Joel G. Judd

“Over 25 years ago, a friend of mine suggested that I travel to the Holy Land to experience the setting of the scriptures for myself, and that if I did, I would never read the scriptures the same way again. I was skeptical, but the following year, my wife and I spent about two weeks in Egypt and Israel. My friend was right, but he had understated the Holy Land’s impact on my life. I came away with a new appreciation and love for the scriptures and for their depth and meaning. Since then, I have returned many times to study and teach there.”

Joel was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in West Point, Utah graduating from Davis High School. He served an LDS mission to New England under President Truman G. Madsen.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, Sociology and Psychology at Weber State College in 1970, and received a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from BYU in 1975. Since that time he has been a student of Biblical Hebrew, ancient Near East History, and Geography of the Holy Land. 

Joel, now retired, taught in the LDS Church Education System for 37 years, in Seminary in Ogden, Utah and Institute in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and at the Orem Institute of Religion at Utah Valley State College.  He has taught at the BYU Jerusalem Center in Israel on three different occasions as a religion instructor and field trip director and has directed many tours to Egypt and Israel..

Brother Judd's church service has included Ward Young Men's President, Sunday School President, Elder's Quorum President, Ward Executive Secretary, Counselor in three Bishoprics, Bishop and Stake High Counselor.

Joel married Marsha Haacke in the Salt Lake Temple in 1968 and were later blessed with two children.

Tours Guided by Joel G. Judd