Pilgrimage to Rabbi Oshaya Ish Tiriya's Tomb and Nearby Ein Tiriya Spring Draws Visitors on Tu B'Av
Rabbi Oshaya Ish Tiriya, a prominent Amora of the fourth generation, is commemorated annually on Tu B'Av at his tomb near the Druze village of Tiriya. Visitors perform the traditional ritual of circumambulating the grave, known as "segulat hakafot." The site is marked by an ancient oak tree revered by both Jews and Druze, who have long respected the tree by not cutting its branches or using it for firewood. Local Druze believe the tree's dry leaves have healing properties when burned as incense around the sick. Historical accounts tell of Ottoman soldiers who cut branches for firewood and subsequently died, believed to be a consequence of desecrating the sacred site.
Rabbi Oshaya was known for his piety and dedication to Torah, famously returning lost jewelry to a Roman queen despite her insistence she did not need it. Upon his death, witnesses claimed his bed floated in the air, and his contemporaries praised his love and devotion.
About a five-minute descent from the tomb lies Ein Tiriya spring, alongside the flowing Peki'in stream. The area offers shaded seating and water taps next to a blocked well. A local Hasidic yeshiva plans to renovate the spring to allow ritual immersion, but this faces opposition from the Druze community. The site includes a guesthouse synagogue with amenities for visitors.
The article’s author visited the site during research for a book on rare holy places in Israel and advises caution for visitors. Due to security concerns in the West Bank area, travelers should coordinate with the military, travel in groups with protection, and follow all safety and legal guidelines. Coordination with the Nature and Parks Authority is required for visits to nature reserves and water access.
Directions to the tomb are available via GPS by searching "Rabbi Oshaya Ish Tiriya's Tomb." The article emphasizes that the described route is a personal experience and not an official travel recommendation.
