Peki’in
A Short History of Peki’in
Peki’in was settled in Prehistoric times, but it is known historically only from the first century. The Jewish historian Josephus mentions it as Beka, and by Jewish tradition, two rabbis hid in a cave in Peki’in for 13 years in fear of the Romans. Known as the cave of Shimon Bar Yochai and his son Elazar, the cave is a popular site, symbolizing the clash of values between Judaism and Roman culture.
Under the name “Bokehel”, in the time of the Crusaders Peki’in was the property of one of the lords of Akko, and later of the Teutonic knights .It was around that time that Druze settled in the Peki’in as. 16th century tax records are the first to attest to Jewish presence in the Pek’in, as well as Muslim and Christian resdients. In 1936, due to Arab violence, the Jews of Peki’in were forced to leave the village. After the Israeli-Arab war in 1948, only one Jewish woman, Miss Margalit Zinati, returned to the town. To this day, she is the single Jew still living in Peki’in, maintaining its synagogue and welcoming visitors.
Touring Peki’in
Reaching the heart of the old Peki’in is tricky. Its center is semi-hidden in a maze of narrow alleys. Several restaurants and shops cluster around its central plaza, which also boasts a sculpture of Al-Atrash and Junbalat, two Druze leaders. The Jewish synagogue is in an alley off the main square. Renovated in 1873, it is similar in style to some of the synagogues in Safed. Several decorated stones inside the synagogue are possibly reused from another synagogue that stood here in antiquity. According to tradition, these stones are originally from the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. A new visitor center opened in 2018 near the synagogue and presents the life of Margalit Zinati, the last Jew of old Peki’in.
A tour of Peki’in can be combined with a day tour in the north.
