Unearthing Inspiration in Jerusalem and the Frontier of Tekoa

Oct. 2025

The second half of our tour was an exploration of contrasts: the spiritual intimacy of the Old City, the unexpected beauty of Arab and Jewish encounters, and the staunch resilience of a community living on the frontier of history.

The Magic of the Old City’s Alleys

We began with a walking tour through the sensory overload of the Suk Al Bazzar market on David Street and Chain Gate Street in the Old City. The visitors, especially the children, navigated the crowded, narrow passages with pure excitement, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds.

Our first stop was a moment of profound spiritual focus: a special visit with Rabbi Eli the Scribe. Rabbi Eli offered an inspirational talk that transcended language barriers, delving into the significance of the Hebrew letters and words in the Torah. He connected the physical act of scribing to the spiritual energy of the world, reminding our guests that their beloved scriptures are a living, breathing artifact. It was a unique, intimate lesson that you simply can't get from a textbook.

Moving deeper into the Muslim Quarter, we found ourselves experiencing the unexpected and beautiful layers of Israeli life. We met Nael, an expert gemologist, who welcomed us into his shop and gave an in-depth presentation on the beautiful stones from the Land of Israel. He explained the mineral contents, the properties of the stones, and the incredible geological history of this region. His passion for the stones was contagious.

Just a bit further up the street, we met Husam, the fresh juice man. While Husam kept the travelers refreshed with his freshly squeezed fruit drinks, he shared his true passion: raising and riding Arabian horses. These moments, meeting a Rabbinical Scribe discussing the Torah, a Muslim gemologist showcasing the land’s minerals, and an Arab juice vendor sharing his love for horses, are the subtle, complex heart of Jerusalem. They demonstrate that despite the headlines, real life involves complex humanity, and passion.

Tekoa: The Front Line of Faith and Family

From the ancient walls, we drove out to the breathtaking eastern Gush Etzion region to the picturesque township of Tekoa, passing Herodian, the artificial mountain and palace fortress built by King Herod some two thousand years ago to serve as his mausoleum.

In Tekoa, the scent of fresh baking drew us to a local vendor where the family enjoyed freshly baked breads and natural fruit popsicles. But the real reason for our visit was a deeply moving, post-October 7th encounter with the Barak family at their home in the town of Sedeh Bar nearby.

Amit and Ashra Barak shared their story. Amit, the husband and father, had served in his paratrooper reserve unit from October 7th for two years until just days before our visit. Ashra spoke openly about the difficulties and challenges of a family throughout the war, being on their own while the father was protecting the nation. They painted a picture of incredible community spirit and resilience.

What truly struck the visitors was the story of the American veterans who volunteered to come to Israel and guard this community while most of the local men were called up to the front lines. This profound, tangible expression of solidarity between friends from around the world and residents of remote Israeli communities left a powerful impression. Amit, now returning to civilian life, shared his new focus: assiting pioneering activity and heading intelligence efforts to counter anti-Israel provocateurs who harass Israeli farmers in Judea and Samaria. The Ramseys saw, first-hand, the price and the passion of those living at the forefront of the national struggle.

Meeting the Visionaries Building the Future

The final segment of our tour brought us to a place of vision and profound spiritual purpose: the beautifully austere Arugot Farm. Perched on a desolate hilltop in the Judean desert, it embodies the spirit of return and renewal.

We were warmly greeted by Jeremy Gimbel, who gave us a grand tour. Jeremy shared the deep, personal history of the area, telling us how King David lived here and is believed to have written many of his Psalms in this very wilderness. To stand on the same rocks where the Biblical king sought refuge gave the guests a powerful, tangible link to their scripture.

Jeremy then shared his own incredible story. He and his partner, Ari Abramovich, came out to this barren spot only ten years ago with a vision: to build a farm and retreat that would be a center of fellowship for lovers of Israel to connect directly to the Torah and the amazing phenomenon of the Jewish people returning to their land. The family saw the contrast between the stark landscape and the vibrant life being built there, transforming ancient texts into modern reality.

Looking back, the greatest value wasn't just in seeing the sites, but in the people we met. These authentic, unscripted encounters are what transform a good tour into a life-changing journey: the scholarly Rabbi Slifkin, the brave Barak family, the cultural bridge builders in Jerusalem, and the pioneering visionaries like Jeremy Gimbel.

The Ramseys, from their ranch in Texas, came seeking a deeper connection to the Bible. They left having found not only the ancient history they sought, but a living, breathing testament to faith, courage, and resilience in the Judean Hills and the Old City.

For me, as their guide, the ultimate reward is seeing the entire, complex story take hold with authenticity. It’s the fusion of ancient texts and modern courage: from the sheer joy of the whole group buzzing after an exhilarating RZR ride in the biblical heartland to the deep, quiet contemplation during a meeting with an IDF war veteran in Sedeh Bar, and the simple, priceless moment when the twin ten-year-olds were completely mesmerized by a Scribe's lesson in Jerusalem. Connecting our guests to the living, breathing people and history of this land, blending the spiritual, the historical, and the adventurous, that is the measure of success.