Know the Land
Biblical and Spiritual Education | Publishing | Guidance and Tourism
Know the Land is an educational and publishing organization founded and led by Shai Shvalb, an Israeli author, biblical educator, certified tour guide, and bridge builder. The organization is dedicated to helping people explore Christianity’s Jewish and spiritual roots through the study of Scripture, the Hebrew language, history, geography, and archaeology.
Know the Land is dedicated to bridging the gap between Scripture and the land where biblical history unfolded, using books, educational programs, professionally guided tours throughout Israel, interactive biblical study experiences, lectures, and media productions. Its mission goes beyond imparting knowledge; it aims to inspire spiritual growth, deepen faith, and help believers reconnect with the Jewish roots of their spiritual heritage.
The organization’s flagship publication, A Bridge to Your Roots – An Evangelical Journey Through the Land of Israel, combines Scripture, archaeology, the Hebrew language, history, and geography to illuminate Christianity’s Jewish context. This book deepens readers’ understanding of their faith’s roots and has been endorsed by Bishop Robert Stearns. It has also been selected by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Christian delegations visiting Israel.
Know the Land also encompasses Shvalb’s first publication, Know the Holy Land, a comprehensive Hebrew-English dictionary, and the developing A Bridge to Your Roots interactive biblical study platform, which is designed to make biblical learning more accessible, engaging, and spiritually meaningful for audiences worldwide. It also includes the production of a one-of-a-kind audiobook version of ‘A Bridge to Your Roots’.
Complementing its educational and publishing mission, Know the Land offers professional guiding and tourism services throughout Israel, enabling visitors to experience firsthand the places, stories, and historical settings featured in its publications.
Know the Land’s mission is to build bridges between people, Scripture, and the Land of Israel—connecting historical understanding with spiritual discovery and bringing the Bible to life.
The thoughts Jerusalem suggests are full of poetry, sublimity, and, more than all, dignity.
Mark Twain
A typical Jewish tour looks different than the Christian one, and a Catholic itinerary looks totally different than the Protestant one.
Contrary to what you often hear in the global media – it is usually safe to travel to and be in Israel. In cases where places next to the Gaza Strip or some places in Judea and Samaria (The West Bank), or in the Golan Heights become dangerous – access to those places will be denied, as the Israeli military regulates those areas. Despite its reputation for violence, Israel is a relatively safe country to visit!
Nevertheless, being guided by a professional guide in Israel will eliminate the fear and the danger of finding yourself in an unpleasant situation.
I was told by many of my American guests that they felt much safer in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem in comparison to other big American cities.
So start your journey now and come to Israel!
The best times to visit Israel are in spring or fall. During those seasons the days are mildly warm, with temperatures around 80°F, and the nights are cool.
During the summertime (June to August), it becomes pretty hot during the day, with average temperatures of 90°F. July to August sites are very busy because of the school summer holiday.
During late fall and early winter (September to November), the weather is mild, and usually, the sites tend to be less busy with tourists.
During the dry and hot summer (May to September), Israel has no rain.
During the rainy and cold winter (October to April), there are about 50 days of rain.
Check out the dates, and make sure you don’t plan to come during the peak seasons, which are the Jewish “High Holidays”: Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot (September to October), or during Easter and Passover time (March to April).
During that time, sites are usually bustling, and the prices of hotels tend to rise.
What to Wear in Israel?!
Keep It Casual – Generally speaking, dress codes are highly relaxed in modern Israeli society. Restaurants for dinner – Casual. Usually, no mandatory need for a Jacket or a dress.
Dress for the summer heat – In Israel, summer begins around April and can last through October. Recommended clothing is airy, short, and comfortable.
A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is recommended for evenings spent in the desert, Jerusalem, or the Golan Heights. Also, most places in Israel are fully air-conditioned, which some people find too chilly. That extra layer could come in handy if you’re one of those people.
Rain is extremely rare between May and September.
Use sunscreen to protect yourself from the. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses!
Comfortable walking shoes! No heels, please, during the days! I advise wearing a pair of waterproof sandals-preferred, or Flip Flop shoes in the Dead Sea.
Dress for the short winter – Some days can be warm enough for T-shirts. However, we get cold fronts, rain, and the occasional local storm, so bring a rainproof jacket and some warm clothes.
Jerusalem, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights are colder than the coastal areas and can even get some snow during winter. Some people think of Israel as a scorching desert, but it really isn’t. It can get cold and even snow during wintertime. The key to what to wear in Israel during wintertime is Layers.
It can get freezing during the night in the desert during wintertime. Don’t let the sun fool you!
Pack a swimsuit – in any season!
Visiting religious sites – cover yourself in any sacred place, such as a mosque, synagogue, church, or the Wailing Wall.
Ensure you cover up to your elbows and knees – both women and men. That means avoiding Bermuda pants or short skirts, or sleeveless shirts. OR carry a long-sleeve shirt and a pashmina with you. Wrap up if you’re asked to.
To me – Israel is my love and passion that I would like to share with you.
My mission is to connect my guests to the Land of Israel using their six senses! And if you wonder what your sixth sense is – come to Israel and meet me!
Using the Bible and my knowledge of Hebrew, my book connects Evangelical Christian believers to the roots of their faith in the Land of Israel
Visiting the Israeli parliament A visit to the Knesset can be a fascinating and educational experience for anyone interested in Israeli politics, history, and culture.
Codex Sassoon, the earliest and most complete book of Jewish scriptures, has arrived on permanent display at the “ANU” museum in Tel Aviv. The codex
Send me an email or call me, and I’ll be happy to assist you!
