Biblical Treasure Tours

14/12/2024

May this holiday season be a beacon of peace and hope in the Holy Land - and all over the world. May we all rejoice in the spirit of the season, here, in the splendor of Jerusalem.

Perhaps the earliest teachings of home and "hospitality" date back to the Bible, to the time of Abraham and Sarah, as described in Genesis 18, 1-8, "Abraham's Meal for the Lord in Alonei Mamre."

Read more in the latest blog from www.biblicaltreasuretours.com -
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Alonei Mamre, “The Oaks of Mamre,” just 2km from the city of Hebron, in the Judaean Hills, is where this infamous meal was held. According to the scriptures, it was at this site where Abraham and Sarah resided, but what else does the Bible tell us about this very special meal?The Lord appeared t...

17/11/2021

The Thinking Tree - an ancient olive tree in Puglia, Italy

27/06/2021

These beloved verses reveal one of the thoughts hidden in the Bible, namely the tensions between past and future - tradition and evolution

15/12/2020

Did you know that Saint Nicholas was a 4th century Christian saint who lived on the shores of the Mediterranean during the Roman Empire? And did you know it was St. Nicholas himself who was the first inspirational figure for today’s gift-giving, red-suited, sleigh-driving, and forever smiling, Santa Claus?

According to tradition, St. Nicholas lived in a cave overlooking the Bethlehem during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4th century. This is the cave now believed to be situated beneath the altar of the Arab Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in modern day Beit Jala, near Bethlehem. In the years 312-315, St. Nicholas was there. He came as a pilgrim to visit the many shrines in the Holy Land. In Beit Jala today, there are countless tales about the great St. Nicholas, who until today, is considered by many as the protector of Beit Jala.

On your next visit to the Holy Land, plan on a tour of this magnificent church. And who knows, you may even catch a glimpse of St. Nicholas himself! Happy Holidays to all!

Kerem Osterman Ami Giz

14/12/2020

To all my friends, far and wide, celebrating the New Year, I wish you good health. I wish you peace. May we meet again, in Jerusalem.

14/12/2020

The infamous “Jaffa orange” was first cultivated almost two centuries ago by Ottoman farmers in the port city of Jaffa. After the birth of the State of Israel in 1948, Israeli farmers made marked improvements in the already popular fruit, making it a sweet-but-tart, juicy and delicious, with relatively a long shelf life.

Exports of the mighty Jaffa orange skyrocketed once true foodies across Europe and North America fell in love with the fruit. But in the last 20 years, the Jaffa orange has sadly, fallen on hard times. At an all-time peak in the early 80’s with nearly 2 million tons a year, Israeli citrus production has dropped by nearly 75%. But why? Certainly not for lack of love (for the country, nor the orange).

Growing the Jaffa orange requires tremendous amounts of water, which here in Israel, we just don’t have enough of. Pair this with fierce competition from other countries, such as Morocco and Spain, made exporting our once finest fruit, unprofitable. Israeli farmers did not lose heart, and instead, turned their attention to growing grapes and olives that don’t need vast quantities of water. Israeli grapes and olives are some of the finest in the world, with the country’s hills and valleys covered in grape vines and olive trees. Exports are booming, and as for Israeli farmers, they couldn’t be happier.

Once, the orange groves completely covered the country’s Sharon region in central Israel. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon a few last week. Yes, these oranges are as they’ve always been… delicious.

On your next visit to the Holy Land, we'll add "tasting Jaffa oranges" to our list.

Kerem Osterman Ami Giz

06/06/2020

Only 10 percent of the characters named in the Bible, are women, and yet, many of them are among the most memorable women in history, according to biblical tradition. Although in the time of the Bible, society was based on patriarchal laws, these unique women influenced the times in which they lived.

By visiting the historic sites where women of the Bible lived and made their name, we can learn and broaden our knowledge of the woman’s vital role in the ancient Israelite family structure. We can better understand the woman’s importance in their households, their religious beliefs, and the opportunities available to women to serve as religious leaders in their communities. We can also learn about the women of ancient Israel’s royal families, as well as other women who served in leadership positions.

"In the Footsteps of the Women of the Bible" is a uniquely customized Holy Land tour designed to explore the origins of these women, where and how they lived, and the great feats they accomplished in their lifetime. Learn more -
https://tinyurl.com/y82k2sfl

Only 10 percent of the characters named in the Bible, are  women, and yet, many of them are among the most memorable women in history, according to b

29/04/2020

Israel celebrates its 72nd birthday!! But today, we are all at home. We wave our flags from our windows and our balconies. We cheer to our neighbors across the way.

Today, in support of Israel's healthcare workers nationwide, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) flew over hospitals around the country to honor the brave men and women who have taken us through these trying weeks and months.

(Photo: Jack Guez/AFP)

29/04/2020

Akko: Israel’s Northern Mediterranean Coastline Treasure

Why is Akko considered one of Israel’s most valuable treasures?

Maybe... it’s because of Akko’s eclectic mix of cobblestone streets and passageways that date back to the Romans, Ottomans, Crusaders, Mamelukes, and the Byzantines. The city that has been etched in the culture and history of so many peoples and religions, is today home to a blended population of Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

Or perhaps... it’s the city’s vibrant Arab shuk (outdoor market) that is both spectacle and ceremony of the architecture of the Old City itself. It is here that you can find spices from the time of Bible, colorful produce, freshly caught fish, mouthwatering Arab pastries, and the lingering scent of the Ho**ah pipe. Built in the latter half of the 1700s, and restored in 2011, the Turkish Bazaar is now an enticing attraction in the Old City. Filled with small galleries and shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs, its narrow streets serve traditional Turkish coffee prepared in an ibrik, a small coffee pot heated on an open flame.

Another reason might be... Akko’s renowned hummus restaurants, many of which are family-run for generations, and deemed Israel’s ‘best hummus’ by locals and visitors alike. And then, of course, are Akko’s celebrated seafood restaurants, with its popular sea bass, grouper, and fresh catch-of-the-day.

But maybe... Akko’s real treasure is taking a walk along the city’s 1,000 year old ramparts walls. Breathtaking views from the shores of the Mediterranean with the backdrop of the Akko skyline, bring the city’s rich history to life.

Or could it be... the Templars’ Tunnel, which was once a strategic underground passageway connecting the Templar palace to the port. Built by the Knights Templar in 1187, this spectacular 350 meter long tunnel with its underground stream and domed ceilings, takes you back to ancient times, if only for a few short minutes.

Or just maybe... for all of these reasons, and more, Akko is, and will remain, Israel’s northern Mediterranean coastline treasure.

Michael Oestermann

15/04/2018

became a nation in 1948 and this week, celebrates its 70th anniversary. In the Bible, Psalms 90 calls a generation "70 years". And here we are today, celebrating "70" incredible years and the glory of the Holy Land.

15/04/2018

Some of the finest, most spectacular photos of the Holy Land. https://bit.ly/2EHuYp4

(By landscape photographer Noam Chen - Photographer | נועם חן - צלם)

My country is arguably one of the smallest in the world. With little over 8000 sq. miles (20,000 sq.

28/03/2018

Best wishes for a joyous and peaceful holiday to my family, friends and colleagues. Here's to welcoming you again to the Holy Land.