In this innovative guidebook Julie Baretz takes readers to twenty-one off-the-beaten-path locations in Israel where Bible stories are said to have happened. At each site she sets the scene by relating the historical context of the event, then follows with the biblical text itself and her own lively commentary. Captivating and complex Bible characters bring the locations to life as they face social, ethical, and spiritual dilemmas not unlike our own today. Baretz's narratives draw on history, archaeology, academic scholarship, and rabbinic literature for interpretations that enhance the meaning of the biblical events. Each story is told in the voice of Baretz as the tour guide-knowledgeable yet informal and friendly.
The Bible on Location traces the chronology and narrative arc of the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The book begins with the Israelites' arrival in the land of Israel (following the exodus from Egypt and the forty years of wandering) and continues over more than six hundred years, until the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to their homeland.
Baretz's descriptions are accompanied by colorful maps and photographs that put actual and armchair visitors in the middle of the action. Each location reveals a new episode in the biblical narrative and provides inspiration and commentary that will enhance visits to the various sites.


About the Author
Julie Baretz received her license from the Israel Government Tour Guides training program in 1987. Since then she has guided thousands of Jewish and Christian visitors to sites all around the country.

Reviews
"This is a wonderful resource for anyone who wishes to add a spiritual dimension to travel in Israel."-Barbara Bibel, Association of Jewish Libraries
"While this guidebook's size and information make it an excellent choice for travel to Israel, it is also a fascinating look at the history of a people when read from cover to cover."-American Reference Books Annual
"For a general understanding of how the land of Israel plays a role in understanding Biblical texts, and why the text of the Bible is inseparably connected to the land, there is no better guide than the book, The Bible on Location, by actual tour guide Julie Baretz."-Beth Kissileff, Wisdom Daily
"Julie Baretz's impressive knowledge of history and Bible combined with her awesome aesthetic perspective and credible imagination transform our travels into what feels like a magic carpet ride."-Rabbi Norman M. Cohen

"I have had the privilege of having Julie Baretz as our guide in Israel numerous times. She is an expert storyteller, opening up imaginations and making the listener believe he or she is part of the history of each site."-Pastor Randy Myers

Book Information
ISBN 9780827612228
Author Julie Baretz
Format Paperback
Page Count 376
Imprint Jewish Publication Society
Publisher Jewish Publication Society