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After a long closure for renovation and renewal, the Israel Museum is now open again to the public. The museum property is actually home to several exhibits, including the Shrine of the Book, The Bronfman archaeological wing, aand a Safra fine arts wing. For information on prices and hours, visit their website: http://www.english.imjnet.org.il/htmls/home.aspx

Israel Antiquities Authority Reports: Head of IAA Coin Department: “This is the heaviest and most valuable ancient gold coin ever found in an excavation in Israel” The coin, which apparently served ritual purposes, depicts a queen — apparently Arsinoë II — wife of her brother Ptolemy II An extremely rare 2200-year old gold coin was uncovered recently in the excavations …

The Jerusalem Post reports: “Pilgrims and tourists passed in flocks through the huge oak doors of one of the most sacred Christian sites on earth to escape the scorching August sun inside the shaded sanctuary of cool stones and chilly water. “We are providing water to the pilgrims and tourist for free,” says doorkeeper Jawal Hussein. “It’s not fair. We …

CNN reports: “The State Department has revised a travel warning for Israel after the Israeli government protested on the grounds it unfairly singled out an Israeli resort area. “Clearly, a particular country made its feelings known on this issue,” State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley acknowledged Wednesday. “In retrospect, perhaps we did not have as vigorous a review of the proposal …

Israel Antiquities authority reports a fantastic find near Zefat in Upper Galilee: “The first known village from this period in all of northern Israel was uncovered in an excavation, which was took place in the vicinity of Zefat, with funding provided by the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Housing. An unusual and intriguing find that is fascinating the archaeologists …