We were extremely pleased with the entertaining and inspiring tour that Aaron gave us in Jerusalem. His expansive knowledge of Tanach, Judaism and current events made history come alive for us and our relatives visiting from America.
Our group included people from ages 8 to 80, and Aaron managed to pace the tour to accommodate everyone. In addition, he was able to answer every question – he has an amazing memory! We’re looking forward to our next tour with him.
Yoseph and Leah Urso
Modiin, Israel
Let’s say you’re going to be in Jerusalem, maybe for the first time and maybe for the millionth. In any case, you’re really excited, and you want to see and learn a lot–but not get too exhausted. Here’s a suggestion: go with Leah Bowman! She knows her stuff, has a great sense of humor, and loves people and her work. You’ll come out of the tour educated, but not overloaded. It’s totally worth it.
Sara Tropper – Israel
If you are looking for a guide who is knowledgeable personable, who makes touring fun and interesting and whose infective enthusiasm holds everyone’s attention, then Leah Bowman is the guide you want. She especially loves Jerusalem and the tour she took us on kept all of us engaged. We learned a lot and really got an appreciation for the history.
Batya Yaniger – Israel
In November of 2011 we were given an exhilarating tour of the Old City of Jerusalem guided by Rabbi Aaron Shaffier. Aaron combines his knowledge of the biblical, cultural, archeological, and political history to provide a rich picture of the development of this “holy city” over the years from biblical times until the present.
We started out tour ascending the ramparts of the walled city just at the entrance to the Jaffa gate and walked north and then east around the Christian quarter to the Muslim quarter where we descended at the Damascus Gate. On that walk Aaron stopped frequently to point out various items of interest of the Jerusalem skyline and their significance in the development of the city, including the great Domes of buildings significant to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities.
From there we wound our way through the Muslim shuk where we visited the Kotel HaKatan, a section of the Western Wall located in a narrow alley in the Muslim quarter near the Iron Gate leading to the Temple Mount.Continuing on through the Muslim quarter we stopped at the overlook above Kotel Plaza and then on to visit the fascinating archeological finds from the period of the second Temple at the Burnt House Museum and the Wohl Archeological Museum in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.
Aaron’s knowledge of these artifacts and their biblical context was very helpful in bringing to life this critical period in Jewish History. We would highly recommend Aaron Shaffier as a tour guide for Jerusalem, and imagine that he would be equally valuable for other tours in Israel.
Cedric and Lauren Minkin
Oxnard, CA