Today we celebrated our first post-aliyah Yom Ha'Atzmaut. We watched the Israeli Air Force fly over from the near by Tel Bet Shemesh, the ancient site of the biblical Bet Shemesh. Filled with pride, we cheered on the modern miracle of the Israeli army, while standing on the ruins of an ancient Jewish settlement. What an incredible feeling at this merging of the ancient and the modern Israel.
Every day, as I drive around my home city of Beit Shemesh, I contemplate the characters who once walked this land. On my commute to Jerusalem I pass Shimshon junction, named after the great biblical character. I continue passed the new branch of Ikea, named Eshtaol and pass a small kibbutz called Tzora. Shimshon (Samson) lived between Eshtaol and Tzora (Shoftim 13:25, 16:31). In fact, nearby there is a grave site reported to be his burial place.
The modern city of Beit Shemesh has biblical roots, beyond the connection to Shimshon. Originally within the tribal territory of Dan, it later became part of the southern kingdom of Yehuda. A designated Levite city, the captured Aron (Ark) was returned there briefly after the Philistines were afflicted for seizing it (1 Shmuel 6).
The recent clearing of land for the construction of a new motorway unearthed an archaeological discovery. The disruption to the plans may have irritated commuters, but has provided insights into the ancient history here. For example, the discovery of dozens of olive-oil presses from the 7th century BCE revealed biblical Beit Shemesh as a major producer of olive oil.
On my first trip to the local council office to pay various utility bills, I walked into the entrance hall and was amazed to see a display of the local archaeological finds. History is all around us here. When we bring the stories of the Tanach to life, we remember that they are not just part of a history book. They form part of our national identity, teaching us life lessons relevant today.
One of the most amazing things about living in Israel, is being able to walk in the footsteps of Tanach.
To view a version of this article in print form please visit https://www.theus.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023_daf_tazria_metzora_download.pdf
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