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Points of Interest in Israel

The Western Wall, Meron, Masada, the Dead Sea, Shechem... Learn about the history of Israeli places of interest, their spiritual significance, as well as some modern-day tourist tips.

17 Facts You Should Know About Safed
Steeped in mysticism and spirituality, sanctity seems to seep out of every alley and structure of this city.
12 Facts You Should Know About Shechem
The site of Joseph’s Tomb and the location of many dramatic events recorded in Tanach.
12 Facts You Should Know About the Temple Mount
Learn about the site where two Holy Temples stood and a third will stand in the Messianic era.
Discovering the Sanhedrin’s Last Hidden Meeting Place
Did the Sanhedrin ever imagine that centuries later there would be observant Jews standing here in the same spot, continuing to live by their calendar? Did they realize that the rulings that they last issued would ensure the continuity of Judaism?
The Archeology of Beit Shemesh and the Stories It Tells
From water cisterns, altars, homes, and battlefields, we gain a broad picture of Jewish life in war and peace.
What Is the Temple Mount?
Once home to both Holy Temples, it is the holiest place on earth.
The Archeology of Tel Gezer and the Stories It Tells
Discover ruins dating back to the days of King Solomon.
The Archeology of Tel Lachish and the Stories It Tells
Mentioned extensively in the book of Joshua, the city is fascinating as it is ancient.
10 Facts You Should Know About Masada
Discover something you did not know about the site of the last stronghold of Jewish resistance during the 1st-century revolt against the Romans.
Cave of the Patriarchs (Me’arat Hamachpelah)
The Cave of Machpelah (Cave of the Patriarchs), located in historic Hebron, is one of the most famous pieces of real estate on earth...
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, located near the famous biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, is a top destination for those seeking healing and peace of mind.
Masada
On a rocky plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, lies the excavated ruin of a royal citadel, the last stronghold held by Jews who refused to submit to Roman occupation. Masada is the backdrop for one of the most dramatic scenes in Jewish history.
Meron: Tomb of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai
Meron is most well-known for being the burial site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Rabbi Shimon, who lived in the 2nd century CE, was the first to publicly teach the mystical dimension of the Torah known as the Kabbalah, and is the author of the Zohar.
Rachel’s Tomb (Kever Rachel)
Rachel's Tomb, located in the city of Bethlehem, lay on a deserted roadside for centuries. Rachel's descendants would come here to pour out their hearts to her. Rachel is a continuous source of comfort to her children...
Shechem (Nablus): Joseph's Tomb
Amidst the mountains of Shomron (Samaria) is a four-thousand year old city – Shechem. Very few biblical locales have as rich a history as this storied city.
Tiberias (Tveriah)
Built along the shore of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), near seventeen natural hot springs, the northern Israeli city of Tiberias is known as the "City of Water." It is considered one of the four "Holy Cities" in Israel.
22 Facts About Hebron Every Jew Should Know
Hebron is the only Holy City where Jewish people currently comprise but a small portion of the population, yet it holds a special place in the hearts of the Jewish people.
Take the Hebron Quiz
How much do you know about this ancient, holy city, which has been central to our nation for generations?
Jericho
Also known as “the city of palm trees,” Jericho was the first town in the Land of Israel that the Israelites conquered under Joshua.
Shiloh
Shiloh is an ancient city located 40 kilometers north of Jerusalem. For generations, it was Israel’s spiritual center.
Haifa
Haifa is best known as a working — not a beach — town. The saying goes, “Haifa works, Jerusalem prays, and Tel Aviv plays.”
Jaffa
The main street of Jerusalem — Jaffa Road — was named after this “little port town” on the Mediterranean coast!
Caesarea
In Jerusalem, King Herod needed to be (somewhat) sensitive to traditional Jewish sensibilities. Not so in the (largely non-Jewish) coastal area.
The Archeology of Tel Be’er Sheva and the Stories It Tells
Be’er Sheva’s Jewish history is almost as old as Jewish history itself. Abraham and Abimelech sealed an oath here, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.
Mount Hermon
Often called the “snowy mountain” or the “gray-haired mountain,” in Israel the Hermon is known as “the eyes of the nation” because its peak of 2,236 m (7,336 ft) is the country’s highest.
Gamla
When the Romans began their onslaught in 67 CE, thousands of refugees flocked to Gamla
Safed (Tzfat)
Tzfat’s most famous period was in the sixteenth century, when many great rabbis came to live in Tzfat.
Megiddo (Armageddon)
The most famous find on Tel Megiddo is the Great Temple, which was used by society after society, century after century…
Akko
In the Second Temple period, Akko emerged as one of the largest cities in the country.
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