Sukkot, one of the three festivals when Jews historically went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, is still one of Israel’s most popular tourist seasons centuries later. Thousands of tourists, visitors and locals alike will pour into different cities of the Holy Land, to see the age-old sights, visit museums, eat the hearty food (in a sukkah, of course) and reconnect with their roots. As Israel prepares for its tri-annual onslaught of pilgrims, The Jewish Link would like to offer its readers a short guide to some new and trending, and older but always fun, activities and tours happening around the Holy Land on Sukkot.
When: Friday, September 28 (starting times vary by race).
Where: Starting locations vary by race, all end at Ancient Shilo Site.
Cost: Varies between 70 NIS (for 5km race) and 280 NIS (for full 42km marathon).
“Then a man of Benjamin ran from the battle line the same day, and came to Shiloh with his clothes torn” (Shmuel Alef 4:12)
When tracing the historical source of the marathon, one inevitably ends up in Ancient Greece, and Greek mythology. However, based on this pasuk, one could claim that the tradition of running marathons could go back even further, to biblical Israel…or at least this was the claim of Yosef Yekutiel, founder of the Maccabia Games. In the mid-20th century, Yekutiel measured the distance the “man of Benjamin” would have run from Rosh Ha’Ayin (modern-day city in the location of biblical Eben Ezer) to Shiloh, where the mishkan stood at the time. He found the distance to be precisely 42km, the official length of the Olympic marathon.
Several years ago, the Israeli Marathon Association, in conjunction with the Ancient Shiloh Historical Site, began the Bible Marathon, a modern re-enactment of this ancient run. Thousands of participants run the historical route from Rosh Ha’ayin, up and down hills, along paths, through the Samarian city of Ariel and eventually conclude in Shiloh. More recently, additional races have been added, including a 21km half marathon which follows the same route, only beginning at the marathon’s halfway point in Ariel, as well as 5km and 10km runs that begin and end in Shiloh and a special needs and children’s run which remains within the Shiloh site. Touted as the Bible Marathon by its organizers, this race includes biblical themed prizes, shirts, greetings throughout the race and at the finish line as well as activities after the race in Shiloh. Shuttles will be available for participants from nearby cities, as well as free parking on-site and bag check.
Athletically-inclined visitors, interested in reliving one of the most ancient races, can register for the Bible Marathon online at www.biblemarathon.co.il/enuntil September 25.
When: Wednesday, September 26, 11:00-21:00
Where: Mevo Modi’im (near Modi’in and Ne’ot Kedumim)
Cost: 50 NIS for adults, and 25 for children—150 NIS family special (includes three+ children under 18)
Rav Shlomo Carlebach, one of the more well-known figures in 20th century American Jewry, founded Mevo Modi’im in 1975 as a moshav shitufi (cooperative village) between many who shared in his vision and wanted to take part in spreading his worldview. Decades later, after Rav Carlebach’s passing, the residents of Mevo Modi’im (still known colloqially as “the Carlebach Moshav”) keep his spirit alive by hosting guests on a weekly basis, running a very well-attended Shabbat minyan and spreading materials around the country and around the world.
In this spirit, every Chol Hamoed Pesach and Sukkot, the Moshav opens up its gates and hosts a mega country fair for Carlebach fans from around the country and the world. Famous artists, such as Chaim Dovid, Shlomo Katz, Zusha and the Solomon Brothers, will perform at the main stage throughout the day. At the same time, an arts fair will take place, including over 70 arts and crafts booths of amazing artists, holistic healers with natural treatments and kosher food (for sale). For younger visitors, there will be a petting zoo as well as musical instrument, arts and crafts and bubbles workshops.
Tourists wishing to relive yonder years, and embrace their inner Carlebach spirit, can find more information about the Moshav Country Fair, including full schedule and directions at www.moshavfair.com (tickets do not need to be purchased in advance).
In addition to these activities, JLNJ recommends other Sukkot classics which will be taking place in the Jerusalem area.
The mass Birkat Kohanim will take place at the Western Wall on Wednesday, September 26, (8:45 a.m. Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. Birkat Kohanim of Shacharit, 10:15 a.m. Mussaf, 10:30 a.m. Birkat Kohanim of Mussaf). The Jerusalem March, where thousands from around the world participate in a symbolic march of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, will take place on Thursday, September 27. The largest sukkah in Israel, in Jerusalem’s Safra Square, will be open to the public throughout the holiday.
These and many other activities await locals and visitors alike, as the Holy Land prepares to celebrate Sukkot.
The Jewish Link wishes all of its readers a chag sameach!
