The Hanukkah holiday is upon us! And just in time too…with the arrival of the rainy season, things are just starting to get really glorious outdoors. Winter weather has come to the Holy Land, nourishing nature and bringing greenery and flowers to Israel’s landscapes.
If you have some time off this holiday, get out there and enjoy Israel’s nature at its finest. Chances are that there are some kids in your life (your own, grandkids, or nieces and nephews) who have the week off of school. Rather than hitting up yet another doughnut decorating workshop, make the most of the glorious winter weather by hitting the trails this Hanukkah.
These Hanukkah themed hikes are well-suited to this time of year in Israel. Plus, hiking is free and requires almost no advance planning. All you need is a backpack full of snacks and a pair of sneakers, and you’ll be ready to hit a nature trail with your loved ones.
Here are 5 Family Hikes for Hanukkah in Israel:
Park Canada – Ayalon Forest
Let’s start with a hike at the site of a famous Maccabean battle. Did you know that Park Canada (near Modi’in) was once the ancient town of Emmaus? This may not mean anything to you, but if you brush up on your Hanukkah history, you’ll discover that Emmaus is where one of the most successful Maccabean battles against the Greeks occurred.
At the Battle of Emmaus in the Ayalon Valley, a small troop of only 3000 Jewish soldiers defeated an army that outnumbered them by the tens of thousands. This surprise attack (which occurred at dawn) was one of the most influential battles in the Jewish rebels’ war against the Seleucids.
Head out on a short and beautiful trail at Park Canada this Hanukkah. On the path, you’ll see ancient aqueducts, along with plentiful olive trees, reminiscent of the miracle of Hanukkah oil. Climb up to Tel Aked for a spectacular view of the Ayalon Valley. Then travel back through a shady forest towards the trailhead.
Read the full hike post about Park Canada with maps right here.
Nabi Samuel
Did you know that Nabi Samuel (the tomb of Samuel the Prophet) is where the Maccabees were camped on the night of the famous Emmaus Battle? According to the legend, the Seleucid forces actually planned a surprise attack on the Jews’ camp there. But Maccabi scouts warned their leaders. So the Jewish soldiers deserted the camp at Nabi Samuel and headed for the enemy in the Ayalon Valley instead.
Nabi Samuel is now a National Park, but it has been a place of prayer for thousands of years. According to archeologists, a Hasmonean village has been uncovered at Nabi Samuel.
On any day of the year, Nabi Samuel National Park is a fun place to go on an adventure into history and nature. There are cool historical artifacts at the site, beautiful walking paths, and a natural spring in a cave.
Read the full hike post about Nabi Samuel with maps right here.
Hurvat Toura
One of my favorite Hanukkah hikes is this short but challenging trail to Hurvat Toura, a Hasmonean fortress in the Jerusalem mountains. Along this trail, you’ll soak up spectacular views of the Sorek valley, along with quintessential Jerusalem Mountains beauty.
The hard part of this hike is the trek up to the fortress. But the panoramic views at the top make it all worth it.
This hike to Hurvat Toura is particularly gorgeous during the wintertime, when green grasses and small flowers line the trail.
Read the full hike post about Hurvat Toura with maps right here.
Cave Diving at Adulam
Most cave hikes in Israel are apropos to the holiday of Hanukkah. That’s because the story of Hanukkah began with a mass exodus of religious Jews, who fled the city to hide in caves in towns on the countryside. Many of these caves and tunnels are carved out with little niches in the wall, once used for placing oil lamps to light the way.
There are lots of places to go cave diving in Israel, but one of the best is at Adulam Reserve, where a maze full of caves and tunnels waits underground.
A 6 kilometer circular trail at Adulam leads between Burgin Ruins and Itri, a Second Temple City with a lower level of underground tunnels. Enjoy the beautiful nature on the trail, then head underground to experience what it was like to live as a Maccabean rebel.
Read the full post about Adulam with maps right here.
Havarei Masada & the Dead Sea Salt Walkway
Okay, we’ve covered a lot of serious Hanukkah ground. But there’s one more hike that’s perfect for the Hanukkah season.
The Essenes were an extremely religious cult of Jews that escaped to the desert during the Second Temple Period. One of these groups was famous for building a community at Masada, and ultimately, deciding to take their own lives rather than assimilate with secular culture.
Although the story of Masada happened much later than the story of Hanukkah, the two are connected. The Hanukkah story about a group of religious Jews who left the cities in rebellion rather than assimilating with Greek culture. In fact, a treasure trove of Maccabean coins was recently discovered at Nahal Darja near Masada, a testament to the fact that rebels of that time escaped to the local area.
Not only that, but the desert is a perfect place to hike at Hanukkah time. It’s delightfully cool and beautiful in December. An easy circular trail at Havarei Masada is perfect for a late afternoon hike, when you can take in the beauty of the setting sun in a spectacular desert setting.
When you’re finished your hike, head on over the Dead Sea Salt Walkway for sunset and a picnic dinner.
Read the full post about Havarei Masada right here.
Hanukkah = Israel’s Nature at its Best
If you’ve never associated Hanukkah with hiking before, now’s the time to change your perspective. In Israel, Hanukkah is one of the best holidays for hitting the trails. Thanks to cooler weather, lush greenery, and fabulous history you and your family can celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah by traipsing along the trails.
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