By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

“This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families…Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor (Joshua 15:20-58)”

“They came into Idumea and encamped at Beth-zur, and Judas met them with ten thousand men… Then Judas and his brothers said, “See, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it (Maccabees 4:29-61. Today, this event is celebrated by more than 15 million Jews worldwide as the holiday of Chanukah)

Today we are visiting an isolated Biblical site, directly related to one of the most consequential events in Jewish history. Tourists seldom visit here though, and not many Israelis (outside of the settlements) are even aware of its existence (indeed, even online information about this wonderful town is hard to find). This incredible site though, has not only history, inspiring beauty, and panoramic views, but an intriguing story, connected to one of the greatest miracles in history!

When Joshua brought the Children of Israel into the promised land after 40 years in the desert, Karmei Tzur (then called Beit Tzur) was given to the tribe of Judah (see Joshua 15). Before Jacob passed away, he blessed Judah so that his land would be fertile, (especially with grapes) and produce an abundance of wine (see Genesis 49:11). Even today, visitors to Karmei Tzur (which literally translates as the Vineyards of Tzur) can clearly see the fruits of the blessing, with the many vineyards surrounding the town.

In 422 BCE the holy First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, and the population of Judea exiled to modern day Iraq. Only a few decades later, the Persians conquered Babylonia. In 350 BCE, during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah (under the rulership of King Cyrus the Great) the Jews were allowed to return to the newly created province of Yehud (Judea) and rebuild the Temple. Although the Persians were the ultimate rulers, in practice they allowed the Jews to run the province autonomously (as long as they remained loyal to the empire). However, the new province encompassed a much smaller area than historic Judea. Beit Tzur was on the very southern border of Yehud.

The inhabitants of the town of Beit Zur helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 3:16).

The town of Halhul, across the tiny valley (which is an Arab city today and very visible from where we stand) was already part of Idumea (Edom). The valley didn’t just separate the two towns, it separated the world of monotheism and paganism (which became more pronounced once the Hellenist Syrian-Greeks took over Judea from the Persians and tried to force the Jews to forsake the holy Torah).

With the anti-Torah decrees of the Hellenist rulers, a small group of pious Jews led by the Maccabees (5 brothers) rebelled. Against all odds, they defeated the powerful Greek army in the first three battles (which to this day are considered among the greatest upsets in military history)! When word of the Greek defeat reached Lysias, the Syrian Governor, he was shocked as he believed that victory for the Jews wasn’t possible. Discouraged, he mustered a whopping 65,000 troops and stationed the troops at Halhul. At Beit Tzur the Jews, led by their leader Judah the Maccabee, had only 10,000 troops. Although outnumbered, with G-d’s help, the Syrian-Greeks lost 5,000 men. When Lysias saw his troops were dying (in addition to the determination of the Jewish forces) he withdrew and fled to the capital city of Antioch (modern day southern Turkey). When Judah saw that the siege had been lifted, he told his men “See, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary (of the Temple) and dedicate it.” They then travelled to Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple (which had been desecrated by the Greeks). Today, the Jewish holiday of Chanukah celebrates these miraculous events (see 1 Maccabees 4). Afterwards, Beit Tzur was fortified to protect the southern border (according to historian Josephus, this town became the strongest in all of Judea).

Two years later, Lysias returned with 120,000 soldiers and 32 elephants (the tanks of the ancient world). They re-conquered Beit Tzur and headed towards Jerusalem. Enroute, they battled the Jewish forces at Beit Zechariah (the fifth battle of the war) and for the first time, the Jewish people were defeated. The Greeks then laid siege to Jerusalem. G-d caused a rebellion to happen in Antioch, and Lysias had no choice but to return back, lifting the siege (see 1 Maccabees 6).

Over the next few years, Beit Tzur changed hands several times, until ultimately the losing Greeks were expelled from all of Israel. In 100 BCE, the town was abandoned for millennia (though there is evidence that during Byzantine times it was inhabited).

In 1984, the observant Jewish town of Carmei Tzur was founded not too far from the ruins. Today, the flourishing town has over 1000 residents, including 8 families of “Inca Jews”, South American aboriginals who converted to Judaism

On your next trip to Israel, especially if you are visiting Hebron, I recommend briefly stopping here to experience this historical delight in person!

To see a sample tour itinerary which could include the Karmei Tzur, check out: Tour of Hebron/Gush Etzion/Rachel’s Tomb

Nosson Shulman is a journalist and Licensed Tour Guide in Israel specializing in Biblical tours. To allow tourists to experience Israel during the Corona era, he created the new hit Israel tour video series which brings Israel to the home of viewers by simulating actual tours. To check out his free sneak preview tour videos, click here. To view sample tour itineraries or to inquire about private tour opportunities with a personalized itinerary on your next trip to Israel, click here. 

© 2022 All Rights Reserved – Unauthorized Duplication is prohibited

By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

“On the third day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar (Genesis 22:4)”

Today, we are visiting a majestic lookout point that my tourists really enjoy visiting! Since this is arguably the view where one can best see the splendor of ancient and modern Jerusalem, I often make this the first stop on the trip. From here, one can see sites not only connected to Jerusalem’s glorious past (like the Old City, Temple Mount, Western Wall, etc.) but also to the future end of days (such as the Kidron Valley and the Mount of Olives). Some of the most well-known biblical stories transpired here. Additionally, the events that occurred here during the 1967 Six Day War were the direct catalyst for the liberation of Jerusalem by the IDF. Although this area is not as “off the beaten track” as most of the other sites I write about, there are some treasures located here that few visitors know about (and therefore may be missing the best part). With that in mind, let us explore this biblical wonder!

Probably, the most climatic biblical story to take place here was connected to the binding of Isaac. G-d told Abraham who was in Beer Sheva (for more on this ancient city, click here) to take his beloved son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice at the land of Moriah (Mount Moriah is today underneath the Temple Mount). Although a difficult test for Abraham, he had every intention of doing G-d’s will. To get to Mount Moriah, Abraham took the ancient spine route, more or less today’s highway 60 (for more on this route, click here). It took him three days to get to where we stand right now (although it is less than a 3 day walk, according to Jewish sources, Abraham took his time so that no one should falsely claim later that he acted on impulse, but if he really had time to think it over, he would not have done it. Therefore, he took his time to show that impulse had nothing to do with his desire to fulfill this commandment, as difficult as it may be). On the third day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place (Mount Moriah) from afar (see Genesis 22:4). I believe that the place he “lifted his eyes” is where we are standing now, because arriving from Beer Sheva, the first place where Mount Moriah would be visible is right here.

According to Jewish sources, while standing here (today’s Haas Promenade) Abraham saw a cloud attached to the mountain which represented the Shechaniah (divine presence). He asked Isaac what he saw, and he answered, “a cloud”. He then asked his two attendants (whom Jewish sources identify as Ishmail and Eliezer) what they saw, and they said they couldn’t see anything. The fact that they could not see the Shechaniah, was a sign that only Isaac was at the spiritual level needed to continue to Mount Moriah. Therefore, Abraham told them to “Stay here with the donkey, while I and the lad will go yonder, and we will prostrate ourselves and return to you (Genesis 22:5)”. Ultimately, as the sacrifice was about to be performed, an angel of G-d stopped him, revealing it to be only a test for Abraham.

Many centuries later, David was anointed King of Israel in Hebron (for more on this biblical city, click here).  David led his army to Jerusalem (the last stronghold of the Jebusites) by taking the same ancient spine route his ancestor Abraham took.  Although not mentioned specifically, it makes sense that on his way, he would naturally come to this overlook to see the place he was about to conquer and strategize the next move (see 2 Samuel: 5 and 1 Chronicles 11).

Hundreds of years later (circa 2nd century BCE) the Hasmonaeans (aka the Maccabees) overthrew the Greek overlords and reestablished an Independent Jewish Kingdom for 103 years. The holy second Temple (which had been desecrated by the Greeks) was renovated, and Jerusalem as a city expanded significantly. A new water source was needed to both give drink to the locals, and to provide for the needs of the expanding tourism base coming to the city (especially during tri-annual pilgrimage festivals which all Jews are commanded to perform when the Temple stands). Since the local springs were no longer sufficient, water had to be brought from afar (due to technological advances, aqueducts were now in existence and could bring water from a distance). An elaborate aqueduct system was built, bringing water from Ein Eitam (10 kms away as the crow flows) through a 21 km pipeline, that ultimately ended at the Temple.

However, the mountain we stand on posed a problem, as it stood in the way (an aqueduct can only bring water from a higher source to a lower source), so 400 meters of tunnel were carved into the mountain as part of the system. The aqueduct also brought water to the Temple which was used for purification. Incredibly, this water system continued to be used for millennia until the British Mandate period in the 1920s. Today with advanced reservations, tourists can actually enter into these aqueducts and explore!

In the 1930s, the British (who ruled here) built the High Commissioner’s Palace and offices on this hill from which they ruled Israel. In 1948, this land was given to the United Nations (UN) and for the next 19 years, it was a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) neither ruled by Jordan nor Israel.

In the beginning hours of the Six Day War on June 5, 1967, Israel completely destroyed Egypt’s Air Force in a preemptive strike, easily taking over the Sinai Peninsula. Immediately, Jordan entered the war (not knowing that Egypt was no longer capable of fighting against Israel) and illegally took over the DMZ and expelled the UN from the building. From here, they shelled the civilian neighborhoods of Israel controlled West Jerusalem. For the first hour and one half, Israel tried to end this strife with Jordan through diplomatic means, sending a message that Israel would not initiate any action against them if they stayed out of the war. Jordan rejected the overtures, with King Hussein declaring it was too late, “The dye was cast”. A decision was made by Israel to liberate the Old City and West Bank from Jordanian occupation, and by June 7 the mission was accomplished.

In 1987, this vista was turned into a stunning promenade. On your next trip to Israel, it is worthwhile to put this wonderful site on your itinerary!

To see a sample tour itinerary which includes the Haas Promenade (Tayelet), check out: : Hebron/Gush Etzion/Rachel’s Tomb

By Nosson Shulman – Licensed Tour Guide and Trip Organizer in Israel who specializes in History, Tanach (Bible) and Adventure Tours. For more itineraries click here. Check out our new Virtual tours including free sneak preview videos.

© 2022 All Rights Reserved – Unauthorized Duplication is prohibited

By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

““And he-Hezekiah-stopped up the source of the waters of the upper Gihon, and he led them straight down on the west to the City of David (2 Chronicles 32:30)”

There are certainly no shortage of incredible Biblical sites for visitors/tourists to Israel! As a licensed tour guide, my job is to explain both the familiar and lesser-known events/stories from the sites that we visit. Few sites, though, are as impressive and explicitly mentioned in as much detail as where we are visiting today. I am of course referring to the “Hezekiah Tunnels”, where the Biblical “Gihon Spring” has flown through for 2600 years. This unique site is where arguably the greatest miracle ever to take place occurred in the long history of the Jewish people. Let us now enter together into these water tunnels with our flashlights (there is also a dry option for those who prefer not to get wet).

Throughout the course of history many places had water challenges, and Jerusalem was no exception. From the times of the Canaanites (circa 1800 BCE) until the Second Temple period, the main water source, the Gihon Spring, was located outside of the city walls. During a time of peace, the simplest way to get water was to leave the city gate, head down to the spring with a bucket, fill it and bring the water back to the city. However, during a time of war when leaving the city was under siege by the enemy, getting to the water by normal means was impossible. Approximately 3800 years ago (around the time of Abraham), the ancient Canaanites built a fortress (which jutted outside the city wall) on top of the source of the Gihon Spring.

To access the water source, an impressive underground tunnel was built which led to the water source underground (and therefore out of range of enemy weaponry). Today, tourists can walk through this ancient tunnel.

After descending the stairs, we are in the ancient fortress!

From the source, some of the water was channeled into a pool for storage. At this pool, King Solomon was likely coronated (see 1 Kings 1:33). According to Jewish sources, it was a custom to anoint Kings by a flowing water source. This symbolized that their reign should be as endless as the flowing waters.

Some of the water was channeled through a tunnel which watered the gardens below in the Kidron Valley. Many archeologists claim that it was through this tunnel that Joab (King David’s general) entered, to conquer the city from the Jebusites (see 2 Samuel 5:8). Under the Judean Monarchy, this water system continued to be used until Hezekiah made a new tunnel, which dried out this tunnel (today, this is the dry option for tourists who want to “Walk the Bible” without getting wet).

During the time of the very righteous King Hezekiah, the world’s undisputed superpower was the ruthless Assyrian Empire. They were conquering the known world at that time and had never lost a battle (let alone a war). They were the largest army up until then, with 185,000 troops (see 2 Kings: 19:35), (to put it into perspective, about 300 years later when Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, he had less than 40,000 troops). After the Assyrian King Sennacherib had destroyed the other walled cities of Judea, including Lachish (for more on that incredible site, click here), his troops began to march towards Jerusalem. In preparation for the war, Hezekiah built a new city wall (see 2 Chronicles 32:5. For more on this site, click here). He also wanted to ensure that his enemies would have no access to water (as mentioned, the Canaanite tunnel which was still in use at that time had holes in it which watered the gardens below and would have provided ample water to the sieging Assyrians). Therefore, Hezekiah sealed up the Upper Gihon Spring (which flowed through today’s “Dry tunnel”) and rediverted the water underground, leading it westwards to a pool at the bottom of the City of David (see 2 Chronicles 32:30). He then dammed and built a wall around, so the water was entirely within Jerusalem’s city walls, and not accessible to the attacking Assyrians. For many tourists to Israel, walking through this very water tunnel is one of the highlights of their trip.

Ultimately, G-d performed a miracle and sent an angel who slaughtered the 185,000 Assyrians soldiers, removing the powerful threat to Judea, which continued to remain independent for nearly 150 years.

This water system continued to be used for centuries, including the entire Second Temple period (until 70 CE when both the Temple and much of the system was destroyed by the Romans). The water led to the Shiloach pool and according to Jewish sources, it was from this pool that the “Sin waters” were gathered and mixed with the ashes of the Red Heifer (see Numbers 19). This water was then sprinkled (by a Priest) onto someone who had become ritually impure due to of having been in contact with a corpse (for example, the person had simply been to a cemetery or was in a room when somebody died). The person who had the water sprinkled upon them then became purified. This was extremely important, because it is forbidden for Jews to enter the Temple while in this form of impurity (see Numbers 19:20 which discusses the repercussions of doing so). Once this holy ritual was performed, a Jew could then ascend to the Temple Mount (this Biblical prohibition is still in effect today, even without a Temple. Until the next Red Heifer is found according to its very strict specifications, which Jews believe will be in the days of Messiah, ascending to the Temple Mount is forbidden for Jews as everyone is presumed to have this impurity today).

Every year on the Jewish festival of Sukkot (when the Temple stood), the cherished commandment of the water libation was performed. Water was gathered from this pool, brought to the holy Temple, and poured upon the altar. The joy that accompanied this procedure was so intense and palpable, that according to Jewish sources, one who has never seen this rejoicing has never experienced real enjoyment.

On your next visit to Israel, I look forward to leading you through these ancient Biblical tunnels, walking on the same grounds where so many great Biblical heroes treaded!

To see a sample Jerusalem walking tour itinerary which can include the City of David, click here

Sponsored by Rockets Into Roses: Discover the powerful art of an Israeli Hero living on the Gaza border, who transforms rocket fragments into stunning, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. His Art, his Jewelry, and items of Biblical Value owned by US presidents and many world leaders, not only symbolizes resilience but directly supports charities aiding Israelis in the Gaza Envelope.  Enter code vip10 for a 10% discount, valid for a limited time only.

To sponsor our next article or newsletter and have your business seen by thousands of our American pro-Israel subscribers and beyond, please contact us at info@guidedtoursofisrael.com

By Nosson Shulman – Licensed Tour Guide and Trip Organizer in Israel who specializes in History, Tanach (Bible) and Adventure Tours. For more itineraries click here. Check out our new Virtual Israel Tours including free sneak preview videos.

© 2022 All Rights Reserved – Unauthorized Duplication is prohibited

By Nosson Shulman: Licensed Tour Guide of VIP Israel Tours & Authentic Virtual Tours (click here to check out his free trailer videos)

“Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I shall pray to the Lord on your behalf. And they assembled at Mizpah…drew water, and poured (it out) before the Lord, and they fasted on that day, and said there, “We have sinned to the Lord.” And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.” (1 Samuel 7:5-6)”

Today, we are visiting a special site which is (surprisingly) seldom visited by non-Israelis. This site offers the perfect combination of ancient ruins, breathtaking views (arguably the best in the country), conveniently close to Jerusalem, and a Biblical history with few equals! The 900-year-old, still perfectly functioning building has a complicated history (originally built as a Crusader church, it currently houses both a mosque and synagogue).

Climbing to the top of the roof of the former crusader church, there are several locations to view where many exciting Biblical stories took place, including Gibeon, a powerful Canaanite city-state (and centuries later home of the Tabernacle). After Joshua defeated the city states of Jericho and Ai, Gibeon made an alliance with the Israelites. Five Canaanite kings attacked Gibeon, sending a message that making peace with the Children of Israel was not in their interest. When they attacked, Joshua felt bound by his oath and came to their rescue. As the armies of the five kings saw him coming, G-d put panic into their hearts and they were smitten, with the survivors fleeing by way of the “Ascent of Beth-Horon” which is also easily seen from the roof (for more on that site, click here). As they began descending from Beth-Horon, G-d sent a hailstorm that eliminated most of the remaining troops (Joshua 10). According to Jewish sources, these very hailstones were left over from the plague of hail in Egypt. When Moses asked G-d to stop the plague (see Exodus 9:33) the remaining hail was saved. Several other Biblical sites can be spotted here.

Remains from several eras have been found here, including many strong fortifications. This makes perfect sense, considering that it is situated right on the most historically important road connecting Jerusalem to the coast (today’s highway 443) and that from here, the view of approaching enemies can be seen from great distances on all sides.

Several archeologists have identified this site as being biblical Mizpah (although others have said it was the High Place of Gibeon (near the town of Gibeon itself) where King Solomon offered sacrifices to G-d and was granted wisdom in 1 Kings 3:4). Others identify it as Ramah. The city was in the tribal territory of Benjamin, and it was here that the tribes of Israel gathered to decide the punishment after the incident of the concubine that took place in Gibeah of Benjamin (see Judges 19-21, for more on that fascinating site, click here). After the Ark of the Covenant returned to Israel (after having been stolen by the Philistines), the Prophet Samuel gathered the nation onto this hill and led the people in mass repentance. When the Philistines heard that the Jewish people were gathered here, they proceeded to attack. Samuel then made a sacrifice and cried out to G-d. The Almighty responded with a loud noise which threw their enemies into a panic, allowing Israel to easily defeat them (see 1 Samuel 7).

Perhaps the most consequential event to take place here was the founding of the Judean Monarchy. Here, lots were drawn, and Saul was publicly selected to be the first king of Israel (he had already been anointed king by Samuel, but that was done in private). Later, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by the Babylonians in 422 BCE (some say 586 BCE), the righteous Gedaliah was appointed ruler over the people of Israel who had not yet been exiled. It was here where Gedaliah ruled and was assassinated, causing the remaining Jews in Israel to flee to Egypt.

When the Jewish people returned to Israel under Nehemiah, Mizpah was resettled (see Nehemiah 3:7). During the Hasmonean revolt against the Hellenists, Judah the Maccabee (circa 165 BCE) gathered the Jewish troops to Mizpah and launched a successful attack against the Syrian Greek forces. Subsequently a major Jewish town was built there, whose remains are still very visible and impressive.

The town was later abandoned and continued to be empty for most of the Roman period (although a Byzantine Monastery would later be built here). The most impressive remains one can see today are from the Crusader period. In 1099, the crusaders marched up today’s highway 443. Upon reaching the hill, they were so excited to see Jerusalem that they named it Mont de Joie (Mount of Joy). The troops waited here for the siege equipment needed to breach Jerusalem’s walls. One month later, Jerusalem was theirs (after which the Crusaders cruelly massacred 10,000s of Jews without mercy, forbidding Jews from living in their eternal capital for nearly a century).

In 1144, the crusaders built a massive fortress at this site.

The centerpiece of this town was the Church they had built.  Still standing in its entirety as a functioning building, it is one of the best-preserved Crusader buildings in the world.

The crusaders built this church on top of what they believed to be the tomb of the Prophet Samuel, who often frequented this location. Although the Bible states that Samuel was buried in Ramah and not Mizpah (indeed, some archeologists claim that this site is actually Ramah, with Mizpah not being here but close by), there are reliable medieval sources that claim the crusaders removed the bones from near a synagogue in Ramle. They thought (correctly or incorrectly) that the bones belonged to the prophet and reinterned them here (they thought the name “Ramle” had its origins in the name “Ramah”, where the Bible says the Prophet was buried). The Crusaders were expelled by the Muslims in 1187 and this building was confiscated and turned into a mosque (which is still active today in part of the building).

During World War 1, a major battle took place between the British and Turks. The British were victorious and soon expelled Turkey from the Holy Land, but not before this building was damaged (and subsequently restored in 1926). In the 1948 War of Independence, Jordanians bombarded Jerusalem from here. An Israeli force tried to capture the hill during the war, but were repelled, resulting in the death of 40 Jewish fighters. During the Six Day War in 1967 the Jordanians once again shelled Israeli neighborhoods, but this time Israeli forces successfully captured the hill and while they allowed the mosque to remain, they removed the decree that had banned non-Muslims from entering the building (Jews and Christians had been banned from this holy site for centuries). Today, the basement is home to an active synagogue and thriving Kollel (Academy of Torah Studies) and the building is open to all who wish to visit, regardless of their religion.

Next time in Israel, if you’re looking for something special and centrally located (conveniently close to Jerusalem accommodations) you should certainly consider a visit!

By Nosson Shulman – Licensed Tour Guide and Trip Organizer in Israel who specializes in History, Tanach (Bible) and Adventure Tours. For more itineraries click here. Check out our new Virtual tours including free sneak preview videos.

© 2022 All Rights Reserved – Unauthorized Duplication is prohibited