Walking in the Footsteps of Patriarchs: A Journey to Beit El and the Desert

There is something profound about guiding three generations of the same family through the biblical heartland of Israel. Recently, I had the pleasure of taking a wonderful American Jewish family—grandparents, parents, and grandchildren—on a journey that felt less like a tour and more like time travel.

Our route took us north from Jerusalem into the hills of Binyamin, tracing the steps of our ancestors along the Road of the Patriarchs, before descending into the Judean Desert for a taste of biblical hospitality.

Departing Jerusalem: Kings and Visionaries

Leaving Jerusalem is never just a commute; it’s a history lesson. As we drove north, I pointed out Tel el-Ful, a prominent hill that dominates the skyline.

• The Unfinished Palace: Perched on top is the skeletal frame of what was meant to be the summer palace of King Hussein of Jordan. Construction stopped abruptly in 1967, and it stands today as a silent witness to the dramatic shifts in the region's history.

We also passed Givat Ze'ev, a large neighborhood named after the Zionist leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky. I shared a bit of political history with the group: the name was officially given only after Menachem Begin, Jabotinsky's ideological heir, became Prime Minister in 1977. It was a great way to connect modern Israeli politics with the landscape we were driving through.

Crossing through the Hizma Checkpoint, we officially entered the region of Binyamin. This transition often sparks questions about security and geography, which we discussed openly as we made our way toward one of the most significant sites in the Bible.

Beit El: Where Heaven Touched Earth

Our first major stop was Beit El (Bethel). For a family celebrating their connection to Jewish history, there are few places more powerful than this.

We stood at the site identified as the location of Jacob's Dream. This isn't just a random hill; this is where Jacob, fleeing his brother Esau, laid his head on a stone and saw a ladder reaching to the heavens with angels ascending and descending.

The Challenge of Identification:

I took this opportunity to talk about how we know where biblical sites are. We discussed the history of identifying these locations, from early pilgrims to modern archaeologists. At Beit El, the convergence of biblical text, topography, and archaeological finds (including ancient fortifications and ritual sites) makes a compelling case.

The Spiritual Significance:

Standing there, we read the verses from Genesis together.

"And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was Luz at the first."

We discussed the concept of Beit El as a spiritual gateway—a "House of God." For the grandparents, seeing their grandchildren standing on the very rocks where Jacob received the promise of the land ("The land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed") was a deeply emotional moment. It really drove home the continuity of the Jewish people.

The Biblical Highway: Road 60

Driving away from Beit El, we traveled along Road 60. This isn't just a modern asphalt road; it follows the ancient ridge route known as the Way of the Patriarchs.

I explained to the group that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all walked this very path. It is the topographical spine of the country, connecting Shechem, Shiloh, Beit El, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Every curve in the road has a story, and driving it feels like moving through the pages of the Bible.

A Culinary Interlude: The Psagot Falafel

History makes you hungry! We stopped at the Psagot Junction for lunch.

Let me tell you, the falafel there is outstanding. Fresh, hot, and crispy. We sat together, wiping tehina off our chins, enjoying that universal Israeli experience of a perfect pita. It was a nice, grounded break in a day full of high spiritual concepts.

Into the Desert: Abraham’s Tent

From the hills of Binyamin, we took the scenic route down toward the Judean Desert, heading to Kfar Adumim. The landscape shifted dramatically again, from the terraced hills of the mountains to the beige, rolling dunes of the desert.

Our destination: Genesis Land (Eretz Bereshit).

This is where the tour turned into pure fun and immersion. We were greeted by "Abraham" and his servant "Eliezer of Damascus"—actors who stay fully in character!

• Costume Change: The whole family got into the spirit, donning biblical robes and head coverings. The photos of the grandparents in biblical garb next to the teenagers are instant classics.

• Camel Trek: We rode camels into the desert, looking out over the endless views toward the Jordan Valley.

• Tent Hospitality: Inside the open tent, we learned about the mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim (hospitality). The kids got their hands dirty baking pita bread on an open fire (Saj), which we then ate with za'atar and olive oil.

It was the perfect way to end the day—connecting the history we learned at Beit El with the tactile experience of how our ancestors actually lived.

A Day to Remember

From the deep history of Jacob's ladder to the laughter of camel riding, this day had it all. It was a privilege to guide this family and watch them connect with their heritage in such a tangible way.

Interested in a Biblical Heritage Tour?

Whether you want to explore the archaeology of the Patriarchs or experience the fun of the desert, I can customize a tour that fits your family's interests and ages perfectly. Contact me to start planning your next adventure in Israel!