Joe Freedman - Israel Tour Guide

26/08/2024

My office in Caesarea.

28/07/2024

Our hearts go out to the families of the 12 Druze children and youth that were killed by an Iranian missile fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Pictured below are 11 of those murdered. We pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

12/05/2024

THE GENERATION OF REBIRTH

As we are about to begin Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day) I found the following to be an interesting analysis of the generations of Israelis, especially the current one.

The article is an editorial by Elad Tene (editor in chief of the newspaper Makor Rishon (May 10, 2024). Translation taken from Daniel Gordis’s blog: “Israel from the Inside.”
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BETWEEN the GENERATIONS OF 5708 (1948) and 5784 (2024)

There is a span of three generations between 1948 and 2024: the generation of the Founders, the generation of the Builders, and the generation of Rebirth. Everyone reading this belongs to one of those three generations. Every one of you, of us, has accumulated here, individually and collectively, endless momentous events and powerful memories. Joy and exaltation, sadness and crisis. And too many Memorial Days.

The generation that founded the state is tied in our memory to the moment of declaring independence. Immediately after that came the War of Independence, the nation’s institutions were created, and the refugee camps that had been built for immigrants became towns.

The Generation that Built is tied in our memory to dozens of moments of victory: cultural flowering, wars, political upheavals, and economic successes. This was also the generation that solidified our sovereignty. But the Generation of Rebirth we’d never met until recently.

This is the young generation that some of us looked at with ridicule or worry, and we wondered—what does that generation have in common with us? What does it have to do with Israel?
In recent months, that generation has reminded us that as is the case in any chain, it is also tied to us. But no less than that, it also proved that we are dependent on it.

After the death and the attacks, this is the generation that revived Israel’s spirit, that reminded us what real power is. In the midst of the darkness that followed the horrors, this generation shined light. It left behind families, children and careers, work and peaceful lives, and went out to defend our home and in order to win.

This is the generation that lost friends, evacuated wounded, paid shiva calls—and pressed on. This generation was filled with feelings of guilt, believing it could have done more. It sounded the shofar, reminding every neighborhood along the Gaza strip, “My brother, I’m here at your side.”

This is the generation that transcended the divisions in the people, could tell the difference between what really mattered and what didn’t, between holy and profane. This is the generation that is now promising that we are here, and that we’re not going anywhere.

This is not an optimistic column. The divisions in the people are still here. The hostages are still living in hell on earth, and even victory on the battlefield, at least for the moment, is not certain. We’re going to be caring for the wounded for as long as the eye can see, but at least we will know that there arose here a generation in which we can trust. That on the day that we will no longer be alive, there will be those who will guide Israel with confidence.

Between 1948 and 2024 span three generations. On this year’s Memorial Day and Independence Day, it’s the Generation of Rebirth that is illuminating the path for us. That generation is Israel. And we, all of Israel, are casting our eyes on it.

14/04/2024

Since 2015 I've been studying one chapter of the Tanakh/Hebrew Bible a day with "929 Chapters" (the number of chapters in the Hebrew Bible - a project initiated by Rabbi Beni Lau). I follow it in Hebrew (currently about 2/3 through the second cycle) but there's an English version as well. Today's (Apr 14) chapter is #4 of Tehilim-Psalms. Having spent from 1:50-2:10am in the shelter with my wife and neighbors, and having trouble going back to sleep, how nice to wake up to study the last verse!:

בְּשָׁל֣וֹם יַחְדָּו֮ אֶשְׁכְּבָ֢ה וְאִ֫ישָׁ֥ן כִּֽי־אַתָּ֣ה ה' לְבָדָ֑ד לָ֝בֶ֗טַח תּֽוֹשִׁיבֵֽנִי׃
Safe and sound, I lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, keep me secure.

AM YISRAEL CHAI! 🇮🇱
The People of Israel Lives!

27/12/2023

Here's a powerful statement by someone I respect very much. For fellow Jews in the Diaspora or in Israel, some really good discussion points, even if you don't agree with everything he says. Thanks, Prof. Troy !

Since Hamas’s savagery, with young Israelis dying every day, the accusations, anguish, and apologetics must end. The relationship between Israel and the Diaspora needs resetting.

06/12/2023

BEN ZUSSMAN, ז"ל

Sgt. First Class (reserves) Ben Zussman, 22, of the Combat Engineering Corps’ 601st Battalion was killed in action in Gaza on Sunday, December 3, and was laid to rest on Monday (Dec 4) in the National Military Cemetery at Mr. Herzl in Jerusalem. He was 22 years old. His mother, Sarit Zussman - who was a high school friend of my daughter's - spoke courageously and poignantly at the funeral.

Below is the translation of of what Sarit Zussman said, after memorializing her son. It is a message to us and the world -
--------------------------
To all of you, to all of us, to the Jewish people and to the State of Israel. As a story teller, I'm telling you that our story will end well. We will be successful; we have no other choice.

We are a people who want to live, not like our enemies, who are lowly and miserable, cowards, N***s, who together with their accomplices sanctify death. We will live, and thrive, and build.
Our leaders must be worthy of us -- of the Israeli spirit that beats within each and every one of us, of the Israeli spirit that beats within our amazing soldiers.

If our soldiers are able to put their personal interests aside so they can pursue our people's interests, so too our leaders must do the same. Those leaders who don't understand this -- leaders who behave arrogantly, should step aside and allow those who do understand this to lead.

We have to be successful. It's either us or them. Either the N***s and their accomplices, or us.
Do you hear, people of Israel?
World, do you hear?
Or do you hear, our cowardly and evil and death thirsty enemies?
The Nation of Israel lives, for all of eternity, for ever and ever, standing tall, head held high, now more than ever.
Be strong, believe, pursue goodness -- demand goodness, and we will win.

(thanks to Howard Rosen for the translation and to Tami Ellison for posting)

May the memory of Ben, and all of the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives protecting the Jewish people, be for a blessing.

09/06/2020

A quick glimpse at the Western Wall (Kotel) in the Covid-19 era.

05/06/2020

Next in the series of "IsraCLIPS" is a short video about burial practices in the Second Temple Period (1st Century CE/AD)l
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sytLuVIjfmE&feature=youtu.be

Just behind the King David Hotel in Jerusalem are monumental burial caves. This short video explains some of the burial practices of the Second Temple Period...

28/05/2020

Shalom to all! Here in Israel life is slowly returning to "normal," though we still have a long way to go. Since international travel is still weeks or months away, I decided to bring some clips of Israel to you: IsraCLIPS. Of course nothing can replace being here and being part of the landscape, but in the meantime I present a series of short video clips behind-the-scenes sites in Jerusalem and other places in Israel (and perhaps some well-traveled sites as well).

Our first installment is about an amazing discovery in burial caves from the First Temple Period (6th Century BCE). I'm happy to get your reactions and questions. By all means please share!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrmLO2k6gz4&feature=youtu.be

In the late 1970's, across from Mt. Zion in Jerusalem, archaeologists found series of burial caves which date back to First Temple Period (6th Century BCE). ...

28/05/2020

29/04/2020

My virtual tour of "The City Lines of Jerusalem: 1948-1967 to Today"

26/04/2020

In celebration of YOM HA'ATZMAUT - Israeli Independence Day (see note below) - I'm honored that the World Mizrachi Movement (religious Zionists) has asked me to "guide" a virtual tour called:

"THE CITY LINES OF JERUSALEM: 1948-67 and 1967 - TODAY."
It was pre-recorded and will air on WEDNESDAY, April 29 at 9:00am PDT, 12:00pm EDT, 5:00pm UK time and
7:00pm Israel time, It be will streamed on this webpage:
https://mizrachi.org/yh

Following is a quick description of my virtual tour:
Through rare photos and maps we trace how the borders of Jerusalem were determined in 1948 and then changed radically in the aftermath of the Six Day War in 1967. We look at how city and its borders developed in subsequent years and how the Security Barrier has impacted on the character of the city. (42 minutes).

On https://mizrachi.org/yh you'll also find the schedule of several fascinating presentations, lectures, prayers, celebrations and additional virtual tours, featuring some of Israel's most outstanding leaders and teachers.

I hope that you can tune in!

NOTE: On Monday night we begin 24 hours of YOM HaZIKARON - Memorial Day, a very sad and solemn day, mourning the loss of 23,816 Israelis who fell in various wars abd operations. In a 180-degree emotional turn, on Tuesday night the celebration of Israel's independence begins. Both days will have to marked virtually due to COVID-19. But the overwhelming theme on both days is Am Yisrael Chai! עם ישראל חי The People of Israel lives!

YOM HAZIKARON – YOM HA’ATZMAUT 5780       Tuesday April 28, 2020 PDT EDT UK Israel Category Topic Speakers 23:15 2:15 7:15 9:15 Memorial From Remembrance to Independence: Behind the Scenes of Israel’s Founding The Toldot Yisrael Organisation 0:15 3:15 8.15 10:15 Ceremony Tekes Yom Hazikaron...

14/07/2019

Those who have toured with me know that I have reverence and respect for all religions and ethnic groups in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem. Therefore, I'm appalled when there are incidents of violence or persecution on the part of so-called "religious Jews" against members of minority religions. As a Jew who strives to be religious I'm embarrassed by these actions of senseless hatred. Please read the article that follows of "fake news" involving Armenians and Jews in the Old City.
https://www.yiscaharani.com/fake-news

We, the Jews living in Zion, also know how to tell false tales, to incite by distorted and untrue publicity. Here is another case of harassing the Armenians, which the Jews' fake news turns into a discourse of incitement, precisely on the holiday on which we celebrate receiving the Torah.

24/06/2019

An article about a fascinating book I read in Hebrew. It's an analysis of the "Jewishness" of Israeli society. Hope it comes out in English sometime.

https://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Welcoming-the-Jewsraelis-593032

According to Rosner, the creation of the State of Israel has led to a new type of Israeli Judaism that is like no other form of Judaism that existed before.

21/06/2019

The true heroes of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Tel Aviv in May, were definitely the members of the SHALVA BAND. Made up of people with various special needs, they are terrific musicians and their message is clear and warm. My wife Sue and I had the pleasure of hearing them in concert just this past week, kicking off Jerusalem's week of the arts by people of special needs.
I took the liberty of translating the song, which is available on YouTube only in Hebrew. (Any errors in translating are mine alone). Click on the song and follow the simple yet poignant words below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUVVw7YTSBI&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Master+List&utm_campaign=58a6c63f2a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_6_19_2019_12_8&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d0a60f4f2c-58a6c63f2a-183197785

THE DOOR WILL BE OPEN (Hadelet Tihiye Petuha)
The Shalva Band

Ho…..
Once you were a child, years ago
Who navigated the city on a bicycle
Who listened to a lovely song on the radio:
Arik Einstein

The old dreams and songs
Yet burn within you
They will accompany you on your way:
L**h L**ha – GO! (God’s command to Abraham: “Go…”)

Ho, ho….
At the end of the road you will find
The home, and the door will be open

Once you were a child, years ago
With mud on your shoes
The aromas ascended from the houses
The evening descended

The old dreams and songs
Yet burn within you
They will accompany you on your way:
L**h L**ha – GO!

Ho, ho….
At the end of the road you will find
The home, and the door will be open

Don’t stop! Keep walking
Between the failing leaves and the blossoming of the flowers
There life awaits – if you[‘ll only live it

Ho, ho….
At the end of the road you will find
The home, and the door will be open

לחתימה על אמנת השילוב https://open-door.co.il/ שמיעת השיר בספוטיפיי: https://spoti.fi/2DLAgSP שמיעת השיר באפל מיוזיק: https://apple.co/2Hd1...

20/06/2019

Having guided numerous Israel pilgrimages for evangelicals - and more to come! - I know how impactful these trips are on the participants and how inspiring their commitment is for all who come in contact with them. They love the State of Israel unconditionally and are among our most important ambassadors. I've heard detractors who question the pilgrims' theological motivations. We can argue about that in the End of Days! In the meantime, we need to embrace them and encourage them to bring more and more people. God bless them and Am Yisrael Chai!

https://www.jpost.com/BDS-THREAT/Christians-who-stand-with-Israel-combat-BDS-593022

“The BDS movement relies on lies and bigotry to advance its agenda, we combat those by teaching the truth and preaching tolerance,” says Shari Dollinger, co-executive director of CUFI.

01/04/2019

From atop Mt Carmel - at the traditional location of the Prophet Elijah's "face-off" with the prophets of Baal (See II Kings 18). The Jezreel Valley below was greener than I've ever seen it - a result of a blessed winter of rain we've had.

01/04/2019

Shalom to all my friends! I know I haven't used this FB page in a while. I'll try to send updates....without being burdensome.

I was motivated to write today as I just finished a 3.5 year cycle of reading/studying the entire Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). In the fall of 2015 I took a course for tour guides in "Touring with the Bible." Besides seeing a wide variety of Biblical sites I was also introduced to the "929" Bible project. Each day everyone registered for the project (free of charge) reads a chapter of the Tanakh on the same day and is exposed to a variety of commentaries from the spectrum of Israeli/Jewish thinkers (from secular to very religious).
After the aforementioned course I began studying the book of Joshua - along with tens of thousands of other people - and went through the end of II Chronicles and then I started with Genesis again. Today we finished Deuteronomy and so I've completed my own personal cycle of study. Now I look forward to beginning again with Joshua.

While I follow the 929 Tanakh Hebrew program, there is also a well-done site in English. I encourage everyone to join me in this fascinating and meaningful project:
https://www.929.org.il/lang/en/today

Happy Passover - or Easter - to all!!

Bringing the Book back to the People of the Book, with new perspectives on the age-old text of the Tanakh. Diverse voices, fascinating perspectives. A chapter a day, 929 chapters, join the conversation!

22/11/2017

Geography Now! Israel. An entertaining and thorough overview, if you can follow his fast talk! He packs a lot into 20 minutes. Well worth watching and listening. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWKmazrRIwA

Well. This is it. North Korea is going to be a breeze after this. I talked to a lot of Israeli and Palestinian Geograpeeps for help with this video and I tri...

14/11/2017

A video about a 50th year reunion of my first trip to Israel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pExzmd8sGbU

31/10/2017

UPCOMING TOURS in 2018, guided by Joe Freedman:
March 4-11: The Holy Land: In the Footsteps of Christianity (Eilat/Petra add-on: March 11-14)
March 11-22: Folk Tour of Israel with Jim Gold
For Further information:
http://joefreedman.co.il/upcoming-tours-2018-sign-up-now-2/

16/04/2017

16/04/2017