Explore every episode of the podcast The JPost Podcast - Travel Edition

Embark on a captivating journey to eastern Africa on this episode of the Jerusalem Post Podcast Travel Edition. Experience the thrill of discovering ancient coffee plantations, mist-shrouded highlands, and the sun-drenched, spice-scented shores of the fabulous island of Zanzibar. From scaling the majestic heights of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro and exploring its breathtaking wildlife reserves to marveling at Ethiopia's architectural masterpieces, like the towering stelae and ancient history of Axum and the monolithic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, this episode uncovers the endless wonders of two extraordinary destinations.

Featuring:

• H.E. Tesfaye Yetayeh Anteneh, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Israel
• H.E. Alex Gabriel Kallua, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to Israel

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Missing a flight is usually the ultimate travel nightmare, but for us, a botched connection at Frankfurt Airport turned absolute misery into an unexpected creative opportunity. Stranded and staring down hours of unexpected downtime, we decided to do what any adventurous travelers would do: turn a logistical disaster into a brand-new podcast episode. What started as an airport ordeal evolved into a deep dive into a fascinating European city, revealing that Frankfurt is far more than just a major transit hub. Beyond its glittering modern business district lies a stunning destination defined by its picturesque river, a lovingly  recreated medieval center, and a profound, 850-year-old Jewish heritage waiting to be uncovered.

This time:

• What to do when you miss your plane: Turning travel disaster into an urban adventure.
• Getting to downtown Frankfurt: Fast and easy transit from the airport to the city center.
• Tom Jones and the street fines: A quirky musical encounter and unexpected street discoveries.
• Surprising flags on the Rathaus Town Hall: Uncovering the Israel connection at the historic seat of government.
• Frankfurt's Parliament and its Jewish connections: Democratic roots and deep ties to the city's Jewish story.
• Walking the Ghetto Street: Retracing centuries of history along the historic Judengasse.
• The Jewish Museum, Cemetery and Holocaust Memorial: Visiting poignant memorials and world-class institutions.
• Frankfurt's famous Jewish sons: Spotlight on Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Rothschild dynasty.
• The Jewish community of today: A look at contemporary Jewish life thriving in modern Frankfurt.
• Hot chocolate and rhubarb juice: Pausing to refuel with local café favorites.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Over the next few months, three new major routes are going to open, giving direct access from Israel to the Philippines, Korea, and Argentina.

Coming up in this episode:

• The Philippines: We hear from the Philippine Ambassador to Israel about the country's island vibe, its unique Jewish connection, and its vibrant food scene.
• Argentina: We catch up with the Argentinian Ambassador to Israel, who discusses the country's diverse regions, its Jewish community, and culinary delights that go far beyond the classic Argentinian steak.
• Korea: We speak with the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Korean Embassy to Israel about the deepening connections between the countries, fascinating must-visit areas of Seoul, and the wonders of Korean cuisine.
• All you need to know: The low down on the airports, transport, climate, currence, acommodation, the kosher scene and much more

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Nestled at the southern end of the Grand Canal, Hangzhou is a city where ancient aesthetics seamlessly blend with the pulse of the future. Famed for the breathtaking West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired poets and artists for centuries, Hangzhou is more than just a scenic escape.

It has rapidly transformed into China's silicon hub, serving as the headquarters for tech titans like Alibaba and a growing ecosystem of AI innovators.

Beyond the boardroom, the city remains a profound culinary destination, celebrated for its delicate Hangzhou cuisine and deep-rooted tea culture. In this episode, we dive into the dual identity of a city that honors its poetic past while driving the digital revolution.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Long Road to Hangzhou: Navigating travel logistics and the adventure of getting there.
• City Background: Hangzhou’s historical roots and evolution into a global powerhouse.
• Robots & AI: Exploring the cutting-edge tech and robotics shaping the region.
• Travel Essentials: Getting there, local climate details, and top accommodation picks.
• Alibaba & Jack Ma: Inside the tech giant's headquarters and Jack Ma's economic legacy.
• The Glorious West Lake: The hills, the water, the silk, and the beautiful people
• Souvenir Streets: Experiencing the charm and buzz of a local Chinese souvenir strip.
• Night Markets: A sensory dive into the vibrant atmosphere of a local night market.

Mark and David were guests of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Israel.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

We draw back the curtain on the mysterious land locals call Pridnestrovie – better known to the world as The Transnistrian Region or Transnistria.Join Mark, David and special guest JC as they explore this beautiful and little-understood corner of southeastern Moldova.

This time on the podcast:

• Crossing three borders in 100 metres
• Learning how not to take a shower
• Hotel beds: hard, soft, and everything in between
• A mystical Hasidic burial site
• Exploring Bender Fortress – ghosts included
• Vodka at 11 a.m.
• Lunch in a Soviet-era canteen
• "I do love a nice bit of gefilte fish"
• Going native: honey, pickles and herbal remedies
• Fun with Flags in Tiraspol
• Kosher, yes kosher brandy from KvintA fascinating journey into one of Europe's most intriguing and least-visited destinations.
Mark and David were assisted by Visit Pridnestrovie.


Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Welcome to a very special edition of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, coming to you live from Netanya in front of a wonderful audience as we celebrate five years of journeys, discoveries, and unforgettable conversations. 

Over the past half-decade we’ve travelled far beyond the departure board – exploring the Jewish and Israeli story across the globe, and meeting the people who make every destination come alive.

In this anniversary episode we look back at some of our most remarkable stops: from the soaring skylines of the United Arab Emirates to the layered history of Poland, from vibrant Panama to the crossroads of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, and of course the endlessly surprising landscapes of Israel and Europe.

Pack your bags – this is a journey through five years of travel, culture, and connection.  

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Moldova is one of Europe's most delightful surprises. Blessed with rolling vineyards, picturesque countryside, welcoming cities, and a fascinating blend of cultures, this small nation offers visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines, Moldova is also home to a remarkable Jewish heritage that spans centuries. From the elegant boulevards and lively markets of Chișinău to ancient monasteries carved into the cliffs of Old Orhei, this journey uncovers a country where history, tradition, and hospitality combine to create one of Eastern Europe's most captivating destinations.

This time:
• Discovering the contrasting sides of Chișinău, from lively markets to elegant parks and boulevards.
• Moldova's Jewish community and learning about Jewish life today.
• Exploring Chișinău's unique Jewish Cemetery Museum project.
• Visiting three renowned wineries, including Carlevana, a producer of outstanding kosher wines.
• Exploring Old Orhei and its solitary cave-dwelling monk.
• Learning about Orhei's Jewish heritage and historic cemetery.
• Experiencing the Eurovision Song Contest the Moldovan way. 
 
Mark and David were assisted by the National Tourism Office of Moldova.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Vienna isn’t just grand palaces and classical music—it’s a city layered with stories, ideas, and unexpected discoveries. In this episode, we explore a more thoughtful side of Austria’s capital, weaving together a powerful Jewish story with fascinating museums and a standout culinary experience. From philosophy and identity to language and innovation, this Vienna journey offers something genuinely different.This time:

• A powerful visit to the Viktor Frankl Museum — exploring meaning, resilience, and life’s deeper questions
• Discovering the newly reimagined Vienna City Museum and its take on the city’s past and present
• Stepping into a world of globes and exploration
• Esperanto, where language meets idealism
• A culinary highlight at Tian Restaurant Wien — a Michelin-starred vegetarian experience that surprises and delights

Mark and David were guests of Vienna Tourist Board.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Step into the flavors, stories, and nightlife of south Tel Aviv as Mark and David explore the vibrant Levinsky Market by day before heading out for a lively pub crawl after dark. From old-world delicatessens and fragrant spice shops to trendy gazoz drinks and buzzing bars packed with locals, this episode captures the unique mix of tradition and modern energy that makes the Levinsky area one of Tel Aviv’s most fascinating neighborhoods.  This time on the podcast:• We're just wild about Harry
• A visit to a traditional Turkish deli filled with Balkan and Ottoman flavors
• Exploring a Persian spice shop overflowing with aromas and history
• Fresh baked treats from one of Levinsky’s beloved bakeries
• Herring and chrayne - classic Ashkenazi comfort food
• Creative modern gazoz soda drinks inspired by a forgotten classic
• Discovering the remarkable synagogue that never opens on Saturdays
• Avital may possibly have the world's best job
• A nighttime pub crawl through the lively streets around Levinsky Market
• Meeting both young Tel Aviv partygoers and longtime locals enjoying the nightlife.
• David, the busspotter

Mark and David were guests of Harry's Baked Israel Food Tours and D-TLV Pub Crawl.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Budapest is a city that constantly reinvents itself—where grand imperial history, cutting-edge culture, and world-famous wellness experiences exist side by side. From sprawling green parks filled with architectural wonders to underground caves that tell the story of centuries past, and from historic castles to modern-day spa innovations, the Hungarian capital offers a journey through time unlike anywhere else in Europe. In this episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, Mark and David explore a city where every corner reveals a new layer of discovery, blending heritage, resilience, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.This time:

• Liget Budapest City Park – Discover one of Europe’s most ambitious urban cultural developments, where lush parkland meets world-class attractions, including striking new museums, the Budapest Zoo, a historic castle, and even a traditional circus—all in one vibrant setting.
• Budapest Castle & the Caves of Buda – Learn about the fascinating cave system under Buda Castle, uncovering stories from medieval times through the communist era, and discover how this historic area is being carefully restored and reimagined today.
• Ensana Thermal Spa, Margaret Island – Experience the cutting edge of wellness in a serene island setting, with unique treatments such as red cord therapy, menthol  ultrasound therapy, and therapeutic salt caves, all rooted in Budapest’s legendary thermal spa culture.

Mark and David were guests of Visit Hungary.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

Snow-capped peaks, world-class skiing, and a rich cultural tapestry—Slovakia’s High Tatras offer far more than just a winter (and year-round) escape.

In this episode, Mark and David explore breathtaking alpine landscapes, glide above the mountains on ski lifts, and uncover the region’s fascinating Jewish history.

From historic spa traditions and modern thermal resorts to a luxurious stay at the iconic Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, this journey blends adventure, heritage, and indulgence in one unforgettable destination.  

This time on the podcast:

• A scenic ski lift ride over the High Tatras
• The geography, beauty, and stories of Slovakia’s majestic mountain range
• How skiing began as everyday transportation
• Preparing Slovakia’s national dish
• Explore Kežmarok’s former synagogue and Jewish cemetery
• Experience AquaCity Poprad, a cutting-edge thermal water park and spa complex
• Reflect at the Holocaust memorial at Poprad’s train station
• Marvel at stunning ice sculptures high in the mountains
• Hear the latest updates on flights connecting Tel Aviv to the High Tatras region
• Step inside the luxurious Kempinski hotel and discover alpine elegance at its finest

Mark and David were guests of Slovakia Travel. 

Budapest is a city where history, indulgence, and rejuvenation flow together—quite literally. Built atop a network of natural thermal springs, Hungary’s capital has long been a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and inspiration. From grand bathhouses steeped in centuries-old tradition to vibrant culinary hotspots and stories of Holocaust resilience that echo through generations, Budapest offers a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate every traveler. In this episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, Mark and David dive into the very essence of this unforgettable city—where healing waters, heritage, and modern flair meet.

In this episode:

• Ensana Hotels, Margaret Island – A peaceful Danube island retreat blending spa luxury with Budapest’s famed thermal waters.
• Unicum & the Zwack Family – A unique tasting paired with a powerful story of resilience and survival.
• Time Out Market Budapest – The city’s top chefs and flavors, all under one vibrant roof.
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath – Iconic outdoor pools and grand architecture at Budapest’s most famous bath.

Mark and David were guests of Visit Hungary and Ensana.

This episode continues our journey through Jewish China alongside the descendants of Jews who found a home here nearly a century ago. Shanghai was not just a stop on the map; it was a lifeline. As we explore the city’s cultural highlights, our focus remains firmly on the human story that still echoes through its streets. From refuge to renewal, memory to modern community, this Shanghai chapter reminds us that Jewish history here is not only something to be remembered, but something still being lived.

In this episode, Mark and David explore Vienna’s Jewish story, one marked by resilience, rupture, and remarkable renewal. From a vibrant medieval community centered around Judenplatz, through centuries of flourishing intellectual and cultural life, to the devastation of darker periods that nearly erased it, Jewish Vienna has continually rebuilt itself. Today, the city reflects a quiet but powerful resurgence, where history is preserved, memory is honored, and a new generation is once again shaping Jewish life in Austria’s capital.  

In this episode, Mark and David explore the beauty and grandeur of Budapest, where the Danube divides the historic hills of Buda and the lively boulevards of Pest. From castle views to riverside promenades, the Hungarian capital blends elegance, history, and culture at every turn. The journey also takes them to leafy Margaret Island, home to the famous Ensana spa hotels, where Budapest’s legendary thermal waters promise deep relaxation in the heart of the city. Along the way they explore Jewish heritage, taste Hungarian flavors, and uncover some unexpected surprises.

Exciting news for travelers departing from Tel Aviv! Slovakia is becoming easier and more appealing than ever to visit, opening the door to one of Central Europe’s most enchanting destinations. In this episode of The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition, we journey to a gorgeous region filled with dramatic castles, deep Jewish heritage, and vibrant culture — including a city shining on the European stage as a European Capital of Culture in 2026. From medieval fortresses perched above the Váh River to stories of Jewish life that once flourished in the region, Slovakia reveals itself as a destination of beauty, history, and unexpected discoveries.
Mark and David were guests of Slovokia Travel. 

If Beijing was the beginning of the journey, Harbin is where memory takes hold.

In the third episode of our China series, we arrive in Harbin—the unlikely northern city that became home to one of the most vibrant Jewish communities of the 20th Century. In the 1920s and 1930s, more than 30,000 Jews lived here, creating a full and flourishing Jewish world far from Europe: synagogues and bakeries, hospitals and soup kitchens, schools, businesses, and cultural life.

But the story of Harbin’s Jews is not only about survival or community—it is also about transformation. These Russian- and Eastern European-born Jews were among the driving forces that helped turn Harbin from a remote outpost into an industrial and commercial powerhouse, shaping the city’s modern identity.

In this episode, we walk in their footsteps. We visit the physical remnants of Jewish Harbin: a former synagogue, the old commercial center, a historic hotel, and the Jewish cemetery. Each site is layered with absence and presence, silence and echoes.

The journey becomes deeply personal as seven Israelis—children of Harbin Jews—return to the city their parents once called home. For some, it is a first visit. For all, it is an emotional reckoning. There are tears. There is laughter. And there is the powerful realization that Harbin is not just a chapter in Jewish history—it is a hometown.

This is a story of belonging in unexpected places.
Of loss, legacy, and return.
Of where our parents walked—and where their footsteps still linger.

David was the guest of the the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Israel.



Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Bavaria is more than just Oktoberfest. In this episode, we leave the big cities behind and head deep into rural Bavaria, where alpine beer huts perch on mountain slopes and medieval towns hide centuries of stories behind their cobblestone streets. It’s a land where tradition meets hospitality, and every corner seems to hold a surprise.Along the way, we roll up our sleeves on an organic farm, meeting the pigs, sheep, and chickens that call it home. We learn the old-fashioned art of making butter, twist our own brezels, and, of course, sample Bavaria’s world-famous brews. Join us for a journey that blends history, flavor, and a touch of Alpine magic.

This time: 
* From breakdown to breathtaking: hiking the Alps
* Tongue-twisters and tasty wheels
* The beer capital you’ve never heard of
* Landsberg am Lech: where history hugs the river
* Behind bars, Hitler picked up his pen
* How to get there, what's kosher and FAQs galore
* Meet the pigs living the good life
* Baaad move: the great sheep escape
* From cream to gold: churning our own butter
* Learning the twisty art of brezels (and maybe a challah)

Mark and David were guests of the German National Tourist Board.

In this episode we head to Tianjin in search of the traces left behind by the city’s once-thriving Jewish community in the first half of the 20th Century. 

From forgotten addresses to unexpected discoveries, we explore what remains—and what has vanished—of a remarkable chapter of Jewish life in eastern China. 

We visit the former synagogue, taking in its blend of traditional and non-traditional Jewish architectural elements, and reflect on what the building reveals about a community shaped by both heritage and place. 

Along the way, we speak with Israel’s cultural attaché in China, go mezuzah hunting in a quiet residential neighborhood, and hop on the high-speed train from Beijing to Tianjin. 

As always, we bring you practical travel insights, including transport tips, climate, accommodation options, and local food to look out for—plus much more from a city that continues to surprise.  

David was the guest of the the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Israel.

Welcome to our latest episode, where we’re taking you straight to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay — the private island escape that’s all about thrills and chills. From heart-pumping adventures like North America’s tallest waterslide and a helium balloon ride soaring 450 feet above the ocean, to the laid-back luxury of overwater cabanas and the crystal-clear lagoon, CocoCay has something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline rush or the perfect beachside unwind, this island truly lives up to its name — a perfect day.

And we hear from the Israeli exec who makes it all happen!

Mark and David were guests of Royal Caribbean.

Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Every great journey needs a starting point. For The Jerusalem Post Podcast – Travel Edition’s new three-part special from China, that is Beijing—not as a chapter in Jewish history, but as the place where the story begins to unfold.

In the first episode of the series, we land in China’s vast and dynamic capital, taking in the city’s scale, symbolism, and spectacle. This opening chapter is about orientation: to the country, to the journey ahead, and to the people who will help guide it.

At the heart of the episode is the group’s host and sponsor, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). We hear from Guan "Jorge" Jiaxin, a warm and committed bridge-builder—someone with a deep affection for Israel and a genuine belief in people-to-people connections. His presence sets the tone for what follows: travel rooted in relationships, curiosity, and mutual respect.

From there, the episode unfolds as a first encounter with Beijing itself: Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, the Olympic Park and the Great Wall, of course.

This installment is about arrival. About seeing. About standing at the threshold of a much larger narrative.

David was the guest of the the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Israel.


Our podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Join Mark Gordon and David Harris in conversation with Hassan Madah, the international marketing director of The Israeli 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 gate
• Old Town, new stones 
• Tasty toppings on monks' wafers
• The silence of Nuremberg’s Medieval Jews 
• Dürer’s brush with Nuremberg
• How to get there, climate and other FAQs
• Inside Courtroom 600 
• Of Albert Speer
• Reconciling history
• Justice Across Time 
• Hitler's colosseum
• Kristallnacht and the Nuremberg vase
• Farewell to bittersweet Nuremberg but we hope to be back soon

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 the world’s most scenic settings. 

Join Mark and David for an in-depth, heartwarming chat with the remarkable Poliwodas.

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 parts inspiring, delicious, and unforgettable.

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
*Burn calories, not your enthusiasm
*Want to visit Orlando - hear the travel tips
*All the Disney vibes, none of the queue lines
* When your pint tastes like a peanut butter latte
*Orlando on tap—Literally

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: Czechia or Czech Republic?
• Mark & David let Karen off the leash
• Uncovering Jewish Czechia
• Brno—where the missing vowels went on holiday
• Karst and found: adventures underground
• Meet rock legends Romeo and Juliet
• FAQs at your fingertips
• Czech Into the fairytale: Lednice Chateau
• Vine and dandy: tasting Czechia’s whites
• Karen 2 - the movie. She seems to think so

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’t Beirut…it’s Bayreuth: where synagogue, steins, and stunning streets await.
• Where Aperol spritz flows, piazzas come alive, and Bavaria takes on a taste of Italy
• Bayreuth’s Old Synagogue — a quiet survivor that whispers the city’s Jewish story through its walls
• German tourism's leading woman — shaping how the world discovers Germany
• Bayreuth: Blending heritage, culture, and hospitality to shine on the world stage
• Savor the flavors of Franconia as we sample the region’s finest wines
• Wagner’s circle silenced Jewish performers — today, the Bayreuth Festival raises its voice to honor them
• FAQs at your fingertips
• Take a city beer tour through Bayreuth — from centuries-old breweries to frothy steins that tell the town’s story
• Raise your glass to the Beer Queen — where hops, heritage, and a royal toast come together.
• A joyful welcome, brass and drums setting the soundtrack to dinner
• Michelin-starred chef Alexander Herrmann is larger than life — in personality, passion, and unforgettable plates
• A farewell to spoons

🎙️ 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 Columbus to the present day
*How to get there? Where to stay? And all the other FAQs *Lula kosher delights in the heart of the old town
*IMAX, YOUMAX, MORGAN FREEMANMAX
*Going kosher at the canal
*The only man to swim the Panama Canal - was that a crocodile?
*You can Blame Kiki but she is kosher
*Is that an empanada or are you just pleased to rub my back?

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: 

1. They do sound hungover
2. Breakfast with a view
3. Golf carting in historic Cetinje
4. What's the Montenegro story?
5. Wine? Thank you very much, sir
6. A chat with Montenegro Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić
7. How to get there, the weather and more FAQs
8. Yugoslava is not a spelling mistake
9. Narrow alleys and great views from Budva old town
10. Buoyancy with Bojan at Sea

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 sounds
• Morton's: A kosher bakery and café in paradise
• In the footsteps of pumas, pumpkins and CROCS!!!!!!!
• How to get there, where to stay and the kosher lowdown
• The world's most expensive coffee. Go on, take a guess!
• Meeting the cloud-forest rabbi and rebbetzin
• Bees, butterflies and honey

Mark 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 boys
• Great kosher breakfast. Phenomenal cheeses.
• Meet the chef with a story to tell
• It has to be Chabad: Inside the Budva Jewish Community Center
• What does Dukley have to offer?
• Learning the laws of Shabbat and kashrut
• How to get there? What's the weather like? And more useful tips
• The jacuzzi and the sea view suite
• A restaurant on the beach
• Reflections on a great Dukley Shabbat

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 humans
• Soft landing into the Adama (earth)
• Now that's a pleasant Aroma (not what you are thinking!)
• Audio perfection in the synagogue
• One impressive study hall
• Why Panama? Why Jewish?
• How to get there? Where to stay? And all the other FAQs
• Our man in Panama
• All about the rabbi
• A different kind of Aria
• The wonderful Ceci
• Spice up your life - Japanese style

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 flights
• The Two Flying Boys have a haircut
• Suhair and the adventures of a giant teddy bear 
• Everything melts in Karen's presence 
• Warren flies a TransAtlantic classic
• Colin's penchant for Beethoven causes trouble
• Is Dinesh dying in Melbourne? 
• Stanley takes his tefillin everywhere
• From panic to singing highs with Irena
• Mark 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 majesty
• World-record breakers
• How to get there, where to stay and kosher options
• *Where Muslims, Christians and Jews come together
• It's not just a yeshiva thing!
• What can I do in Abu Dhabi?
• 4x4 off-roading through the desert
• David gets a little too close to his camel friends
• He's so dizzy, his head is spinning like a whirlpool
• Belly dancing time - surely Mark and David aren't about to...?

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 Dhabi
• First impressions of a Costa Cruises ship
• Safety first
• The fabulous food offering
• What to do on board
• A show in the Colossuem (No lions)
• Dancing the night away
• The morning after the night before
• Getting to know the Costa ethos
• What a 360°-view off Dubai
• A design museum on a ship!
• From Chianti with love - wine tasting on board
• Acrobatics 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 boys take in some art - Sunset by the Mediterranean

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 breakfast
• The world's oldest synagogue?
• The hip Maccabean graves
• A donut lunch
• Useful travel tips for Modi'in
• A great little gem of a museum
• Modi'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 seafront
• Why is it called the White Tower if it isn't...?
• City walls with stunning views
• When to visit, how to get there, where to stay and kosher details
• From peacocks to Baptisms
• Brunch like no other
• She sells olives but we want the booze
• One of the oldest churches, with a Jewish twist
• Sounds 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 train
• The truly Great Wall of China
• How to get there, when to travel and where to stay
• The making of a Peking Duck
• The Buddah of the rickshaw
• Top tips for travel to China -
• Wonderous acrobatics
• Where emperors prayed alone
• Mark and David become the stars of Tiananmen Square 
• Welcome to the Forbidden Ci
• The fruit stinks. But we'll eat it anyway

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)

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 entourage
• They came in their thousands from Spain, Portugal and Italy
• Inside today's community
• A musical trip into the surviving pre-Holocaust synagogue 
• When to travel, getting there, lodgings and food
• Tracing the past: the excellent Jewish museum
• Europe's largest cemetery is no more
• Of Thessaloniki mansions
• There'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.