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Tel Dan
Situated in the Galilee region of Israel, in close proximity to the Golan Heights, Tel Dan Nature Reserve is one of Israel's most ancient and most beautiful sites. Of its many features, perhaps the most outstanding is Tel Dan's unique combination of nature and culture. Indeed, Tel Dan was announced an archeological site by the Israeli government due to rare findings of city life in the area, dating back to the Neolithic Era (commonly known as the Stone Age). Alongside the 4500 BC archeological excavations found here, Tel Dan offers some of Israel's most adventurous hiking tracks along the Jordan River and one of the country's most lavish sceneries.
Modern Day Tel Dan
The modern day site of Tel Dan is believed to rest on the ruins of what was in Biblical times the city of Dan. Named after the tribe of Dan, described in the Book of Judges as the largest of the twelve Israelite tribes, the city of Dan was historically located in the northern most province of the kingdom of Israel and considered a major center for trade and business.
In modern times, Tel Dan's location in Israel's northern region adjacent to the state's boarder with Lebanon, has attracted a great deal of attention and conflict. Most notably during the Six Day War (1967)—one of Israel's bitterest and most memorable wars—Tel Dan came under attack by the Syrian army.
Whether you are a nature lover or a history enthusiast, Tel Dan has something to offer anyone on a Jewish heritage tour. When on a tour to Israel, do not miss this fascinating site which's history begins in the Stone Age, finds it's height in Biblical times and continues to the modern state of Israel.
Tel Dan - Archeological Site
Believed to have been one of the key posts on the historic rout from Egypt to Syria, Tel Dan was historically named Leshem or Laish, receiving the name Dan only after being settled by the Israelites. Egyptian documents dating back to the 19 th century BC describe Leshem as a prominent and prosperous center for trade. It wasn't until the 11 th century BC, some eight hundred years later, that Leshem was conquered by the Israelites, and its name was changed to the city of Dan.
However, it was only after the death of King Solomon (928 BC) and the division of Israel into two kingdoms, that the city of Dan became a major center of worship. Wanting to avoid a migration from the Kingdom of the North towards the Temple in Jerusalem, King Jeroboam built two golden calves for his people to worship. The first Book of Kings tells the fascinating tale of the Israelite's turn to paganism thanks to the wrong doing of King Jeroboam, who placed two tangible gods (two golden calves) in his kingdom. One of the calves was placed in Beit-El, the other was given to the city of Dan.
Today a visit to the Tel Dan archeological site will allow visitors a very real glimpse into Biblical times. Thanks to ongoing excavations a paved courtyard has been uncovered and on it a stone platform identified as the podium on which stood the golden calf.
Especially when on a Bar Mitzvah tour to Israel, there is an important lesson to be learned by visiting Tel Dan. For it was here, on these very grounds, that the Israelites lost sight of their true God and sinfully turned to pagan gods instead.
Tel Dan- Nature Reserve
Getting its waters from the melted snow atop Mount Hermon, the Dan River is one of three rivers that drain into the Jordan River. The 120 acre reserve consists of numerous brooks and streams which together make up a small slice of Middle Eastern heaven.
Tel Dan Nature Reserve offers four widely different hiking tracks to fit anyone's personal taste and athletic abilities. The least vigorous of the trails follows the Dan River and takes place on its banks. snaking around the lush vegetation, this trail is especially good for those looking for a relaxed hike and is generally advisable during the summer months as it is shady and quite cool.
For those looking for a more energetic tour and don’t mind the sun overhead, you may opt for the trail that runs between the water-powered flour mill and the archeological site.
When on a tour to Israel visitors may choose to skip the hike altogether and focus on indoor activities instead. In this case, a visit to the Beit Ussishkin Regional Museum of Nature and Archeology may be just the answer. Here visitors will find a wide range of archeological findings, as well as a detailed exhibition of the flora and fauna characteristic of the region.
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