Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Um El Umdan

Where are the ruins of ancient Modiin? Historians have argued about it for years. Um El Umdan is one possibility. 

The ruins of what is assumed by many to be the home of the Macabees in ancient Modiin can still be seen peeking out of the south edge of modern Modiin, on the road from Latrun to Modiin. Shmuel and I made a special trip this week in honor of Chanukah.

The ruins of Um El Umdan date back to the Hasmonean period;  according to some sources Um El Umdan was the home of the Macabees, the leaders of the struggle against the Greeks and Greek culture in Eretz Israel, and the heroes of our Chanukah story.  

A few things to check out:

The ancient synagogue located there is actually the origin of the Arabic name for the ruins: Um El Umdan means “mother of the pillars,” which were the central focus of the beautiful structure. Although the pillars were looted, their placement is still apparent when pointed out. 

The foundations of the town also included a row of houses, a marketplace and a ritual bath. These have recently been covered up to protect them.

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