Visit Judea and Samaria, the Biblical Heartland
Every trip to Israel is special… thrilling. But have you ever felt there was something missing? Were you ever left yearning for something more… arriving home with an emptiness inside because you sensed there was something you didn’t see? Didn’t get to experience?
Visiting Judea and Samaria– the spiritual heart of Israel—can give you the information… the inspiration that will fill your spirit and satisfy your soul.
The mountain ranges of Judea and Samaria offer opportunities to stand where Abraham stood when G-d promised him the length and breadth of the land that was to be his inheritance. The valleys of Judea and Samaria take you back to the grazing lands of David’s sheep; and the lush hills are home to the location of the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Hebron, the heartbeat of the Patriarchs, where today Jewish families struggle to maintain a foothold on their inheritance so they, and others, may continue to pray at Machpelah, the burial site of the Matriarchs and Patriarchs of Israel. Tekoa, an ancient city of Israel steeped in Biblical heritage… the birthplace of Amos the prophet…where citizens helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. There are so many places in Biblical Judea and Samaria that aren’t on the normal tour, places that will speak to your heart and mind… places that will help you find what was missing.
JUDEA and SAMARIA hold a wonderful wealth of places and people that we can arrange for you to visit. If you’ve worked to raise funds for a specific project or planted trees in a certain neighborhood, perhaps you’d like to spend some time visiting that community, seeing how the project has grown and how the trees have borne fruit.
Community Highlights:
Alon Shvut – Lone Oak Tree
The Lone Oak Tree was all that remained when Kfar Etzion was destroyed by the Arabs in 1948. The orphaned children of Kfar Etzion returned in 1970 to start anew, rebuilding their villages and homes.
Tekoa
Breathtakingly beautiful in its ruggedness, Tekoa is a heterogeneous community that includes local farms, artists, professionals and a Yeshiva which inspires young men in their faith. Located only minutes from Jerusalem, Tekoa sits in the shadow of the Herodian. Here was the birthplace of Amos, a prophet of God, during the reign of Uzziah, King of Judah, and Jeroboam, King of Israel.
Shiloh
Shiloh… the spot where the Tabernacle of Moses stood for 369 years after Joshua and the Children of Israel entered the Promised Land. It was here that Hannah brought Samuel as a child, to serve God, under the High Priest, Eli. This was the central gathering place of Joshua and the Jewish nation as they prepared for battle. New archeological findings reveal the secrets of this ancient town.
Oak of Moreh – Three Seas Overlook
The Three Seas Overlook offers a spectacular view to the Samaria mountains: Elon Moreh (Oak of Moreh), near the Biblical city of Shechem, Mt. Gerizim, the mountain of blessing, and Mt. Ebal, the mountain of curses and the location of Joshua’s altar. There is a stunning view of the three seas: Galilee in the north, the Mediterranean in the west, and the Dead Sea in the south. You can see the Mountains of Gilead, and the plains of Moab as you follow Abraham’s first entry into the land and the entry of the Israelites, generations later with Joshua.
Hebron
The Cave of Machpela is the burial place of the Biblical patriarchs and matriarchs that Abraham bought for 400 shekels of silver. It is located in Hebron, the first capital of King David. This Biblical city stands as a testament of God’s faithfulness. The modern day Jewish community is an important place to visit. You will meet brave Jewish families who understand and appreciate the vital importance of their home.
Karnei Shomron
Karnei Shomron means the “horns of Samaria” and is the community where the CFOIC Heartland offices are located. It is a well established community, with shopping plazas, schools, synagogues, community centers, and some of the friendliest Israelis you’ll ever meet. The welcome mat is always open in this community. We hope that you’ll contact us to schedule your visit to a Jewish community in Judea and Samaria today!
ITINERARY SUGGESTIONS
JUDEA: Depart Jerusalem for Gush Etzion. Visit the Sound and Light Show, to experience the history of Kfar Etzion. Walk along the Path of the Patriarchs and stand at the strategic lookout towards Jerusalem. Travel south to Hebron, city of the Patriarchs. Tour the Jewish neighborhoods and the Machpela Cave. Visit the amazing museum in Kiryat Arba and meet with local leaders to learn about this uniquely Biblical region. Overnight in Jerusalem.
SAMARIA: Travel north to Shiloh, where the holy Tabernacle stood for 369 years. Stop in the Nachalat Binyamin Visitor’s Center and view an amazing multi-media presentation on Samaria. Optional wine tasting. View Samaria’s Biblical mountains: Elon Moreh (Oak of Morah), where God first promised Abraham the land of Israel, Mt. Gerizim, the mountain of blessing, and Mt. Ebal, the mountain of curses and the location of Joshua’s altar. Visit a Samarian community and soak up local color while talking to the residents. Travel to Karnei Shomron and visit with Sondra Oster Baras, director of CFOIC Heartland’s Israel office. Overnight in Jerusalem.
On your next visit to Israel, spend some time in the Biblical Heartland. Share with us what’s on your mind and we will work with you to arrange the most unforgettable tour! Whether you have a couple of hours, four days or anything in between we can arrange for you or your whole group, to spend some time in Judea and Samaria. Please contact CFOIC’s Israel office at sondra@cfoic.com