The Jerusalem Great Synagogue

The Jerusalem Great Synagogue on King George St. (tel 24 71 12), across from the Sheraton Plaza Hotel, is ornate, but it’s nothing more than a very big synagogue. Dress modestly to visit (open Sun.-Fri. 9am-lpm) and stop at the Wolfson Museum next door, on the fourth floor of the Hekhal Shlomo building. The museum contains a large exhibit of Jewish religious and ceremonial objects and a room with dioramas of various scenes from Jewish history. (Museum open Sun.-Thurs. 9am-lpm, Fri. 9am-noon. Admission NIS2.) Services on Shabbat (Fri. 20min. after candle-lighting, Sat. Sam) feature a cantor and a choir.

The Hall of Heroism inside the Russian Compound off Jaffa Rd. (tel. 23 31 66) commemorates the work of Israel’s underground movement in the pre-1948 struggle against British rule. Originally erected by Russian pilgrims, the hall was converted by the British into Jerusalem’s main prison. Enter through Heshin St., just off Jaffa Rd. where it splits with Shlomzion haMalka St. Follow the green signs tliat say “Museum.” (Open Sun.-Thurs. 8am-4pm. Admission N1S4, students NIS2.)