The JPost Podcast - Travel Edition

Join Mark Gordon and David Harris in conversation with Hassan Madah, the Director of the Israel National Tourism office in India and Philippines of the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

Edited by Shifra Jacobs.

Step into Nuremberg, a city where sweetly-spiced lebkuchen and sizzling sausages share the stage with medieval alleys, centuries of Jewish life, and the heavy weight of modern history. Wander through the reconstructed old town and its bridges, fountains, and castle, pause at sites that recall Jewish heritage, and confront the haunting legacy of the Nazi rally grounds and the war-crimes trials in Courtroom 600. In this episode, we explore Nuremberg’s flavors, stories, and scars—discovering how a city shaped by both joy and tragedy continues to speak to visitors today.  This time: Traditional vegan??? Sausages in the city gateOld Town, new st...

In the lush, misty highlands of Boquete, Panama, Rabbi Yakov and Hana Poliwoda have created something extraordinary. Perched in the remote cloud forest, they’ve built a vibrant Chabad center that warmly welcomes both locals and Jewish travelers exploring the region’s breathtaking hiking trails, world-renowned coffee plantations, and its iconic volcano.

From a beautifully-appointed dairy kosher restaurant and meaty meal deliveries straight to hotel rooms, to a picturesque synagogue, lively community events, cozy guest rooms at the Chabad House, and even a pristine mikvah - Boquete’s Jewish oasis offers everything a visitor could need, all in one of...

Join Mark and David as they wander through Munich’s surprising mix of culture, history, and flavor. From the city’s buzzing contemporary arts scene to the quiet street where Albert Einstein once lived, they uncover stories that bring Munich alive in unexpected ways.

Along the way, they step inside the Jewish Museum to explore the city’s layered Jewish heritage, and, of course, dive into the tales of Munich’s world-famous sausages.

With their trademark warmth, curiosity, and humor, Mark and David connect the dots between past and present, giving listeners a Munich experience that’s equal pa...

Think Orlando is all mouse ears and rollercoasters? Think again. In this episode, we flip the script—literally—inside WonderWorks’ upside-down building, soak in the charm of Lake Buena Vista, and raise a glass (or three) at City Works Eatery and Pour House, home to a jaw-dropping 100 beers on tap. It’s Orlando like you’ve never tasted, toasted, or tumbled through before.  

This time: 

*Room service, reinvented
*When your first stop is an upside-down house, you know it’s gonna be a fun trip
*Shaken, stirred, and storm-chased at the hurricane shack
*Bu...

When most travelers think of Czechia (or the Czech Republic), Prague steals the spotlight. But venture a little further east and you’ll find Moravia—a land of vineyards, hidden caves, elegant mansions, and stories that blend history with legend.

In this episode, we head to Brno, explore a centuries-old synagogue, sip local wines, wander through mysterious underground caverns, meet Romeo and Juliet in an unexpected setting, and step inside a stately Moravian mansion. Join us as we uncover the side of Czechia that goes far beyond Prague. 

This time: Double the name, double the fun: Czechi...

Welcome to Bayreuth, a city where baroque beauty, rich brewing traditions, and deep cultural heritage come together. Famous for its beer and Franconian wines, Bayreuth is also home to magnificent architecture, leafy squares, and a story that reaches far beyond its world-renowned opera house. From sipping a local brew in a centuries-old beer garden to standing before the restored old synagogue that bears witness to the city’s Jewish history, Bayreuth offers travelers a journey through taste, time, and tradition. We also hear how the German National Tourist Board presents heritage and modernity in one attractive package.This time: This isn...

🎙️ Beyond Iconic: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas! Join The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, Episode 113, as we set sail on one of the world’s largest cruise ships. From unforgettable family adventures to dazzling shows, cocktails, and cuisine, discover how this Icon Class marvel is redefining travel at sea!

Panama City is a vibrant crossroads of cultures, where colonial ruins and gleaming skyscrapers frame a city shaped by the legendary Panama Canal and centuries of global trade. Its culinary scene blends Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and Indigenous flavors—best experienced in the bustling markets or over a plate of sancocho in Casco Viejo.  

This time: 
*Walking the city by night and day
*Get to know a people by their food market
*It might be the easiest way to legally buy a Cohiba Havana cigar
*The Panama hat: It ain't what you probably think
*From Colu...

Montenegro is a jewel on the Adriatic Coast. This Balkan gem offers sun, sea, skiing, history, great food and wine, and a whole bunch of surprises. Mark and David used the Dukley Hotels and Resort as their base, as they discovered Budva, Cetinje and much more besides. This time: They do sound hungoverBreakfast with a viewGolf carting in historic CetinjeWhat's the Montenegro story?Wine? Thank you very much, sirA chat with Montenegro Tourism Minister Simonida KordićHow to get there, the weather and more FAQsYugoslava is not a spelling mistakeNarrow alleys and great views from Budva old townBuoyancy with Bojan at...

We travel deep into a tropical cloud forest in stunning Boquete, Panama, where we meet armadillos, sample the world's most expensive coffee bean and visit a small but thriving Jewish community center. This time: Landing on David: Not as painful as it soundsMorton's: A kosher bakery and café in paradiseIn the footsteps of pumas, pumpkins and CROCS!!!!!!!How to get there, where to stay and the kosher lowdownThe world's most expensive coffee. Go on, take a guess!Meeting the cloud-forest rabbi and rebbetzinBees, butterflies and honeyMark and David were guests of Promtur Panama.

On the shores of the Bay of Budva, on Montenegro's Adriatic Coast, sits the wonderful Dukley Hotels & Resort. Mark and David sample the delights of this vacation paradise, with its private beaches, tip-top amenities, and yes, a year-round kosher restaurant and synagogue. This time: It's an early start for the boysGreat kosher breakfast. Phenomenal cheeses.Meet the chef with a story to tellIt has to be Chabad: Inside the Budva Jewish Community CenterWhat does Dukley have to offer?Learning the laws of Shabbat and kashrutHow to get there? What's the weather like? And more useful tipsThe jacuzzi and the sea vi...

We're delighted to welcome three guests on this episode of the podcast: We quickly stop in Taipei and a small airport in northern China before meeting Olga Bokhonovskaya from Your Jewish Heritage Guide as she takes us on a whistle-stop tour of Regensburg,

The UNESCO-recognized only authentically-preserved large medieval city in Germany. We learn of the general sites and Regensburg's fascinating millenia-long Jewish story.

Beyond its canal, jungle and rainforests, Panama is manna from heaven for travelers who keep kosher. There are some 50 top-notch kosher eateries to try, the vast majority of them in the capital, Panama City. There's Japanese, steakhouses, fancy bakeries plus one of the largest kosher supermarkets outside of Israel. Mark and David also take you on an unforgettable journey beyond the fine dining and into the 15,000-strong Jewish community to meet its leaders and members. This time: 
Dutch robots versus humansSoft landing into the Adama (earth)Now that's a pleasant Aroma (not what you are thinking!)Audio perfection in t...

We've all got some great travel stories to tell. This time Mark and David asked listeners, friends and one or two famous travelers for their funniest, most loveable anecdotes...  

This time:
The Amateur Traveler on what to do between flightsThe Two Flying Boys have a haircutSuhair and the adventures of a giant teddy bear Everything melts in Karen's presence Warren flies a TransAtlantic classicColin's penchant for Beethoven causes troubleIs Dinesh dying in Melbourne? Stanley takes his tefillin everywhereFrom panic to singing highs with IrenaMark and David add their own tales of bombs, rabbis and you-know-what at 36,000

Most of us meet rabbis in synagogues, wedding halls, or cemeteries. But in this episode, we hit the road with two rabbis who have taken their faith far beyond the pulpit. First, we meet Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft, affectionately known as "The Traveling Rabbi," who has spent decades serving far-flung Jewish communities across Africa. Then, we head to London Heathrow Airport with Rabbi Hershi Vogel, one of the world’s few Jewish airport chaplains, to learn what it means to offer spiritual support in one of the busiest transit hubs on Earth.

Our latest episode takes you around the world in luxury, unless of course you'd prefer to work below decks.

This time we get the VIP treatment with Celebrity Cruises, we meet an old friend in a new Far East location with Royal Caribbean International before we go behind the scenes and learn what it's like to work on a cruise ship with Jobs on a Ship.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is very different from glitzy Dubai, up the road. Podcast hosts Mark and David discover the beauty of the Middle East's largest mosque and unity in the Abrahamic faiths before heading into the Empty Quarter for some desert fun with Costa excursions. This time: 
Is it a mosque or a shopping mall?The marble, the mausoleum, the majestyWorld-record breakersHow to get there, where to stay and kosher options*Where Muslims, Christians and Jews come togetherIt's not just a yeshiva thing!What can I do in Abu Dhabi?4x4 off-roading through the...

In four years of podcasting, we've visited a lot of Jewish communities, some of them in places you'd perhaps least expect to find a minyan! In this tour de force, we take you to 10 Jewish locations around the world through chat and music - among them: Salt Spring Island, Canada; Baku, Azerbaijan; Mallorca; Spain; and the very appropriately-named Bridgetown, Barbados.

Listen. Enjoy. Share!

The theme is definitely Italian as Mark and David head for the high seas aboard the Costa Smerelda. This time: Boarding in Abu DhabiFirst impressions of a Costa Cruises shipSafety firstThe fabulous food offeringWhat to do on boardA show in the Colossuem (No lions)Dancing the night awayThe morning after the night beforeGetting to know the Costa ethosWhat a 360°-view off DubaiA design museum on a ship!From Chianti with love - wine tasting on boardAcrobatics in a colosseum (Still no lions)Reflections

Despite all the predictions from experts, friends, families and social-media critics, we've made it to episode 100! In typical Mark and David celebratory style, we bring you the highs and lows of four years of podcasting including looks back at hazzanut in Uzbekistan, kosher gumbo, Chinese street performers and hot-air ballooning in Lithuania.

Listen. Enjoy. Share!

Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on Jan. 27, Mark and David present a special episode of the podcast from Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. They take you behind the scenes into the new Collections Center and sit down for a frank, in-depth conversation with Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. 

What is the role of Yad Vashem and Holocaust education 80 years on?

Jaffa really is the original Tel Aviv, literally in the Biblical sense. Join podcast hosts Mark and David as they explore the historic and modern in this old-world port city.  

This time:

Underground, overground
Traveling the new light railway
What do Phil Collins, Rihanna and Barbara Streisand have in common?
Clash of the Maccabi-Hapoel titans at The Bloomfield 
How to get there, where to stay and eat and more helpful tips 
From jail time to clock time
"Please touch" in the fabulous Na Laga'at Center for the sensorily impaired
The...

We take you to what some believe is the world's oldest synagogue and it's right next door to the homes of podcast hosts Mark and David in Modi'in, Israel.

 This week's adventure takes in the Hanukkah story, a fabulous museum and oily baked comestibles of course. This time:A donut breakfastThe world's oldest synagogue?The hip Maccabean gravesA donut lunchUseful travel tips for Modi'inA great little gem of a museumModi'in gets its first hotel!Surely not a donut dinner?

Just a two-hour flight from Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki is everything a tourist would want: ancient ruins, UNESCO monuments, great food, a gorgeous boardwalk, theaters, excellent boutique shops and of course our travel podcast hosts Mark and David. This time:Strolling the beautiful downtown and seafrontWhy is it called the White Tower if it isn't...?City walls with stunning viewsWhen to visit, how to get there, where to stay and kosher detailsFrom peacocks to BaptismsBrunch like no otherShe sells olives but we want the boozeOne of the oldest churches, with a Jewish twistSounds funny but why is it called Moldee?

Join us for 2,700 years of history at the Tower of David.

We reveal insider stories about Donald Trump, Tony Blair, Nicolas Sarkozy and other world leaders from their stays at the King David Hotel (Who had a thing for dressing gowns?) And we take you to meet Elvis Presley in the Jerusalem hills. 

Join Mark and David for a bumper edition of the podcast.

Join Mark and David for part three of their Chinese odyssey. Beijing tells a story that is three thousand years in the making. Our podcast brings it to you in just under one hour.

This time: 
On the Shanghai-Beijing bullet trainThe truly Great Wall of ChinaHow to get there, when to travel and where to stayThe making of a Peking DuckThe Buddah of the rickshawTop tips for travel to China -Wonderous acrobaticsWhere emperors prayed aloneMark and David become the stars of Tiananmen Square Welcome to the Forbidden CiThe fruit stinks. But we'll eat it anywayMark and David ho...

Jewish community member and guide Hella Kounio-Matalon takes podcast hosts Mark and David on a whistlestop tour of more than 2,000 years of history, in a city where Jews were the majority for five centuries.

This time:
Alexander the Great's Jewish entourageThey came in their thousands from Spain, Portugal and ItalyInside today's communityA musical trip into the surviving pre-Holocaust synagogue When to travel, getting there, lodgings and foodTracing the past: the excellent Jewish museumEurope's largest cemetery is no moreOf Thessaloniki mansionsThere's got to be a Chabad restaurant

With COVID behind us, we thought travel and tourism would return to normal. But in Israel, that hope was short-lived. On Simhat Torah, October 7, 2023, Israel was dragged into a war on multiple fronts. Podcast hosts Mark Gordon and David Harris look at the industry a year later, in the company of EL AL's Chief Counsel Sharon Brownstone and Kim Melchior, the co-CEO of IGT - Israel & Global Travel.

Join Mark and David for part two of their Chinese odyssey. Shanghai is one of the world's great cities in every sense: population, food, business, skyscrapers and yes, Jewish history.

This time:In friendship with IsraelFancy a drop of port?Nanjing Road is just wall-to-wall peopleMichaelangelo in China? Well, in cocoa butter, anywayTnuva and China? We take you down Chinese memory lane How to get there, where to stay and more great travel adviceHow 50 companies are doing big business in a China-Israel innovation parkThink tank thanksSailing on the HuangpuThe wonderful Shanghai Jewish Refugees MuseumTop tips for traveling to Ch...

Krakow is already gearing up for the 34th edition of its international Jewish Culture Festival scheduled for summer 2025. Our podcast hosts Mark and David attended festival #33 from where they bring you the sounds and sights of this wondrous city and introduce you to the people behind one of the world's largest Jewish arts gatherings.

This time:

- Krakow for Kulture
- Janusz has done this 33 times and he isn't even Jewish
- Not just Klezmer in Kazimierz
- The Muslim macher
- A side trip to the Galicia Jewish Museum
...

We take you into the Caucasus Mountains in Azerbaijan to visit what is said to be the last living shtetl in the world outside of Israel. We learn the history of the "Red Village" and visit its working synagogues. Then, we go deep into the countryside of this beautiful country that borders the Caspian Sea.

This time:What is the "Red Village" aka Qırmızı Qəsəbə?A tour of the amazing Jewish museumMountain Jews' synagoguesWhere Jews and Muslims live side by sideHow to get there? Where to stay?Overlooking ShamakhiThe tombs of great past leadersA blacks...

Shenzhen is the remarkable embarkation point for Mark and David's Chinese odyssey. The city has strong links with Israel, particularly in the world of technology. By 2035, transport chiefs say there'll be drone helicopters ferrying passengers above the city's burgeoning skyscrapers. Join the boys on this special voyage of discovery.

Mark and David host The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition. They were the guests of The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 87

Mark and David host El Salvador's Ambassador to Israel Milton Eduardo Umaña Acevedo to learn about the great things to do and eat in this Central American paradise.

Then, travel writer Jessica Mudditt pops in to talk about her time in Tibet, how to get there and answers the question: Do you have to be physically fit to enjoy a trip to this spiritually- and topographically-elevated nation?

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 86

Mark and David hit the road in Upper Silesia. They take in the main city, Katowice, before heading out to mountain-top villages, Jewish heritage sites and a whole lot more...

This time:Working at 320 meters below groundThe deepest pub in Europe - cheers!The remarkable Jewish museum in GliwiceWhere miners once livedWhat does Katowice have to offer?How to get there and other travel tipsAll about skiing in summerDrenched. Utterly drenchedCheese, wool and lace thongs!Which country are...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 85.

It's finally happened. Podcast hosts Mark and David actually went on vacation with their own families. How did they each cope without their respective recording buddy? Mark reports on a trip to Eilat and a fully-kosher Mano Cruise sailing from Haifa to Larnaca, Cyprus. Meanwhile, David reflects on a week in Tuscany, Italy, beyond Florence and Pisa. The pair bring you details on where to stay, what to eat and how to make the most of your trip.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 84

Located on the Caspian Sea, the world's largest lake, Baku has everything you could ask for in a city vacation and that includes great kosher food and daily synagogue prayers - right in the heart of a secular Muslim state. The capital of Azerbaijan is a mix of East and West, Asia and Europe, historic and modern.  Just three hours from Tel Aviv with up to a dozen weekly flights, what more could you ask for? Mark and David report from Baku and dish up the high...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 83

Waterfalls, walks and wines await visitors to the Ajara region of Georgia. It's just a half-hour drive into the lower Caucasus Mountains from Batumi airport. There are also fortresses and botanical gardens to keep happy visitors of all ages. 

Podcasters Mark and David serve up the sights, sounds and smells in their own inimitable way. 

This time: - Heading into nature
- Tales to Jason and the Argonauts
- A garden with a view
- I thought Petra was in...

The boys are joined by Moldova's ambassador to Israel Alexandr Roitman, who just penned a book on his country's Jewish history.   
Then, Gil Travel's Iris Hami serves up the best of Argentina: From Boca to Bariloche.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 81

Some people in the Israeli tourism sector are really angry with Tourism Minister Haim Katz. Mark and David found out why at this year's International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) in Tel Aviv,  In this episode you'll also hear from the tourism chief in Azerbaijan and Air India's new man in Israel.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 80

Some people just go to a seaside destination and stay in the hotel - the pools, restaurants and glitzy casino. Batumi in Georgia can be just that. But it's a whole lot more once you head out of the lobby's revolving door. Mark and David discover a small but thriving Jewish community, traditional music, great food and a whole lot more. 

Mark and David were guests of Visit Batumi.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 79

Mark and David visit two of the many wineries in the hills to the west of Jerusalem. They meet the founder and winemaker of Domaine Du Castel before heading for the vineyards of Nevo Winery.  Along the way, they hear the unusual stories of the founders of both wineries, visit the bottling rooms and cellars and drink way too much wine in the great visitor centers.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 78

Today, April 1st marks the return of British Airways flights to London. Mark & David took a trip to London with British Airways to stock up on tea bags and find out more about the airline, its history and about the best city in the world. (Mark & David were born there – enough said!) This time: - Saying hi from the All New Club Suite - A royal ride on the Elizabeth Line - Flying back in time at The Speedbird Centre - The only Israeli Tour Guide from his Eng...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 77

Mark abandons David and heads to Edinburgh for its world famous fringe festival. The pair reunite to learn all about the Jewish history of Barbados and discover the best things to do, see and eat on the Caribbean island. 

This episode was created prior to October 7, 2023.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 76

While cruising from Haifa will be very limited in 2024, there are huge oceans out there waiting to be explored. We bring you all the latest cruising news plus interviews with representatives of MSC, Cunard and Princess. We also learn about Haifa Port's plan to bring back the tourists and finish with a hilarious quickfire conversation with two of the funniest women on the high seas.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 75

Mark and David take you to Małopolska, or Lesser Poland, for a taste of Michelin-rated food, great walks and more than a pinch of salt. Please tell me they are not really literally licking the walls. Oh, and this really is one for Star Wars lovers. This time: How on earth do you pronounce the letter ł?"I thought Shaft was a TV show."Welcome to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site130 meters (426 feet) below groundOn to Zakopane and the Subcarpathian Tatra MountainsOf beautiful wooden ho...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 74

Gone are the days when kosher travel meant restricted travel. PJS Challenges offers adventures and expeditions to some of the most scenic, remote spots on earth and it's all kosher. And for those seeking an easier paced trip, we'll be hearing about what there is to see, do and eat in the beautiful Belgian city Antwerp.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 73

The former Polish capital Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Aside from the beauty of the protected Old Town, Krakow offers delights for connoisseurs of all art forms - painting, music, modern architecture, Japanese manga and dozens more. Oh, and then there's a fabulous food scene.

This time:
Polish 101 - Mark and David get tongue-tied
Getting the lay of the land
Da Vinci and Rembrandt
Sustainable modern building alongside a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The sounds, smells and tastes...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 72.
This episode was recorded prior to the events of October 7, 2023.

Mark and David travel to the Baltic Sea and Latvia's port city Liepaja to meet members of the Jewish community before heading to a glorious beach town and majestic stately home.

This time:Go West, young menThe Jews of pre-War LiepajaPersonal accounts of Holocaust salvationReconstruction of a communityThe finery of Rundale PalaceTragic tales are never far away - the story of RumbulaThe beaches of JurmalaTaking stock of...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 71

Following October 7 and its aftermath, Israelis are slowly returning to travel, to breathe, to relax. In this episode our travel duo Mark and David head to stunning Krakow in Poland to sample 21st-Century Jewish life in a city that has a Jewish history dating back a thousand years. They visit the tourist sights but also take you behind the scenes to learn about the community's contribution to the city and find out what it's like to be a Jew today in this former Polish capital, particularly given the...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 70

In this second special wartime episode, Mark Gordon and David Zev Harris speak to experts about the tourism situation in the aftermath of the Gaza war. When will foreign airlines return to Ben Gurion? Will there be cruises out of Haifa port in the next 12 months? Which destinations will Israelis shun and to which will they flock in 2024?

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 69

A month after the Hamas invasion, we look at the war's impact on every aspect of tourism to, from and within Israel. Mark and David speak with experts from the government, hotel and travel agency sectors to find out how bad the situation is and how long it might take to recover.

They also hear about Bar Tomer from the Elkonin Hotel in Tel Aviv, whose life was tragically cut short on October 7th at the Supernova Music Festival. This episode is dedicated to her.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 68.

With direct seasonal flights from Tel Aviv, the Trnava region is proving to be hugely popular with Israeli visitors. A famous spa, historic city, old synagogues and much more are putting this delightful region on the map. This time:
Getting our bearings in Piešťany, a beautiful spa townRemembering in the former labor and concentration camp and Holocaust museum in SeredPiešťany, the jazz meccaTime to bathe - in mudCan Mark and David rock?Inside the Vrbove synagogueTrnava's House of BonesSynagoga - beautifully restored in Trnava cityFrom bees...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 67

You have to feel for Mark and David as they force themselves to try the high-quality gins, vodka and bourbon at Thinkers Distillery - it's a tough old life. Meanwhile, Mark gets jealous, as David samples the delights of Venice.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 66

Bratislava lies on the majestic Danube. It's a compact capital city with something to please everyone: two castles, great food and lots of fascinating Jewish history - and not just the story of the Hatam Sofer (Rabbi Moses Schreiber).

This time:Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a choo-choo train - sort ofHistoric Bratislava CastleMeeting the city's Jewish communityThe gallery literally in the middle of the DanubeDevin: Where castles, rivers and daring escapes all meetA real UFO. HonestlyThe restaurant with the best...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 65

Kosher travel has come a long way since the heyday of the Catskills, a couple of Jewish hotels in Europe or a trip to or in Israel. The world is now the Jewish traveler's (kosher) oyster! Mark and David speak to three experts in the field who tell the story of the development of kosher vacations and offer hot tips on what's available today - from Latin America, via Africa, to Asia, alongside some old favorites - and don't forget cruises on the high seas.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 64.

Mark and David travel to Riga, the compact, beautiful capital of Latvia on the Baltic Sea. Hear the city's story, including that of its Jewish populations through times good and bad. This time:An introduction to the cityThe tragic story of the Riga Ghetto and uplifting moments in the Holocaust museumUNESCO-protected art nouveau at its finestThe gorgeous old townAn appointment with city hallInside the wonderful downtown Peitav Shul - Riga SynagogueThe story of righteous gentile Janis Likpe Chabad is everywhereMark and David were guests of the...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 63.

Hong Kong tourism is back in full swing after the three-year hiatus. So, we ask Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific airways what makes the destination so special. Then we're off for a one-of-a-kind visit to the home of reggae and one of the world's unique synagogues - tropical Jamaica.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 62

Join Mark and David as they sample the delights of two of the latest hotels to open in Israel - Teatron in Jerusalem and Elkonin in Tel Aviv. Both are members of the MGallery Collection of exclusive hotels. While very different, the pair offer great amenities, terrific food and the coziness of home.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 61

Some call it The Shuk, others Mahaneh Yehuda. Either way, the market has seen many changes in recent years. Mark and David take you on an audio feast that will arouse all your senses as they take in the sights, sounds, smells and, most importantly, the tastes of this Jerusalem landmark. This time: So what are our favorite Jerusalem attractions (other than food!)?Meet the most colorful of tour guides and guess the accentWhy is this night different from all others?Sweet or savory? All the way from...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 60

We hear about two magical countries from women who've left their hearts in Asia. Author and journalist Jessica Mudditt talks about tourism and living in Myanmar. While diplomat Abby Ya-Ping Lee offers some great tips on vacations in Taiwan.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 59.

The Eastern Mediterranean is now a major hub for many international cruise ships, with Haifa at its epicenter. Mark and David learn about sailings from Haifa and internationally in the company of senior executives from MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Israel's own Mano Cruise

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 58.

Mark and David meet up with some of Brazil's top tourism ambassadors to learn about some of the country's offerings including Rio de Janeiro and the breathtaking Iguazu Falls. Then the Philippines' ambassador to Israel talks about the special connection between his nation, the Jewish People and Israel, while giving us an insider's view on the best things to do in his home country.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 57

Mark and David examine the cost of a vacation including flights, accommodation, food and entertainment. They also look at tourism in Israel post-COVID and ask if things are back on track. They tackle the success of the Abraham Accords or otherwise and chat about the ongoing controversy surrounding sending Israeli kids on Poland tours.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 56

Mark and David take you around the "Manchester of Poland." It has had to change with the times - from cotton powerhouse to post-industrial entertainment center via World War II and communism. They discover how the city's Jewish community contributed to Lodz' significant growth.

This time:
We're here but have no idea how to pronounce the city's name!
What Lodz has to offer the visitor
Turning a huge cotton mill into a 21st-Century paradise Who was Izrael Poznanski?
The Arthur Rubinstein story<...

Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 55

This time, Mark and David learn of the delights of two great tourist destinations. Charming Slovakia is the perfect European getaway with so much to see and at really reasonable prices. Then it's on to Colombia, which offers six distinct regions, including coastlines on two oceans, the Andes and the Amazon.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 54

With direct flights from Tel Aviv, Poznan is a very affordable destination for a city break. It has a small Jewish community and a fascinating old town. Mark and David wandered its historic center and surroundings before heading out of town on a nostalgic journey... This time:
When is a brewery not a brewery?Playing a barrel organ isn't too easy, as Mark discoversJewish history meets applied artFace to face with a pair of rambunctious goats high in the skyIs that word Hebrew, Yiddish or Polish?The...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 53

Mark and David head to Bucharest, the capital of Romania to find out why it's become such a tourism center in recent years and learn there are plans afoot to develop it a whole lot more, with the old Jewish quarter at the very heart of its future. This time:
The story of one of the world's largest buildings - Ceausescu and The Palace of ParliamentWe're off to City Hall to get the lowdown on tourism in Bucharest including the old Jewish neighborhoodA private audience with the...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 52

Mark and David travel the silk road between two of the most important cities in Uzbekistan. This time:
Magical Bukhara by nightAn early start and a great train journeyThe finest Islamic architectureThe importance of numbersWho was Amir Timur?One of the world's finest squaresA famous musician and a sound like no otherAn insider's viewTo biblical Daniel's tombAn incredible 700-year-old way to see the starsMeeting the Jews of SamarkandA Jewish hammam (Turkish bath house) in the middle of nowhereBringing the ancient Silk Road into the 21st CenturyDeparting from...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 51


No, not that Georgia. We're off to the Caucuses to hear about khachapuri and the world's oldest wines. Then we ask a leading expert to name her top three vegan destinations. Which are yours?

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 50 Remarkably, more Israelis visit Bucharest than people from any other county. As soon as you land, it's clear to see why it's such a popular destination: some of the top restaurants are run by an Israeli chef, the old Jewish area is rich with culture past and present and there's a burgeoning art scene to cap off a great visit. This time:  Where art thou, Mark? Is it a synagogue, opera house or both? The wonderful Zambaccian art collection Hear the most unusual, historic sounds of the Cajal Jewish Museum What on e...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 49 Mark and David fulfill a lifetime ambition with a trip to Uzbekistan in Central Asia to meet the friendliest of nations including today's leaders of the country's ancient Jewish communities. This time: Parting is such sweet sorrow Happy birthday Catherine The Tashkent International Tourism Fair - the big launch Music and dance, Uzbek style A dip into magical Khiva Gold embroidery, from Bukhara with love Uzbek wine is pretty good Reunited at last 1,250-year-old mikvah in a Jewish cemetery  The Bukhara Jewish leader has quite the voice An ancient synagogue The Zoroastrians w...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 48 We join skipper Warren Marland as he embarks on a new enterprise - kosher yachting in the Mediterranean .Then Mark regales us with tales from his recent journey through India.  Join the boys for a half hour of travel adventure and their own particular brand of humor. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 47 Mark and David drop in on Scotland's capital to learn about the Festival, Castle, Royal Mile and more, with a Jewish twist and maybe a little haggis. Then David reports on his recent trip to Newport, Rhode Island and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, with a low-down on the kosher and vegetarian scenes. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 46 ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort lies between mangroves, a golf course, flamingo lake and The Arabian Gulf. It's the perfect place to relax, have the latest high-tech treatments and delicious calorie-controlled food and as Mark and David discovered far more besides.  This time: Mark and David decide it's time for a lifestyle change! Of waterbeds and waterjets I've got a toothpaste kinda feeling Breathe slow, breathe deep - or just open your windows The Israeli yoga master in Arabia A diagnostic test like no other Mr. Oz is wizard A kitchen snack sneak p...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 45 Dubai's Emirates is widely recognized as one of the world's top airlines. As the carrier launches a second daily flight between Tel Aviv and the UAE, Mark and David take you behind the scenes to learn what makes the airline so special... Getting there is half the fun (when you're down one) Emirates - the view from the top From chauffeurs to champers - traveling in style The business lounge offering The boys are airborne - but will they behave? Creating the on-board entertainment experience It's always time for food Meet the...

Tel Aviv is arguably the vegan capital of the world with plant-based eateries for every taste and budget. From spicy street food to chef restaurants of the highest calibre, the city is a Mecca for foodies, many of whom specifically come to Israel for its vegan offerings while others enjoy a slap-up meal without even realizing they've gone vegan for the evening.  Join Mark and David as they chow down on a fun-filled vegan walking tour. Mark and David were guests of Be Tel Aviv Tours. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 43 It's more than 1,000 years since the first Jews arrived in Prague. While much was destroyed through the ages, there is still so much to see of what once was in the Czech capital - including what is arguably it's crown jewel - the oldest synagogue in Europe - still active today. Mark Gordon and David Zev Harris take you on a journey through Jewish Prague in the latest episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast Travel Edition, including: ·  In the footsteps of Albert Einstein ·  The earliest Jewish settlement in Prague ·  The incredible Jewish Museum...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 42 In a double header, learn about Philly's Jewish heritage, which predates the founding fathers, and then head to Albania, one of Europe's smallest countries but with a big story to tell. Join Mark and David on their latest voyage of discovery! Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 41 In this episode : The very naked truth of the bare essentials Marking the Shoah in the heart of the city David Hasselhoff: From Baywatch and Knight Rider to Berlin-Wall hero Putting gourmet food in the heart of an Israeli-German Prism Putting a new face on a royal palace What was life like over the Berlin Wall in the communist East? Berlin's latest virtual-reality experience Ever wondered how a TV tower restaurant rotates? Auf wiedersehen from the top of the world  Mark and David were guests of Visit Berlin and the German National T...

With the whole world to choose from, where's the best place for a romantic post-wedding vacation? Among the contenders: Tokyo, Japan; Tunis, Tunisia; Quebec City & Montreal, Canada; and The Maldives. And if you're not planning a honeymoon anytime soon, how about a visit to San Diego, California? Get the low down on places to visit, Jewish historic sites, recommended hotels and kosher food options. Join Mark and David as they seek the best holidays worldwide. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify .

Prague is probably the fairytale capital of Europe. A thousand years of history in four distinct towns that eventually merged to create the capital of the Czech Republic. In this episode Mark and David bring you the sounds, sights and smells of this wonderful city. Including: In the four-poster beds of Mozart and Casanova Via the Vlatava Kings of the Castle  Unique outdoor dining venue Czech out what’s beyond Prague Getting into a tub of what? Inside the famous astronomical clock Roof with a view Fine dining in a Field In an upcoming podcast, Mark and David will dive int...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 38 It may come as a surprise, but Berlin has a burgeoning Israeli scene with great hotel and food options. The city's Jewish history is fascinating and very different from that of countries in  Eastern Europe Join Mark and David as they journey through the city's Jewish past and Israeli present.  This time: A sustainable beginning A hotel with a Latin-Israeli touch The roots of Jewish Berlin Saving Berlin's Jews From Kanaan with love  Telling the story of German Jewry A musical journey Bringing Noah to life  Mark and David were guests of Visi...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 37 One of the beautiful sections of The Grand Tour of Catalonia takes you from Figueres via Girona to Barcelona. It takes in the hometowns of Salvador Dali, Nahmanides (aka Ramban) and Antoni Gaudi. Click here for more on Barcelona and Gaudi. In this episode, Mark and David take you from the crazy, surrealist world of Dali to the kabbalist Jewish center that was Girona - now a wonderfully-preserved old Jewish quarter. This time: A hotel with a history An introduction to Salvador Dali  What on earth was Dali thinking? Dali's weirdest relationships Dali...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 36 We're off to the Caribbean islands Cuba and Curacao. We meet those in love with the islands who are also helping retain their Jewish heritage. We learn of the islands' histories, culture and food and delve into their Jewishness.  Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify .

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 35 Mark and David sail on Royal Caribbean International's Wonder of the Seas as it makes its European debut. From giant slides and fabulous shows to a veritable Wonderland of taste sensations, they bring the top 20 things to do on board the world's largest cruise ship. Join them on their latest fun-filled adventure. Mark and David were guests of Royal Caribbean International. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify  The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition is sponsored by World Jewish Travel.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 34 It's the home of the Kabbalah, great rabbis and modern artists. Learn all about the city with the longest uninterrupted Jewish presence, Safed, in English, or Tzfat, in Hebrew. Then Mark and David take us to multicultural Sarajevo in Bosnia, where East meets West. It's also home to the famous Sarajevo Haggadah. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition is sponsored by World Jewish Travel.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast with Yaakov Katz and Lahav Harkov. Lahav calls in from Casablanca, where she talks to interfaith activist Jeremie Dahan about Jewish life in Morocco. Yaakov and Lahav talk about the death of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh and how Israel could have handled it better. Our podcast is available on Google Play, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 33 People who keep kosher often scratch around to find a destination that can meet their dietary needs. Many return to the same hotel each year because it's the place where they feel comfortable keeping kosher.  As Mark and David discover, there's a new kosher kid on the tourism block. Dubai offers excellent options for the kosher traveller, alongside a burgeoning Jewish community that calls Dubai home. This time the guys visit kosher venues and meet the chefs, rabbis and hotel teams that have opened a multitude of possibilities for the kosher visitor. T...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 32 The best in destinations, hotels, food, guides and attractions! Mark and David are joined by World Jewish Travel's CEO Jack Gottleib as they go in search of some of Israel's best tourism offerings: Meet World Jewish Travel - A Jewish Tripadvisor Israel's ethnic restaurant story with renowned Israeli food critic Gil Hovav Off to Akko/Acre for crusaders, hummus and a Turkish hamam Who is Norman fromTel Aviv's The Norman Hotel? The favorite haunts of tour guide Arthur Koll ANU - A museum born anew Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 31 Mark and David go on a trip that was impossible just two years ago – to the glamorous modern metropolis of Dubai. They travel back in time, visit the future and have a lot of fun in the present too. This time: Say hello, wave goodbye to Expo Framing the view from up on high Bringing the future into the present What the butler saw in the Royal Suite The best Indian food is not necessarily in India Connecting with Dubai’s past Bouncing across the Arabian Sea The swingers club Mark vs David...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 30 Journalist, writer, former TV anchor and now museum director Danielle Spera is our guide to the world's first Jewish museum located in Vienna, which has been revived under her stewardship. Then, Jewish travel maven Ben G. Frank introduces us to his must-see destinations throughout France. Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition is sponsored by World Jewish Travel

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 29 It's Purim and St. Patrick's day this week so Mark and David are in festive mood for this Irish special. We take in Dublin, Belfast and much more with our guides, award-winning travel writer and broadcatster Fionn Davenport and travel editor Sarah Pickering. Sláinte! L'chaim! Cheers! Our podcast is available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 28 It looks like 2022 will be a record year for cruising into and out of Israel. Some of the biggest cruising companies, like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, will sail from Haifa. We bring you all the news on their cruises and where to get the latest information and offers. We hear from the cruise companies about their ships, itineraries and on-board food (including kosher) and entertainment. And we go behind the scenes at Haifa Port to learn about dealing with COVID and preparations for a year to remember. Our podcast is a...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 27 Mark and David put on their thermals and head to the far east of Turkey to discover World Heritage, spectacular views, furry friends and plenty of local music and dance. This time: Dawn at Istanbul’s super airport Getting goose-bumps with a musical lunch A trek through snowy Kars Kars by the fireside The only Jew in the UNESCO village Riding on a horse drawn sled Something fishy in the frozen lake Turkish love for music rap battles Our podcast is available on Google Play, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Mark and David were gue...

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 26 Author Annika Hernroth-Rothstein regales us with her time living on Djerba, a Tunisian island in the Mediterranean, including the amazing home hospitality offered by the local, vibrant Jewish community. Mark and David then head to Chicago where historian Ed Mazur introduces them to the first Jews of the city and recommends the best kosher dining in town. Our podcast is available on Google Play, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 25 This time we tell the stories of two unique Jewish communities in tourism hotspots.  First, we head to Mallorca (or Majorca) in the Mediterranean to learn of the Xueta - crypto Jews from the time of the Spanish inquisition - who are returning to their roots. Our host is Dani Rotstein, who just made the documentary Xueta island. Then, we travel to salt spring island off the west coast of Canada to learn about its thriving art scene, folk music and its Jewish community that meets every Friday evening outside a local d...

From magical sunrises to the only active volcano on mainland Europe, the boys head to the Bay of Naples, where they make traditional pizza, discover a 95% alcoholic beverage and interview one noisy donkey. This time:>Arriving in Naples by sea>Strolling Sorrento's alleyways>Donkey hotty>95%-alcoholic limoncello>How to make typical Italian cheeses>Going to the theater in ancient Pompei>How the "red-light district" got its name>A floating English pub farewell Our podcast is available on Google Play, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel EditionSpecial Christmas episode David and Mark get festive and go ho-ho-ho in the snow, snow, snow.  They pop in to the Old City of Jerusalem to visit Santa Claus in his grotto to tell him what they want for Christmas. Then, in search of snow and inspiration, they travel to Park City in Utah to hear about a ski in/ski out Friday night synagogue service.

The Jerusalem Post Podcast - Travel Edition, Episode 22 The Jewish history of Barcelona and Spain in general is front and center in Mark and David's latest travels. They taste out-of-this-world cocktails and the best kosher food in Europe and even touch the hallowed turf graced by Messi at FC Barcelona. This time: Welcome to Barcelona, capital of the Catalonia region A soccer pilgrimage with a VIP behind-the-scenes tour EXPOSED: The secret recipe of a great Catalan cocktail Inside the oldest occupied building in Barcelona - It was in Jewish hands and is today too! Inside the ancient Jewish quarter Where...