The Gush Etzion area is located 15 minutes outside Jerusalem and is rich with history, adventure and fun. The area played an important role in protecting Jerusalem during the ’67 War and today is home to many English speakers.
The area has over 20 fun activities and the Etzion Tourism Board is a great resource for reading about all of them. We can’t list them all but here are our favorites…
Sunset at the Hasmonean hideout in Bur Asper: Tour and Candle Lighting
A short trip, in partnership with the Pnei Kedem community, to Bor Asper, where the Hasmonean brothers hid after the fall of Judah in the battle of Elasha, in 160 BC. Go down to the pit, enjoy the beautiful view of Sefer Hamadbar in the evening, and remember an unknown chapter in the history of the Hasmoneans. Guides from the Gush Etzion Field School will guide the tour (includes on-site candle lighting). TICKETS
Maccabbean Experience at Oz Ve’Gaon
Join a fascinating journey following the Maccabees at Oz Ve’Gaon! Come and experience the story of Hanukkah in a new ways, where the spirit of heroism and faith combine in a variety of experiential activities: bake fresh pita bread on a tabon, watch holiday-themed theatrical shows, view a spectacular exhibition of Temple tools and try your hand at archery. You can also make your very own clay seal and play challenging board games too. Learn about the heritage of the Maccabees, and experience the special connection between the past and the present in the heart of Gush Etzion. Come find out how the spirit of the Maccabees continues to beat even today – a magical experience for the whole family! TICKETS
Sounds for Hanukkah with the Jala Musical Ensemble at the Herodium Royal Palace
The Ministry of Heritage and the Nature and Parks Authority invite you to connect with the land, the roots and the heritage, in a heritage week that is all about heroism. Join us in lighting the symbolic third candle of Hanukkah, in one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world: an artificial mountain with a palace, a theater and even the magnificent tomb of King Herod! Explore a labyrinth of underground spaces on the site, and don’t miss the amazing views. There will be guided tours of the system of caves and cisterns, a musical performance by the ensemble Jala with an oud, kamanza, guitar and percussion instruments. TICKETS
Rappelling on Matzuk Haavot (Patriarch’s Cliff)
This Hanukkah teach your kids courage and bravery and take them rappelling down Matzuk Haavot for an hour & a half with Lior Ben Yashar! Contact the Gush Etzion Tourist Board for details.
