This Sukkot, I am planning a very special tour.
Monday, September 28
Archeological sites that are rich in history and Tanakh, and a first-time experience with unique pioneers along the Jordan River.
We will drive through the biblical Judean Desert to the Jordan Valley on our way north to the Bet Shean Valley.
There, we will tour the most splendid and complete Roman-Byzantine (Mishnah- Talmud ) period excavation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Biblical Bet Shean (Scythopolis)
Nearby, in the Jezreel Valley, we will visit the famous "Beit Alpha" synagogue from the Talmudic period.
It is the synagogue with the most beautiful and completely preserved mosaic floor.
The accompanying dramatic film makes it all come to life.
On the Sukkot holiday, as we celebrate our ancient roots and mitzvot, we delight in unearthed ancient Jewish sites.
But that is not all.
We shall celebrate not just the roots but the new vibrant branches and their sweet fruit.
A new "security" farm in cooperation with the IDF, on the banks of the Jordan River, is home to a pioneer Ethiopian couple. This is the first all-Ethiopian farm in Israel.
We are invited to be guests of this young family, who, with their presence and farming help, guard the border-sensitive area. These young people are part of a vanguard of young Jews, securing our land and revitalizing our Nation.
Our appreciation and support mean a lot to these geographically isolated families and will inspire us all.
We will meet at the Inbal Hotel at 9;00 and return around 6:30
Bring a picnic lunch.
We will have a Sukkah to eat in.
320 shekels
I recommend reserving early, as Sukkot is always a time of high demand.
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Tuesday, October 13
Sabastia, the biblical city of Shomron ( the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Israel )
and "Shuva Yisrael", a new hilltop farm in the area
Depart from the Inbal Hotel at 9:00 and return at approx 6:00
We will travel in a comfortable coach with special protective windows.
A local specialist will guide us through this monumental site.
(The above adds considerably to the cost of organizing this unique tour)
The ancient capital of the Kingdom of Israel is where our kings and prophets made their marks in Tanach, and is also the focal point of international polemics and politics today.
Surprised?
The "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)" has accepted the Palestinian Authority's claim that it is an ancient "Palestinian heritage site" and designated it as such.
The only mark that the local Arabs have made on the unique biblical site is vandalism, theft of antiquities, illegal construction, and lots of trash.
The last time I was there, before COVID, there were prominent Palestinian flags and PA armed men
The IDF accompanied us to this cherished Tanakh site.
It was surreal.
Still, I was blown away by the archaeological finds and Tanakh stories at our fingertips.
Today, for the first time, the government has invested millions of shekels to preserve and secure the site.
The government hopes to attract visits once again after many years of isolation.
I expect a more relaxed and satisfying experience this time, IH.
We will have lunch in Homesh (bring your own), one of the villages and yeshivot destroyed by Ariel Sharon in 2005 and rebuilt this year. BH.
We will visit a new hilltop community nearby, "Shuvu Yisrael," where we will show our love and support for the young pioneers there.
On this day we shall renew the old and build the new.
Reservations: no later than Oct 6.
If I don't have enough by then, I will cancel.
350 shekels
Shana tova
Besorot tovot
Shalom
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