From Errands to Ancient Echoes: A Visit to Umm el-‘Umdan Ruins
- Ofra Morashty
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Some days begin like any other and end in the most unexpected, magical way. That’s exactly what happened on a regular Wednesday when my everyday errands in the city of Modi’in, Israel, transformed into a profound journey through history.
I’ve always considered myself familiar with Modi’in. It’s a modern, growing city nestled between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. But that day, I had to run errands In a neighborhood I had never visited before. As I opened my map to plan the route, a small dot caught my eye: Umm el-‘Umdan – Jewish village from the Second Temple period.
My heart skipped a beat. An ancient site? Right next to my routine errands?
As someone deeply drawn to the buried stories of the land, I couldn’t resist. The thought of standing where people lived, prayed, and worked over 2,000 years ago immediately fascinated me. I made a quiet promise to myself—once the errands were done, I would find my way to Umm el-‘Umdan.
Following Signs Through the City to the Past
I wrapped up my tasks quickly, driven by a growing sense of curiosity. As I followed the signs through the neighborhood, something in the air began to shift. The modern apartment blocks gave way to open landscapes, and a quiet calm settled over me. and then I saw it - the ancient stones of a long-forgotten village.
There were carved building stones, remains of structures, cisterns, and what looked like winepresses or ritual baths. As I stood among the ruins, I felt the landscape come alive. I could almost hear the voices of families who once lived here, children laughing, farmers tending their land, prayers whispered in sacred spaces.
The Story of Umm el-‘Umdan: A Glimpse into Jewish Life During the Second Temple
The site, as I later read on nearby information signs, was once a thriving Jewish village from the Second Temple period, dating back to the 2nd or 1st century BCE. Among the remarkable findings were a synagogue, mikva’ot (ritual baths), a winepress, and residential buildings - each structure silently telling stories of Jewish life, faith, and resilience.
Standing where ancient prayers were once recited and where everyday life unfolded so long ago, I felt a powerful connection. History wasn’t behind glass in a museum—it was under my feet, mingling with the present.
When Modern Life and Ancient History Collide
What moved me most was the contrast: I had come for something as mundane as errands and instead found myself transported into the heart of ancient Jewish history. The past and the present touched in this quiet, overlooked corner of the city.
There was no need for a grand historical tour. Just a map, a spontaneous decision, and a willingness to follow curiosity. I left Umm el-‘Umdan not only with my to-do list completed, but with my spirit nourished. I felt connected—deeply, spiritually—to the long thread of history that runs through this land.
A Hidden Gem Waiting to Be Discovered
Places like Umm el -‘Umdan are reminders that Israel’s rich history is often just around the corner, quietly waiting for someone to notice. Whether you're a traveler, a local, or simply someone who loves discovering forgotten stories, this ancient village in Modi’in is must-see.
Next time you plan your day, leave a little room for the unexpected. You never know—your ordinary day might turn into a journey through time.
you can read more about Um El Umdan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umm_el-Umdan
you can visit our nature photography art collection at: https://www.o-natureobserver.com/photography
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