Stories of Rabbi Steinsaltz
Welcome to a special collection of stories that offer a unique window into the life and teachings of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, as seen through the eyes of Yoel Shpitz, a close and dedicated student of the Rabbi. These selected stories, taken from the book A Good Story Begins in the Middle and published by Yedioth Books, have been thoughtfully translated into English to share the Rabbi’s deep wisdom, warmth, and inspiring personal moments with a wider audience. We hope these stories will enlighten, uplift, and connect you to the remarkable legacy of Rabbi Steinsaltz.
Mount Tabor - Deborah and Barak
As we continue exploring the locations that shaped our spiritual and historical legacy, we now travel north to the lush hills of the Lower Galilee—Mount Tabor. Mount Tabor rises steeply from the Jezreel Valley and is instantly recognizable by its rounded, dome-like shape.
Mount Ebal - Joshua
Dear readers, visiting Mount Ebal requires proper security precautions. Although we usually stray away from locations of this sort, the potential historical significance of Mount Ebal is too great to overlook. Please make sure that you organize the proper security precautions, if you wish to visit.
Be'er Sheva - Isaac
Beersheba, located in the northern part of the Negev Desert in southern Israel, is an ancient city deeply tied to Isaac, the son of Abraham. In Genesis 21:31, Isaac and the Philistine king Abimelech made a peace treaty at Beersheba, symbolized by a well they both swore an oath by—this became known as the “well of the oath.”
Shiloh – The First Sanctuary
Shiloh, nestled in the hills of Samaria, was the first spiritual center of Israel and home to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) for nearly 400 years. After the Israelites entered the land, Joshua established Shiloh as the place where the nation would gather and where the Ark of the Covenant rested (Joshua 18:1).
Abraham - Hebron
I’m excited to start a new series exploring key locations from the Book of Genesis, where the lives of our patriarchs and matriarchs unfolded. In each item, we’ll connect the stories of figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph to the places they lived and the events that shaped our heritage.
Let’s begin with Abraham’s journey and the land that became his covenant with God.
Shiloh – The First Sanctuary
Shiloh, nestled in the hills of Samaria, was the first spiritual center of Israel and home to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) for nearly 400 years. After the Israelites entered the land, Joshua established Shiloh as the place where the nation would gather and where the Ark of the Covenant rested (Joshua 18:1).
Be'er Sheva - Isaac
Beersheba, located in the northern part of the Negev Desert in southern Israel, is an ancient city deeply tied to Isaac, the son of Abraham. In Genesis 21:31, Isaac and the Philistine king Abimelech made a peace treaty at Beersheba, symbolized by a well they both swore an oath by—this became known as the “well of the oath.”
Mount Ebal - Joshua
Dear readers, visiting Mount Ebal requires proper security precautions. Although we usually stray away from locations of this sort, the potential historical significance of Mount Ebal is too great to overlook. Please make sure that you organize the proper security precautions, if you wish to visit.
Abraham - Hebron
I’m excited to start a new series exploring key locations from the Book of Genesis, where the lives of our patriarchs and matriarchs unfolded. In each item, we’ll connect the stories of figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph to the places they lived and the events that shaped our heritage.
Let’s begin with Abraham’s journey and the land that became his covenant with God.
Mount Tabor - Deborah and Barak
As we continue exploring the locations that shaped our spiritual and historical legacy, we now travel north to the lush hills of the Lower Galilee—Mount Tabor. Mount Tabor rises steeply from the Jezreel Valley and is instantly recognizable by its rounded, dome-like shape.