Judea instills an unexplainable connection within the hearts of all who visit. Scenes of majestic mountains plummeting into the depths of beautiful valleys stirs an unexplainable love and attachment to the land that is known by many people as the “West Bank” of Israel. The stark contrast of the vineyard-covered hills in Samaria to the barren mountainscapes in Judea adheres one’s soul to the ruggedness of nature.
Judea possesses far more than breathtaking landscapes. It’s also home to places that we consider essential to visit during your trip to Israel. In case you only have a short amount of time in which to visit Judea however, here are the three places that we regard as “must see”.
#1) Arugot Farm
Arugot Farm most likely rings little to no bell in most people’s minds. However, after visiting, you will likely begin telling all of your friends about the spiritual connection that you experienced while there.
Nestled in the midst of the mountains of Zif, this region has a rich history. Bethlehem, the home of King David, sits very near these mountains. This means that the best known king in all of Israel would have shepherded his sheep in this region. Most likely, he wrote many of the Psalms on these mountainsides. Additionally, when David fled from King Saul after slaying Goliath, he hid in the mountains of Zif (1 Samuel 23:14).
This farm is also at the forefront of the fight for a Jewish presence in the biblical heartand of Israel. The Bible anticipates the ingathering of the exiles countless times. The fulfillment of this prophecy is most evident at Arugot Farms, the furthest Jewish settlement in all of Judea. It is understood that there is no greater sign of redemption than the mountains of Israel bursting into life. At Arugot Farm, the fruit of redemption manifests as the result of labor, the presence of Jews dwelling in Judea, and the crops that now grow on these hillsides.
#2) Kfar Etzion
Marked by a singular oak tree, the Kfar Etzion Bloc embodies hope and an indomitable pioneering spirit. In the spring of 1943, a couple founded it to provide a place of refuge and home for Jews fleeing the Holocaust. Within four years, this location had become home to four kibbutzim (small farming communities).
Though many rejoiced at the implementation of the 1947 UN Partition Plan, the inhabitants of the Kfar Etzion Bloc faced tragedy. Immediately after Partition, war broke out, and on December 11th, ten residents from the communities were killed. The gruesome siege against Kfar Etzion had begun.
The residents-turned-soldiers courageously defended their home for months. But eventually, they lost Kfar Etzion on the same day that the Jewish nation was established: May 14, 1948. Only the lives of the evacuated families and the sight of a singular oak tree remained, proudly standing where these people once resided.
Considered a towering symbol of hope and resilience, this tree reminded families of their former homes and ignited a zeal for the next generation to return to this spot. Israel miraculously regained sovereignty over this part of the country following the Six-Day War in 1967, fulfilling this desire. Today, this region is home to eighteen Jewish communities and nearly 40,000 residents. The same symbol of hope has lasted for generations.
If you ever have the privilege of visiting this historic spot, there are an abundance of places to visit. You may choose to visit the tree that is a testimony to the perseverance of the Jewish people. You can also visit the Gush Etzion Museum, an interactive experience that tells the story of the founding of Gush Etzion. There’s also a wonderful winery and restaurant to sit back, relax, and enjoy a meal after a busy day.
#3) Hebron
The final location on our must see places in Judea is none other than Hebron. Dating back 4,500 years, it arguably has one of the richest histories in the region. Abraham came through this area approximately 3,800 years ago. He purchased a plot of land from Ephron for 400 shekels of silver in Genesis 23. He designated this plot of land as the burial site for his beloved wife, Sarah. It became the burial site of nearly every patriarch and matriarch in the Jewish faith: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah. The only matriarch not buried here is Rachel, who died in childbirth and was laid to rest in Bethlehem.
Since Hebron falls in the territory of Judah, this is the location where King David reigned for seven years prior to his reign in Jerusalem. Built atop this burial plot is a Herodian structure that dates back to the Second Temple Period. This explains the structural similarities between this site and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
In fact, this burial plot, known as the Cave of Machpelah, is the second holiest site in Judaism. The only location holier is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Many people say that Jerusalem is where you meet God. Hebron is where you meet the ones who searched for and found God.
Presently, Hebron is at the forefront of the fight for Israel. As a city that is 90% Arab, it continually faces anti-Israel propaganda and skewed reporting. If this city, which has a deed of purchase for the land it is built on and is known as the second holiest place in Judaism, becomes forbidden to the Jewish people, which location will be next?
We recommend going to this city to connect to the founders of a biblical faith and to make a statement to the world that access to Hebron is not only a right for the Jewish people, but a necessity.
After You Visit These Places in Judea . . .
As you journey through the heartland of Israel, we hope that you will break off the beaten path and visit these incredible places in Judea. They are essential to your understanding of Judea and Samaria and possess incredible spiritual relevance. As you discover the treasures of Judea, we hope that you’ll be as impacted by them as we have been.
We invite you to join us for one of our upcoming Israel volunteer programs. You’ll get to travel to Judea and see these places in person! Click here to check out our upcoming Israel trips.
