Beit Shearim is situated in the western part of the lower Galilee, 20 km east of Haifa and in walking distance from the town of Tivon.
About
The Israel Nature & Parks Authority (NPA) would like to invite international volunteers to join our archaeological project in the ancient Jewish city of Beit Shearim, dating back 1800 years. Built on a low hill in the western part of the lower Galilee, Beit Shearim flourished from the second through the fourth centuries C.E. The residents of Beit Shearim dug an ornate necropolis deep into the ground. Courtyards, corridors, and staircases lead to the catacombs with their burial chambers and stone sarcophagi. The chambers and sarcophagi are decorated with bas-reliefs, epitaphs, and frescoes. The mouths of some of the caves were closed with hewn stone doors, shaped to resemble wooden doors. The bas-reliefs and drawings are representative of Roman-period Jewish folk art. The settlement of Beit Shearim was known as an important centre of Torah study, thanks to Rabbi Judah Hanasi (also known simply as Rabbi), the leading figure in the Jewish world in the third century C.E. Rabbi Judah Hanasi was considered the spiritual authority of the Jewish people during his time. Rabbi Judah Hanasi took up residence in Beit Shearim, making it the seat of the Sanhedrin (assembly of 71 ordained scholars, which served as both as legislature and as the Supreme Court). Volunteers' on this project you will have the opportunity to conduct archeological restoration with experts in their field.
Volunteer tasks & contribution
Volunteers will be assigned to the NPA staff and assist in reopening ancient Catacombs, dating back 1800 years. Duties includes: Learning and practicing different restorations techniques, cleaning roots and removing moss and from the large catacombs.
Project dates
From the 03 July 2008 – 17 July 2008
Minimum requirements
• Age above 18
• Keen interest in archaeology
• High level of independence and flexibility
• Full travel and health insurance
• Conversational English
• Physically fit
• Good health
Place available
6 volunteers
Accommodation
Volunteers will sleep under the stars at the project’s camping site which has water, bathrooms, showers, electricity and equipped kitchen. Volunteers are requested to bring their own tents. Food will be provided and cooked communally by the volunteers (except for first night).
Orientation in Tel Aviv
As part of the project, an orientation will be provided for all the participants during the 3rd – 5th July together with other volunteers from GoEco projects. The orientation will include preparation lectures regarding Israel and the project, walking tour of old Tel Aviv and Jaffa and ample time to enjoy the beach, meet new friends and party or enjoy cultural venues. Includes light breakfast and Friday night dinner.
Language
English
Participation fee
€210
Price includes
• Administration
• Accommodation in tent
• Provisions for food
• 3 day orientation in Tel Aviv
• Transportation to project (one way)
• Professional training & supervision
Price doesn't include
• Flights to Israel
• You are required to purchase full travel and health insurance
• Personal expenses (i.e. alcohol, clothes, etc…)
Nearest airport
BenGurion Airport, Tel Aviv
Meeting point
From 16:00 on July 3rd at the Old Jaffa Hostel, Tel Aviv
How do I register? Stage 1: If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco. Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check the availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates requested are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by email.
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to transfer the participation fee of €210 in order to reserve your place within 7 days. This payment is non-refundable.
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer
form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.
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