What is Samaria? Where is it? Are there cool places to visit in Samaria? The answer to these first two questions can be found in this article written specifically about Judea and Samaria.
The first thing that will come to mind when someone mentions “Samaria” is the similar word “Samaritan”. The word similarity is not a coincidence as this is the region in which the story of Yeshua (Jesus) and the Samaritan woman took place. In fact, one of the theories regarding the exact location of this story is that it took place on the Mount of Blessing, also known as Mt. Gerizim in the Bible. This leads us to our first recommendation of places to visit in Samaria:
1) The Mount of Blessing (also known as Har Bracha)
Maybe we’re a bit partial to this spot, but despite our understandable bias, this mountain possesses both biblical and modern relevance. In Deuteronomy 27 and 28, it records the twelve tribes of Israel splitting between two mountains to proclaim the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience. The two mountains mentioned are Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Mount Gerizim is the modern day “Mount of Blessing”, thus being the story from which the name originates.
The history of the Mount of Blessing doesn’t end there. In modern times, there’s a group of Christians living on this mountain who have the mission of blessing and serving the Jewish people through agricultural volunteering. Oh wait, that’s us! The blessing on this mountain is undeniably apparent; for nearly 20 years, HaYovel’s base of operations has called the Mount of Blessing its home. You can find out more about HaYovel and how we bless and serve the Jewish people here.
The Mount of Blessing is also home to one of the most renowned rabbis in our lifetime. There are certain rabbis throughout history who have been incredibly respected for their leadership, foresight, vision, and teaching, and Rabbi Melamed (the head rabbi of Har Bracha) is considered to be one of them.
After exiting the Jewish community on the Mount of Blessing, you’ll be near one of our favorite places to visit in Samaria:
2) Joseph’s Tomb Overlook
A short drive away from HaYovel’s base of operations will take you to this spot. This lookout will allow you to overlook a portion of modern day Nablus (biblical Shechem). From this viewpoint, you’ll have the ability to see the exact location of three major biblical stories. The first of these is Joseph’s tomb.
- Joseph’s tomb is the reason this lookout is named “Joseph’s Overlook”. When recalling the exodus story, many people tend to forget that Joseph had requisitioned his descendants to take his bones from Egypt to the city of Shechem. This was a promise that his offspring never forgot. Today, in a small white building in the center of Shechem, the bones of Joseph remain to this day.
- A few blocks away from Joseph’s tomb is the plot of land Joseph’s father, Jacob purchased in Genesis 33:18-20. On this plot of land, Jacob rested and erected an altar to the LORD. This 100 shekel plot of land can still be seen today from this beautiful overlook.
- The last of the three landmarks viewed from this spot is Jacob’s well. We mentioned earlier that the well of the Samaritan woman may be on the Mount of Blessing, but it is one of several traditional spots. Another theory is that this story took place just down the mountain and in the city of Shechem. There is even a massive Greek Orthodox church that has been built on this site.
Another place you’ll be able to view from this overlook is Elon Moreh. Next we’ll dive into the relevance of this little known biblical wonder.
3) Elon Moreh (also known as Mount Kabir)
We’re willing to take a wild guess that unless you’ve been on one of the tours of Israel that HaYovel has to offer, you’ve probably heard little to nothing about Elon Moreh. This is a heartbreaking reality that has potentially added to the travesty that is replacement theology. In Genesis 12, the patriarch Abraham travels through Shechem to the terebinth trees of Moreh, which is located in the modern-day community of Elon Moreh.
The stones in this sacred location heard God verbally speak to Abraham and tell him the promises that God had planned for His special people. In this chapter it is promised that God would give the land of Israel to Abraham and his descendants and that the Jewish people would be a great nation. He also declares that those who bless the Jewish people will receive blessings, and those who curse the Jewish people will receive curses.
The spoken word of God was heard on Elon Moreh, but where did God’s presence dwell for 369 years
Hint: it was before the times of the Temple in Jerusalem.
4) Ancient Shiloh
Ancient Shiloh is an imperative visit for any Bible believer. Before the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, this was the location where the presence of God dwelt the longest. When you visit ancient Shiloh, you’ll find the ruins of the city, the location of the tabernacle, and you’ll even get to see the famous red heifers. Your trip to Shiloh will leave you with a better understanding of and a closer relationship to the Bible. You can find out more about ancient and modern day Shiloh here.
5) Bethel
Beit El, or Bethel, is the location of two major encounters with God. In Genesis 28, Jacob flees from his brother Esau and eventually comes to a certain place where he decides to rest for the night. While he slept, an incredible encounter took place. Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching from heaven down to earth and of angels ascending and descending the ladder. At the top of the ladder was God Himself speaking to Jacob with a promise that he and his descendants would inherit the land and that through him, all the nations of the earth would be blessed.
Later in Genesis 35, we see Jacob return to Bethel and erect an altar to God there. During this time, God changed Jacob’s name in verse 10 of the chapter. Following the events in Genesis 28, it is fitting that God would rename Jacob in this spot and give him the name that the Jewish nation still bears to this day: Israel.
After his name change, God reinforces his previous promise to Jacob, but this time under his new namesake, Israel, further expressing that the land of Israel is home to the people of Israel and that this nation will be exceptionally fruitful.
Following these momentous encounters, Jacob builds an additional altar to the Lord there.
The history of Samaria is rich, so while you’re visiting the foundations of your faith, you also have the opportunity to experience some modern luxuries. One such example sits on the same mountain mentioned in Genesis 12 –– Elon Moreh.
6) Kabir Winery
After so many biblical and historical discoveries, a slight change in speed is a well deserved break. Nestled atop a beautiful mountainside and surrounded by fruitful vineyards, Kabir Winery is the perfect spot to re-energize. After you’ve seen the winery, tasted some of the award-winning wine, and eaten a decadent meal, you’ll be ready to go to your next destination.
Kabir Winery isn’t the only winery that made our “must see” list. There is another winery that offers incredible wines and stands out because of its breathtaking visitors center, which also serves as one of the most popular wedding venues in all of Israel.
7) Psagot Winery
Twenty years ago, few people knew the name Psagot Winery, but now it is one of the most renowned wineries and wedding venues in all of Israel. After starting in a small metal warehouse, today they produce one million bottles of wine per year, and win international awards on a regular basis. If you want to have the best wine with the best views, Psagot Winery is the place for you.
If wine isn’t your thing, we have one last spot that may bit a bit more up your alley.
8) Mud on the Mountain
Mud on the mountain is what typically happens when you apply for one of our volunteer trips! Muddy messes do happen when you volunteer, but this “Mud on the Mountain” is something entirely different.
Mud on the Mountain is a small store on the mountain of Itamar where you can purchase handcrafted and hand painted pottery. Batyah’s skillful pieces range from mugs, vases, teapots, havdalah sets, and countless other works of art. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind item to help you remember the heartland of Israel, this is the place you’ll find it.
What Are You Waiting For?
After this list, you’ll need a week just to visit Samaria. If you were to pair our “must see places to visit in Samaria” with our “Must See Places in Judea”, you would have your two week trip to the biblical heartland filled to the brim with the most awe-striking places in Israel. If you want to visit these places (and other places in Israel), you can click here to join HaYovel on one of our tours.
What are you waiting for? Apply for one of our trips today!
