Knesset

Knesset Review

Both the name of Israel's one-chamber parliament and its number of seats (120) were taken from Haknesset Hagedolah, the Great Assembly of the Second Temple period, some 2,000 years ago. The 40-minute public tour held on Sunday and Thursday includes the session hall as well as three enormous, brilliantly colored tapestries designed by Marc Chagall on the subjects of the Creation, the Exodus, and Jerusalem. On other days, when in session, the Knesset is open to the public—call ahead to verify but note that all the proceedings are of course conducted in Hebrew. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour (especially in summer, when the lines are longer), and be sure to bring your passport. Bags and cameras have to be deposited with security.

Across the road from the Knesset main gate is a 15-foot-high bronze menorah, based on the one that once graced the ancient temple in Jerusalem. The seven-branch candelabrum was adopted soon after independence as the official symbol of the modern State of Israel. This one, designed by artist Bruno Elkin, and given as a gift by the British Parliament to the Knesset in 1956, is decorated with bas-relief depictions of events and personages in Jewish history, from biblical times to the modern day. Behind the menorah is the Wohl Rose Garden (enter from outside the Knesset security barrier), which has hundreds of varieties of roses, many lawns for children to romp on, and adult-friendly nooks in its upper section.