Faith & Heritage Tours

28/04/2020

Happy 72nd Independence Day, Israel!

22/04/2020

The COVID-19 pandemic brought some uncertainty to our lives: no one knows when we will be able to travel again, fly to different destinations. But now is the time to start planning for the day after!
We wanted to start sharing with you some photos from different places in Israel which will inspire you and give you some ideas.
You are invited to join us, on this journey and discover new places! Please feel welcome to share with us your photos and insights and we will be happy to share them!
Today, we are sharing with you Beit Jamal Monastery, located south of Beit Shemesh.
Beit Jamal Catholic Monastery was established in 1919 by the Salesian Monks. During the Roman era, the site was a village called Kfar Gamala, named after Rabbi Gamliel, who was a resident of the village.
Today the monastery welcomes day visitors to come and see the beautiful churches and also taste the locally made wine, honey and olive oil sold in the monastery store by the Salesian monks and holds bi-weekly Saturday concerts.
Pitcure courtesy of Lihi Gordon

12/04/2020

At this very challenging time, we at Faith & Heritage Tours and Israel Experts are thinking of you and would like to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy Easter.

We are optimistic that the Coronavirus will shortly be contained and the world will revert back to normal as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, the Faith & Heritage Tours and Israel Experts team is continuing to provide its high level of service and we are here to assist you and answer any questions that you may have.

Wishing you and your loved ones health and peace,
The Faith & Heritage Tours and Israel Experts Team

10/02/2020

"And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised ; for to build the house of the Lord, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer." (Kings I, 9:15)
Megiddo, or Armageddon, one of the most important cities of biblical times, is mentioned in the Holy Bible 18 times. According to the tradition, King David conquered the city, and "the chariot city" reached its peak under King Solomon, who rebuilt it as a royal city, administering the northern part of the kingdom.
It is also mentioned in the New Testament's Book of Revelation (16:16), named as the site of the "Battle of the End of Days".

24/12/2019

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all our friends and clients!

10/11/2019

When visiting in Israel, while visiting the holy places, you should also consider visiting Israel's crusader ruins which are not only magnificent, but have rich history and fascinating stories.

Thinking of booking your next Israel trip? Contact us at https://faithandheritagetours.com/

Remnants of the Middle Ages' Kingdom of Jerusalem, including fortresses, citadels and battle sites, still dot the country and are open to visitors

03/11/2019

4 years ago, during routine tests in Ramat Beit Shemesh prior to the construction of an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood, archaeologists have unearthed a 1,500-year-old Christian site, dedicated to a mysterious glorious martyr, who might be a she, according to the intriguing mosaic.
Some of the discoveries are now on display in the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem.

A 1,500-year-old Christian site in the heart of ultra-Orthodox Ramat Beit Shemesh takes The Times of Israel down a rabbit hole to meet St. Thecla, a feisty 2nd-century preacher

11/09/2019

Eighteen years have passed since airplanes took aim at the World Trade Center and brought them down.
The KKL-JNF 9/11 Living Memorial Plaza is the only memorial outside the US that lists the names of the victims. The memorial is also partly made from metal salvaged from the ruins of the Twin Towers.
Last night, in a ceremony held at the Memorial, a “Tribute in Light”, two illuminated pillars 300 meters tall were lit up, shining from Emek Ha’arazim all the way to Route 1.

09/09/2019

"That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them." Luke 24: 13-15

Archaeologists believe they might have discovered the location of Emmaus, where Jesus made his first appearance before two of His disciples after His resurrection.
The researches suggest that the hill of Kiriath Ye'arim, a hill overlooks the approach to Jerusalem and the adjacent town of Abu Gosh could be identified as the biblical town of Emmaus and this could have broader implications on for biblical archaeology and Christian history.

Archaeologists believe they might have discovered the location of the town of Emmaus, where Jesus was said to have first appeared before two of his disciples after His resurrection.

05/09/2019

The ongoing excavations of the Hippos-Sussita Excavations Project recently unearthed a mosaic depicting fish, birds and baskets of what may be bread.
The traditional location of the Jesus loaves and fishes miracle is across the sea at the Church of the Multiplication, which houses a famous mosaic depicting two fish on either side of what is thought to be a bread basket.

Colorful 6th-century Byzantine design indicates miracle took place on the opposite side of sea from traditionally assigned spot, archaeologist proposes; mosaic expert disagrees

26/08/2019

We are having a really hard time to decide what is our favorite place to visit in Israel: We love Jerusalem for its history and holiness, we love the Dead Sea for its remedies... Share with us: what is your favorite place to visit in Israel?

These best places to visit in Israel boasting glorious landscapes, archeological sites, and religious monuments are on every traveler’s bucket list in 2019.

06/08/2019

Did you know that there's a Jewish Valentine's Day too? and it's right around the corner!
Tu B'Av is the Jewish Day of Love, celebrated on the 15th day of Av (the 5th ecclesiastical year on the Hebrew calendar), a post-biblical day of joy and served as a matchmaking day for unmarried women in the Second Temple period.
Nowadays, it is gradually becoming a Hebrew Jewish Day of Love and we wanted to share with you this romantic initiative of Tel-Aviv Municipality.
The municipality is offering couples the chance to declare their love and offer marriage against the backdrop of City Hall, lit up in the red and white colors of the day.

Want to plan your next trip to the Holy Land? Contact us: http://faithandheritagetours.com/ and maybe you will too, propose to your loved one in Israel!

Tel Aviv gives lovers the chance to pop the question in style on the eve of Tu B'Av, Israel's Valentine's Day

25/07/2019

The Burnt Church in Hippos-Sussita was discovered some 15 years ago by the ongoing Hippos-Sussita Excavations Project, but was revisited this summer in search of firm dating for conflagration that both destroyed and preserved the church.
The church is not ready yet to be viewed by the National Park visitors, but the archaeologist, Dr. Michael Eisenberg, hopes to complete a partial reconstruction in a few years.

So far, 'Burnt Church' site at ongoing Hippos-Sussita Excavations Project has revealed three texts -- all of which were misspelled and had grammar errors, say archaeologists

21/07/2019

A Byzantine church was excavated in the Galilee, near remnants of a Roman-era settlement, matching the location of Bethsaida, the home of apostles Peter and Andrew, according to the Gospel of John.

We are truly excited and looking forward to hear some more news from the newly excavated site. Stay tuned!

Israeli archaeologist says dig at El-Araj, near Sea of Galilee, confirms it as the site of fishing village Bethsaida

17/07/2019

Dig Mount Zion (Mount Zion Archaeological Dig) slogan is 'Uncovering Jerusalem's Ancient Past' and that's what they have been doing since 2008.

Just 2 days ago, they have excavated and discovered an 11th century moat of a historically chronicled Crusader siege conducted by Raymond of Saint-Gilles.

We invite you to read about this thrilling discovery and book your trip with us today on: http://faithandheritagetours.com/

920 years ago, Crusaders breached Jerusalem and conquered the walled Fatimid city. Now the Mount Zion Project has found a chronicled moat that to many scholars had seemed like myth

10/07/2019

You're invited to take part in the Temple Mount Sifting Project and be a part of history!
Book your trip to Israel with us today here: http://faithandheritagetours.com/

Jerusalem’s Temple Mount has never been excavated, at least publicly.

07/07/2019

An incredible biblical discovery: The Pilgrimage Road to Temple Mount from the Pool of Siloam, where Jesus walked 2,000 years ago, was discovered!

Come walk with us in his steps and book your trip today at http://faithandheritagetours.com/

ISRAEL has opened an ancient stairway “where Jesus walked” – after finding it hidden under a potato field. The City of David Foundation today unveiled the 2,000-year-old Pilgrim& #…

04/07/2019

To our American friends, partners and group that are currently in Israel, we wish you a very Happy Independence Day!

02/07/2019

"Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water."
Exodus 15:27

We are very excited to learn that two new technicolor biblical mosaics, one of them depicts the story of Elim, were recently uncovered at a 1,600-year-old synagogue in the Galilean town of Huqoq by Prof. Jodi Magness!

Two biblical scenes recently uncovered at a fifth-century synagogue point to a preoccupation with the end of days, and perhaps a rebellious spirit

30/06/2019

NFL Quarterback Deshaun Watson visited Israel recently and shared his powerful moment from the Jordan River.

What is you life changing experience? share with us your own story!

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson recently visited Israel and shared the powerful moment when he got baptized in the Jordan river with his more than 1 million Instagram followers.

26/06/2019

"When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it." John 18:1

The Kidron Valley is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in Israel and Unfortunately, this area suffers from a sewage hazard and neglect due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But it seems like the solution is near! The Israelis and the Palestinians are about to cooperate and work on an environmental solution.

Read more here: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-palestinians-eye-smooth-waters-with-historic-cooperation-on-sewage/

23/06/2019

The Faith & Heritage staff visited Bethlehem last week and the unique Christian sites it offers for pilgrims and other travelers. Bethlehem is a quiet, pleasant and welcoming city that offers beside its famous religious places a peaceful atmosphere and an awe inspiring feeling.
The Church of The Nativity which stands in the center of town is the traditional birthplace of Jesus and is visited by millions of pilgrims each year. Manger Square, surrounding the church with its many cafes, restaurants and shops, along with the narrow streets of the old city offer the visitor a unique area to stroll in.
The view over the Judean Mountains and Jerusalem is stunning!

16/06/2019

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy..." Matthew 5:7

Thank you, our Liberty University Alumni & Friends group (especially John Hoogeveen who took these lovely photos), for the wonderful pictures you have shared with us from Mount of Beatitudes and Church of the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus have delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Want to discover more? Visit our website for more tours in the Holy Land for groups: http://www.faithandheritagetours.com/

14/06/2019

Shabbat Shalom from the Holy Land and have a peaceful weekend!

12/06/2019

On March 2019, for their spring break, Liberty University School of Divinity, together with the Liberty University School of Business visited the Holy Land for 10 days.

Here are their blessed moments of joy at the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River, also known as Qasr al-Yahud, the site where according to tradition, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Do you have special moments like these that you would like to share with us?

11/06/2019

In February, we have had the honor of meeting two inspirational men: Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray, childhood friends who went on an inspirational journey through Spain, Camino de Santiago also known as the Way of St. James.

Justin, has a rare progressive autoimmune/neuromuscular disease that functions similar to ALS in that it attacks the muscles and stops them from functioning correctly. He had been in a wheelchair since 2010, unable to move his upper or lower body.

But with the dedication and great help of his friend, Patrick, they both went on a 500 miles journey.

Listening to their story and watching their documentary, I'll Push You, left us in awe!
Share with us your own inspiring moments and stories in the comments below

10/06/2019

We wanted to welcome Liberty University Alumni and Friends who arrived to the Holy Land on Saturday!

This wonderful group of 32 alumni & friends have already visited Jaffa, Caesrea Maritima and will continue to the holy sites in the North and Jerusalem.

Thank you for the wonderful pictures, we are so happy to have you here and Bruchim Ha'Ba'im L'Israel (Welcome to Israel)!

P.S. Don't forget to tag yourselves and share with us your experiences and photos!

14/01/2019

Touch your past In the lush hill country of the Galilee, in view of Nazareth and a stone’s throw from Sepphoris, Kfar Kedem recreates the day-to-day life of this ancient land. A hands-on experience, Kfar Kedem will transport you back to the roots of your heritage. Ride the rolling hills as Abraham rode them. Take in the scents that Jacob smelled tending Laban’s flocks. Hear the words of the prophets as you thresh grain, make cheese, spin wool, press oil from fresh olives and wine from fresh grapes. You’ll even dress like them!

11/01/2019

A great place to visit in the Nazareth area is the Nazareth Village. This is an open-air museum that reconstructs and reenacts village life in the Galilee in the time of Jesus. The village features houses, terraced fields, wine and olive presses all built to resemble those that would have been in a Galilee village in the 1st century.

08/01/2019

When you are visiting Nazareth, In any time of the year, If you like to create a deeper spiritual connection and Not far from Nazareth you can visit the Yardenit. The Yardenit is situated on the banks of the Jordan River, at the Southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. You can experience the tranquility and spiritual beauty of the waters in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus practiced and preached across this part of the Holy Land which hosts a plethora of sites with biblical significance.