Page 51 - HaMizrachi # 23 Sukkot Simchat Torah 2020 USA

PLACES IN ISRAEL THE PEOPLE AND THE LAND

Barnea Levi Selavan
Four Trips

for Chol HaMoed

he growing crescendo – mourn- new discoveries. The visitors center Rabin parks, historical sites such as
ing and grappling with reality stocks refreshments, local crafts Tel Azekah and Elah Fortress-Khirbet
Ton 17 Tammuz and Tisha B’Av, including musical instruments and Qeiyafa, and is chock full of wineries –
the closeness of Elul, the stark truth of jewelry, wines, olive oil and books. nearly 40 – and breweries.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and Ancient Shiloh is an enchanting and
then this national explosion of joy – engaging experience for the whole d d d
Sukkot in Israel. A nation celebrating family.
countrywide, with families out in their Before setting out, check online for the
thousands at mountains, valleys and The Benjamin region, with many tourism departments of regional coun-
water sites. springs, open nature parks and Biblical cils and cities, Facebook, etc (and for
and historical landmarks, is studded those of you staying in, this is a great
While this year we may not be able to with ancient craft installations, shep- opportunity to virtually explore the
explore beautiful Israel landscapes, I herds and their cheese products and wonders of Eretz Yisrael).
would like to share with you my four amazing hilltop views.
favorite Sukkot spots, in the hope Those of us fortunate enough to be in
we will all be able to visit them again 4. Susiya. This ancient city comes Israel now will never forget 5780. As
soon. to life with crafts above and under- in ancient times, we pray that Dias-
ground, and street actors. The remark- pora Jews will join us here, thus we
1. Neot Kedumim Biblical Nature able shul on top of the hill, olive and
Reserve. The main attraction here are grape presses, the streets and town delay the request for rain – ר ָ ט ָ מּו ל ַ ט ן ֵ ת ְ ו
the live displays of the Mishna’s range built to Mishnaic specifications – – until 7 Cheshvan, so you can make
of kosher and non-kosher sukkot – because they’re from that time! And it home before the mighty Euphrates
e.g., super-high, low, on a boat, etc. that’s not all. Go walk in the secret... swells from the rain.
The reserve also teaches visitors about In the visitors center ask to see the
the Four Species, the Seven Species, ”old” movie, and pick up local food, May we merit a healthy, sweet joyous
and how nature, Tanach and Chazal cosmetic and artistic products. They holiday and share that joy with those
are all intertwined. also serve excellent coffee! who sorely need it at this time.
2. Ancient Shomron. This is the site d d d
of the last capital of the Israelite king-
dom, where Eliyahu and Elisha faced For those who want to explore even
off with kings like Achav and Omri further, I suggest checking out Yatir
and the remnants of Achav’s palace and Mateh Yehuda.
are clearly visible. The Maccabees beat
the Greek army here, and Herod later While lesser-known to English-speak-
developed Sebastia. The army safe- ers, the Yatir region hosts expansive
guards the roads and site so the public forests and ancient sites such as Tel
can visit. Arad, many smaller sites, and a world
of fruits, wines and other local prod-
3. Ancient Shiloh. The site of the ucts. Last Sukkot they had hot-air bal-
Mishkan (before it was moved to looning and rappelling from a crane-
Yerushalayim) offers many craft activ- lifted aerial porch.
ities, rides and nearby springs. The Barnea Levi Selavan offers live and
amazing archaeological section boasts The Mateh Yehuda region features recorded tours and lectures for communi-
several multimedia presentations and the Adulam, Britania, Begin and ties and families.

| 51