An Amazing Archeological Site In Meron, Midrash Rashbi

On the last day of Hanukkah we took a little trip to Meron, to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and just as we were about to get in the car I at long last had the opportunity to take my kids to one of my favorite places, the archeological site of the actual yeshiva of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, referred to as Midrash Rashbi. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai left this world around 200 CE, so this site is around 2,000 years old, can you imagine that?

The Midrash Rashbi sits on a little hill just north of the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, and is such an amazing place, though of all the thousands that visit Meron each week, very few have ever visited this special place!

 All the remains today are the Western wall, and remnants of columns on the other side of the wall.

It is truly a spectacular site, with an amazing view, and amazing history.

And there is even a little cave there off to the left, and see the column pedestal in the lower left corner? And if you are wondering how a Yeshiva could have an uneven rock floor like this one, well, way back then they didn't exactly study at tables I reckon! And just by the way, those hills way off in the distance, that is Lebanon, or just beyond those hills is Lebanon, not exactly sure, but the border is quite close.

 And of course, when there are large boulders, my boys will be inclined to climb them, and call to mom to take some photos, happily!

That is it for our little Hanukkah adventure, now it is back to our normal schedules and I'm starting to think about crafts for Tu B'Shevat, the next holiday on the Jewish calender. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!