The Temple Steps
We sat on the original steps that would be leaving the Temple that Solomon built. It is really interesting to see the design. There is a narrow set of steps … Continue Reading The Temple Steps
The Dung Gate
The Dung Gate is appropriately named… We have entered the old city of Jerusalem through the Dung Gate twice now. Both times smelled like dung.
The Pool of Siloam
There were only 2 miracles performed by Jesus that were recorded as happening in Jerusalem. One of them has to do with a blind man who was commanded by Jesus … Continue Reading The Pool of Siloam
The Mount of Olives
We began our adventure this morning overlooking the Temple Mount and old city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. There is a fantastic panoramic view from where we stood. … Continue Reading The Mount of Olives
Bethlehem
Bethlehem Hmm. What to say about Bethlehem? I’m glad to have been there. I don’t care to ever go again. Obviously the story of the birth of Christ is a … Continue Reading Bethlehem
Herodian
We set out to explore the fortress built by Herod the Great for his own funeral memorial. It was quite a sight! On one hand, all of these fortresses start … Continue Reading Herodian
The Israel Museum
There is a 50:1 scaled hand-made model of Jerusalem at the museum. It is really amazing. It is meant to help you understand ancient Jerusalem instead of what it looks … Continue Reading The Israel Museum
The Temple Mount
First thing this morning we went to the location of Solomon’s Temple in the center of old Jerusalem. It is a location that has changed hands many times. Currently it … Continue Reading The Temple Mount
Ben Yahuda Street
After dinner there were several of us from the group who walked a little over a mile to the Jewish center of town. There is a busy street that we … Continue Reading Ben Yahuda Street
Qumran
In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd was tending his flocks and lost one. While looking for this lost sheep, he came across a cave. It was customary to check the cave … Continue Reading Qumran
The Dead Sea
Yet another completely unique experience. We had lunch on the Dead Sea and went in to see what it was like. Others in our group went all the way in … Continue Reading The Dead Sea
Masada
Such a unique experience! On the eastern fringe of the Judean wilderness next to the Dead Sea is a fortress on the top of a mountain named Masada. Herod the … Continue Reading Masada
En Gedi
En Gedi would be the land where David was hiding from Saul. Saul was trying to kill David. At one point Saul had stopped in a cave to relieve himself … Continue Reading En Gedi
Then Again… Maybe Not
I may have been a little too excited and assumed we were going to be in Jerusalem today. I don’t think we will be after all. It looks like we … Continue Reading Then Again… Maybe Not
Coming in to Jerusalem
The climate has changed again… We traveled further south, up to Jerusalem. I say up because it is quite an ascent up the hill to the holy city. We stopped … Continue Reading Coming in to Jerusalem
The Judean Wilderness
This is the Israel that I have always had in my mind. Dry, dusty, rocky, hills, and plenty of sun. The wilderness is all of that, and more. It is … Continue Reading The Judean Wilderness