Jewish Dead Sea Region | World Jewish Travel

Jewish city story of Dead Sea Region

The Dead Sea, known in Hebrew as Yam Ha-Melakh (the Sea of Salt), is Earth's lowest point on land (430.5 meters below sea level) and is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert. While actually a lake, the Dead Sea is part of the long border between Israel and Jordan, whose towering mountains can be seen from the Israeli side, and part of the Judean and Negev deserts. One hour from Jerusalem, the sea is a popular place for Israeli's and tourists to relax, experience the unique surroundings, and take advantage of the infamous and unique medical properties of the dead sea. This includes covering oneself with the mineral-rich mud and floating in the salty waters. The saline water also gives lead to the name because no fish can survive under these circumstances.

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THE BEST OF Dead Sea Region

Masada 4X4

and 3 other Tours

Avi Mashiach

and 2 other Guides

Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel

and 3 other Hotels

Taj Mahal

and 2 other Restaurants

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אתרים מומלצים Sites to see

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a salted lake bordered by Jordan to the east and the West Bank to the west. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley and its main tributary is the Jordan River. Its surface and shores are 430.5 meters below sea level, Earth's lowest elevation on land.

Ein Gedi National Park

Ein Gedi, literally meaning "spring of the kid" is an oasis and a nature reserve in Israel, located west of the Dead Sea, near Masada and the Qumran Caves. In 2016, Ein Gedi was listed as one of the most popular nature sites in the country and attracts about one million visitors a year.

Qumran National Park

Qumran is an archaeological site in the West Bank managed by Israel's Qumran National Park. It is located on a dry marl plateau about 1.5 km from the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea and lies near the Israeli settlement and Kibbutz of Kalya. The Hellenistic period settlement was constructed during the reign of John Hyrcanus (134–104 BCE) or somewhat later, was occupied most of the time until 68 CE and was destroyed by the Romans possibly as late as 73. It is best known as the settlement nearest to the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were hidden, caves in the sheer desert cliffs and beneath, in the marl terrace. The principal excavations at Qumran were conducted by Roland de Vaux in the 1950s, though several later unearthings at the site have since been carried out. Israel's Nature and Parks Authority took over the site following the end of the 1967 war, when Israel occupied the West Bank and seized Qumran. Israel has since invested heavily in the area to establish the Qumran caves as a site of "uniquely Israeli Jewish heritage".

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Tours of Dead Sea Region

Masada 4X4

Transcend upon the Judean Desert as we explore Masada. Enjoy a light breakfast and learn about the fascinating story of the Kanaim rabbles. We’ll also go offroading on Maale Yair, a trail named after the paratrooper elite commander who discovered the trail, and then take in panoramic views of the Dead Sea and Jordanian mountains, followed by a late and delicious lunch.

Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea From Tel Aviv or Jerusalem

Leaving Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, we’ll travel south through the beautiful Judean Desert to the foot of the Masada fortress, which stands beside the Dead Sea. You’ll take a cable car to the top of the fortress, enjoy the special views, and explore the archaeological ruins. We will then continue to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, an oasis in the desert, for a short hike and the unique opportunity to float in the waters of the Dead Sea and immerse yourself in the famous mud. Masada is one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites and greatest tales of Jewish heroism. The excavated ruins are fascinating to explore, while the remarkable location high above the surrounding desert and Dead Sea makes this an impressive and unique experience. You’ll ascend to the top of Masada via cable car. After leaving Masada, we’ll travel the short distance to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Surrounded by desert, this beautiful reserve offers a beautiful hike alongside the cool waters which flow from the spring. Stop and cool off beside one of the pools that can be found along the way, before heading to our final stop of the day. The lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea, is a lake with water so salty one is able to float. Read your newspaper whilst floating in the water and immerse yourself in the therapeutic Dead Sea mud, which is sold around the world as beauty products. Finally, return to Tel Aviv having enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. Our Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea tours are unique and designed for independent travelers. No other tour combines these three beautiful sites while allowing one to hike up to the top of the fortress, an important part of any visit!

Along the Dead Sea

We’ll start descending from the Jerusalem Mountains into the Judean Desert full of breathtaking views. Here, over 2000 years ago ancient Jews built two present times World Heritage sites, which we’ll visit today - Masada and Qumran. Our first stop will be a National Park Qumran, a two-thousand-year-old communal village of the Jewish Sect “Yahad”, which is also known as “Essenes”. This is also the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the surrounding caves. Our way will further lead along the shores and breathtaking views of the Dead Sea to Masada Fortress. Masada, a dramatically located site of great natural beauty overlooking the Dead Sea, is a rugged natural fortress on which the Judaean King Herod the Great constructed his complex palace. One of the most exciting and frequently-toured places in Israel, Masada represents a story of perseverance and power, faith and surrender, ambitions, and finally - a tragic end. On our way back you may also enjoy a swim in the Dead Sea, one of the most exciting and unique experiences in one's life. Price excludes relevant entrance fees.

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מסעדות בסגנון יהודי JEWISH STYLE RESTAURANTS

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal’s Bedouin tent is available for events including up to 300 guests: weddings, Hina parties, Bar Mizvas, birthdays etc. Taj Mahal offers you unique hospitality that combines east with west. Come enjoy the amazing view of the Dead Sea and breathtaking hills and the magical oriental atmosphere. The air-conditioned Bedouin tent, decorated in a Moroccan style with seating on high mats, is the perfect place to hold events of all sorts (for up to 200 people). At Taj Mahal you will be hosted with Middle Eastern music, dancing, a rich and varied menu including all sorts of drinks and the crowing glory – a belly dancer and drumming circle. At Taj Mahal you can enjoy the best of the Middle Eastern kitchen. Recommended dishes include: Mixed grill, pita with olive oil and labane, a selection of Middle Eastern salads and more.

Kaparuchka

An Italian/Moldovian/Israeli reastaurant in Arad near the dead sea serving Pizza, Calzone & Foccacia baked in a real hand made Italian brick oven with fresh salads, sandwitches and homemade desserts.

Baobar Ein Gedi Hotel Restaurant

The café that enjoys all worlds – overlooking a large lawn with the Kibbutz’s two oldest baobab trees on one side, and the magical primordial landscape of the Dead Sea and Moab Mountains on the other. The café is named for the baobab tree planted in the middle of its deck, providing shade and exotic beauty and blurring the lines between the fabricated and natural environment. The Baobar menu consists of natural, simple and quality ingredients, many of which are the herbs that grow in the surrounding botanical garden. Various bands perform at the restaurant on Friday evenings, presenting assorted genres, including folk, blues, Israeli songs and more. Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00-23:00 | Saturday 10:00-23:00 | The kitchen is open between 13:00-22:00 In addition, the hotel restaurant offers an open, rich, fresh and indulgent buffet. Our breakfast is known for its wide variety of prepared salads, sliced vegetables, eggs of choice, various hot, zesty and sweet dishes, a large dessert bar and many other treats that will guarantee that your morning starts with a smile in an indulgent atmosphere. At dinner, we serve a rich meat buffet with a huge assortment of fresh and tasty dishes, a large salad bar, quality dessert bar and more. Guests with special sensitivities or requests are welcome to contact one of the staff members. The hotel restaurant is run by Chef Arthur Gadilov

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מדריכים בעיר CITY GUIDES

Avi Mashiach

Do you want to know Israel through experiences and different things - through historical sites of more than 3000 years, nature, food, wine, various sectors. You are invited to join me on an exciting journey.

Adam Sela

As 1990 was drawing to an end I was beginning a new direction in life. Tired of working 8 days a week in a very high pressure but lucrative industry I was looking for something different. One can work hard and play hard but to do that you need to make time and that was something I did not have. With the upcoming birth of our first son just playing hard was not an option either so I decided to try and turn my interests and hobbies into a livelihood and started checking out the options. Widerness tourism was just beginning and I started at the bottom as a freelance guide in Mitzpe Ramon. Back then there was no "training", most of us had some kind of military background and we all shared a love for the outdoors. I too had the military background where I learned to love the desert and coming from an outdoor lifestyle in Africa with loads of bush craft experience I quickly found my footing and developed my own style and then struck out on my own founding Challenging Experience. Now, 30 years later, the industry has changed but I am still here and still loving it. Being able to enjoy one's "job" makes it so much easier to do it well. All my staff is handpicked and apart from the experience they bring they also receive extensive 'in-house' training. I believe that a huge part of any visit is time spent with the 'locals' and while not all out team has been in the area that long they do all share a love for the area and for people. We are often asked if we ever get bored ? The simple answer is an emphatic NO - the reason is that no two tours are ever the same especially as meeting new people is also part of what we enjoy. I always say that we are neither the best nor the cheapest company out there, but some things make us stand out. We have a great office staff, 5 days a week, giving our clients good service pre-tour and freeing the guides up (especially me) to be with YOU and not with the next or last client. Three of our five guides are volunteers in the regional Search and Rescue Team (I am one of it's founders) and also volunteer as reserve Policemen and United Hatzallah medical first responders. When you tour with us you help support voluntary non profit organizations in the area. We are involved in almost every single Search and Rescue scenario in the region using our extensive knowledge of the area, our specific skills and our company hardware to help bring people to safety. All our vehicles are well equipped including high power 2 way VHF radios (linked not only to each other but also to national emergency services), tools, first aid packs and even a gas stove to brew fresh coffee or tea.

Hadara (Dari) Arbel

Native English speaker, born in 1984 in the United States, I have been living in Israel for nearly thirty years. Growing up in Jerusalem, one of the most intriguing and complex cities on earth, I have always been attracted to its history. Living in Tel Aviv and raising three young children, I keep my fingers on the pulse of its present. Guiding has always been a part of my life: in youth groups, throughout my army service and shortly after as I was among the youngest licensed tour guides upon graduation. I have since gained 15 years of experience but am still as excited as I was on my very first day every time I meet a group, family or individual.

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World Jewish Travel Official August 3, 2022

The Jewish Story of Dead Sea Region, Israel

The Dead Sea, known in Hebrew as Yam Ha-Melakh (the Sea of Salt), is Earth's lowest point on land (430.5 meters below sea level) and is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert. While actually a lake, the Dead Sea is part of the long border between Israel and Jordan, whose towering mountains can be seen from the Israeli side, and part of the Judean and Negev deserts. One hour from Jerusalem, the sea is a popular place for Israeli's and tourists to relax, experience the unique surroundings, and take advantage of the infamous and unique medical properties of the dead sea. This includes covering oneself with the mineral-rich mud and floating in the salty waters. The saline water also gives lead to the name because no fish can survive under these circumstances.

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Hotels in Dead Sea Region

Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel

Inspired by the Dead Sea's many natural wonders, the Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa invites all guests to explore its enthralling island of tranquility, where pampering and relaxation always come first. The hotel is just moments from the shoreline, nestled at the foot of the majestic mountains that frame the Dead Sea. Every room has a balcony, with most enjoying magnificent views of the iconic Dead Sea itself – a truly unique attraction unequalled anywhere in Israel, or around the globe, which draws visitors from all over the world thanks to the renowned therapeutic properties of its natural waters and mud. These famous Dead Sea treatments can be experienced at the hotel's own Esprit Spa, where the finest professionals offer dozens of body and beauty treatments. In addition to this heavenly spa experience, the Isrotel Dead Sea Resort & Spa also serves up a delectable culinary experience at the acclaimed Ranch House restaurant, where meat lovers can treat themselves to a mouthwatering menu of select Nebraska meats. And that's not all: the hotel also includes an advanced fitness room, sauna, jacuzzi, rooftop solarium, and special Kiddos Club for youngsters. Guests staying on the 7th-9th floors are granted exclusive complimentary access Moav Lounge, alongside other select benefits.

Kibbutz Kaila Hotel

Come and take a deep breath because the air is so clear and sweet. Take a deep breath because the views are simply breathtaking. But for the most part, take a deep breath because at last you are on your vacation! The guest house of Kibbutz Kalia in the north of the Dead Sea invites you now to a real country vacation. A vacation of relaxation and pampering, fresh air and open spaces, the kibbutz experience like old times. For children, with infinity lawns, stable and barn, immersion of health in the waters of the Dead Sea, tours of sites in the fascinating and wonderful desert landscapes, and a rich variety of experiences for your choice and enjoyment. Only half an hour from Jerusalem, an hour and a quarter from busy Tel Aviv, awaits you a sea of quiet, fun and excitement for our Dead Sea vacation.

Daniel Dead Sea Hotel

Tamares Hotels is proud to present Daniel Dead Sea Hotel. Situated at the world's lowest point on the shores of the extra ordinary Dead Sea, the hotel is just a short distance from ancient biblical and historical sites such as the stronghold of Masada. Luxury Rooms and Suites The Daniel Dead Sea Spa Hotel has 302 luxury rooms, of which 12 are lavish suites. Each room enjoys views of the desert and the Dead Sea, and warm touches such as fresh fruit bowls create a relaxed, resort feel. Cozy and comfortable, rooms are floored with locally produced ceramic tiles, perfect for the desert climate. Sea, Desert and fun! Float on the world's saltiest water and enjoy a healing sulphur bath or a relaxing treatment at the luxurious Shizen Spa Dead Sea. With endless pleasures inside and the Dead Sea on your doorstep, you'll never want to leave the hotel. Delights of the Daniel Dead Sea Hotel The hotel caters for everyone, with swimming pools, Business Lounge, Conference Center and Health Club where a gym, sauna, whirlpool and steam room all await you. And all of this with a stunning desert view across the still waters of the Dead Sea.

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