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VISION FOR THIS YEAR

    2 New Cities 2025

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Jaffa holds great significance within Jewish history, being referenced four times in the Bible. Initially, it's mentioned as a city opposing the territory allocated to the Tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:46). Furthermore, it served as the port through which Lebanon's cedars were brought for the construction of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16). Jaffa was also the departure point for the prophet Jonah's journey to Tarshish (Jonah 1:3), and later played a role in providing cedar for the Second Temple of Jerusalem (Ezra 3:7).

In the Book of Joshua, Jaffa marks the territorial boundary of the Tribe of Dan, giving rise to the modern term "Gush Dan." Unfortunately, the tribe couldn't displace the Philistines from Jaffa, yet many Dan descendants settled along the coast, engaging in ship-making and sailing. The "Song of Deborah" questions why Dan resides in ships.

Following Canaanite and Philistine dominion, Jaffa was conquered by King David and King Solomon, who utilized its port for importing cedars from Tyre to construct the First Temple. The city remained under Israelite control throughout the united kingdom era.

Our Experience in Jaffa: Learning and Exploration

Jaffa offers a plethora of captivating sights and experiences. Since its restoration, it has become a favored tourist destination, drawing visitors both as an extension of Tel Aviv and as an intriguing city in its own right. Jaffa stands as a vibrant fusion of Jewish and Arab communities, sharing the same bustling atmosphere. The dynamic nature of Jaffa is evident as people hurriedly go about their daily routines. The Flea Market stands out as a significant location, while the narrow alleyways and streets within the city are adorned with artists' studios, galleries, craft shops, and boutiques, creating a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and aromas. Moreover, Jaffa boasts an array of distinctive and captivating dining establishments.

Ancient Samaria:

Tel Shilo

Shilo held the status of an ancient city nestled within the bounds of Samaria, serving as the capital of the historical Kingdom of Israel. Additionally, it represented the designation of the administrative precinct encircling the city during the later periods of Greek and Roman dominion, signifying the hilly expanse situated between the Sea of Galilee to the north and Judea to the south.

The realm of Samaria occupied a central stance within the biblical Land of Israel. While human settlement within Samaria traces back to the fourth millennium B.C.E., it was formally established as the capital of Israel by King Omri during the early ninth century B.C.E. This location held significance as the abode of the renowned ruler of the northern kingdom, King Ahab, alongside his notorious queen, Jezebel. The resting place of numerous northern kings was also situated there.

From 884 to 722 B.C.E., Samaria withstood multiple assaults, retaining its position as Israel's capital until succumbing to capture by the Assyrian Empire, leading to the deportation of its prominent inhabitants. Subsequently, Samaria transformed into the central hub of the Samaritan nation, imparting its name to the encompassing administrative sector during the era of Greek and Roman dominion. In 27 B.C.E., the city experienced a revival, owing to the rebuilding efforts of Herod the Great.

Within the New Testament narrative, the territory of Samaria marked the backdrop for significant events. It was the locale where Yeshua (Jesus) encountered the "woman at the well," revealing his identity as the Messiah. Additionally, the renowned parable of the "Good Samaritan" had its origins in this region, contributing to Yeshua's teachings. In the Book of Acts, Samaria gained prominence as the site of the earliest triumphant Christian missionary endeavor outside Jerusalem. It also holds traditional association as the final resting place of John the Baptist.

In the 20th century, archaeological explorations uncovered the remnants of Ahab or Omri's palace, as well as the grand steps of a notable temple constructed by Herod the Great in the Samarian terrain.

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