Work is starting on preservation and restoration of the large archaeological site in Modi'in Illit. The large site of remains from the Bayis Sheini is located in the center of the Kiryat Sefer neighborhood.
This site, breathtakingly beautiful and located in the very heart of Kiryat Sefer, stood neglected and fenced off from the public until recently. Relics of a Jewish agricultural settlement dating back to the period of the Bayis Sheni were discovered between 1995-1997 with the excavation taking place in the very establishment of Modiin Ilit. This ancient settlement continued to exist without a break throughout the early Roman period up until the Bar Cochva revolt. Since then and up to this period, the site has been neglected, aside from a very negligent preservation of a beis knesses in 2003.
The remains on the site include a network of streets crossing through the settlement, blocks of buildings, many mikvaot, a wine press, an olive press. The most prominent feature is the shul, few of its like having been exposed to date in any of the archeological sites in the country. The finds from this synagogue and the settlement around it have very significant Jewish historical value.
Thanks to the determined efforts of the mayor, Rabbi Yaakov Guterman, because this ancient historical site is located in the very heart of the city's residential area, this site was incorporated in a special program of restoration and preservation of ancient heritage adapted for the chareidi public exclusively. The mayor was able to get a special government agreement which stated: "Modiin Ilit - the heritage site for the chareidi public: Preparing an archeological site in the heart of the city for public viewing - preservation, restoration, proper sign markers and display features."
The site will be erected and displayed together with the archeological finds of this ancient town and synagogue dating back to the Second Temple era. It was established along a main road leading from Jaffa port to Jerusalem, as a significant way station for pilgrims going up the Beis Hamikdash.
Mayor Guterman stated, "The visitors site will be set up according to Jewish historical data presented from sources in Tanach, gemara etc. and will be open to the chareidi public exclusively. It will enable visitors to personally relate to their historical roots without the present misrepresentation and falsification found in other such sites which border on apikorsus."
