Following is Mom's final travelogue of her trip to Israel. Enjoy!
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SHALOM--Welcome back to Israel...in happier times.
Monday, June 26 ~ Jerusalem Old City ~ continued ~
We started our day with a visit to the Wohl Museum of Archeology in Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter and the Herodian Quarter site, known as the Second Temple period. We viewed the Model of the Second Temple--Herod's Temple, built in 514 B.C.E. [Renee’s note: Before Common Era, AKA B.C. or Before Christ – you understand why Israelis don’t use this]. It stood 15 stories high and was completed in 18 mouths! The temple was destroyed by Titus circa 70 C.E. [Renee’s note: Common Era, AKA A.D. or Anno Domini, “in the year of our Lord” – same note as above].
At the Burnt House location, we experienced a moving presentation of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. We toured the Temple Institute where the Book of Leviticus came to life, with replicas of vessels, priests' garb, spices, etc. The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible, referred to by Christians as The Old Testament.
Along the way, we attended an exhibition of biblical-time fragrances, and took in a most magnificent rooftop view of the four quarters (Moslem, Christian, Jewish, Armenian).
We explored the Southern Wall Excavation and took a virtual, computerized walk through the Jerusalem Temple at the Davidson Center. We viewed some of the most significant sites in Israel by means of exhibitions. The Center is an extension of the Archaeological Park.
Tuesday, June 27 ~ Dead Sea ~
Excavations anyone?
Early, we departed for the Masada National Park, located near the shores of the Dead Sea, between Ein Gedi and Sodom. We ascended by cable car for a tour/discussion of the dilemma faced by its Jewish Zealots. A most glorious sight!
We enjoyed a walk through the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve and studied the biblical stories of Kings David and Saul that took place. It was here that David composed several Psalms.
We proceeded to the Qumran – the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the ancient Essene (Garden of Peace) community.
We then stopped for a brief dip in the Dead Sea, a "must" but quite messy experience, to say the least! The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth AND one of the saltiest! It is the deepest hyper-saline lake in the world!!
During "the dip," you must be very aware NOT to let the water get in your eyes--sooooooo submerging is most definitely a no-no! Floating is NOT a problem, feeling as though your whole body just wants to keep "popping up"! A "sensational" experience! After "the dip," we showered twice to get the slimy mud off! This mud is supposedly healing and good for the skin however. Of course, ANOTHER "must" is to buy their skin "sea beauty" products (what better way to help Israel but to buy your next gifts AND indulge yourself, check out www.ifcj.org (International Fellowship of Christians and Jews) catalog!
We drove through the Jordan Valley and visited Yardenit--the Jordan River and viewed the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by John (The Baptist), Jesus's cousin. The Yardenit Baptismal site has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of modern pilgrims. They come, clad in flowing white robes, paying tribute by submerging themselves in the waters...
Wednesday, June 28 ~ Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee ~ The Christian Tour ~
We started the day with a tour of The Yigal Alon Center, home to The Ancient Galilee Boat. In 1986, two brothers from Ginosar – a lakeside location –discovered the boat, during a drought resulting in the lowering of the waters. The boat dates back to first centuries B.C. Analyses suggest this was the type of boat used during Jesus' Time, and so is known as "the Jesus Boat."
We drove to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, visited St. Peter's Primacy (Matthew 16), and traveled to the 2000-year-old remains of Capernaum (Luke 4)--a settlement on the shores of the Lake. We stood in what is left of the synagogue in which Jesus ministered. It was here that Jesus did most of his Galilean ministry, and where he performed many miracles. We viewed Kursi, where Jesus cast the demons into pigs that ran into the sea (Matthew 8).
At Ein Gev, we took a beautiful sunset boat ride across the Sea. We ended our day by enjoying a wonderful traditional fish dinner at a nearby sea-side restaurant.
Thursday, June 29 ~ Upper Galilee ~
And yet more excavations!
We drove to Corazim National Park, toured the Hula Valley, and the ruins of the ancient city Banias/ Caesarea Philippi, then continued to the tranquil Dan Nature Reserve. On to Tel Hai (Hill of Life), a national monument, and ascended Mount Meron to pay tribute to Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai, a famous scholar during the Roman Period. We toured synagogues, courtyards, shops, graves and mikveh ("ritual bath" used for purification) of the Ari z"l in the mystical city of Tzefat.
Our day ended with a great dinner and an overnight at the Kibbutz Kfar Giladi.
Friday, June 30 ~ Lower Galilee and Coast Line ~
Early departure for the city of Nazareth. We toured the ancient, excavated city of Tzippoi, and viewed beautiful mosaics and other finds from the time of the Mishna (200 C.E., the time when the entire body of Jewish religious law was passed down and developed).
We viewed the excavation of the ancient city of Megiddo, associated with Armageddon, the final battleground between good and evil. We ascended the summit of Mount Carmel for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Haifa Bay and Western Galilee. We visited the impressive site of the ancient city of Caesarea, and continued to Jerusalem...ending "The Excavation Period"!
Once in Jerusalem, we prepared for the Shabbat, and a wonderful farewell Shabbat Dinner for all!
Saturday, July 1 ~ Jerusalem ~
Whew!! Finally, a free day devoted to shopping and just roaming around the old quarters. For lunch, we discovered a very nice roof-top restaurant, and enjoyed pizza and cold beer!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I won't say "the end" BUT rather a beginning to many more adventures to this beautiful and very interesting country!
I hope you've enjoyed touring Israel through Renee's mom's eyes. I know it was a terrific thrill for me! THANKS to Renee for giving me the opportunity.
SHALOM, SHALOM to all!! (Hebrew word for peace)
Adela
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