Description

Galilee Jewish day tour Itineraries

Bible Tour – Judges and Kings in the Valley of Jezreel

Explore the dynamic relationship between the people of Israel, their promised land, and their God through the breathtaking landscapes of the Bible. This tour illuminates the culture that fostered the great prophets’ teachings, characterized by magic, inspiration, and a direct connection to the divine. We’ll delve into tales of royal intrigue reflecting the deep cultural conflicts at the dawn of Judaism and ponder the tribes of Israel’s devotion to monotheism.

Journey from Mount Carmel, where Elijah performed his dramatic miracle, to Megiddo (Armageddon), a biblical city of King Solomon and a pilgrimage site for Christians. Traveling through the Jezreel Valley, we’ll visit the site of King Saul’s last battle, King Ahab’s stolen vineyard, and relive Gideon’s ingenious battle against the Midianites.

To conclude, choose between:

• Venturing north by the Sea of Galilee to the Mount of Beatitudes and Hazor, followed by dinner and a return to Haifa.
• Leaping forward in time to Beit Shean’s Roman ruins and a Crusader castle, capturing the essence of different eras.

Megiddo

The Spirit of Judaism – Following Rabbi Yehuda Nasi

In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the Galilee was a vibrant center of Jewish culture, where Rabbi Yehuda Nasi compiled the Mishna. We’ll visit Bet Shearim, his birth and burial site, exploring ancient sarcophagi and delving into his significant role in Jewish history.

The tour continues to Zippori, the then-capital of Galilee, where Rabbi completed the Mishna. We’ll explore the city’s ancient water system, amphitheater, and beautiful mosaics, enriching our journey with readings from the Mishna.

Kabbalah Tour – To Safed and Its Surroundings

Discover the ancient Jewish mystical tradition of Kabbalah, from its oral transmission to the written Zohar by Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. We’ll visit Peqi’in, where Rabbi Shimon sought refuge, and his resting place in Meron, a site of pilgrimage.

In Safed, the 16th-century center of Kabbalistic study, we’ll wander the old Jewish quarter, visit synagogues, and meet Kabbalistic artists, attempting to grasp the hidden meanings and symbols of Kabbalah.

3300 Years of Jewish Settlement in the Galilee

Trace the Jewish presence in the Galilee from post-Exodus settlement through Assyrian exile, return under the Hasmoneans, and development of Jewish mysticism. We’ll explore ancient sites like Rosh Zait and Yodfat, recounting tales of rebellion and resilience.

The tour also highlights the Zionist return to the Galilee in the late 19th century, visiting new settlements and understanding the contemporary Jewish experience in the region, providing a comprehensive narrative of Jewish life and legacy in the Galilee.