Four Sepharadi Synagogues (Old City of Jerusalem)

Just a minute off of the Jewish Quarters main square you will find the Four Sepharadi Synagogues. Jews have lived in the current Jewish Quarter of the Old City for approximately 600 years (except for the 19 years after the establishment of the modern State of Israel, when the Jordanians would not permit Jews to live there). However in the late1500’s the Ottoman government, rulers of Jerusalem, closed the Ramban Synagogue, named after the great Jewish sage who actually founded the modern Jewish Quarter. As a result there was no synagogue in which the Jews of Jerusalem could pray. But then, at the beginning of the 17th century the first of the four synagogues to comprise this site, the Yochanan ben Zakai Synagogue, was inaugurated. Over time three more synagogues were built in this complex. These are not museums. They are active houses of worship, used daily by the community.

How to put together your Water and Wine tour of Israel

On our Water and Wine Tours website you will not find standard tours.

Don’t worry. We’ll make sure that you experience the must-see sites in the country. But we’ve also included a comprehensive list of sites, by region for people with many different interests, with enough description for you to ascertain whether it’s the sort of place you want to spend your time.

You know your budget and how much time you have to spend here.

So here are our recommendations, based on years of leading all sorts of tours throughout the country.

Ask yourself if this trip is a vacation. Do you want to see sites but also feel really relaxed at the end of each day? So that you don’t need a few days of sleep upon your return home? If this is the case then try to restrict yourself to three major sites per day. Between the sites, travel and lunch 8-10 hours will pass quickly.
If you’re more inclined to describe yourself as a pilgrim or someone who wants a survey of sites, then expect to visit up to five sites per day. You’ll be spiritually satisfied but you’ll also need to get a good night’s sleep every night.

Your Tour Guide

Water & Wine Tours specializes in individually tailored tours catering to the interests of its clients. Our founder, Zach Levin, is an experienced, licensed tour guide who majored in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Our tour guides make the history and culture of Israel come alive. They understand that the customer is always right and want you to experience an unforgettable Israel. We’ll take you to places which you’ll love and never forget. When you need to be left alone we’ll sense it. When you need an extra hand we’re there for you.