Must See Jewish Locations in Israel
written by Zvika Gasner Koheleth 12-December-2024 (Originally 25-January-2021) photography by Angela Hechtfisch
Intro: Jewish Locations To Visit in Israel
Israel’s importance to Judaism goes back to Abraham and the first steps of faith. From King David’s united monarchy to Solomon’s Temple on Mount Moriah, history echoes through every stone. Conquered, exiled, and finally reborn with Zionism, the Jewish people returned after 2,000 years to rebuild their homeland.
Through centuries of diaspora, small communities kept the flame alive in four holy cities—Jerusalem, Safed, Tiberias, and Hebron. Each city carries a unique story of faith, resilience, and tradition. For anyone exploring Israel, no journey is complete without walking through these timeless centers of Jewish life.
Jewish locations in Jerusalem
From every angle, Jerusalem stands as the beating heart of Jewish life—past and present. In Temple times, Jews made pilgrimages here three times a year—on Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. That tradition still echoes today, as thousands of Jewish travelers flock to the city during these holidays.
Highlights include the Western Wall (Kotel), the Jewish Quarter, the City of David, and King David’s Tomb. Twice a year, during Sukkot and Passover, the powerful “Cohanim Blessing” draws huge crowds to the Western Wall plaza, creating one of the most moving spiritual gatherings in the Jewish world.
Jerusalem – Heart of Jewish Spirituality
Sitting high in the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem is Israel’s capital with cool, dry winters and unmatched holiness for the Jewish people. The Bible tells us this is where God chose to dwell, and history remembers it as the city of the First and Second Temples—the latter destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Today, the Western Wall (Kotel) is the holiest site for Jews worldwide. It’s not part of the Temple itself, but rather the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount. Visitors usually enter through the Dung Gate, one of the Old City’s eight gates. On Jewish festivals the plaza is crowded, yet open to all. Men and women pray in separate areas; men cover their heads (paper kippahs are provided) and women dress modestly. Many tuck small notes into the stones, leaving heartfelt prayers for God. Entry is free, but note that photos are not allowed on Shabbat.
Jewish tradition also teaches that beneath the Temple Mount lies the “Foundation Stone,” believed to be the rock of creation and the site of Isaac’s binding. Today it is located under the Dome of the Rock, a reminder of the city’s shared sacredness.
For more details, see the extended post on Jerusalem’s attractions for all faiths.
Hebron – Jewish Must-See Places
Hebron is the second holiest city in Judaism, home to the Cave of Machpela—the traditional burial site of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah. Rachel, Jacob’s second wife, rests separately at Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem.
Hebron also holds deep history as King David’s first capital before Jerusalem. Today, the city is divided into two sections under the Oslo B agreements: H1 under Palestinian Authority and H2 under Israeli control. The Cave of Machpela sits in the Israeli-administered Old City, guarded by Israeli security forces.
According to Genesis 23:1–20, Abraham purchased the cave for 400 silver shekels as a family burial site. Over the centuries, access for Jews was often restricted—most notably for 700 years under Ottoman rule. Tragic events, such as the 1929 Hebron massacre of 67 Jews and the 1994 massacre of 29 Muslim worshippers, left deep scars.
Today, both Muslims and Jews pray at the Machpela complex, but with separate entrances and chambers, reflecting the site’s layered and sometimes painful history—yet still a powerful place of faith and memory.
Safed (Tsfat) – A Must-Visit for Jewish Heritage
Safed, perched 900 meters above sea level, is Israel’s highest city and the capital of the Upper Galilee. Winters here can be chilly, with the occasional snowfall, adding to its magical atmosphere.
In the 16th century, under Ottoman rule, Jewish immigrants turned Safed into a thriving textile hub and, more importantly, the global center of Kabbalah. Great spiritual leaders left their mark here, including Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi), believed to be buried on Mount Meron. Legend tells of his 12 years hiding in a cave with his son while resisting Roman rule, during which he composed the mystical Zohar.
After the 1492 Spanish expulsion, Safed became home to leading rabbis: Rabbi Isaac Luria, Moshe Cordovero, and Joseph Caro—author of the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law). Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz, composer of the famous “Lecha Dodi,” also lived here, shaping Jewish prayer and tradition.
Even in modern times, Safed continues to be a place of spiritual pilgrimage—Rabbi Berg, head of the international Kabbalah Center, was buried in the city’s ancient cemetery in 2013.
A stroll through Safed’s old alleys, synagogues, and artists’ quarter blends history, mysticism, and living tradition—making it a must for any Jewish visitor.
Tiberias – A Jewish Heritage Tour
Tiberias, founded in 20 AD by Herod Antipas and named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius, sits on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee (Kineret). Today, it’s a vibrant city of around 50,000 residents, blending history, faith, and lakeside beauty.
For centuries, Tiberias has been one of Judaism’s spiritual centers. Its Old City is home to many synagogues, with four standing out in particular: the Tree of Life (Sephardic), first built in 1740 and rebuilt several times after earthquakes and floods; the Senior Synagogue (Sephardic); and two historic Hasidic synagogues—the First Hasidic Synagogue (1786) and the Risen Synagogue.
Walking through Tiberias, you’ll feel the layers of tradition and resilience that keep Jewish life alive on the shores of the Kineret.
According to the Babylonian Talmud—finalized in Tiberias—the city holds a key role in the “end of days.” The Talmud even says, “Tiberias is the deepest of them all…” From this grew the tradition that the resurrection of the dead will begin here, not on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives.
Because of this belief, many Jewish sages asked to be buried in Tiberias. Among them are great figures like Maimonides (Rambam), Rabbi Meir, Rabbi Akiva, and many others from different eras of Jewish life in the city. Their resting places still make Tiberias a spiritual magnet for Jewish visitors today.
For a broader perspective, check out the full post on cross-religion attractions in Tiberias worth exploring.
Masada & Judaism
Rising above the Judean Desert, Masada was the last Jewish stronghold to fall to the Romans in 73 AD. Its fall marked the end of Jewish independence and the beginning of exile from the Holy Land.
Yet Masada became more than a tragic site—it turned into a timeless symbol of courage and sacrifice. As rebel leader Yair ben Elazar declared: “Better the death of a free man than a life of slavery.”
Today, Masada stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, freedom, and the Jewish spirit that refuses to break.
Here is the link to the full story of Masada history.
