Our Jewish Pilgrimage tours take you on a magical journey through creation, sacrifice and war. Learn about the importance of Jerusalem to the Jewish faith whilst visiting numerous historical sites. The Western Wall and Hezekiah's Tunnel are just a few of the marvels you will embark on during your tour. Want to know why Jerusalem holds such importance to Judaism? Read below to find out.
Hezekiah's Tunnel
It is the 7th Century BC, and the Assyrian Empire is a powerful nation in the Middle East, having conquered lots of land around Israel including modern day Iraq, parts of Turkey and Egypt. In 701 BC, the Assyrian Empire is ordered to capture Jerusalem, home to a large Jewish population ruled by King Hezekiah. Considering the walls of the city were so strong, the Assyrians decided to lay siege on Jerusalem. They stood guard around the city blocking any food, water or supplies from entering or leaving the city. However, in order to protect Jerusalem, Hezekiah blocked the springs outside the city walls to deprive the army of water. Whilst the Assyrian Army had no water supply, a 533 meter tunnel was dug under the city walls to the Spring of Gihon, to provide the city with fresh water. Without any fresh water, the Assyrian Army surrendered and the Jewish people survived. The story of Hezekiah's Tunnel is present in the Torah in 2 Chronicles 32:2-4 and 2 Chronicles which 32:30 which says ' It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David.' On our Jewish tour of Judaism, you can embark on a thrilling journey underneath the city walls, through Hezekiah's tunnel itself! |
The Western Wall
Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall is arguably the most significant site in the world for Jews. This wall is so important because it is the last remaining piece of ancient wall surrounding the area where the Jew's Holy Temple once stood. Apart from this, there are many other pivotal events that took place here throughout Jewish history: The Temple Mount on Mount Moriah is situated behind the wall. According to Jews, the creation of the world began from the foundation stone at the top of the mountain. Adam, the first human is believed to be created at the top of Mount Moriah. Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac so went to the peak of Mount Moriah where the foundation stone is and bound him there. The Holy of Holies, a sanctuary in the Jewish Temple was also built around the foundation stone. |