Beit She'arim National Park – The Evolution of a Menorah: A Spectacular Audiovisual Display

A visit to the Menorah Cave Complex and the Valley’s Most Moving Exhibit: The Menorah’s Journey at Beit She’arim

Even the most hardened cynics will have to admit that this is moving. Sometimes, familiar symbols conceal many forgotten layers. Winter is the best time to visit Beit She’arim National Park, discover the Menorah Cave Complex, and, above all, be moved by the audiovisual presentation recounting the story of the menorah—from the days of the Temple to its transformation into a symbol of the state. These caves were discovered in the 1930s and contain magnificent reliefs of the seven-branched menorah, telling the story of the many Jews who came to be buried at Beit She’arim. The presentation itself will be shown in the water cistern that served as a Haganah arms cache. Did we mention symbolism?

Volunteers will welcome visitors and explain the site.

When: Tuesday–Saturday, September 29–October 3, and Fridays in August at 10:30; Saturdays at 10:30 and 12:30.

The Menorah presentation (without a meeting with the site’s volunteers) will be screened for the public from 10:00 to 14:00—details at the visitor center.

Advance registration is required through the Israel Nature and Parks Authority’s reservation system: “Beit She’arim Visit to the Menorah Caves.”

The visit will begin exactly at the time indicated above. Arrive 15 minutes early to arrange entry or payment according to the time selected in the registration system. Travel to the complex is by private vehicle.