Question
What is the significance of Shechem in Judaism?
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom,
I will just point out some major highlights of the significant events which took place which are mmentioned in the Torah.
Shechem is the first city in Eretz Yisrael, when it is still known as the Land of Canaan, to which Avraham Avinu arrived. It is in Shecem where G-d appeared to Avraham Avinu and promised Eretz Yisrael to his descendants. (Bereshit 12: 6-7).
Ya'acov Avinu, upon his return from Padan Aram, camped near this city and then bought a portion of land and established an altar there. Later, Yoseph, Ya'akov's son was buried there and there his tomb remains to this very day. (Bereshit 33: 18-20,Yehoshua 24:32).
Dina, Ya'akov's daughter was raped there. Later, her brothers, Shimon and Levi smote the people of Shechem in an act of vengeance. (Bereshit 34).
On Mt. Gerizim which is near Shechem, the Jewish people received the blessing upon entering Eretz Yisrael in the time of Yehoshua. (Devarim 11:29, Yehoshua 8:33)
All the best
