*Jaffa Gate: so named because it marked beginning of highway to
Jaffa. Inscription says it was built by Sultan Suleiman 1538-39. General
Allenby entered this gate after defeating Turks in 1917. Restored with funds
from South African Jewry after Six Day War (it was closed during 1948-67).
Today it's the most used thoroughfare into the Old City. It has always been a
strategic spot, provoking on occasion pomp and extravagant behaviour. The moat
between it and the Citadel was filled up to allow Kaiser Wilhelm II's vehicles
to roll in during his celebrated visit at the end of the last century. The road
down from here leads to Bethlehem and Hebron.
(Bus Nos.1, 3, 13, 19, 20, 23, 30)
Jason's Tomb: 10 Rehov Alfasi, Rehavia. Lavish rock-cut tomb in
Hellenistic style used by well-to-do Jewish family about 200 years before
Christ.
(Bus Nos. 9, 17)
Jeremiah's Grotto (Court of the Prison - Jer. 32:8): Suleiman Street, to
the right of the East Jerusalem bus terminus and opposite Herod's Gate. Grotto
under sign for ``Assalam Panami's Store for Bananas.'' Legend has it that this
is where the didactic, outstandingly virtuous prophet was imprisoned and wrote
the Book of Lamentations. An 8th-century Moslem saint, Ibrahim el-Adhami, lies
buried here. The el-Adhami mosque is at the entrance.
(Bus Nos. 1, 23, 27, 38, 42, 43)
Jerusalem City Museum: see Tower of David.
Jerusalem House of Quality: 12 Derekh Hebron. A centre for the production,
exhibition and marketing of handcrafts bearing the Jerusalem seal of quality.
Free guided tours. Open: Sun. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. - l p.m.
(Bus Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 2 l)
The Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts: 20 Marcus St., Talbieh.
Featuring the best in theatre, music, dance and entertainment from Israel and
abroad. Modern architecture, art exhibitions, book store and restaurant. The
centre includes the Sherover Theatre, the Rebecca Crown Auditorium and the
Henry Crown Symphony Hall and the Little Theatre.
(Bus No. 15)
Jewish Agency Building: corner Rehov Karen Kayemet and King George St.
H.Q. of the Jewish Agency and the World Zionist Organization, offices of the
Jewish National Fund, the United Jewish Appeal, Keren Hayesod, United Israel
Appeals. This is where you'll find the Golden Book of the Jewish National Fund
and the Central Zionist Archives. Open: daily 7.30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
(Bus Nos. 4, 7, 8, 9, 19, 22, 31, 32, 48)
*Jewish Quarter: southeast area of the Old City, bounded by Chain Street
to the north, Rehov Ararat to the west, Rehov Batei Mahaseh (which follows the
ramparts) to the south, and the Western Wall to the east. Devestated by the
Jordanian Arab Legion during 1948-67, synagogues, yeshivas and homes have been
built or rebuilt or restored, and archaeological excavations have yielded
valuable finds. Several new museums and sites were opened in 1983. During the
Maccabean or Hasmonaean dynasty, luxurious palaces made this area an
architectural showpiece until 70 CE, when Titus overran Jerusalem and destroyed
the Temple and this part of the city. After the 5th century and the advent of
the Empress Eudoxia, resettlement was permitted and it probably took place in
the vicinity of the Wall. Then came the Crusaders (1099) and it wasn't until
Saladin's conquest in 1187 that either Jew or Moslem could safely return to the
city. The Jewish Quarter today is larger than the Armenian Quarter but smaller
than either the Christian Quarter or the Moslem Quarter.
(Walk No. 1. Bus Nos. 1, 38)