The days of destruction

The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians left its mark in the annals of our history for generations. The physical layer of destruction by the Babylonians is still present and preserved. Recent excavations from the past years reveal a detailed, rich, and vivid picture that was once concealed from us.

You are invited on a unique and eye-opening journey, following the story and discoveries of the destruction of the First Temple.

In this lecture, we embark on a journey to Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, from the days of glory in the Hasmonean and Herodian periods, through the civil war and the city’s destruction, to the final battle in the hidden tunnels, which was recently uncovered in the City of David.

The Megalim Institute, the leading institute for Jerusalem studies, offers captivating lectures that bridge the past and present, allowing you to explore the history of the Jewish people in ancient Jerusalem through the lens of the archaeological discoveries which are constantly unfolding.

Our finest lecturers from the Institute will come to you with a fascinating lecture of your choosing.

In preparation for Tisha B’Av, we invite you to learn about the Pilgrims Road in Jerusalem, which connected the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount. Beneath the street, a hidden tunnel was uncovered, where the last rebels sought refuge during the destruction of the Second Temple.

The excavation of the road is still closed to the general public, but you are invited to see the exciting discoveries made there, which shed light on the historical events that unfolded in Jerusalem’s past.

In this captivating lecture, we will journey back to the days of the Second Temple and accompany the pilgrims on their pilgrimage from a small village in the Galilee to the gates of Jerusalem. The reception of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims required a complex logistical system. We will explore how they ensured there was enough water, mikvehs (ritual baths), roads, and accommodations for the pilgrims. We will visit the markets of the ancient city and ascend towards the Temple Mount following in the footsteps of the pilgrims. All through historical sources and archaeological findings.

דרך הכתבים ההיסטוריים והממצאים החדשים שנתגלו באתרים הארכיאולוגים בגליל, נקבל הבנה מחודשת על מרד בר כוכבא ביהודה ובגליל ומה הייתה חשיבותו עבור התקומה המחודשת של היהודים בגליל ככלל והנהגת הסנהדרין בפרט.

ההרצאה מלווה במצגת וסיור וירטואלי בגליל.

Some people seek archaeology and find treasures, while others seek treasures and find archaeology.

In the Bible and Rabbinic writings, there were diverging descriptions of the beauty and wealth of Jerusalem. What has survived from all of this? The search for treasures in Jerusalem that survived destruction, ruin, desecration, and exile has never ceased. Over the past 150 years, numerous expeditions have excavated in Jerusalem.

These searches have yielded fascinating discoveries that continue to help us interpret the captivating history of the royal city, temples, and destructions. In this intriguing lecture, we will share stories of found treasures and those yet undiscovered, of excavations and surprising findings, of Temple artifacts and personal hidden caches, of royal palaces and affluent homes, of genuine researchers and charlatans in disguise.