and all you need is a valid driver’s license. Soon you’ll find yourself flying over hills and frozen lakes.

Now obviously you’ll need to pack plenty of warm weather gear for your trip to Finland. But if you’re beginning to think you’ll be chilled the whole time, don’t worry. Finland is very well known for its wonderfully relaxing saunas and hot tubs. So after a day of skiing and snowboarding, you can soak in a soothing hot tub. After a full day of adventures, this is the time to relax with that drink in your hand!

Adventure Activities in Finland is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Embarking on an adventure in arctic Greenland has the potential to be unlike anything you have ever experienced before. The landscape here is so vast, and creates a startling impact with its diversity.

In southern Greenland you’ll gaze upon a sterling sea covered in icebergs and looming glassy glaciers, all of which contrast with the intensely green landscape and leafy tundra. It’s this divergence that really makes Greenland unique, as well as highly memorable.

While in Greenland, there is surely no lack of things to do and see. (Make sure to do them all well bundled — even in the summer the highs here are only around 50 degrees Fahrenheit!)

Here are the top 5 amazing things to do while you’re in Greenland:

(1) Trek to the Ice Sheet

The Greenlandic Ice Sheet is a gigantic ice cap that, in some places, is up to 100,000 years old. The ice sheet has covered large parts of Greenland for the last 2-3 million years. But active glaciers and constant melting have meant that the ice has been recycled many times.

At its highest point, it is 10,500 feet thick. You can fly, sail, drive or walk to the fringe of the ice, and in some places you can step out onto it, an experience that makes you feel like you are in a different world.

Thrill seekers looking for a challenge also have the chance to trek across the ice sheet. It is an extreme sport and one that requires great competence as well as special permission. There are, however, a handful of companies in Greenland able to offer this option to their customers.

(2) Watch Whales

During the summer months, you can see Humpback, Minke, and Fin whales in Greenlandic waters. During the winter, you may spot Beluga, Narwhal, or Bowhead whales.

Humpback whales are the largest, weighing up to 66,000 pounds, yet somehow they manage to be the acrobats of the group. They can be seen jumping out of the water, flicking their tails and flippers. The Humpback whale is easily recognizable because of its humped dorsal fin and white flippers.

(3) Witness the Midnight Sun

For those who live in Greenland, Midnight Sun is not just an occurrence, but also a lifestyle and a state of mind. Daylight around the clock challenges the traditional concepts of night time and day time. Midnight Sun can be experienced north of the Arctic Circle for a period lasting from one day to five months, depending on how far north you travel.

In central Greenland, Midnight Sun occurs from the end of May until the end of July. During this period, the soft, warm rays from the low-lying sun make the surrounding scenery appear ethereal and dream-like. Icebergs and hilltops glow in a colorful bath of pink, purple, yellow and red light — a breathtaking sight.

(4) Try Transportation by Dogsled

Dog lover, snow lover, nature lover, adventure lover… Any of these will definitely get a thrill from embarking on a dogsled ride.

You can ride in a dogsled as a passenger in Tasiilaq, which is located on Greenland’s east coast. Then after a couple of days of training, you can qualify for a license to drive a dogsled!

What makes dog sledding really unique is that it is possible only in the area north of the Arctic Circle and in Eastern Greenland. This area is known locally as “the dogsled district.” Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq are the two most southerly towns on the west coast from where it is possible to drive dogsleds during the winter and spring.

(5) Witness Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and Greenland’s biggest natural attraction. You may have heard about it in the news lately because it is at the center of international focus on global warming. Because of this, Ilulissat Icefjord has recently been visited by many politicians and diplomats, including John McCain and Nancy Pelosi.

Ilulissat Icefjord is the pre-eminent glacier in the northern hemisphere. The site consists of Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier draining the inland icecap on Greenland, and the iceberg-filled fjord named Kangia. Ilulissat Icefjord is situated in western Greenland, north of the Arctic Circle.

Visit the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland with Deluxe Kosher Tours.

The Top Five Amazing Things to Do in Greenland is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Upon visiting Scotland, you have the distinct and memorable opportunity to tour a Scottish Whisky Trail. In Scotland, the manufacturing of whisky is one in which the residents take great pride. Once you visit, you will certainly understand why.

There are about 125 distilleries (some active and some retired) throughout the different regions of the country, each with its own unique characteristics and beautiful landscape. Each whisky is different, too. Experts can tell by the aroma, color, and taste whether the malt comes from the Islands, the Highlands, the West or the East, or the Lowlands.

Even if you have never tried real Scotch whisky, I think you’ll be surprised and delighted by this experience and the opportunity to taste what is Scotland’s national drink — called “the water of life.”

By this time you are surely wondering: “Is Scotch whisky kosher?” According to authorities, the answer is “yes,” and here’s why:

There are a few things that make whisky in Scotland distinct and different from whisky produced  in other parts of the world. First of all, you’ve probably noticed a difference just in the name. Whisky from Scotland is spelled without the “e” whereas when it is made in the U.S. and Ireland it is called “whiskey.”

Here in the U.S. you probably see the spelling with the “e” more frequently. There is a difference in the actual products.

According to the Kashrut Authority, Irish whiskey may be blended with wine and should therefore not be consumed. However, no additives are permitted in Scotch whisky except for the caramel coloring, which is kosher. The London Beth Din allows all types of Scotch whisky based on Teshuvos Igros Moshe, as does the Kashrut Authority. Real Scotch whisky (not whiskey that was made in Kentucky and emulates Scotch whisky) is pareve.

Jeremy Rosen, who was the rabbi of the Orthodox Giffnock community in Glasgow, Scotland, in the late sixties and early seventies, had the opportunity to study the way Scotch whisky is made.  He reveals a terrific amount of detailed information about Scotch whisky here:  http://www.jeremyrosen.com/halacha/scotch.html He includes a great discussion of what makes Scotch whiskey so unique.

Now that I’ve piqued your interest, you are surely wondering which Scottish Whisky Trail to embark on. You have many from which to choose! The most popular, however, is called the Speyside Whiskey Trail. It is the main whisky trail, and the only one that is specifically a malt whiskey trail.

On this particular trail you’ll visit the Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glennfidich, Glen Grant, Glenlivet, Glen Moray, Speyside Cooperage, and Strathisla Distilleries. Each whisky distillery on the tour follows its own traditions, lore, and recipes for everything from the very beginning of the distillery process to the tasting. As a result, your experience at each one will be different.

All offer visitors a sample of the finished product as well as information about nosing, temperature, dilution, and glasses particular to their whisky.

If you’re seeking a family-friendly experience, check out the Scottish Whisky Heritage Center in Edinburgh. You can visit the website here: http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk/ Regardless of which trail you choose, I am certain that you will enjoy exploring this unique part of Scottish heritage, “the water of life.”

Touring a Scottish Whisky Trail is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

If you have ever dreamed of exploring ancient castles, some of which date all the way back to the 5th century, then you simply must visit Edinburgh, Scotland.

The capital city of Edinburgh is located in the south-east of Scotland near the North Sea, and is the second largest city in the country. Its combination of rugged sea swept landscape, along with impressive Medieval and Gregorian architecture, and even two extinct volcanoes right within the city make it commonly known as one of the most picturesque cities in all of Europe.

Known as the “Athens of the North”, it is certainly one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe.

Despite its big and plentiful attractions, Edinburgh itself is not a very large city. In fact, it is one of Europe’s smallest capitals with a population of about 500,000 people. There is one time of year, however, when the number of people in Edinburgh literally doubles. This is during the month of August when the Edinburgh Festivals take place.

The name “Edinburgh Festivals” is a blanket term that is used to describe the explosion of culture and activity that takes place every August. In fact, the event is comprised of a great number of festivals and events that take place.

The first festival that you’ll want to enjoy is the International Festival. For 2010, this festival is scheduled to take place from August 13 to September 5. The International Festival first began in 1947 after the conclusion of WWII with the intent of reviving and breathing new life and color into the human spirit.

Each year, Edinburgh’s six major theatres and concert halls as well as smaller venues come alive with the best classical music, theatre, opera, dance and visual art from around the globe. The festival itself is a registered charity and a non-for-profit event.

To see a review of the 2009 International Festival in Edinburgh, click here: http://www.eif.co.uk/files/editor/documents/EIF%20Annual%20Review%202009.pdf

Another festival that draws a crowd of excited attendees every year is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival. This year, the festival will take place from August 6 to August 28. It promises to be particularly spectacular because this year the festival is celebrating its 60th year.

The Military Tattoo Festival takes place against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, which is Edinburgh’s most popular tourist attraction. Events include pipers, gymnasts, singers, dancers and an amazing motorcycle display team, all of which come to Edinburgh from four different continents.

Two of the festival’s most popular items are the music of the Massed Pipes and Drums and that of the Massed Military Bands. You can also take in the music of the South African Irish Regiment, along with the South Australian Pipes and Drums and the prestigious Military Band of the Coldstream Guards. You’ll even see the Citadel Band from Charleston, South Carolina.

For more information and some photos, click on this link: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/about-the-tattoo/the-visitor-experience

Among the other festivals that take place during this time of year in Edinburgh are the Fringe Festival, which is the biggest arts festival in the world; the Edinburgh Book Festival, an international celebration of the written word; the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival; and the Edinburgh Mela, a culture and sport celebration.

No doubt, one of these has sparked your interest! For more information about these festivals in 2010, use the links below.

http://www.edfringe.com/
http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/
http://www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk/index.php?pageID=157
http://www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk/

And to visit the festivals with DeluxeKosherTours.com, see the Ireland and Scotland itinerary.

Festivals in Edinburgh, Scotland, Have Something for Everyone is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Winter time in Lapland, Finland, is a dreamlike setting for lovers of frosty weather and new fallen snow. Not so much a fan of freezing temps? You’d probably fare better in a more tropical setting, because winters in Lapland can bring temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Wow, that’s cold!

Winter is the longest season in Lapland, and begins around mid-October. This is a full month earlier than most other parts of Finland. The season then stretches for approximately 200 days.

This makes Lapland an absolutely ideal destination for thrilling frosty sports such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe trekking, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. You can even take a Husky sled ride, or a ride in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Or, if you prefer to keep a little bit of distance between you and the cold, you can take a helicopter ride over pristine, untouched snow-covered mountains.

If you are a fan of downhill skiing, then Lapland is certainly the destination for you. The skiing season lasts all the way from October to May 1. Put together, the Lappish ski slopes provide about six miles of downhill ski runs.

The longest slope, which is almost two miles long, is found in Ylläs (pronounced U-las.) Ylläs is the largest downhill and cross-country ski resort in Finland. In addition to the longest run, the resort also boasts the country’s greatest vertical and most runs.

Extreme efforts are made to keep the slopes in outstanding condition using state-of-the-art technology, so you will always be able to enjoy well-maintained slopes. Ylläs is also a great destination for the novice skier, as skiing instruction, equipment hire services, and activity programs are provided. Children receive free rental equipment and lift tickets (as long as they wear a helmet when skiing).

During your winter visit to Lapland you can also delight in a rare sight: the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights may be seen from Lapland mostly in September through October and February through March.

Encyclopedias define the Northern Lights as “a colorful light phenomena occurring close to the polar regions where the charged particles carried by polar winds hit electrons and protons in the Earth’s ionosphere.” This definition, although scientifically correct, does little to describe the true splendor of the Northern Lights, which rapidly change in color, intensity, and form. At their brightest, they can give off as much light as a full moon.

While they are typically yellowish-green in color, they can change to include red, blue, and violet as well. The yellow green hues of the Northern Lights are produced by oxygen in the atmosphere, while blue and violet lights are made by nitrogen. The charged particles of the Northern Lights come from the sun, from which they are thrown into space with the solar winds at speeds of up to a 620 miles an hour.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowyl landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

According to an old Asian belief, a person who spots the Northern Lights can live happily ever after. Perhaps it is time to visit Lapland and begin your own happily ever after.

Winter in Lapland, Finland, Is 200 Days is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

Piamonte, which is known in English as Piedmont and literally means “foothills,” is a region of northern Italy that is made up of the provinces of Torino, Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo, Novara, and Vercelli.

One of the factors for which Piamonte is well known is its interesting geographical position — it is surrounded by France, Switzerland, and northern Italy. This places it firmly at the center of European development trends and contributes to the dynamism of this region, which is balanced between old tradition and new innovation.

Among the many attractions that draw tourists to the Piamonte region are the mountainous site of the 2006 winter Olympics, the great food and wines, pre-eminent textiles, technology and car production, the Savoy palaces, the film industry, art, and architecture.

Here are some attractions that you will want to be sure to see during your trip to Piamonte, Italy:

The Valsesia

Valsesia is known as “the greenest valley in Italy.” However, one of its most famous attractions is not green at all; it’s pink. Monte Rosa is the name given to the mountain which fills the sky with a rosy pink glow during winter sunsets. Even the tracks left by the skis along the mountainside glow pink. Monte Rosa is a wonderful site for mountaineering, skiing, and other winter sports.

The Langhe

The hilly, mist-shrouded area known as the Langhe is a lush, scenic region filled with silver green poplars and climbing vines. The Langhe is an area devoted (almost entirely) to the cultivation of wine grapes and hazelnuts. In fact, the region is home to more than 900 wineries, which can be visited for wine tastings.

Langhe literally means “strips of land” and the region consists of three separate areas. The Upper Langhe is wild and rugged with thick oak woods that are occupied by wild boar and nearly 50 species of orchids. The Middle Langhe is filled with hazelnut groves, and the Lower Langhe is home to the many vineyards.

The Great Lakes

Three lakes at the foot of Monte Rosa — Orta, Mergozzo, and Stresa — offer many wonderful attractions. Surrounding the lakes are a number of churches, parks, cottages, and villas that make up a quaint sort of “small Switzerland.”

Another main attraction is the island of San Giulio at the center of Lake Orta. You can take a boat out to the town of San Giulio to visit the Basilica, wander around the tiny alleys, and pop into a local café.

The Monferrato

The Monferrato is another region of Piamonte that is well known for its wine. The principal wines produced here are Barbera d’Asti, Barbera del Monferrato, and Freisa d’Asti. The rolling landscape of the Monferrato is covered with orchards, gardens, and vines.

Here you can also witness a great variety of historical architecture and visit the ghetto, which was the home of the area’s Jewish residents until the emancipation of the Jews occurred in 1848. Make sure to also visit the synagogue, which was built in 1595 and said to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe.

Piamonte, Italy: At the Foot of the Mountains is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

For the Jewish traveler, Venice, Italy is a treasure trove of history and points of interest. While many travelers picture only romantic canals and captivating scenery, the truth is that the history of Venice has a darker side that must not be ignored.

Jewish people have been traveling to Venice for hundreds of years. Depending on when in history these visits occurred, the Jews were treated either fairly or quite harshly, based on the rulings of the day. One of the saddest yet most important reminders of their unfair treatment throughout history can be experienced by visiting the Ghetto Nuova.

While some think only of World War II when hearing of Jewish ghettoes, the sad fact that Jewish people know is that these places of prejudice and isolation existed well before the 20th century.

The Ghetto Nuova is the first Jewish ghetto and it was established in 1516. It was during this time that the rulers of Venice held a council to decide whether to eject all Jews from the city. The ruling came back that they would be allowed to stay, but would be confined to what would be the very first Jewish ghetto in the world.

Today, visitors can see the Ghetto looking much the same as it did when it was first built. There are 30 Jewish people who today reside within the walls of the Ghetto, which includes three temples and several Jewish-owned businesses.

There is also a rest home for the elderly within the Ghetto. While there are only about 10 residents in the home, it is a popular stop for some visitors as the home provides kosher meals to many Jewish visitors each year. There is also a kosher store and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy while touring the Ghetto.

The Jewish museum holds seder plates, spice boxes and many other items that were used both in daily life and during rituals.

There are also memorials designed to remember the suffering that took place during the Holocaust. When you visit the Ghetto Nuova, you will find yourself standing in the spot where Jews were forced to gather in preparation to be deported to the concentration camps.

As haunting as it is to stand in the square where this took place over and over again, it is also a testament to the strength and perseverance of the Jewish people.

Depending on the time of year that you visit, you may be able to take part in prayer services in the Levantine Synagogue. This temple was built in the 16th century and still contains many of the original features.

While some portions of the Ghetto are better preserved than others, a visit here will provide a different perspective of Jewish persecution. You will walk where your ancestors walked hundreds of years ago. You will see many of the exact same things that they saw whether they stayed in the Ghetto by choice or by force.

A visit to Venice will be memorable for so many reasons, not the least of which will be a visit to the Ghetto Nuova.

Venice – The Ghetto Nuova is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours

If you dream of vacationing among stunning natural scenery, old-world charm, and charming bed and breakfasts, then the Dingle Peninsula the in Southwest of Ireland is the perfect destination for you.

The Dingle Peninsula was once cited as “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic Magazine. It was voted among one of the top 100 places to visit in the world by the website Trip Advisor, and CNN listed it as one of the best winter destinations.

With all of these accolades for one little place, there is no doubt that you will fall in love with the Dingle Peninsula. The movie “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed there as well as the movie  “Far and Away.”  If you’ve enjoyed either of these films, you’ve witnessed a small glimpse of this area’s rugged, otherworldly beauty.

One of the most popular attractions that brings people to this area of the world is the amazing archaeological tours. There is evidence of human history on the Dingle Peninsula that dates back as far as 6,000 years. You can view artifacts from the hunters and gatherers of the Mesolithic period all the way through modern times.

Because of the peninsula’s remote location and lack of specialized agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. Some of the most amazing historical sites are complete buildings that still remain from the Viking and Medieval periods.

Another attraction that is much newer in history but every bit as exciting to tourists is the Dingle dolphin, who is known as Fungie. In 1984, the Dingle Harbor lighthouse keeper first began to notice a lone dolphin who was escorting the town’s fishing boats to and from port. The dolphin has come to be extremely well loved as he is very friendly to humans whether they are swimming, canoeing, diving, boating, or windsurfing in the waters of the harbor.

Fungie is a full-grown male bottlenose dolphin who weighs about 500 pounds. He is particularly unique because dolphins rarely take on a solitary way of life. During the summer months, Fungie is often seen eating garfish in the harbor.

One of the most gorgeous places on the Dingle Peninsula is Slea Head, which is a rocky and rugged spot that overlooks the Blasket Islands. There is definitely a reason that Slea Head is one of the most photographed places in all of Ireland. In ancient times this was thought to be the edge of the world.

The Slieve Mountains rise up between two valleys at the tip of the peninsula, then plunge downwards into the Blasket Sound. This dangerous and foamy stretch of water is infamous for its treacherous undertow, which sucks shipwrecks right down into its dark waters. The sight of the steep earth rising right up out of the brilliant water is quite breathtaking.

If you wish to create your own “Far and Away” picturesque scene, try embarking on a horseback adventure. The Dingle Peninsula provides the ideal location for the freedom experienced while riding on horseback You can explore mile after mile of soaring mountains, grassy hills that slope gently into the sea, sparkling golden beaches, and narrow country roads lined with flowering red fuchsia.

You’ll feel refreshed and at one with nature. In fact, I’m quite certain that the only thing you won’t love about your trip to the Dingle Peninsula is when it’s time to come home.

Experience the Natural Beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland is a post from: Deluxe Kosher Tours