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Peki’in

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi) in Peki’in

Rashbi, said to be the author of the mystical “Zohar”, hid in this cave in Peki’in with his son both buried up to their necks in sand, and was saved by the carob tree and the spring.  Rashbi is one of the most popular “saints” of modern Jewry. His followers visit his cave in Peki’in and his grave in Meron. His memory is celebrated on the Jewish holiday “Lag B’omer”.

Rashbi Cave, Peki'in
Rashbi Cave, Peki’in  –  I love the spelling.
Rashbi Cave, Peki'in
Rashbi Cave, Peki’in

Notice the statues of Druze heros with Druze flag in the ancient well in the center of town. This square has become a tourist attraction with restaurants, zimmers and shops. It is only a short walk down from the Rashbi cave through the residential area to the Well.

Peki'in Well
Peki’in Well

 

The Ancient Synagogue in Peki’in

Margalit Zinati holds the key to the old Jewish synagogue. She inherited it from her father who was in charge of all the Jewish holy sites in the village. She was kind enough to open the synagogue for our tour. Although Moti Aviam made an extensive archaeological dig the earliest ancient synagogue was not found. Relics or perhaps copies of relics from later periods can be seen in the synagogue.

Meeting Margalit Zinati
Meeting Margalit Zinati
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki'in
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki’in – archaeological finds
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki'in
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki’in – archaeological finds
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki'in
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki’in – archaeological finds
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki'in
The Ancient Synagogue in Peki’in – Building donation plaque
IsraelandYou was here.
IsraelandYou was here.

 

Modern Jewish Peki’in

The Jews of Peki’in had to leave the village during the Arab riots of 1939 and also during the War of Independence in 1948. Very few return to their homes. Today only two Jews live in the village, Margalit Zinati and Ilan  Toma-HaCohen.

Jewish Peki'in - School
Jewish Peki’in – School
Jewish Peki'in
Jewish Peki’in Tourist Center
Jewish Peki'in
Jewish Peki’in
Jewish Peki'in
Jewish Peki’in

 

 

Druze Peki’in

The Druze are the overwhelming majority of the village population. During the War of Independence the Druze decided to side with the Jews of Palestine and have remained loyal citizens ever since. Many of their young men serve in the IDF.

Druze IDF Soldiers Memorial
Druze IDF Soldiers Memorial

Christian Peki’in

Most of the Christian Arabs in Peki’in have moved to new neighboring village, unofficially called Buqei’a al Gharbieh “West Peki’in” as opposed to the official name “Machoul”.

Christian Peki'in
Christian Peki’in

Peki’in Tourism

One can find many B & B’s, restaurants and even a hotel in the village. Tourism is replacing agriculture as the main source of income.

Sultan al-Atrash and Druze Tourism
Sultan al-Atrash and Druze Tourism
Peki'in Tourism
Peki’in Tourism
Peki'in Tourism
Peki’in Tourism
Peki'in Tourism
Peki’in Tourism
Kosher Peki'in
Kosher Peki’in

Kosher Peki'in
Kosher Peki’in

Once a Center of the Silk Industry

During the Ottoman Period the Jews of Tzfat and  Peki’in grew mulberry trees for the local silk industry. One tree still stands proudly next to the spring.

Social Unrest in Peki’in

Signs of troubles
Signs of troubles

 

About Israel and You

Cameling in the holy land since forever