A Texas Family’s Journey to the Heart of Biblical Israel

The Texas Ranchers and the Biblical Roots of Samaria

From Lone Star to Holy Land: A Texas Family’s Journey to the Heart of Biblical Israel

Where the Bible Comes Alive: Meeting Pioneers and Prophets on Israel’s Route 60

There are travelers who come to see Israel, and then there are travelers who come to live Israel, if only for a few days. I recently had the privilege of guiding the Ramsays, a Texas family, a couple and their four bright kids (ages 4, 10, 10, and 13), who belong firmly in the latter category. Their three-day tour with me wasn't just a sightseeing tour; it was a deep, personal pilgrimage that took us into Israel’s ancient, spiritual core.

The Intersection of Faith and Modernity

Our journey began not among famous ruins, but in a surprisingly modern spot: a meeting with Rabbi Elie Mischel and the executive team of Israel365.com in Beit Shemesh. Their platform is dedicated to establishing friendship and understanding between Jews and Christians based on Torah and love for the land and people of Israel. This meeting set the perfect tone for the continuation of our journey together. It demonstrated Israel as a vibrant, living nation built on deep roots. The children, full of questions and energy, were instantly captivated by the mission to bridge the gap between Israel and the world, but didn’t forget to ask the rabbis what their favorite ice cream is.

A highlight for our guests, especially given their deep faith and biblical education, was a visit to the Museum of Biblical Natural History at Har Tov. This unique institution bridges Torah and science, showcasing the wildlife of the Bible. The kids were completely engrossed by the hands-on approach. The family even met the museum’s founder, the scholar Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin, who was fascinated to discover that this Texas ranching family was not only well-versed in Torah but keeps Shabbat at home. That instant connection finding a shared spiritual devotion across continents is the true magic of touring Israel.

The Road of Valor: Lessons in National Birth

Sometimes, the greatest lessons are learned spontaneously. Though scheduling changes altered a planned stop, our drive past Shaar HaGai included very powerful moments. As we passed the haunting monuments made of the wrecks of armored supply trucks ambushed by Arab forces, we discussed the fierce battles for the road to Jerusalem during Israel's War of Independence. I described the immense efforts and the huge sacrifices made by Israel’s forces who successfully overcame Arab armies trying to cut off and starve the ancient capital's Jewish residents. The message resonated deeply: Jerusalem's connection to the Jewish state was achieved in spite of fierce international and local opposition. This wasn't just history; it was a powerful story of courage, logistics, and national determination that literally paved the very road we traveled on.

Shiloh: The Tabernacle and the Modern Return

The next day, our journey to the heart of the Biblical narrative culminated in a full, immersive tour of Ancient Shiloh. This site, where the Tabernacle stood for 369 years before the First Temple was built in Jerusalem, offered tangible proof of the Biblical texts the Texans cherish.

We explored all the sites: watching the moving film in the HaRoeh Tower, praying where Hanna, mother of the prophet Samuel, prayed for a son, and touring the beautiful Mishkan Shiloh Synagogue. A particularly striking moment was visiting the Red Heifers, a current, deeply symbolic project that connects ancient prophecy with modern Jewish life.

The spiritual depth was perfectly balanced with the flavor of the region. After Shiloh, we enjoyed a delightful lunch and wine tasting at the Kabir Winery, which offered a commanding overview of Mount Eval and Mount Gerizim. We discussed the biblical significance of these mountains, of Blessing and Curse, and spoke about the pioneering archaeological work of Professor Adam Zartal who discovered Joshua’s Altar on Mount Eval.

The day concluded with an electrifying experience that bound the biblical land with modern passion: a meaningful meeting with Tommy Waller and The Israel Guys team at the HaYovel camp at Har Bracha. This was followed by an action-packed RZR ATV ride through the vineyards and backroads of Mount Gerizim. The adrenaline, the stunning scenery, and the direct connection to the community guarding this biblical heartland left the young travelers (and parents!) buzzing.

A valuable extension to the planned journey to Israel

The spiritual and historical experience the family discovered in the heartland of Israel came about thanks to their decision to extend their trip beyond the scope of their conventional two-week Israel tour. They were strongly encouraged to stay for a few additional days by a brand-new initiative called the Judean Samaritan Experience. This outfit is dedicated to helping visitors easily connect with expert guides and curated, high-quality itineraries along Route 60, the Biblical Highway. Thanks to this resource, they expanded their itinerary, eager to dive even deeper into the stories and communities that bring the Bible to life.

Conclusion: Our guests didn't just visit the Bible; they drove its backroads, tasted its wine, and stood on the ground where the Tabernacle once rested. This blend of authentic history and vibrant, pioneering community is what makes a tour of Judea and Samaria unforgettable.