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Books and Software on Israel

Book of the Month
A Historical Tour of the Holy Land, by Beryl Ratzer, Gefen Publishing House, 2000,/5760
Though written by a
tour guide, this is a history, not a guidebook. The twelve chapters of this thin paperback (160 pages) cover periods ranging from pre-history the Biblical periods, the Israelite period, the Second Temple period, through the rule of the Ottomans, the British and finally the modern state of Israel.

The book emphasizes the Jewish history of Israel, but also includes the sites associated with the Moslem and Christian religions. The style of the book is narrative but is not heavy with dates and places. Major events and players are highlighted. There is a good index and a list of maps after the last chapter.

Gorgeous pictures that would do justice to a coffee-table book supplement each chapter. The photographs are frequently modern views of where the ancient action was. In addition to the photographs, the chapters are illustrated with quotations from the Bible, ancient texts and contemporary observers from each period. Each chapter begins with a map showing the areas discussed.

The inspiration for writing the book, according to the preface, was the many questions posed by people on tours. But the real purpose of the book is to entice us to learn more, to visit and to tour Israel. I found this fact-filled book to be educational and attractive.
website: www.ratzer-holyland.com email:ratzer@netvision.net.il

General
On Busdrivers, Dreidels and Orange Juice: Life in Israel By Tzvia Ehrlich-Klein. Feldheim Publishers
This collection of poignant, funny, and miraculous stories capturing the flavor of everyday life in Israel. These will strike a chord, both happy and sad, in the hearts of all who read it.
Easy Walks In Israel-Sites & Stories by Aviva Bar-Am, 1997
A unique user-friendly volume of nonenuous strolls, easy walks and super-easy hikes throughout Israel. Chapters begin with a description of the attractions offered, give a degree of difficulty, and tell the reader how long it will take him to visit the site.
Guide to the Golan Heights by Aviva Bar-Am. 1995.
The world's only English language guide to travel in the Golan Heights region of Israel. Crystal-clear, lucid, and homey, this guide will lead you on a tour of every significant site on the Golan Heights, from breathtaking waterfalls, lush nature preserves, ancient castles, biblical sites, and museums, to Israel's only alligator farm. Fascinating information on the Golan's history, geology, geography, flora and fauna.
Fodor's Israel (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Inspired walks, scenic drives, best beaches, Souks and shops, Iraeli music. Where to stay and eat on any budget, tips by the thousands, 31 pages of maps.

Lonely Planet Guide : Israel & the Palestinian Territories. 1999.
" The the must-buy book in this category. Provides helpful info about the day-to-day details of your trip. It has restaurant and hotel listings and tells you about the feel of the place. It provides suggested iteneraries, which I find especially nice. Finally, it gives details on getting from place to place, which can really help reduce vacation stress."

Bar & Bat Mitzvah in Israel : The Ultimate Family Sourcebook by Judith Isaacson, Deborah Rosenbloom ,1998.

The Sourcebook for Jewish families interested in celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in Israel. English speaking reliable contacts are listed as well as web sites, E Mail addresses and Fax Numbers.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem: Footsteps Through Time By Ahron Horovitz. Feldheim Publishers
A spectacular look at Jerusalem's old city that makes the words of Scripture come alive. Hundreds of photographs, illustrations and detailed maps, and precise instructions to ensure that you don't miss a single detail. A much-appreciated gift for a special occasion. In attractive coffe-table" format."
Insight Guides Jerusalem ,1998.
This 80-page book includes a chapter detailing Jerusalem's history and culture, 11 tours, leisure-time suggestions, and a comprehensive information section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus 140 quality photographs and maps.
Jerusalem Guide by Stephanie Gold, 1998.
Gold brings the capital of Israel to life in this comprehensive guide, covering religious sites, museums, tombs, and markets. 6 maps.
Coming Home To Jerusalem: A Personal Journey by Wendy Orange
An intelligent, entertaining, politically astute memoir by Wendy Orange, who from 1991 to 1997 was the Mideast correspondent for Tikkun, a leading American Jewish magazine.
Jerusalem EasyWalks by Aviva Bar-Am. 1999
Brimming with history and studded with anecdotes and folk tales, this book takes you into every corner of the most fascinating city in the world. Venture into antiquated neighborhoods, ancient ruins, the Jewish Quarter, the Temple Mount, unique museums, trenches from a famous battle site, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Holy City! The perfect gift for anyone who is planning to visit Israel

Lonely Planet Jerusalem, 1999.
From the holy places to the most fashionable night clubs, this guide leads you to discover the immortal city, one of the most complex and intriguing in the world. Also includes excursions to Betlehem, Jericho, Masada and the Dead Sea.

Discover Jerusalem
A Multimedia Tour of Jerusalem Past and Present. Join us as we uncover the rich history and secrets behind this most sought after city for the past 3000 years. Come discover your heritage in Jerusalem...
Virtual Old Jerusalem.
Full 360 Degree Panoramic Technology! If you never visited Jerusalem this is a must have CD, if you are planning to visit, this will make your trip many times more enjoyable, and if you have visited Jerusalem, this will bring back a flood of memories...
Portrait of Israel.
Israels Official Commemorative CD-ROM. Join David Rubinger, Israels award wining TIME-LIFE Photographer as he takes you behind the scenes of 50 years of Israels modern history.
Jerusalem Screen Savers with descriptions of each scene.
Lonely Planet
Jerusalem City Map
Cities in Israel
Safed: The Mystical City By Dovid Rossoff. Feldheim Publishers.
Discover Safed's glorious past and its present unique character, including highlights of Meron. With photographs.
  The Hunt for the Engineer : How Israeli Agents Tracked the Hamas Master Bomber by Samuel M. Katz
The years 1994-97 witnessed a huge number of terrorist bombings in Israel, even by Middle Eastern standards. Many of them were the work of Yehiya Ayyash, known as The Engineer, an explosives expert in the much-feared Izzedine al-Qassam Brigade of Hamas. Ayyash was killed when a cell phone took off half his head, an assassination claimed by no one.This is the untold story of the battle against a single man who unleashed a war of suicide bombers on Israel.
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