Shalom,
My name is Shai Shvalb, an Israeli author, biblical educator, certified tour guide, and bridge builder. I am the founder of Know the Land, an educational and publishing organization dedicated to connecting people with the Land of Israel through Scripture, history, archaeology, geography, and the Hebrew language.
Through my books, educational programs, and personally guided tours, I help visitors and readers explore the Jewish and historical roots of Christianity, discover the richness of Israel’s heritage, and deepen their understanding of the Bible.
As a passionate storyteller and experienced guide, I bring the Land of Israel to life through meaningful encounters with its people, places, and traditions—always with a personal touch and a sense of humor.
Palestine is no more of this work-day world. It is sacred to poetry and tradition -
it is dream-land.
Mark Twain
Explore the Land of Israel through biblical and spiritual education, books, and personalized guided tours. From discovering your spiritual roots to experiencing the land firsthand, Know the Land connects Scripture, history, and meaningful travel.
Personalized single-day tours exploring Israel's biblical, historical, and cultural treasures.
Tailor-made journeys combining biblical heritage, archaeology, history, and spiritual discovery.
Discover Jewish history, traditions, and the enduring connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
Explore the Jewish roots of Christianity and bring Scripture to life in its original geographical and historical setting.
Personalized guiding and professional arrangements for business visitors, delegations, and VIP guests.
Transportation, accommodation, airport assistance, and customized travel arrangements throughout Israel.
Before becoming a tour guide, I spent many years in the business world. Eventually, I realized that rather than trading in products, I wanted to invest in knowledge and share it with others—through fascinating stories, meaningful experiences, spiritual insights, and my deep love for the Land of Israel.
Today, as an author, biblical educator, and certified tour guide, I continue that mission through Know the Land, building bridges between people, Scripture, and the land where biblical history unfolded.
Over the years, many of my guests have told me that exploring Israel with me was more than just a tour—it was a LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE.
Their words are my greatest reward. Here are some of their experiences, shared in their own words.
Great experience Shai was an amazing guide. Great depth of knowledge about the area, history and people. Able to quickly pivot when weather worked against us.![]()
Carolyn H11/05/2023
Once in a lifetime adventure The charming Shai was beyond passionate in his love for Israel and Tel Aviv.His knowledge of events, history and the region on a whole was remarkable and it was all delivered in such an engaging way — never a dull moment when he was around.Our trip to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem would honestly not have been the same without Shai by our sides, answering every question we threw his way from the serious to the not-so-serious.Everything was tailored to our individual group which made it an experience I’ll never forget.I can’t wait to come back and experience more with Know the Land.#Don’tBeShai![]()
Sophie S26/04/2023
Amazing tour of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv On the first morning of our 5-day guided tour of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Shai announced his motto. “Don’t be Shai,” he said. It was meant as a play on words, for us to know that we could ask him any question and not be ‘shy’ to bridge a topic. However, after five days spent with this wonderful tour guide, I would like to amend his motto - it should read “Be more Shai” instead. This is because Shai was an exemplary guide; kind, funny, passionate, and patient. His unique storytelling ability brought thousands of years of history and culture to life. Shai was a true professional with a sunny nature that was contagious, and I suspect he knows more about food and wine than some of the country’s top chefs. He had us in stitches laughing, and moved to tears when it mattered. I cannot recommend him highly enough if you want to visit Israel and really learn about the land. Todah rabah, Shai. I hope we meet again one day.![]()
Lydia V23/04/2023
Wonderful day in Israel Shai was both professional and entertainment, a rare mix of knowledge and fun, mad the experience memorable, you’d be lucky to book him , as he’s very much in demand ,,![]()
Robert C21/04/2023
A delicious morning in Carmel Market and Jaffa From the moment we met him Shai was full of information and lovely to be around. He took us on a delicious food tasting tour around Carmel Market and Jaffa allowing to sample amazing treats from sticky Medjool dates to Yemenite breads to the best hummus and creamy ice cream and malabi (a rose water scented dessert topped with crushed nuts and coconut. We learned much about the market and sights along the way and finished the morning with full tummies and minds. Shai was patient with our teenagers and also took lots of photos so we have lots of lovely momentos of our Tel Aviv morning. Highly recommended.![]()
Victoria P17/04/2023
Family tour Shai did a great job of giving us private day tour that was interesting and fun for the whole family. Definitely recommend.![]()
Wanderlust00201815/04/2023
Israel press trip Shai was knowledgeable on all aspects of Israel from the history to local producers and the best places to visit. He designed a fabulous itinerary that incorporated a visit to Jerusalem, a tour of Jaffa, highlighted local wineries and food producers as well as fantastic restaurants and food markets. His itinerary showcased the 'real Israel'.![]()
346anji05/03/2023
Amazing tour guide who made our experience a BLAST Shai was our private tour guide for 10 days while in Israel. He was fun, respectful, and very candid. He also had very unique lunch and tourist options that were "off the beaten path". Most memorably, Shai took our group to a Georgian vineyard in Israel. I would definitely use Shai again when I am back in Israel![]()
Aka A22/02/2023
The best way to learn about Israel One of the best guides you can ever come across.An interactive Library. Great personality and a high level of professionalism.Enhances and personalises to suit your needs according to your belief, interest with an unbiased view.Highly Recommended.![]()
Sandy16/02/2023
The best tour guide in Tel aviv Amazing tour guide, very knowledgeable about little tricks and tips in Tel Aviv. Can confidently say better than other tour guides experienced.Loved Scroll of fire, loved the local eateries he knew, etc.From London![]()
Deep B18/01/2023Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 122 reviews
If all the pages that have been written about Israel were spread upon its surface, they would flag it from horizon to horizon like a pavement.
Mark Twain
Know the Holy Land is a comprehensive Hebrew-English dictionary and the first of its kind and contains about 4100 entries about the Land of Israel. That is the first attempt to create a professional glossary in Hebrew and English, covering geography, geology, archaeology, architecture, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, site names, flora, fauna, and many other subjects. The book is intended to serve as a bilingual dictionary, professional glossary, and a tool for those interested in knowing the land, studying the Land of Israel, tour guides, and anybody interested in the Land of Israel.
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The YMCA Center in Jerusalem is located on King David Street, right in front of the King David Hotel. A unique building …
Send me an email or call me, and I’ll be happy to assist you!