Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time and Faith

• Helloשָׁלוֹם
  [Shalom]
• Goodbyeלְהֵיתֵר
  [Lehitraot]
• Yesכֵּן
  [Ken]
• Noלֹא
  [Lo]
• Please/You're welcomeבְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Bevakasha]
• Thank youתּוֹדָה
  [Toda]
• Excuse me/Sorryסְלִיחָה
  [Slicha]
• How are you?אֵיך אַתָּה?
  [Eich Ata?]
• Fine. And you?טוֹב. וְאַתָּה?
  [Tov. Ve'ata?]
• Do you speak English?הֲאַתָּה מְדַבֵּר אַנְגְלִית?
  [Ha'ata medaber Anglit?]
• I don't understandאֲנִי לֹא מֵבִין
  [Ani lo mevin]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִרְאוֹת אֶת הַתַּפְרִיט, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Ani rotseh lirot et hataprit, bevakasha]
• I don't eat meatאֲנִי לֹא אוֹכֵל בָּשָׂר
  [Ani lo ochel basar]
• Cheers!לְחַיִּים!
  [Lechayim]
• I would like to pay, pleaseאֲנִי רוֹצֶה לְשַׁלֵם, בְּבַקָּשָׁה
  [Ani rotseh leshalem, bevakasha]

• Help!עֶזְרָה!
  [Ezra!]
• Go away!לְךָ הַלְאָה!
  [Lecha hal'ah!]
• Call the Police!תִּתְקַשֵׁר לַמִּשְׁטָרָה!
  [Titkasher la'mishtara!]
• Call a doctor!תִּתְקַשֵׁר לַרוֹפֵא!
  [Titkasher la'rofe]
• I'm lostאֲנִי אָבֵדָה
  [Ani aveda]
• I'm illאֲנִי חוֹלֶה
  [Ani holeh]

• I'd like to buy...אֲנִי רוֹצֶה לִקְנוֹת...
  [Ani rotseh liknot...]
• I'm just lookingאֲנִי רַק צוֹפֶה
  [Ani rak tzofeh]
• How much is it?כַּמָּה זֶה עוֹלֶה?
  [Kama ze ole?]
• That's too expensiveזֶה יָקָר מִדַי
  [Ze yakar midai]
• Can you lower the price?אִפִּשֵׁר לַהַפְחִית אֶת הַמְחִיר?
  [Ifshar lahafchit et hamchir?]

• What time is it?מַה הַשָּׁעָה?
  [Ma hasha'a?]
• It's one o'clockזֶה חָדֵשׁ
  [Ze chadesh]
• Half past (10)חֲצִי אַחַר (עֶשֶׂר)
  [Chatzi achar (eser)]
• Morningבֹּקֶר
  [Boker]
• Afternoonצָהֳרַיִים
  [Tzohorayim]
• Eveningעֶרֶב
  [Erev]
• Yesterdayאֶתְמוֹל
  [Etmol]
• Todayהַיוֹם
  [Hayom]
• Tomorrowמָחָר
  [Machar]
• 1אֶחָד
  [Echad]
• 2שְׁתַיִם
  [Shtayim]
• 3שָׁלוֹשׁ
  [Shalosh]
• 4אַרְבָּעָה
  [Arba'a]
• 5חֲמִשָּׁה
  [Chamisha]
• 6שִׁשָּׁה
  [Shisha]
• 7שִׁבְעָה
  [Shiv'a]
• 8שְׁמוֹנֶה
  [Shmone]
• 9תִּשְׁעָה
  [Tisha]
• 10עֶשֶׂר
  [Eser]

• Where's a/the...?אֵיפֹה נִמְצָא אוֹ הַ...
  [Eifo nimtza o ha...]
• What's the address?מַה הַכְּתוֹבֶת?
  [Ma haktove]
• Can you show me (on the map)?אִתָּה יָכוֹל לְהַרְאוֹת לִי (עַל הַמַפָּה)?
  [Ata yachol leharot li (al hamapa)?]
• When's the next (bus)?מָתַי הַאוֹטוֹבוּס הַבָּא?
  [Matay haotobus haba?]
• A ticket (to ....)כַּרְטִיס (לְ....)
  [Kartis (le....)]

Jerusalem's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement as early as 3000 BCE. The city is mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts and in the Bible, where it is referred to as 'Urusalim,' meaning 'City of Peace.'

Around 1000 BCE, King David captured Jerusalem and established it as the capital of the united Kingdom of Israel. His son, Solomon, later built the First Temple, making the city a center of religious worship for the Jewish people.

In 586 BCE, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and exiled many of the city's inhabitants to Babylon. This marked a significant period of hardship and displacement in Jewish history.

After the fall of the Babylonian Empire, the Persian King Cyrus the Great allowed the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem in 538 BCE. They rebuilt the city and constructed the Second Temple, which was completed in 516 BCE.

Following Alexander the Great's conquest, Jerusalem came under Hellenistic influence. In 167 BCE, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. The Jewish rebels, led by the Hasmonean family, successfully reclaimed and rededicated the Temple.

Jerusalem fell under Roman control in 63 BCE. In 70 CE, following a Jewish revolt, the Roman general Titus besieged and destroyed the Second Temple, leaving only the Western Wall, which remains a sacred site in Judaism.

During the Byzantine period, Jerusalem became a major center of Christianity. In 638 CE, the city was conquered by the Muslim Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, ushering in a period of Islamic rule. The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque were constructed on the Temple Mount during this time.

In 1099, during the First Crusade, Christian crusaders captured Jerusalem and established it as the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This period ended in 1187 when the Muslim leader Saladin recaptured the city, allowing for a tolerant coexistence of religious communities.

Jerusalem was part of the Ottoman Empire from 1517 to 1917. During this time, the city's infrastructure was expanded, and it became a multicultural hub. Following World War I, Jerusalem came under British control as part of the Mandate for Palestine, leading to significant political and social changes.

In 1948, the State of Israel was established, and Jerusalem was declared its capital. However, the city was divided during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, with West Jerusalem under Israeli control and East Jerusalem, including the Old City, under Jordanian control. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem, reunifying the city.

Today, Jerusalem is a city of profound religious and cultural significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is home to numerous historical and religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The city's diverse population and rich history continue to make it a focal point of global interest and significance.

Jerusalem is well-connected to major international cities. The primary gateway is Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), located about 50 kilometers from Jerusalem. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shared shuttle (Nesher), or the high-speed train to Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon Station. Buses and private car services are also available. For those traveling from within Israel, Jerusalem is accessible by intercity buses, trains, and private cars.

Jerusalem's public transportation network includes buses, light rail, and taxis. The Jerusalem Light Rail connects key parts of the city and is a convenient option for tourists. Egged buses cover extensive routes within the city and to other cities in Israel. Taxis are readily available but ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging. Rental cars are an option but note that parking can be challenging in the city center. Walking is also a great way to explore the Old City and nearby attractions.

The official currency in Israel is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Jerusalem, especially in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in markets where cards might not be accepted. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, hotels, and various exchange offices in the city.

Jerusalem is generally safe for tourists, but it's essential to stay vigilant. Avoid East Jerusalem, especially neighborhoods like Shuafat and Silwan, where tensions can be higher. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas. Always follow local news for updates on any security concerns and heed advice from local authorities.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police, 101 for medical emergencies, and 102 for fire services. Jerusalem has several hospitals, including Hadassah Medical Center and Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Cover your head when visiting religious sites such as the Western Wall or churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to the elderly or disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Shalom' or 'Hello'. Handshakes are common, but be mindful of religious customs. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Jerusalem like a local, visit the Mahane Yehuda Market for fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Walk through the different quarters of the Old City to appreciate its diverse cultures. Take part in a Shabbat meal if invited. Use local buses and light rail for an authentic commuting experience. For a serene escape, visit the Ein Kerem neighborhood with its charming streets and cafes. Engage with locals, who are often eager to share insights about their city.