The chagim are approaching fast but the heat wave has broken at last and there's still time to take a walking tour and explore a little more of Jerusalem.  Here are the tours that I'll be guiding next week.
 
The tour on Monday August 30th follows the drama of The Battle for the Jewish Quarter 1948 and 1967.   In the 1948 War of Independence the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was under siege.  Despite the valiant fight of its defenders it fell to the Arab Legion just two weeks after the establishment of the State of Israel.  The fighters were taken into captivity and the rest of the residents expelled.  For 19 years until its recapture by Israeli troops in the Six Day War in 1967 Jews did not set foot in the Old City.  This tour is about exile and return. 
Meet at 2.30 p.m. just outside the Zion Gate.
 
On Wednesday September 1st discover surprising Ramat Rachel.  The history of this strategic hilltop high above Jerusalem spans 2,700 years.  There are remains here of a royal palace and citadel from the time of the First Temple, a village from the time of the Second Temple, a Roman villa, a Byzantine monastery, trenches from the 1948 War of Independence and a Jordanian outpost from the Six Day War.  See all this and more including amazing views over Jerusalem while you hear the history of this special place.
Meet at 9.30 a.m. at the entrance to the Ramat Rachel Hotel (Bus No.7).
 
Please wear comfortable shoes and bring hats and water for these tours.  Each of them lasts 2-3 hours and costs NIS 60 per person plus site entrance fees.  There are site fees of NIS 10 on Monday's tour.  Please register in advance 054-647-8955 or tourwithjack@gmail.com .
 
Don't forget the Chol HaMoed Succot day trip to the Gilboa.  Book now.  Places are filling up fast!