Any Jewish pilgrimage should include the historical and religious landmarks of Israel which are spread out from Galilee in the north to Eilat in the south. There are Jewish sites going back to the biblical era, as well as modern-day historical sites from the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Joining one of the Jewish Israel group tours is a great way to see the country with like-minded travelers and to ensure you don’t miss any of the must-see sites. Israel boasts a wealth of historical and religious landmarks that tell the story of the Jewish People.
Top Jewish Historical Sites
Masada
Masada is a massive rock outcrop with a flat, plateau summit. It overlooks the Dead Sea, and is a symbol of Jewish resistance and heroism. Take a cable car to the top of Masada and see the archaeological ruins of Herod’s palace-fortress. Explore the ruins of this ancient fortress that include a bathhouse, palaces, storerooms and more. Learn about events that happened years later in 73 AD during the First Jewish-Roman War. Here on Masada over 900 Jews held their final stand against the Romans. Eventually the Jews chose to commit suicide rather than be captured by the Romans and forced to convert.
Davidson Archaeological Center
The Davidson Archaeological Center in Jerusalem, adjacent to the Western Wall, is dedicated to uncovering and preserving the city’s rich historical layers. Renowned for its archaeological excavations, the center showcases artifacts spanning various periods. Visitors can explore the site’s discoveries and walk among the archaeological excavations. Explore the remnants of homes, marketplaces, and ritual baths, gaining a deeper understanding of daily life in Jerusalem during the Roman period.
Katzrin Ancient Village
Take a step back in time to the 4th century AD at the excavated village of Katzrin in the Galilee. Wander through the ruins of homes, synagogues, and workshops, imagining the bustling life of this ancient Jewish community. See well-preserved mosaic floors, stone-carved lintels, and ritual baths from hundreds of years ago.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa
The joint municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa is where you’ll find 20th-21st century history such as the stunning Bauhaus architecture. The Hall of Independence where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and Jaffa Port which was one of the most important points of entry to the Holy Land for many years. See the Ottoman-era Clock Tower in Jaffa, and explore Neve Tzedek which was the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of Jaffa in 1887.
Mount of Olives Cemetery
Pay your respects at the oldest and most revered Jewish cemetery in Jerusalem dating back at least 3000 years. The cemetery is located on the slopes of the Mount of Olives facing the Old City. Wander through the ancient tombs, where generations of rabbis, scholars, and iconic figures like Golda Meir and Menachem Begin rest.
Galilee and Golan
Galilee and the Golan Heights in Northern Israel hold several significant Jewish historical and religious sites. Tiberias, a city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, is mentioned in the Talmud and has been a center for Jewish scholarship. It is home to several Kerva Tzadikim (tombs of the righteous).
The Golan Heights, a volcanic plateau (extinct!) overlooking the Sea of Galilee, has historical connections to the ancient Jewish tribes.The area is home to ancient remains, such as the synagogue at Katzrin, and the ancient Jewish capital Gamla. Among the lush forests and vineyards of the Golan there are tangible links to the Six-Day War in 1967 such as Tel Faher (Mitzpe Golani) and Mount Bental where you can see the remains of a Syrian outpost and even walk through the abandoned bunkers.
Top Jewish Religious Sites
Western Wall
Touch the ancient stones of the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism and a remnant of the Second Temple that once stood on Temple Mount. Witness the vibrant traditions practiced here, from the blowing of the shofar to the placing of prayer notes between the stones. If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Western Wall take a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels that run beneath the Old City.
Tomb of the Rambam
Travel to Tiberias, a city steeped in Jewish history and mysticism, and visit the Tomb of Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, also known as the Rambam. This iconic figure in Jewish law and philosophy left an indelible mark on Jewish scholarship.
Mount Zion
Explore the sacred sites on Mount Zion, a hill just outside the Old City in Jerusalem that holds significant meaning for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The top Jewish landmark on Mount Zion is the Tomb of King David, a revered figure in Jewish history, who reigned over the Israelites and first established Jerusalem, the City of David.
Mount Meron and the Tomb of Rashbi
Mount Meron is a prominent peak in the Upper Galilee and is renowned for being the traditional burial site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi), a revered Jewish sage from the 2nd century AD. The site attracts thousands of Jewish pilgrims annually, particularly during the Lag BaOmer festival which marks the anniversary of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai’s death. It is celebrated with prayer, singing, and bonfires. The mountain has also become a symbol of spirituality and unity.
Safed
Safed, is a city high up in the Galilee mountains, it is a city steeped in Jewish history and spirituality, and is known as a center for Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah. The city holds deep significance as a place of Jewish scholarship, attracting renowned rabbis and scholars over the years. The Ari Synagogue in Safed is named after Rabbi Isaac Luria, a 16th-century Kabbalist known as the Ari. The 15th century Abuhav Synagogue houses a Torah scroll believed to be written by the medieval scholar and sage, Rabbi Isaac Abuhav. Safed has a vibrant Artists Quarter where the majority of the art work is religious, and the city boasts incredible views across the Galilee.
Must-Visit Museums on a Jewish Pilgrimage to Israel
- ANU Museum – Learn about the story of the Jewish People in communities around the world.
- Israel Museum – Visit the country’s most important and largest museum or art, architecture, Judaica, and archaeology, including the Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Yad VaShem Holocaust Museum – Israel’s memorial to those who lost their lives in the Second World War.
- Museum Eretz Israel – This museum is focused on the land of Israel, culture, people, and history.
- Tower of David Museum – Discover the story of Jerusalem, and stay for the Sound and Light Show.
And While You’re Here
Seeing as you’re in the Jewish homeland, take the opportunity to see some of the country’s natural wonders and secular landmarks. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. While you’re in the City of Gold, catch a bite at the Machane Yehuda Market. In Tel Aviv enjoy some local color and cuisine at Carmel Market, relax in Yarkon Park, and enjoy the amazing beaches and nightlife. See the Baha’i Gardens cascading down Mount Carmel in Haifa and explore the Crusader City of Acre. Don’t miss a visit to the Dead Sea, and travel further south to Israel’s top beach resort city, Eilat on the Red Sea.
