Endor (Ein Dor) in the Holy Land

Though not known for a biblically positive reference as being home to a witch, the modern day Israeli kibbutz is home to a museum today. A Canaanite city, Endor was mentioned in the Bible as the city where King Saul consulted a medium before he went to battle with the Philistines. The kibbutz is located between the Hill of Moreh and Mount Tabor in the Jezreel Valley.

History of Endor in the Holy Land

Endor is first mentioned in Joshua 17:1-12 as one of the cities with that the Israelites failed to possess. In 1 Samuel 28:7, King Saul consulted the Witch of Endor on the evening before the battle of Gilboa in which he perished. In Psalm 83:9-10, Endor is mentioned as the scene of Jabin and Sisera’s defeat by Barak and Deborah in Judges 4 and 5.

Though there is still debate as to where the biblical city was actually located, the current location  was founded in 1948 by members of the Hashomer Hatzair youth movement from Israel, Hungary and the United States. Prior to becoming an Israeli town, Ein Dor was an Arab village built on top of a Roman village, and deserted in the Israeli War of Independence.

Highlights of Endor in the Holy Land

The archeological museum on the kibbutz highlight pre-historical findings from the lower Galilee region through permanent and temporary exhibits. A guided tour, which should be arranged in advance, can include hands-on activities related to the ancient crafts from the olive grove to the press and from wheat to baking bread.
 
The ruins of the village are located 3 miles south of Mount Tabor, on the road to Afula.

Travelujah Tips

The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and until 2 p.m. on Friday and holidays. On Saturday it is open from noon till 2 p.m. Contact: 04.677.0333