Nabi Shu'ayb (Tomb of Jethro)
Nabi Shu'ayb, the holiest Druze shrine, reveres Prophet Jethro with a sacred tomb and a unique footprint in stone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier access and welcoming atmosphere
Nabi Shu'ayb (Tomb of Jethro)
Best Time
Easier access and welcoming atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nabi Shu'ayb, the holiest Druze shrine, reveres Prophet Jethro with a sacred tomb and a unique footprint in stone.
"A must visit for every Jew and Druze in the world; the Druze are very welcoming people."
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Head coverings are often required for women. Cloaks are available if needed. :dress_long:
👟 Remove Shoes
You must remove your shoes before entering the main shrine. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tomb of Prophet Yitro
Main shrine
The central focus of the site, believed to be the burial place of Jethro, Moses' father-in-law and a revered prophet.
Footprint in the Rock
Within the shrine
A unique rock formation believed to be the footprint of Prophet Yitro, a significant relic for visitors to observe.
Druze Hospitality
Throughout the site
Experience the warm and welcoming nature of the Druze community, who are often eager to share their faith and culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation is Key
Access and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Head coverings are often required for women. Cloaks are available if needed. :dress_long:
👟 Remove Shoes
You must remove your shoes before entering the main shrine. :athletic_shoe:
🙏 Show Respect
This is a holy site. Be mindful of religious customs and instructions. :pray:
🤝 Be Welcoming
The Druze are known for their hospitality. Engage respectfully if approached. :handshake:
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Head coverings are often required for women. Cloaks are available if needed. :dress_long:
👟 Remove Shoes
You must remove your shoes before entering the main shrine. :athletic_shoe:
🙏 Show Respect
This is a holy site. Be mindful of religious customs and instructions. :pray:
🤝 Be Welcoming
The Druze are known for their hospitality. Engage respectfully if approached. :handshake:
❓ Ask Questions
If you're unsure about anything, politely ask a cleric for guidance. :question:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the spiritual significance and the warm hospitality of the Druze community at Nabi Shu'ayb. The site is deeply revered, and many feel honored to be welcomed. However, access can sometimes be challenging, and the lack of typical tourist amenities means visitors should come prepared for a more solemn and respectful experience.
"Not easy to be admitted, which makes it all the more valuable.
I had intended for a long time to come and visit this site
The Druze are an integrative part of this country and we must value and especially learn about their religion and culture.
Having visited Mount Arbel National Park I decided to go there, at last.
This is not a touristic place at all and I was admitted in only after explaining the reasons for my visit.
I was then accompanied by one of the clerics who took me in and explained me a lot.
I felt honored to be received this way in this holly place for our friends, the Druze."
Dan M
"Wat an experience! A must visit for every jew and druze in the world.
This holy site of nabi shu'ayb (aka yisro) is located in a druze shrine. Totally safe to go. The druze are very welcoming people.
U must put on cloaks (that they give out) if ur head is not covered or ur wearing short sleeves.
It's usually always open from dawn till dusk."
KARL WINN
"Tomb of Jethro, most important prophet to the Druze. Religious site. Open to guests after 10am, requires modest dress code and head covering."
David Ha'ivri דוד העברי
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nabi Shu'ayb is located in the Galilee region of Israel. It's best accessed by car. While public transport options exist, they can be less direct and may require significant walking. Many visitors combine a trip here with nearby attractions like Mount Arbel National Park. :car:
Yes, there is usually ample parking available at the site. It's a straightforward drive, and signage should guide you once you're in the vicinity. :parking:
Absolutely! Many visitors make it a stop on a larger day trip exploring the Galilee. It's often paired with Mount Arbel or other historical and religious sites in the region. :calendar:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are typically no admission fees to enter Nabi Shu'ayb. It's a religious site, and entry is generally free for respectful visitors. :ticket:
The site is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, it's often recommended to visit after 10 AM for a more assured welcome and to ensure clerics are available. :clock:
While the Druze are welcoming, it's not a typical tourist attraction. You may need to briefly explain your reason for visiting. Being respectful and adhering to dress codes greatly facilitates entry. :door:
A modest dress code is essential. This means covering shoulders and knees. Women are often required to wear a head covering; cloaks are provided on-site if needed. :scarf:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the tomb of Prophet Yitro. You can also see a unique footprint in a rock, believed to be his. The experience is primarily spiritual and cultural, focusing on respect and understanding. :statueofliberty:
Photography rules can vary, but it's generally best to be discreet and respectful. Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially inside the main prayer areas. :camerawithflash:
Children are welcome, but they must also adhere to the modest dress code and be taught to behave respectfully in a holy place. The spiritual nature might be less engaging for very young children. :child:
Yes, remove your shoes before entering the shrine, do not step on the threshold, and show reverence. Touching certain relics might be permitted with guidance. :scroll:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Nabi Shu'ayb. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and water, or plan to eat before or after your visit in a nearby town. :sandwich:
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can find spots nearby to enjoy a packed meal. Ensure you clean up thoroughly and respect the surroundings. :picnic_table:
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture and the surrounding natural landscape offer good photographic opportunities. Inside, focus on capturing the atmosphere respectfully, if permitted. :mountain_snow:
Drone usage is generally not permitted at religious and sensitive sites like Nabi Shu'ayb due to privacy and respect concerns. Always check local regulations. :noentrysign:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water, as there are no food facilities on-site. The visit is more about experiencing a sacred site and understanding a different culture than about active entertainment. Focus on the unique aspects like the footprint in the rock as a point of interest. Ensure they understand the importance of not touching things without permission and speaking softly. :child:
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
Engage with the atmosphere by observing the customs, dressing modestly, and showing utmost respect. If the opportunity arises, engaging respectfully with a cleric can provide invaluable insights into Druze beliefs. This is a destination for quiet reflection and understanding, rather than a typical tourist outing. :pray:
🏛️ Cultural Explorers
To maximize your experience, research Druze traditions beforehand. Be prepared for a less commercialized visit and focus on the interactions and the historical significance. The site is a living testament to a distinct religious group, offering a rich cultural immersion. :world_map:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Significance of Nabi Shu'ayb
Visiting Nabi Shu'ayb offers a unique opportunity to learn about Druze faith and traditions. Unlike many historical sites, it's an active place of worship and pilgrimage. The welcoming nature of the Druze is often highlighted by visitors who are granted access and sometimes even guided by clerics, providing profound insights into their beliefs and practices. This personal connection makes the visit more than just sightseeing; it's an immersion into a living faith.
It's crucial for visitors to approach Nabi Shu'ayb with a deep sense of respect. The site is not a typical tourist attraction but a holy sanctuary. Understanding and adhering to the customs, such as the modest dress code and the removal of shoes, is paramount. This reverence ensures that the sanctity of the place is maintained and that visitors are received warmly by the custodians of this sacred ground.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Etiquette
Beyond attire, religious etiquette plays a significant role. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the main shrine, a common practice in many holy places. You'll also notice instructions to avoid stepping on the threshold, a detail that underscores the reverence for the space. Some visitors mention a specific rock with a footprint, believed to be Prophet Yitro's, which can be touched with a hand, but not a foot, unless specifically permitted.
Access and interaction are also important considerations. While generally open from dawn till dusk, it's often advised to visit after 10 AM. Be prepared to briefly explain your reason for visiting, as it's not a standard tourist spot. The Druze community is known for its hospitality, and respectful visitors are often welcomed warmly, sometimes even receiving explanations from clerics. This personal touch is a highlight for many who visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit