Yad Hashmonah

If you want to have some hands-on experiences while on your pilgrimage to Israel, Yad Hashmonah is the place to go! Located on the western side of the Judean Mountains, visitors can see displays of an ancient burial cave, synagogue, farming techniques used during that time period, etc. Bounded by Finish Christians in 1971 who were primarily carpenters, Yad Hashmonah's name means "memorial to the eight", referring to the 8 Jews out of the 2,000 Jewish refugees who were sheltered by Finland during the Holocaust who lost their lives to the Nazis . Those who go on Israel guided tours of Yad Hasmonah get to see the beautiful Biblical Garden, which has a grape press, threshing floor and olive press where fruits mentioned in the Bible are processed while in season. Visitors are also given the opportunity to experience aspects of life during ancient times, such as sheep-shearing or goat-milking. At the ritual bath or mikveh visitors are taught about the purification ideas held during Jesus' time. Those who come to Yad Hashomnah also enjoy seeing a watchtower like that mentioned in Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-2). If you're hungry to experience hands-on activities in addition to amazing sights, Yad Hasnmonah should definitely be a stop on your Israel tour.