Favorite site or activity to guide and why? In such a small county we are incredibly rich in history, archaeology and religion. Two of my favorite sites are very different but they illustrate this richness. Guiding in Jaffa I love because it is the old and the new. Jaffa is mentioned in the Hebrew and Christian bibles. The belief that from here Jonah set out on his journey. And of course the view from Jaffa to Tel Aviv is amazing and impressive especially for first time visitors. We can see in front of us the first modern Hebrew speaking city in the world. Tel Aviv, only founded in 1909 is a true success!

And another one of my favorite locations is Magdala. This relatively “new” site has something for everybody. To visit a Jewish fishing village that existed some 2,000 years ago, on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), and to see the Mikva’ot (Jewish ritual baths) gives one a real connection to the land. And of course the incredible remains of a synagogue from that period. The discovery of the Magdala stone (there are several replicas onsite) the altar with incredible engravings that most agree whoever did the engravings likely saw the Temple in Jerusalem. We can see on the altar the seven branch candelabra, the most ancient of Jewish signs and in fact here the oldest replica ever discovered. This is a site where whatever your background and religious belief one can feel a connection.

What’s your best tip for first time visit in Israel? Although in many ways Israel is very western it is still the middle east. Come with an open mind and try to experience Israel with open eyes. Israel is a very young country. We are a work in progress.

Favorite Jewish/Israeli historical figure and why? Leonard Cohen. I always respected him that he never changed his name as was very common for many Jews in the entertainment industry. He never lost his connection to his Jewishness in his music. So many examples such as Hallelujah, Who by Fire and a short time before he died he released his final album “You Want it Darker.” His childhood synagogue choir in Montreal participated in the album and sings in Hebrew from the Bible: Hineni, “Here I am.” Incredibly beautiful.

David Ben Gurion without him unlikely we would be here now. Although physically not a big man, he is a giant in our history. He had the confidence and the courage to make unbelievably difficult decisions which led to the establishment of the State of Israel and was able to lead the country through the long and difficult War of Independence. A true leader.