The Diasporah Museum - Tel Aviv - Milestones Israel

The Diasporah Museum located near the university campus within Tel Aviv, is one of the most intriguing and fascinating things to visit on your trip in Israel. The jist of the museum is based on history and family background within the Jewish religion. A large vibe of genealogy is here with snippets of factors such as generations of Judaism and how they are moving forward, as well as the whole specific milestones of Jewish steps along the way.

The museum offers a number of amazing features, and below I have just highlighted the ones I found most intriguing

Miniture Synagogues - Below you can see just how intriguing something like this can be. The youth of Judaism today may be immune to what Judaism has gone through in its past. After all - who would have though Italy and Japan would have their very own synagogues , designed in their on specialist cultural ways? With canoes parked outside the ones in Italy, to Japanese and Chinese Synagogues with their recognized architecture. We were quizzed by our tour guide and made to guess where each one was from. The obvious answers we were given were often wrong and just goes to show , that what we think we know is often not correct.

Family Tree Computers - Without a doubt, one of the most important things to do whilst visiting is to research your very own family history here. Available  in the museum are computers with a special program that helps you to follow your own family history and research past and present relatives. It gives you a brief detailing of marriages, births and their locations. It also gives you information about adding yourself to the system. Very helpful staff are on the sides waiting to help and are extremely eager to help you make the most of such an amazing feature.

Special Displays - Bridal Exhibition  - During our visit to the museum , there was an exquisite display of the history of bridal gowns and fashions. Unfortunately as we were leaving the exhibition we were informed it would only be on a few more weeks. Safe to say it was one of the most amazing features the museum had to offer. Be sure to research in advance about what new exhibitions they have on display and account for time reserved to view. 

Sculpted Artwork of Jewish Customs -Everything from circumcision to bar mitzvas to weddings and more. At the start of the museums, we slowly walked around taking pictures in our usual snap happy manner. What we were taking pictures of, was miniature sculptures of tradition family customs, that a standard Jewish family goes through in their lifetime cycle. A lot of the obvious ones are there, but for the first time in a long time, certain aspects of it were brought up and we discussed them as a group later. Ideal for the younger members of your group as it gives you a good background knowledge of jewish heritage and cultures.

Ancient  Japanese Display of synagogues in Oriental Design

Traditional Jewish Wedding under the "chuppah"

Bridal Exhibition

Happy Faces of Jewish history

Indian Synagogue 

Bridal Accessories for Jewish Traditions

More accessories and features contributing to Jewish weddings.

Eretz Yisrael Museum & Planetarium - Tel Aviv - What you need to know - Milestones Israel

The Eretz Yisrael Museum  - located outside the center of the Tel Aviv city, in the Ramat Aviv area, is one of the most popular , visited and overwhelmingly informative places to visit, not just in Tel Aviv, not even just in Israel - if you are Jewish, then this is something you must see. It shows the visitors almost every sector of some essence of Judaism and Israel in so many different ways and offers so much that other museums do not. 

It is without a doubt one of the most unique experiences that I have had whilst touring this country. When taking an interest as a traveler, you need to take a lot of factors into account, of course, the history is one of them. Here at the Eretz Yisrael Museum, is a place that not just offers a huge amount of historical knowledge but also - art, science, glass-work, archaeology, and many more.

Essentailly , we are talking about a large garden type area, with "miniature museums" dotted around.

So a few things to know in advance. Firstly, allow an entire day for this. Plan ahead, and find out if there are large tour groups visiting on the day you wan to go. If there are, then going on that day is simply not an option. So make sure you plan in advance. do your own research - there is a lot to see here. The museum itself is open from 10.00 am until 8.30 on some days and allows yo to leave and return within the same day provided you hold onto your ticket.

Within this time, you need to visit the Planetarium , there are two films which they offer, one at 11.30 and one at 1.00 , with a break in between as each video lasts an hour. One is about stars and the solar system and the other is about astronauts. Again , book in advance, you need to sort out which language you require.

This museum isn't just based around tourism.Its a huge attraction for the people of Israel itself, what with school trips and people of Israel using their spare time to explore their own countries  history. So essentially , the option of it being in English, is not their priority here, although everything is in English, you just need to book in advance.

So - what exactly is there to see here? - In a nutshell there are several of these little museums which you visit , going from one to the other and in between your day you fit in the planetarium and lunch at the classy restaurant on the premises. 

I am not going to spoil all the fun by giving you what a tour guide could offer!  What you need to know, is soak up and quiz your tour guide as much as possible, do not walk around with a camera in front of you the entire time and pay attention to detail!

In addition to all of the above, there is the Rothschild Center, which offers temporary exhibitions, so do your research and see what is on offer - you may need to book well in advance, these change every few weeks, and are one of the most popular features here, so baring that in mind  - plus, a lot of the visitors were there just to see the displays in the Rothschild center, to keep that in mind when planning your time here.

Overall - This is something everyone can enjoy, all ages, and is an opportunity to absorb a huge amount of knowledge and information as well as unique experiences, in one place. Of course there are other amazing museums around Israel with so much other specific focus points, but if you are wanting to get  really good rounded amount of knowledge gained in a limited amount of time , then this is the place to be.

Greeted by an ancient Fire engine,  - Right when you walk in the entrance

Just one of the little specifc museums , had this fascinating display of different varieties of telephones.

Just a taster of what to see in the planetarium

Guiding the path ! - An outline to help you find your way and what is on offer

Just one of the displays of craft-work displayed in one of these mini museums 

 Rothschild Centre- Where temporary displays are of offer.

Top 5 Museums In Israel - Milestones Israel - Must See!

1)The Palmach Museum - Tel Aviv , Near Ramat Aviv

•  What you need to know  - Palmach  - An outline history of the Army background of how Israel military protection has evolved, everything from before Israel's Independence to how the IDF started. Available in multiple languages...book in advance and don't lean against the walls too much! A lot of the videos are displayed on sheet type curtains!

• Review - Great for all the family...VERY informative and really good if you haven't got much knowledge on this kind of topic. Personally it was ideal for myself...I had very little knowledge on this and it gave me a great grasp on such an important milestone for Israel's background.Great for kids too...everyone really can enjoy it and take a lot from it ...

• Summery - Definitely should be on your bucket list, either on things to do in TLV or on your museums priority list. This is something essential to know if you want to get to know Israel...and thoroughly giving you a background of knowledge in a concise format.

2)Blind Museum - Holon - Outside of Tel Aviv

•  What you need to know  - Reserve time to get here ...but well worth the wait. Organization in advance is essential. Language barriers are a dilemma and you need to book specifically to hear it in your language so make sure to do so. Great for kids, it gives them the opportunity to learn so much about the disadvantages that so many adults go through on a daily basis, and really this is something so unique to their experiences... not too time consuming, it lasts roughly an hour and it was worth every minute. All of the guides are also blind so the experience which you gain from this is amazing. I was truly emotional afterwards and it gave me a lot to think about.

• Review - 100% definitely go! you really will not get an opportunity like this to do it anywhere else! At least not in Israel anyway! Great for all the family as previously mentioned. Be prepared to become emotional afterwards and honestly...it was one of my favorite places to go. Essentially it wasn't what I was prepared for at all. The shock factor that we were lead by a blind person made it so much more worthwhile

• Summery - Do NOT miss out, this is something this town of Holon is famous for, even when chatting around to other tourists in Tel Aviv you will notice how much this museum crops up .It is a definite place to go and you will really be missing out if you do not visit.

3)Diasporah Museum - Tel Aviv, near the University 

•  What you need to know  -  Located on one of the university campuses just outside the city center of Tel Aviv,  - again make this a priority.No need to book in advance unless you are wanting a guided tour(recommended but you can still do it yourself, the guided tour has its advantages, giving you plenty of background knowledge, but having experienced it both with and without a tour-guide, for me personally I found that it didn't give me the chance to see all of the displays and was a little rushed. Having said that  - you want to grasp the outline basics of the best parts, then yes  - go for an organised guided tour) . One other essential point to mention! - At the end of the tour , you will see some computers clogged by tourists. Wait for your turn...these computers have a genealogy program where yo get to track your very own family tree!

• Review - Regardless of whether or not you are a museum fanatic, this is something for everyone. Part of your Judaism knowledge rests here. Without a doubt something to talk about and convince everyone to come here. Every moment I was here I was intrigued greatly about what they had for me to see. Worth every penny, and also , another word of advice - allow plenty of time for here, its a very populated museum and if you go at peak times it will be much more time consuming so bare that in mind.

• Summery - Don't stand or walk around with your camera in front of you the whole time! - you will severely miss out on so much to take in! Focus on everything around you, allow lots of time and soak it all up. Well worth every penny and well worth a visit!

4)Eretz Yisrael Museum & Planetarium - Tel Aviv , Ramat Aviv 

• What you need to know - I must stress this - Allow an entire day for your time here. Call in advance to ensure the planetarium will be in your language , and also find out if there are any big tours. If there are , then visiting on that day is simply not an option. The planetarium itself will take about 2 hours, and is on at very specific times. In the time before and after, you will wander around this amazing and intriguing place taking in so much information, and exploring an enormous amount of knowledge that simply you will not find anywhere else. 

• Review A basic idea of what is here, is "mini-museums" of everything from coins, to stamps to telephones ,to postboxes to glass work plus a specialized display which changes every few weeks. If you are eager to get a really big based knowledge background on almost everything  in Israel's history, this is somewhere to start. A very time-consuming place to see. If you are going to visit -be aware of that. It gives you such a large amount of knowledge and truly is overwhelming

• Summery - Overall , personally it wasn't for me, and not what I was expecting. I would definitely recommend it to first time tourists of Israel, or tourists who have done their research and this is something you specifically want to see. However the planetarium was something that I thoroughly enjoyed, but the rest was very time-consuming, and really, even a day was not enough time to take it all in. So be aware of this, and make sure you know what to expect.

Yad Vashem - Jerusalem

• What you need to know - Again this is a place to consider - with or without a tour guide. The first time I went we only stopped here and there, viewing the items that our guide thought would appeal to us. As we walked through the museum we past so much that I wanted to find out about and a guided tour is simply not giving you the opportunity to do so. Milestones' specialty is to provide you with personalized tourism. Erez our founder takes everything into account and based on your own personal preferences will help you to make the most of this.

• Review - Without a doubt overwhelmingly emotional. This is something you really need to take into account and be prepared to reflect on afterwards. It is important that kids know the history of what Judaism has been through but also what they are taking in here. Sure- it is a great and informative experience, but consider who you are going with and if it something they can handle...

• Summery - Well worth your time and a visit - Our outline of personalized tourism is that whatever you do and see here is for you and your group are wanting. It is essential to know about and to pass on to the youth of today. It is something vital and also such an emotional experience so be prepared for it.

8 Things to Remember - Getting the most out of a Day at Museums - Milestones Israel

When you are travelling, Museums can really help you grasp and get a better understanding of a country's definition. Everything from history to artwork or something more specific like coins and glass work. However, there are some things you should take into account, especially when in a country new to you, some barriers which may cause dilemmas, so here are some words of advice on how to get things to run more smoothly.

1) Timing! -  Such an important factor when going for tours , especially when visiting museums, a lot of things will appear as common sense, but its the little details that count. Especially in a city or country you may not know so well. Get organised, and find out exact times that you need to be there, allow for extra time at the start in case it is busy and allow for time afterwards for group reflection and museum shop browsing. Also important for any hiccups you may find along the way. Make this a priority!

2) Go with a tour guide - Having visited museums, both with and without tour guides, the difference is huge. When you are on your own, yes there is the opportunity to leisurely browse and at your own pace, however, the guided tour offers so much more. There is the opportunity to learn so much more that isn't on those little piece of writing. They can give you a vast amount of knowledge and will be able to answer questions that you may have. In the bigger museums it is also easier to lose track ad get lost, and even if you may have a map , it is ideal to be with a tour guide.

3)Take a full day - Again, taking timing into consideration,  there are some museums that are so huge and emotional and educationally a lot to take in. In Israel , museums such as the Eretz Israel and Yad Vashem are two to take into account. Both are open for a long part of the day and this is because there is so much to take in. There is a huge difference in these two museums, Yad Vashem being very emotional, and Eretz Yisrael has numerous things to keep your mind stimulated. So take this into account- you do not want to be rushing off to something else afterwards and constantly looking at your watch.

4)Find out about special exhibitions - ask around, your tour operator, guides, hotels and locals even about special exhibitions. In a recent visit we found, there was a bridal exhibition in the Diaspora which we found out about in advance. Having said that, it would be a terrible shame not knowing and allowing that extra time to allow for such an enjoyment.

5) Be interactive! Use Facebook, twitter, Google, Instagram and apps .... so this is something to really take into account and think about.  First of all, it contacts the museum itself more directly, whilst most places have websites and yes they do answer their phones, the Facebook and twitter as well as other social networking websites are much more interactive. They respond almost immediately, and usually have someone always checking up. Even at milestones Israel , we now take Facebook into a high priority, and most places actually get more feedback on this than anywhere. Also of course get on trip adviser and see what other opinions are, other peoples feedback is great to experience.

6) Book in advance ! - This can cause major problems if you do not. Finding out about big tours being there, investigating language barriers, may even prevent the option of going. It is something which doesn't take much time, and well worth it. It can really cause much waiting around or even cancellation if there isn't an option to go, and may even ruin your day, so call up and book in advance.

7)Coordinate transport - If you are not part of a organised/guided tour, and are on your own , make it a priority to plan out your day and be organised. Public transport in a country or city you are unfamiliar with can be something that will stop you from having a great time. Moovit and Google Maps are a great help , or even better, when booking in advance find out about their suggestions for getting there.

8) Do your own background research! Wikipedia and Google will give you a better idea of what to expect. A lot of the times when you visit museums, it is word of mouth that sparks up the idea to go. It never does any harm to do your own check up on things. Again... the websites of the museums are something which fall behind sometimes... a lot of them take social networking a priority as opposed to their website itself. So use of Google and Wikipedia can give you a basic knowledge of what you need to know...and also gives you a chance to pipe up and quiz your tour guide on the way!

The Dead Sea Top 10 - Milestones Israel - Tips & Tricks

The Dead Sea in Israel is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Without a doubt you will already have a rough idea of what an amazing place it is a visit. However what you might not find out from your tour, and those little details that can make a world of difference. Here is just a little information to bare in mind

1)Prepare for the mess the mud can make - The views are scenic , you are on your holiday and you want to make the most of your time with your friends and family. Keep in mind though that this is mud and can damage personal items such as cameras, clothes, phones etc. It isn't your standard beach so look out and prepare it all. If you can, leave everything valuable in your car or coach.

2)Bare in mind - SEA SALTY WATER will Sting! - This is obvious to most people, but for my first visit it was not even something I thought about. The worst is when it gets into your eyes and with my own eyes i have witnessed what pain it can cause. Tell everyone to watch out for this problem as it can really ruin your experiences. The water is great and it should be a fun experience for everyone, but small details like this can ruin your fun.

3)Bring plastic bags to keep your muddy clothes in.  - Unfortunately for most , it is the little things like this that can make a world of difference. When you are on holiday , a lot of the time that little bit of organization really flies out the window. Plastic bags that take up no room whatsoever, can really make a big difference to avoid problems later. Keep all your clothes ,swimsuits and towels in the bags after you have had your dead sea experience, to avoid ruining all of your personal things.

4)Be careful of cuts on your skin that will be majorly painful - Not just your eyes you need to be careful of. The salt water will burn a LOT on any wounds and skin cuts. The fact that you may visit the sea in the middle of your trip makes a big difference , because back home you will be more aware of a cut, whereas on holiday things drift from your mind. You can attempt to cover it in band-aids or other such products but is it really worth the risk? Bare in mind it is a Natural Salty sea that has unbelievable strong natural strengths, So decide in advance if it is a risk you are willing to take.

5)Bring towels with you, find out from your hotel or bring your own - This is quite a dilemma. When I first went I was on a birthright trip We had to rely on whatever we were travelling with to use . If you are staying in a hotel...maybe you can use their nice white fluffy towels. They are in the tourism industry and should know about such a place as the dead sea and what it will do to their towels. But the bottom line is, how much of  problem will it be , if they don't give you the heads up , then maybe you can find something else to dry off with that your brought...

6)Careful with floating...! - As a non swimmer, I was very hesitant to even enter the water. Most people replied with..."You don't need to float because the salt you do that for you". This is a dilemma for small portion of the world. Swimming is one thing and floating is another. If you are in a large group of people , especially with kids,  this is something you need to consider. Find out in advance what the situation may be. Don't pressure anyone into doing things that they have already made their minds up on

7)Try to get to the Sulfur baths - there are baths near the dead sea beach that have sulfur properties in their nutrients which gives it a spa effect and enhances the dead sea salts itself. A great opportunity and experience to contribute , just bare in mind the smell isn't much fun!

8)Careful of Cameras and Phones in the water - Ok, an obvious thing to take into consideration , but there is always one overly eager who thinks they can still bring their camera to shore and not cause any damage. Frankly it really isn't worth the risk. Ideally give your phones or cameras to one designated person (maybe one who doesn't wanna go in) or do all your pictures before and then put them away.

9)Bring your own beauty products to enhance the effect of the dead sea mud. The water has many different nutrients, not just the salt. You will find barrels of dead sea mud that is free to use which have even more nutrients that you can really benefit from. Before getting to the sea, take the opportunity to go to one of the local stores that have dead sea products. they are designed to compliment the effects of the salt water, and in combination all round can make a big difference.

10)Be Organised and allow plenty of time to get cleaned off!  -  Lastly, this is going to be a very time consuming part of your trip...get organised and take time into account so that you don't have to rush around and hop back on a bus or into the car in a balagan. tTey have shower facilities there, so take advantage and allow yourself enough time to get back on track.

The Namal - Tel Aviv - Milestones Israel

The Namal
Outside the City Centre of Tel Aviv, closer to the Ramat Aviv area, is the Namal. This is a great area, which offers a quietened down atmosphere where you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon or lunchtime with your tour group or family. It has a few different things to offer. Besides the beautiful sea views, there is a small shopping area, and a bridge with "Love Locks".

Ideally if you are looking for some tranquility in such a eventful city then this is an ideal place to visit. In addition, it also has a sizable playground that can keep the kids entertained for enough time for you to enjoy the beach and shopping. Its a different atmosphere the main Tel Aviv beach areas, as it is much quieter and gives you the opportunity to still get some really beautiful views.

Top 10 Things in Tel Aviv - In a Nutshell - Milestones Israel

There is so many attractions in a city like Tel Aviv, unlimited time can be spent at markets, museums the beach and exploring a real different aspect of Israel. Tel Aviv is a modernized Israel. It is a forever evolving city , full of life and a very vibrant young atmosphere, Yet there is something for everyone. If you are planning some time here on your visit to Israel, then Tel Aviv is where it's at. Below are some of the best things to do.

1) Carmel Market -The only thing you need to know about the Carmel market is that you must visit it. You simply cannot visit a city like Tel Aviv and not see the Shouk. There is a lot to take in in the short amount of space that the market covers. You will be entirely overwhelmed by the atmosphere. Markets/Shouks always have this atmosphere different from your average shopping experiences worldwide.There is always the pushiness of the workers trying so hard to make a sell - so now imagine your standardized market Balagan with Israeli  essence combined...right in the heat of competitiveness of it all..

2) Nachlat Binyamina - This is an Arts/Craft Market, right beside the Carmel Market. What you need to know - It is only on twice a week, on a Tuesday and on a Friday, from 9.30 until 4. A word of advice- go early in the morning. It will be less busy so you can enjoy it at your leisure and also , the artists will not constantly be competing for a sale. Later on in the day it is really buzzing and although it has a great atmosphere, there is a lot to take in , and you can only fully absorb it all when you do it at your own pace. Amazing uniqueness with stories behind each artist, so be sure to allow yourself enough time to quiz them about their background inspiration.

3) Jaffa Port - The Jaffa Port is probably one of the most popular attractions to go to. Very popular with tourists all over the globe and there is something that meets everyone's tastes. From past experiences, every time I go I find something new. From being offered cardamon coffee at a Yemenite jewelers, to watching all the brides and grooms having their pictures taken in crowds of tourists, to the markets selling everything under the sun, unlimited time should be spent here. Plus there is some amazing restaurants across the sea front that definitely should not be missed out on.

4) Eretz Yisrael Museum and Planetarium - There are a number of museums to spend your time exploring in Tel Aviv,however if you have a limited time to spend here, there are a few to make a priority. The Eretz Yisrael museum, will definitely require a full day of your time. one way to describe it , is that there are "mini" museums in a large garden area, plus the planetarium. The planetarium has shows on twice a day , between 11.30 and 13,30. Be sure to ask in advance for your own language. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore and you will get the full benefit. These other little museums, have a lot to take in for you, and in order to nourish your curiosity and feed your mind with Israel's history, this museum requires your full attention so be prepared to be amazed.

5) Diezengoff & Allenby  & Azreli Centre- The most central shopping areas in central Tel Aviv. If you have a hidden shopaholic within you , then yes, some "rationed" time spent shopping here will do no harm. There is plenty to feed your shopping appetite, with unique styles to each of these. Diezengoff is generally a large shopping center, plus a long street with markets dotted along the way. Think of it as regular shopping with an essence of Israeli spiced flavor.  Allenby Street is focused mainly around the Carmel Market, but bare in mind that there is still some more shopping to see there, and it gets quieter in this area, so the pressure to haggle and buy isn't quite so fierce.

Finally the Azreli Centre. Three tall office buildings with an attached shopping mall at the bottom. Sure you can do all your shopping here, with westernized civilized normality, but the benefit of going here is the opportunity to go to the top and get an amazing view of the City. For 15 shekels and before 4 pm , you can elevate to the top and admire the view. 

6) The Namal - Located near the Ramat Aviv area of Tel Aviv, is the Namal. Bare in mind to check out the other blogs which give much more information about the Namal. Generally it is a great place for lunch or some picturesque views of the ocean without having the more hustle and bustle of the main beach in Tel Aviv. Here it is a little more relaxed, and very calm with again some shopping and also some people decide to do their fishing here. In addition to this, it is considered a very romantic place, as you wander over the bride you will notice the padlocks intertwined on the metal...a tradition all over the globe, but yet in somewhere like Tel Aviv, this was a surprise to find.

7)Neve Tzedek - Absolutely 100% do not miss out on this. I was completely astonished by the beauty of this place hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Here is where you will find some exquisite artwork and architecture, some very stylish shops, with little cafes and restaurants dotted along the way. It gradually leads you to the old train station and then to a courtyard, again with the brides and grooms having their pictures taken, which contributes to everyone being bewildered by such an amazing and beautiful place. 

8)Blind Museum - Holon - Again, Yes there are many museums to see in Tel Aviv ,but this has its own level of uniqueness , something that I would recommend for the whole family. It is a chance for the youth of today to realize what  the blind go through every day. Even for myself it was such a grasping experience, emotional but also fascinating. Again, allow plenty of time to see this. 

9) Diasporah Museum - Again , you should allow yourself plenty of time to really absorb and soak everything up that this museum has to offer. It has a lot to offer , everything from models of ancient synagogues from everywhere on earth, to tracing your own family tree. In addition to this , there are temporary exhibitions (so do some research in advance) . When I visited there was an exhibition of the history of Jewish bridal gowns. Really intriguing and something entirely unique that you will not find anywhere else. 

10) Independence Hall - The independence hall is something which a lot of tour trips offer. It is something vital to Israel's history and the routes of Israel independence in Israel as a united nation. It is such an essential part of this country that anyone who wants a full well rounded knowledge of the country's background, this is well worth a visit. Especially if you have children or teenagers with you, this is something that can explain a lot , and even for adults to, for perhaps the people who need a good basic background of knowledge about how our independence began.

Bai Hai Gardens - Haifa - Milestones Israel

The Ba Hai Gardens in Haifa is really , very much something which you do not want to miss out whilst spending your time in Israel. Indeed it is a Hidden Gem, I had to do my research and even then it was not until you find out about such a place that you can start to learn more and figure out how you can get there. 

The gardens itself and the experience itself will be more than enough to motivate you to come there and keep you in awe. However when travelling, it is always good to know a few things first. So, most importantly, make sure you are there in plenty of time. The shrine is at the bottom(the building with the dome on top) is only open until 12, so if you are wanting to see that then be there early enough to enjoy it. Afterwards, you can either walk, or catch the bus to the top of the gardens. There are 800 stairs to climb, so yes, it is best to take the bus. When you are at the top , just at 12 noon, there is an organised tour. They are very helpful, and are full of information, giving you plenty of background knowledge and help you to get a better idea of the Ba Hai belief. At the end of the walk through the stairs and the gardens there is the option to follow the tour guide for another few moments , or to watch a 20 minute video( highly recommended , as it is hard to hear a lot of what the tour guide was saying.) 

Bare a few things in mind before you go. A lot of places in Israel expect modest dress and for much respect. Even though it isnt a Jewish place, this is still a time where much subtlety is needed. When you are in the gardens itself , you are fine to take pictures and videos. In the shrine itself ,that is not an option whatsoever. No phones, no cameras, and even no shoes. So it is best to be prepared for that. 

The gardens are really well maintained with manicured grass and the entire place is maintained on a daily basis...by a combination of volunteers, people from the belief itself , and trained professionals. They finished the garden in 2001 and started in the early 1920's. In addition to this, there are around 200,000 lights/lamps that lead the way when dark, and also make it visible on the train or buses when leading into or out of Haifa. 

Throughout the gardens (there are 8 "levels" and on each of these levels there is two smaller fountains and also one main one. At the sides of the stairs there is water flowing through  - all the way down to the bottom - , and the special palm trees that are grown there soak up the excess water , which contributes to the maintenance greatly.

In the Greek Building, this is where sacred documents are kept , and in the white dome building is there "parliament". The video explains more about this but basically, it is a world wide religion with people from all four corners of the earth. The reason for these gardens is a general belief that G-d shows his beauty in nature and this is their way of making it stronger. Well this is what my outcome and conclusion was at least anyways. I came out of the gardens completely overwhelmed with so much to take in, not just knowledge but the fact that I had seen such a high maintenance place, that I totally was not expecting. 

If you are looking for something in Haifa to do then yes this is definitely a priority. However , most of the people who we met, were not in the gardens to kill time in Haifa, they were in Haifa to see the gardens. Make it a priority to see them, you will not regret it.