Joe (Yosef) Back

Joe (Yosef) Back

Licensed Tour Guide

I have spent nearly my entire life trying to know everything I can about Judaism and the land of Israel. It has been an all-consuming passion. Educationally, this led me to pursue rabbinic ordination from Yeshivas Aish HaTorah, a BA in Liberal Studies with a focus on Judaic Studies, and an MA in Archaeology and Land of Israel Studies from Bar Ilan University.
When I found out that I could actually work exploring the land of Israel and the history of my people, I jumped at the opportunity. For the past twelve years, I have worked as an Israeli licensed tour guide, as well as a certified Israel Ministry of Tourism Specialist. I have had the great privilege of sharing my love of all things Jewish with thousands of people. I specialize in showing the connection between Judaism’s very rich literary heritage and the archaeological record.
It was from these connections that I founded Mesorah Tours. A tour company specially geared to the needs of the Kosher tourist. Beyond this, our guides are thoroughly versed in the different religions of the region, geo-politics, general history, and nature of the land of Israel. I am originally from Los Angeles but have called Israel my home since 2001. I currently live in Ramat Beit Shemesh with my wife and children.

Ariel Fishman

Ariel Fishman

Adventure Tour Expert

Ariel Fishman is the Mesorah Tours Adventure Expert. Originally from beautiful upstate New York, and inspired by his father, Ariel developed a passion for outdoor adventure. This passion is what fuels the Jewish world’s premier expert in adventure travel.
With over fifteen years of adventure touring under his belt, there is little that Ariel has not done. He is a New York State Licensed Guide, certified in wilderness first aid and CPR/ R.T.E. (responding to emergencies), a certified lifeguard, licensed NAUI scuba diver, a survival enthusiast, spelunker, a mountain biker, jeep driver, camping/ glamping specialist, certified life coach, a NLP practitioner, and is a licensed rappelling and canyoneering instructor from the prestigious Wingate Institute, Israel’s National Center for Physical Education and Sport.
No matter what your skill level Ariel can help you experience the great outdoors as they should be. He combines his extensive experience with his background in coaching to energize all his trips with unmatched adventure and lasting inspiration. It is with his instinctive ability to relate to people and their challenges, that he develops the confidence and team building traits that adventure tourism lends itself to. He takes pride in propelling his clients through even the most challenging of tracks as he simultaneously forges lasting and growth-oriented relationships on the way. Ariel lives with his wife and five children in Moshav Neve Michael, just outside Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Brian K Spector

Brian K Spector

Cinematography and Photography

Are you looking for something truly unique?  A memento to preserve the memories of your Israel trip? An elegant presentation? Then consider hiring  Brian K. Spector of Vision Palette on your next Mesorah Tour. Brian is an acclaimed cinematographer/photographer with over twenty years experience. He is versatile (shooting on land, air and in water) and will skillfully capture your new found memories as only a professional could. Here are some still samples:  https://www.instagram.com/briankspector/

What Clients Say About Us

Yosef is professional, knowledgeable, and presented the material from a Torah perspective. He is also very pleasant and easy to deal with.
Dan Roth, Founder, Torah Live
Rabbi Dan Roth

Founder and Developer, Torah Live

Yosef is both passionate and knowledgeable about the land of Israel and gives a great tour. He is able to engage both adults and children which is not the easiest thing to do.

 

Mrs. Yehudit Rouzaud

Yosef is the best tour guide that I can imagine. Knows his stuff, is passionate about it – and is a great person to be around.
Ruvein Katz

CEO , SafeSpend Technologies

We had the privilege of touring Eretz Yisroel with Joe Back in January 2016. Despite the age range of our kids—from 21 to 12—Joe shared his extraordinary wealth of information and obvious love of the land effortlessly, and conveyed it meaningfully to our whole family. He was a extraordinarily patient—we asked a lot of questions—and flexible. If you are looking for a tour guide that not only knows Israel, but also has the ability and patience to create a tailor-made tour, call Joe. From, The Malkin’s of Chicago
Joel and Wendy

Malkin Family