Tabachnik National Garden facts for kids
The Tabachnik National Garden is a special national park found on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. It's a place where nature meets history, offering beautiful views and ancient secrets. This garden is named after the Tabachnik family, who helped create it. It's a great spot to learn about the past and enjoy the outdoors.
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Discovering Ancient History at Tabachnik Garden
The Tabachnik National Garden is home to some very old caves. These caves were used as Jewish burial sites during the Second Temple period. This was a long time ago, between about 530 BC and 70 AD. Exploring these caves can feel like stepping back in time. They show us how people lived and honored their dead thousands of years ago.
What Are Second Temple Period Caves?
The Second Temple period was an important time in Jewish history. It was when the Second Temple stood in Jerusalem. The burial caves found in the garden are rock-cut tombs. Families would carve these spaces into the rock to bury their loved ones. They often had several rooms and shelves for bodies. These caves give archaeologists clues about ancient burial customs.
Exploring the Ancient Burial Sites
When you visit the garden, you can see these ancient burial caves. They are a direct link to Jerusalem's rich past. Imagine people living here so long ago, creating these tombs. It helps us understand the history of the land. These sites are protected to preserve their historical value.
Cemeteries and Memorials in the Garden
Besides the ancient caves, the Tabachnik National Garden also has other important sites. There are two smaller, more recent cemeteries within its grounds. These cemeteries tell stories of different communities and times.
The American Colony Cemetery
One of the cemeteries is the American Colony Cemetery. This is where members of the American Colony, a group of Christian settlers who lived in Jerusalem in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were buried. It's a quiet place that reflects a unique part of Jerusalem's diverse history.
The Bentwich Family Cemetery
Another cemetery belongs to the Bentwich family. This family was very important in the early days of modern Israel. They contributed a lot to education and law. Their family cemetery is a private burial ground within the garden.
Honoring Heroes: The Memorial Wall
A very meaningful part of the garden is a special memorial wall. This wall remembers the students of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who gave their lives. They died defending the State of Israel. It's a place for quiet reflection and to honor their bravery and sacrifice. This wall reminds us of the strong connection between the university and the country's history.
Location and Importance of Mount Scopus
The Tabachnik National Garden is located on Mount Scopus. This mountain is on the northeast side of Jerusalem. Mount Scopus is famous for its amazing views of the city. It's also home to the main campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Why is Mount Scopus Special?
Mount Scopus has been important for many centuries. It offers a strategic viewpoint over Jerusalem. In modern times, it became a key location for education and national institutions. The garden adds to the natural beauty and historical significance of the mountain.
Images for kids
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Jerusalem American Colony Cemetery
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Entrance to the Bentwich Cemetery
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Jewish burial caves from the Second Temple period
