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The
Valley of Elah
by Julie Baretz
 The Valley of Elah is best
known as the scene of the Biblical battle between David
and Goliath (Elah means terebinth, a tree commonly found
in this area). The brook of Elah, which lies in the
heart of the valley, is a seasonal creek that runs dry
in the summer months. Most probably the brook from which
David chose five smooth stones in preparation for
battle, it is the ideal place to reminisce about what is
arguably the most famous story from the Bible. Don’t get
your hopes up over the possibility of discovering a
stray bolt from Goliath’s armor, or the ancient rubber
band from David’s sling – the only thing remaining from
this three-thousand year show-down is the scenery.
Nonetheless, the story takes on a whole new dimension
when you read it from the site of the action. So choose
your favorite translation, insert your bookmark at 1
Samuel 17, throw your hat in the car and set off on an
easy drive from both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (see end for
directions).
[FULL
STORY]
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Tel
Aphek- Antipatris
by Yael Zisling Adar
 Located in the Sharon Plain,
on the outskirts of Petah Tikva, at the headwaters of
the Yarkon River, Aphek was among the earliest
(fortified) royal Canaanite cities. It guarded the Aphek
Pass of the Via Maris. This is the place where the
Israelite's suffered one of the most devastating defeats
– the loss of the Ark
of the Covenant, to the Philistines. Paul was taken
here on the way to Caesarea, according to the Acts of
the Apostles.
[FULL
STORY]
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Mt.
Tabor
by Julie Baretz
 Mount Tabor rises softly, but
powerfully, from within the verdant triangle of the
Jezreel Valley. A uniquely rounded mountain at an
altitude of about 1800 feet, its contours may be viewed
and unmistakably identified from miles in any direction.
The gentle curve of the summit is crowned by an oblong
edifice known as the Church of the Transfiguration. This
church, built over the medieval remains of an earlier
building, commemorates the New Testament story from
Matthew 17:1-9, where Jesus is recognized
as the Son of God in the company of Moses, Elijah and
three of his disciples. Despite a dispute about the
actual location of the events from the text, a visit to
Mt. Tabor is a highlight on many Christian itineraries -
its spiritual significance, the madcap ride to the top
and the stunning view from the summit attract multitudes
of pilgrims. However, the site is less familiar to
Jewish tourists who regularly bypass it, unaware not
only of the breathtaking view but also of the Biblical
significance of Mt. Tabor.
[FULL
STORY]
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The
Miracle Vacation in Had Nes
Over a Hundred B&Bs
by
Michal Anosh
If peace and quiet, a fabulous
view, - all in the heart of nature are your idea of a
great get-away, come and join us in Had Nes, a tiny
village on the north end of the Kinneret/Sea of Galilee.
Had Nes means “One Miracle” and when you see the view,
you’ll know what we mean. Actually, the name is
comprised of the first letters of former settlements in
the Sinai (Haruvit, Dikla and Neot Sinai). Despite its
name, none of the former Sinai settlers ended up here.
Had Nes is located just up the hill from Park Ha'Yarden
(Jordan Park) and sits right on the edge of the Yehudiya
Nature Reserve.
[FULL
STORY]
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