Wherever one treads in the Land of Israel, they are likely to encounter archeological evidence or ancient artifacts attesting to the deep Biblical history going back thousands of years.
From the time of our Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to the entry to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses's disciple, Joshua, and then through the Prophets and Kings of Israel, join us as we retrace their steps and highlight some of the most important sites in the Holy Land for you to visit!
Discover some of the most iconic sites in the Land of Israel and connect to the stories of the Bible!
Joseph's Tomb in Shechem (Nablus)
Located in the mountain range of Samaria is the ancient city of Shechem. This was the first place that our forefather Abraham stopped when he reached the Holy Land in 1737 BCE and where God told him that the Land of Israel would be given to his descendants.
"And Abram passed through the land, until the place of Shechem, until the plain of Moreh, and the Canaanites were then in the land. And the Lord appeared to Abram, and He said, "To your seed I will give this land," and there he built an altar to the Lord, Who had appeared to him." Bereshit (Genesis) - Chapter 12:6-7
Later in the Bible, Jacob promised Joseph that the city would be given to him. Eventually, it would sit within the territory assigned to his son, Ephraim. During the Exodus, Moses fulfilled the promise made to Joseph that his bones would be transported and buried within the Holy Land. Once the Israelites entered with Joshua, they buried Joseph's remains in the plot of land purchased by his father, Jacob, in Shechem.
While the Jewish community sadly no longer exists, there is a dedicated Jewish presence in the areas surrounding Shechem, among them Har Bracha, Elon Moreh, Kedumim, and Yitzhar. There are occasional visits to Joseph's Tomb throughout the year.
"And Abram passed through the land, until the place of Shechem, until the plain of Moreh, and the Canaanites were then in the land. And the Lord appeared to Abram, and He said, "To your seed I will give this land," and there he built an altar to the Lord, Who had appeared to him." Bereshit (Genesis) - Chapter 12:6-7
Later in the Bible, Jacob promised Joseph that the city would be given to him. Eventually, it would sit within the territory assigned to his son, Ephraim. During the Exodus, Moses fulfilled the promise made to Joseph that his bones would be transported and buried within the Holy Land. Once the Israelites entered with Joshua, they buried Joseph's remains in the plot of land purchased by his father, Jacob, in Shechem.
While the Jewish community sadly no longer exists, there is a dedicated Jewish presence in the areas surrounding Shechem, among them Har Bracha, Elon Moreh, Kedumim, and Yitzhar. There are occasional visits to Joseph's Tomb throughout the year.
Tiberias
This holy city of Tiberias has contributed so much to the Jewish people. It was the last place of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish rabbinical court, that also acted as the leadership for the Jewish people. A stunning archeological discovery in 2004 revealed a huge structure south of the modern-day city of Tiberias, where the Sanhedrin sat, and also wrote the Jerusalem Talmud, the sacred text that accompanied the Talmud produced in exile in Babylon. With the threat of Roman rule, the sages created the Jewish calendar, which secured the ability of the Jewish people to observe our festivals at the correct time. Tiberias is one of Israel's four holy cities and sits on the shores of Lake Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee). Today, you can visit the ancient Synagogues and archeological biblical sites, bathe in the healing hot springs of Tiberias (as the famed Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai did), and enjoy the numerous water-based activities available.
Cave of the Patriarchs (Me’arat Hamachpelah)
In Hebron lies the Cave of the Patriarchs, where our Biblical ancestors, Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah rest.
Machpelah means “doubled” in Hebrew, in honor of these prestigious couples. It is said that this is the location of the entrance to the Garden of Eden. Adam, the first man to recognize the place's holiness, dug the cave as a burial place for himself and Eve.
The Cave officially became Abraham's when he purchased it from the Hittite Efron to bury our matriarch, Sarah. The cave's holiness and location are undoubted. In the Bible, when Moses sent the 12 Spies to scout the Holy Land, Caleb first went to the Cave of the Patriarchs to pray and beseech them to bring about God's protection and success of his mission.
Caleb was only the first, as today, there are daily buses traveling to Kiryat Arba, the community adjacent to Hebron, from visitors head to the Cave of the Patriarchs to pray and connect with our esteemed ancestors.
Machpelah means “doubled” in Hebrew, in honor of these prestigious couples. It is said that this is the location of the entrance to the Garden of Eden. Adam, the first man to recognize the place's holiness, dug the cave as a burial place for himself and Eve.
The Cave officially became Abraham's when he purchased it from the Hittite Efron to bury our matriarch, Sarah. The cave's holiness and location are undoubted. In the Bible, when Moses sent the 12 Spies to scout the Holy Land, Caleb first went to the Cave of the Patriarchs to pray and beseech them to bring about God's protection and success of his mission.
Caleb was only the first, as today, there are daily buses traveling to Kiryat Arba, the community adjacent to Hebron, from visitors head to the Cave of the Patriarchs to pray and connect with our esteemed ancestors.
Jericho
The ancient city of Jericho, known as the city of palm trees, is the very first city that was conquered by the Israelites. The episode is recorded in The Book of Joshua (chapter 6). Jericho was surrounded by an impregnable wall, making it impossible to enter without resistance. God commanded Joshua that the Israelites, with the Holy Priests carrying the Ark at the front, should circle the city once a day for six consecutive days and seven times on the seventh day. After they blew the Shofar, the walls of Jericho came tumbling down, permitting its capture. Here, you see a direct connection to the Festival of Sukkot, in which we also circle around the Torah in the same format.
Ancient Jericho is 25 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem and was known as one of the oldest agricultural settlements in the world. It was blessed with fertile soil and a fresh water supply from the nearby Elisha's spring. Jericho is very much an oasis in the desert!
Today, you can visit Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho and Elisha's spring, to enjoy a slice of this beautiful piece of history!
Ancient Jericho is 25 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem and was known as one of the oldest agricultural settlements in the world. It was blessed with fertile soil and a fresh water supply from the nearby Elisha's spring. Jericho is very much an oasis in the desert!
Today, you can visit Tell es-Sultan, the site of ancient Jericho and Elisha's spring, to enjoy a slice of this beautiful piece of history!
Masada - The Last Stronghold
Masada sits atop a plateau in the Judean Desert. It is where the last remnants of the Bar Kochva revolt were eventually overcome by the massive forces of the Roman Empire. Josephus Flavius recorded this story of heroism and sacrifice.
It was built by King Herod between 37 and 31 BCE as a place of refuge. The original complex included palaces, storerooms, cisterns, and fortifications, of which some remains can still be seen today.
Masada is one of Israel's most popular tourist sites, sitting above the Dead Sea. You can take the snake path for a challenging hike or swoop up to the top on the cable car. Up top are stunning panoramic views of the desert and the Dead Sea and a wealth of archeological history waiting to be discovered. The story of the heroic Jewish rebels inspires us until today, with many IDF soldiers ending their training with a hike to the top of Masada!
It was built by King Herod between 37 and 31 BCE as a place of refuge. The original complex included palaces, storerooms, cisterns, and fortifications, of which some remains can still be seen today.
Masada is one of Israel's most popular tourist sites, sitting above the Dead Sea. You can take the snake path for a challenging hike or swoop up to the top on the cable car. Up top are stunning panoramic views of the desert and the Dead Sea and a wealth of archeological history waiting to be discovered. The story of the heroic Jewish rebels inspires us until today, with many IDF soldiers ending their training with a hike to the top of Masada!
Mount Carmel - Elijah's Triumph
Mount Carmel, located in northern Israel, is known as the location where the prophet Elijah had a dramatic showdown with the 450 priests of Baal. Here he successfully challenged them to prove that the true God was his, not Baal. The incident is recounted in the Book of Kings.
This huge mountain is filled with beauty, featuring endless panoramic views of the coastal plain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Jezreel Valley, and more. Visit the nature reserve and enjoy all the goodness that Mount Carmel has been blessed with! Don't forget to visit the surrounding cities and villages for a bite to eat and a scenic place to stay!
This huge mountain is filled with beauty, featuring endless panoramic views of the coastal plain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Jezreel Valley, and more. Visit the nature reserve and enjoy all the goodness that Mount Carmel has been blessed with! Don't forget to visit the surrounding cities and villages for a bite to eat and a scenic place to stay!
By exploring these essential biblical sites, you can make a true connection to the stories of the Bible and take inspiration from the resistance, faith, and dedication of our ancestors.
Whether you are looking to reveal the Biblical history that is spread across the Holy Land or experience the natural beauty and goodness of the Land of Israel, a visit to these ancient sites of Israel will leave you awestruck. Discover Israel's past, and take it with you as you enjoy the innovative and modern wonders of the State of Israel, a nation that embraces its eternal connection to its Biblical ancestors and the Land that God promised them, the Land that we are privileged to call our home!
Experience Israel’s History and Goodness with Lev Haolam
By visiting these important sites, you can make the ultimate connection to the Holy Land. And that is exactly what Lev Haolam offers you through our beautifully curated monthly packages. Each box is filled with unique products crafted by Israeli artisans, embodying the ancient traditions and stories of the Holy Land and allowing you to experience and benefit from products proudly made 100% in Israel. When you receive a package from Lev Haolam, you are actively participating in the rejuvenation of the Biblical heartlands of Israel and strengthening the Jewish presence and connection to our esteemed forefathers and foremothers!
Our mission is to invite you on a spiritual voyage, where each item deepens your connection to the land and its people.
By supporting Lev Haolam, you not only enjoy high-quality, meaningful products but also bless Israel and its communities. Join us in this journey, and let the heritage of Israel touch your heart and home, creating an unparalleled spiritual experience with every package you receive.
Our mission is to invite you on a spiritual voyage, where each item deepens your connection to the land and its people.
By supporting Lev Haolam, you not only enjoy high-quality, meaningful products but also bless Israel and its communities. Join us in this journey, and let the heritage of Israel touch your heart and home, creating an unparalleled spiritual experience with every package you receive.
