IDF Soldiers Revive 700-Year-Old Jewish Tradition on Mount Betarim
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
IDF soldiers from the Carmeli Brigade's 21st Battalion renewed a 700-year-old Jewish tradition on Mount Betarim near the Lebanese border. The soldiers recited biblical verses about the covenant with Abraham, sounded a shofar, and prayed for the success of the war and the state. The ceremony connected ancient heritage with the soldiers' current defense missions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- IDF soldiers renewed a 700-year-old Jewish tradition on Mount Betarim near the Lebanese border.
- The ceremony involved reciting biblical verses and praying for the success of the war.
- The tradition dates back to Jews from the Galilee ascending the mountain annually.
- Rabbi Eliyahu HaCohen sounded a shofar for the success of the war.
- The soldiers described the event as a special and moving mission.
Commanders and soldiers from the Carmeli Brigade's 21st Battalion participated in a special ceremony on Mount Betarim, located on Mount Dov near the Lebanese border. The site is traditionally identified with the covenant between the pieces made by God with Abraham.
The soldiers renewed an ancient Jewish tradition, documented in historical sources from approximately 700 years ago. According to tradition, Jews from the Galilee would ascend to this location annually on the eve of the Sabbath of Parshat Lech-Lech to pray and recite the verses of the covenant.
During the ceremony, a company commander read aloud the biblical verses detailing God's promise to Abraham: "On that day, the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.’" The battalion's rabbi, Eliyahu HaCohen, participated, wrapped in a white kittel, and sounded a shofar for the success of the war and the peace of the country. The soldiers also offered prayers for the state's well-being and the success of IDF soldiers.
The participants also recalled a tradition attributed to Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, suggesting it is appropriate to pray for rain at this location. The ascent to Mount Betarim held particular significance for the soldiers, who are currently engaged in defense missions, connecting the ancient tradition and divine promise to their role in protecting Israel today. The soldiers described the experience as "a very special and moving mission," blending Jewish heritage, faith, prayer, and fighting spirit.