tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20609413055683110222024-03-12T19:22:45.088-07:00Israel Trip 2011Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-10101919436567913282011-02-27T09:57:00.000-08:002011-02-27T13:43:51.047-08:00Our Final Day<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"> Today was bitter sweet. We spent our last remaining hours in Jerusalem viewing a couple of the most significant places on our journey. We started on Mt. Zion, the place of David’s tomb and the Upper Room. Jesus spent His Last Supper with the disciples at this location. Sitting on top of David’s tomb, it is likely that the room was provided to Jesus by a distant relative. We then walked through the Zion Gate, through the Armenian quarter and into the Jewish Quarter. The gate was riddled with bullet holes because this was the dividing line between Israel and Jordan prior to 1967. Viewing the Cardo, or marketplace area of Jesus’ day 20 feet below us, it reminded us how Jerusalem had been conquered and rebuilt several times since the time of our Savior. We then arrived at a plaza above the Western Wall. From here we could see evidence of the smaller cardo of Jesus’ day, situated at the upper part of the Cheesemaker Valley. We could see the Western Wall (Jewish); the Dome of the Rock (Muslim); and the Church of the Ascension (Greek Orthodox) all in the same frame. What a representation of the three faiths. After praying at the Wall (and the men visiting the synagogue along side the Wall), we made our way along the Via Dolorosa to the Damascus Gate, and then to the Garden Tomb. This gave us the “feel” of Calvary and the Tomb. We ended our time there with communion. He is RISEN!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Following lunch at Ramat Rachel overlooking Bethlehem, we made our way to the Menorah in front the of Kenneset, Israel’s parliament. It is full of meaning and was donated by the British Government. We then drove through the new part of Jerusalem, stopping in front of the Prime Minister’s residence to sign a petition for the release of Gilad Schalit. He has been in captivity by Hamas for over 1707 days. We met his father. We ended our time in the Elah Valley, site of the battle between David and Goliath. </div><div class="MsoNormal">On our long flight home, we raised the blessing, “Next Year in Jerusalem!!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Personal Note: This was a great group and Pam and I were honored to be a part of pilgrimage with them. We look forward to future trips with other pilgrims (and returning pilgrims) <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">:-)</span> Shalom!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Kerp0ApmQT4/TWqNKcwBBWI/AAAAAAAAAEs/J_Uu9-hE7xM/s1600/P1030033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Kerp0ApmQT4/TWqNKcwBBWI/AAAAAAAAAEs/J_Uu9-hE7xM/s320/P1030033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-11100292036049104602011-02-25T08:58:00.000-08:002011-02-25T08:58:36.931-08:00A Draining Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SclKRz7jF80/TWfc1lWqiqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/mhI9yjIxKbk/s1600/P1020982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SclKRz7jF80/TWfc1lWqiqI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/mhI9yjIxKbk/s320/P1020982.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM3oZYX1TcI/TWfeZtNgKNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/SV-cpWf_qSI/s1600/P1020996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM3oZYX1TcI/TWfeZtNgKNI/AAAAAAAAAEc/SV-cpWf_qSI/s320/P1020996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g51UOCkzJnM/TWffPahf0VI/AAAAAAAAAEk/JRRFCVfgOZU/s1600/P1030019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g51UOCkzJnM/TWffPahf0VI/AAAAAAAAAEk/JRRFCVfgOZU/s320/P1030019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OO2pc-G7z5M/TWffgW6lUnI/AAAAAAAAAEo/XrD085ch0w0/s1600/P1030028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OO2pc-G7z5M/TWffgW6lUnI/AAAAAAAAAEo/XrD085ch0w0/s320/P1030028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On our next to last day we had a draining experience. We visited the Israeli museum first. That was spectacular, seeing the scale model of first century Jerusalem. It is very easy to see how the city looked in the days of Jesus and up to its destruction in 70 A.D. Imagine how the Temple looked from a distance. Our draining time followed as we visited Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum. The name means in memory of the name, meaning the names of the six million Jews who died in the Shoa. We heard the names of the 1 1/2 million children who died being read. The main museum is a learning experience that begins with life and ends with life. But the steps in between help you "feel" the pain, suffering and inhumanity inflicted on the Jews. We saw their shoes. We heard from survivors. We read accounts of the atrocities. Our lunch break following was welcomed. We ended our day by visiting Caiaphas's house, known as Peter en Gallicantu. Gallicantu is latin for the rooster singing. We saw the basement where Jesus was held before they took Him to Pilate to be tried. Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-64939801797562168092011-02-24T12:00:00.000-08:002011-02-24T12:00:54.626-08:00A Mixed Day of BordersToday was an interesting day of mixed borders. First, we went past the Western Wall (we will return tomorrow or Saturday) and entered the Rabbinical Tunnel that goes along the length of the Western Wall to the Antonio Fortress. We viewed the arches that supported the bridges that crossed into the Temple mount. We entered the Old City in the Muslim Quarter and saw the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man sitting by the pool. We listened to singing in church of St. Anne, Mary's mother. We then walked the Via Dolorosa and exited the Old City through the Jaffa Gate.<br />
We then traveled through the border into Bethlehem. Our Jewish Guide Reuven could not join us for this. An Arab guide took us for lunch in a restaurant that mimics a bedouin tent in the Shepherd's field. We then visited the church built over the area traditionally held to be the cave where they were staying when the angel appeared to them. We then visited the Church of the Nativity, held to be built over the stable where Jesus was born. We had to "humble" ourselves to enter through the very low door.<br />
It was a long but good day. Tomorrow we see more modern Jerusalem.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-9340311356873695102011-02-23T13:10:00.000-08:002011-02-27T13:36:59.737-08:00Up To Jerusalem!Today was a day of heights. We left the desert floor along the Dead Sea (1280 feet below sea level) and made the climb by cable car to Masada. This ancient fortress of King Herod was the location over seventy years after his death of a fierce battle between the tenth Roman Legion and some zealous Jewish rebels. In the end, 960 of them entered into kaddish, or death on behalf of God. Masada is therefore a symbol of Israeli courage and determination. We then stopped by En Gedi where David hid from Saul. We then went "up to Jerusalem" and followed the Palm Sunday trail from the Mt. of Olives down to the Church of All Nations in Gethsemane. What a powerful time. We stopped part way down the hill at Dominus Flevit where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. We also learned about the three hills and three valleys that make up the area of Jerusalem. The hills are Mount of Olives, Mount Moriah and Mount Zion. the three valleys are the Kidron Valley; the Cheesemaker Valley and the Hinnom Valley. We ended with a view from a southern promenade. It was a spectacular day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lmzg6MzfaE/TWV3QJXHvpI/AAAAAAAAADs/PGEVaHyj6FA/s1600/P1020841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lmzg6MzfaE/TWV3QJXHvpI/AAAAAAAAADs/PGEVaHyj6FA/s320/P1020841.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-44052968607790453012011-02-22T08:38:00.000-08:002011-02-22T11:47:02.818-08:00What a Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiyQqw3Iqfw/TWQSiiRtZ1I/AAAAAAAAADA/bpkxJZsKEn0/s1600/P1020723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiyQqw3Iqfw/TWQSiiRtZ1I/AAAAAAAAADA/bpkxJZsKEn0/s320/P1020723.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We traveled over the distance of half the length of the country today as we left Tiberias and ended up south of Masada on the Dead Sea. Our journey took us to ancient Beth Shean, site of where the bodies of Saul and his sons were hung on the wall after falling to the Philistines on Mt. Gilboa. At the base of the Beth Shean tel is the Roman city of Scytopolis. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 749 B.C.<br />
We then climbed the Gilboa mountain and saw spectacular views of the Jezreel Valley, the Jordan Valley and Jordan itself, and the Samaritan mountains. Reuven, our guide, read some of the lament David did over Saul and Jonathan's deaths for us in Hebrew. (Check my facebook page for the video). We then stopped by Qumran, site of the town for the Essenes. It is possible John the Baptist was a part of their community for a while before he started his ministry. We ended our day floating in the Dead Sea. What fun!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbJfoFL3Lvg/TWPmG2ISZJI/AAAAAAAAAC8/akUc1oE8lVw/s1600/P1020712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gbJfoFL3Lvg/TWPmG2ISZJI/AAAAAAAAAC8/akUc1oE8lVw/s320/P1020712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-55851546308984749472011-02-21T13:15:00.000-08:002011-02-27T13:22:18.207-08:00Last Day in the Galilee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ppntRqoxCL0/TWq9dzendLI/AAAAAAAAAFk/QwlDjwExitg/s1600/P1020578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ppntRqoxCL0/TWq9dzendLI/AAAAAAAAAFk/QwlDjwExitg/s320/P1020578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j9qT_fgBHo/TWLR_HtvgZI/AAAAAAAAACI/EGO2fEr6d74/s1600/P1020585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j9qT_fgBHo/TWLR_HtvgZI/AAAAAAAAACI/EGO2fEr6d74/s320/P1020585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNTQVQiMYfs/TWLTt_-Ys9I/AAAAAAAAACU/8cHu-c7nnwc/s1600/P1020619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNTQVQiMYfs/TWLTt_-Ys9I/AAAAAAAAACU/8cHu-c7nnwc/s320/P1020619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VoEfFs8lTw/TWLT77TkpvI/AAAAAAAAACY/0H6Ulc-gr1I/s1600/P1020623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VoEfFs8lTw/TWLT77TkpvI/AAAAAAAAACY/0H6Ulc-gr1I/s320/P1020623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ec_KjEkSwA/TWLUIOKV4aI/AAAAAAAAACc/kPcSEqssFcM/s1600/P1020608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ec_KjEkSwA/TWLUIOKV4aI/AAAAAAAAACc/kPcSEqssFcM/s320/P1020608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41ko0_Wqr7w/TWLVMAaeYeI/AAAAAAAAACg/cLX7lswpAcQ/s1600/P1020611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41ko0_Wqr7w/TWLVMAaeYeI/AAAAAAAAACg/cLX7lswpAcQ/s320/P1020611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This was our last day in the Galilee. The Scots has been a marvelous home for the past three nights. We visited both Biblical and post-Biblical sites today. It gave us an historic and present understanding of Israel's security situation. We climbed the 3000 feet up out of the Galilee valley to the Golan Heights. After crossing the Hula Valley, we stopped at a kibbutz called N'ot Mordekay. I've included a picture of their bomb shelter. They sit in the shadow of Lebanon. We were able to buy some of their products in support of them. We then visited the ancient tel of Dan. One of the northern most cities for ancient Israel, Jeroboam set up a worship center with Golden Calves here. A thousand years earlier, Abraham visited here as he chased down the kings who kidnapped Lot and his family. A picture of the gate of his time is included. We also saw how Dan is one of the headwaters for the Jordan River. We traveled on to Caesarea Philippi or Banias. A pagan city in Jesus' day, it was in this region where Peter gave his confession of Jesus as the Messiah. (Read Matthew 16). It is the second of three sources for the Jordan. Following a lunch of swarma and falafal, we traveled to Gamla, known as the northern Masada. It is an amazing place. Throughout our journey today, we were by the Lebanese border, the Syrians boarder and the Jordanian border. It gave us a real understanding of Israel's security issues. Tomorrow we head south to the Dead Sea.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-ni0fqnX_M/TWLOLDYwYGI/AAAAAAAAACA/1L7OvnqqEEo/s1600/P1020395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-ni0fqnX_M/TWLOLDYwYGI/AAAAAAAAACA/1L7OvnqqEEo/s1600/P1020395.JPG" /></a></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-71305663582070756962011-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:002011-02-20T11:29:40.875-08:00A Very Real Illustration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHNrpnNLT8U/TWFopeLfaDI/AAAAAAAAABU/B3CQ29eVnvA/s1600/P1020419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHNrpnNLT8U/TWFopeLfaDI/AAAAAAAAABU/B3CQ29eVnvA/s320/P1020419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W86NsFN1_YA/TWFqNfthN2I/AAAAAAAAAB4/ceHGNuNUXHQ/s1600/P1020510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W86NsFN1_YA/TWFqNfthN2I/AAAAAAAAAB4/ceHGNuNUXHQ/s320/P1020510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyNd_TSzbL4/TWFqZM0OnTI/AAAAAAAAAB8/DVdzrxjA5dY/s1600/P1020556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyNd_TSzbL4/TWFqZM0OnTI/AAAAAAAAAB8/DVdzrxjA5dY/s320/P1020556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The normally tranquil Sea of Galilee transformed into a living illustration for us today as we took our boat ride. A storm was present, and it was easy for us to picture why the disciples were concerned and thought their boat was going to swamp. While we did not demonstrate the same power as Jesus, it was a great reminder to us of who He is and who we are. The rain throughout the day did not dampen our spirits as we visited the Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum (headquarters for most of Jesus' ministry), Kursi (one of the cursed towns) and ended the day with baptizing 11 of our group in the Jordan River. At lunch we stopped by a Lebanese restaurant and had St. Peter's Fish (head and all). The Lord demonstrated His faithfulness as we closed out our day by placing His bow in the sky.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-58692683771062336852011-02-19T08:24:00.000-08:002011-02-19T08:24:19.784-08:00Along the Via MarisToday, we traveled along the "Way of the Sea", the route the Egyptians would have to take to fight any competing empire from Europe or Asia. We stopped at the theater at Caesarea by the Sea. Herod had his summer palace here. Paul was tried here before being taken to Rome. We then climbed up to Mt. Carmel to the place Elijah battled the 450 prophets of Baal. Along the way we saw where the great fire took place a couple months ago. A memorial for the guards who were killed was sobering. The Jezreel Valley looks spectacular from up on the mountain. We then traveled to Megiddo, the northern guard town that Solomon built up for defense. It is amazing to think they dug its water tunnel by hand. We had our first falafal for lunch and a nice sweet snack in the afternoon. We ended our day in the city where Jesus grew up, Nazareth, and read the Scriptures in the synagogue where he first declared Himself to be Messiah.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh5Y2ydOPm0/TV_t_NNRTRI/AAAAAAAAABQ/uHIAUzqEW08/s1600/P1020307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kh5Y2ydOPm0/TV_t_NNRTRI/AAAAAAAAABQ/uHIAUzqEW08/s320/P1020307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-85964788720477593712011-02-18T12:13:00.000-08:002011-02-18T12:13:24.392-08:00We're Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2OAuXElndU/TV7QO6apfzI/AAAAAAAAAAk/lA7oeJCnMzM/s1600/P1020254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_2OAuXElndU/TV7QO6apfzI/AAAAAAAAAAk/lA7oeJCnMzM/s320/P1020254.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwbsWqToAl0/TV7QgzRww8I/AAAAAAAAAAo/udpbPZXVKMs/s1600/P1020227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwbsWqToAl0/TV7QgzRww8I/AAAAAAAAAAo/udpbPZXVKMs/s320/P1020227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNupbKIcDUM/TV7RNDIM3MI/AAAAAAAAAAw/nBUYfB6uA28/s1600/P1020244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNupbKIcDUM/TV7RNDIM3MI/AAAAAAAAAAw/nBUYfB6uA28/s320/P1020244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebuDIHq-e-8/TV7Q1R0d-aI/AAAAAAAAAAs/Yw8Neb-RvCU/s1600/P1020246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebuDIHq-e-8/TV7Q1R0d-aI/AAAAAAAAAAs/Yw8Neb-RvCU/s320/P1020246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We arrived a few minutes early today, just before 2:20 p.m. local time. It was a good flight with varied amounts of sleep by the group. After exiting customs and getting our luggage, we met our guide Reuven for the first time. He's great. We got to see a gorgeous sunset on the Mediterranean Sea. Following our first meal here, some of us took a little walk in the beach. We are looking to get some rest tonight so we are raring to go by 7:00 a.m. in the morning. Shabbat Shalom.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-33864197500828027512011-02-08T07:51:00.000-08:002011-02-08T07:51:18.668-08:00Tentative Itinerary For Trip- Always subject to change<style>
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<tr> <td> <div class="shape" style="padding: 3.6pt 7.2pt; text-align: left;"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 20pt;">11 day Israel</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 20pt;">Led by Pat Jones</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: green; font-family: Garamond; font-size: 20pt;">February 17-27, 2011</span></b></div></div></td> </tr>
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</div><br clear="all" /> <div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Thursday, Feb 17<sup>th</sup>:<span> </span><u>En route</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">We leave JFK at 9:05 p.m., arriving at Tel Aviv at 2:40 p.m. local time. (10 hours 35 min flight time)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Time difference is 7 hours</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Friday, Feb 18<sup>th</sup>:<span> </span><u>Tel Aviv</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Welcome to Israel! Upon our early evening arrival in Israel, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><b>Overnight, Netanya</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Saturday, Feb 19<sup>th</sup>:<span> </span><u>Coastal Route</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">After enjoying a delicious Israeli breakfast, </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">we’ll drive along the Mediterranean Coast to the 5000 year old port city of <b>Jaffa</b>. Here Jonah sought to escape God’s call and Peter had his rooftop vision before his call to Caesarea. W<span>e’ll drive northwards up the Mediterranean coast. First we’ll visit ancient <b>Caesarea</b>, site of Paul and Peter’s experiences on the Mediterranean Coast. From there we’ll visit <b>Mount Carmel</b> and <b>Muhraka</b> to witness the location of Elijah’s contest with Jezebel’s false prophets of <b>Ba’al</b>. Here we’ll be able to view the <b>Jezreel Valley</b>. We’ll then travel to <b>Meggido</b>, the site of 21 battles from the Old Testament and where it says in the Book of Revelation the final battle between good and evil will take place. Here we’ll also get to explore Canaanite ruins and the “Chariot Cities” of Kings Solomon and Ahab. Next we’ll visit <b>Nazareth</b>, Jesus’ childhood home. We will pass <b>Cana</b> on our way<span> </span>to the Sea of Galilee to our hotel</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><b>Overnight, Tiberias</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Sunday, Feb 20<sup>th</sup>:<span> </span><u>Sea of Galilee/The Foot-Steps of Jesus</u><span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span>After breakfast we’ll depart for Tiberias where we’ll take a morning <b>Boat Tour</b> of the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. We’ll visit <b>Migdal</b>, the home of Mary Magdalene and see the <b>“Jesus Boat”</b> at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar. We’ll then drive the plain of Ginosar to <b>Tabgha</b> where Jesus “multiplied the loaves and fish.” Next on our stop is the <b>Mount of Beatitudes</b> for Sunday Worship. We’ll proceed to the basalt synagogue at<b> Chorazin</b> to see where Jesus taught and see the “Seat of Moses.” We’ll also view the <b>Natural Amphitheater</b> where Jesus also taught, we’ll visit <b>Capernaum</b>, home of the synagogue of Jesus’ ministry and miracles. Next we’ll cross the <b>Jordan River </b>and visit <b>Bethsaida</b>, home of Peter, Andrea, James and John. We’ll also see the <b>Decapolis</b> and <b>Kursi</b> where Jesus cast the demons out of a man into a heard of swine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><b>Overnight, Tiberias</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Monday, Feb 21<sup>st</sup>:<span> </span><u>Northern Galilee</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">After breakfast we’ll have a full day to tour the lovely North of Israel. First we’ll visit the archeological site of <b>Hazor</b>, mentioned in the Old Testament as one of Solomon’s three main cities where he maintained his famous horse stables. Next will visit the archeological site of <b>Tel Dan</b> before moving onto the famous city of <b>Caesarea Philippi </b>located about 25 miles north-east of the Sea of Galilee. Here, Jesus could be alone with His disciples and pass along His teachings. Next we’ll take a drive through the <b>Golan Heights</b>, stopping to see a bunker that the Israelis used in the ’67 and ’73 Wars. Afterwards we’ll return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><b>Overnight, Tiberias</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Tuesday, Feb 22<sup>nd</sup>:<span> </span><u>Jordan Valley/Dead Sea </u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">After breakfast we’ll <span>drive down the Jordan Valley to <b>Beit Shean</b>, an amazing New Testament Roman city with temples, baths, and a black basalt theater..</span>Drive along the Jordan Valley, with Jordan on our east and the Mountains of Samaria on our west, past the oasis of Old Testament <b>Jericho</b> where Joshua led Israel in the siege of the city, and down to the <b>Dead Sea</b>. This is the lowest place on Earth and the site where John was baptized in Jordan at the mouth of the Sea. We will view and discuss the location of ancient <b>Gilgal</b>, Israel’s largest all Jewish city in history; on our right will be the awesome <b>Wilderness of Judea</b>. Skirting the west side of the Dead Sea, we’ll note the cave where archeologist Vendyl Jones is excavating in search of the Ashes of the Red Heifer and Temple Treasures. We will then visit <b>Qumran</b> where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a Bedouin boy. Our guide will share discoveries relating to <span>Essene Qumran<b> </b></span>and our Jewish/Christian heritage. We’ll overlook the ancient oasis of <b>Ein Gedi </b><i>(the Goat’s Rocks)</i>, where David hid from King Saul in the caves.. Drive south along the Dead Sea to our resort hotel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Overnight, Dead Sea Resort Hotel</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Wednesday, Feb 23<sup>rd</sup>: <span> </span><u>Wilderness of Judea/Massada</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">This morning we have the option to depart at daybreak and taxi to <b>Masada</b> to hike to the top. The rest of us will take the bus to the cable car and ride to top at 8:00am or stay at the hotel to enjoy the spas. Masada is the most important mountain in Israel’s history. Learn the incredible story of the Jewish Freedom Fighters who held out against the Romans in 73A.D.<span> </span>The story of the struggle, the excavations, and the view from the top is one unforgettable highlight of our tour. Drive to <b>Beer Sheva</b> to see the excavation of <b>Tel Sheva. </b>A watering hole for Abraham’s sheep<b>. Beer Sheva </b>is the town most closely associated with the Patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob lived here and Abraham gave it its name – The Well of the Oath – for it was here that he made his covenant with Abimelech. We will drive through <b>Gat</b>, <b>Valley of Ellah</b>, up onto the <b>Golden City, Jerusalem.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Overnight, Jerusalem</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Thursday, Feb 24<sup>th</sup>:<span> </span><u>Jerusalem old city</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span>Today we’ll discover more of the Old City of Jerusalem. First we’ll explore the <b>Rabbinical Tunnels </b>behind the Western Wall. We’ll then see the <b>Temple Mount </b>and (if politically possible), the <b>El Aqsa Mosque</b>, the <b>Dome of the Rock</b>, and the <b>Dome of the Spirits</b>.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span>Visit the <b>Lions’ Gate</b> and the <b>Pools of Bethesda</b> We’ll then visit the <b>Tower of Antonia</b>, the <b>Praetorium</b>, and <b>Pilate’s Judgement Hall</b>. Here our Lord was tried by Pilate, beaten by the Roman Cohort, and took up His Cross for Calvary. The <b>Ecce Homo</b> begins the traditional <b>Via Dolorosa </b>leading to the <b>Church of the Holy Sepulchre</b> (Catholic site of Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection). Here we’ll have time to shop in the Old City. We’ll then reconvene to visit the Jewish Quarter including the <b>Cardo</b>, th the <b>Herodian Quarter</b>, and <b>Nehemiah’s Wall</b>. Afterwards we’ll explore the <b>Southern Wall Excavations</b> and depart the old city by the <b>Dung Gate</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><b>Overnight, Jerusalem</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Friday, Feb 25<sup>th</sup>:<span> </span><u>Jerusalem-New City- PM Bethlehem</u></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">This morning we’ll be exploring the New City of Jerusalem. First we’ll see Yad Vashem the <b>Shoa Museum. </b>Visit the <b>Israel Museum; </b>See the <b>Shrine of the Book</b>, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls We’ll also see the <b>Model of First Century Jerusalem</b>. After Lunch drive to Shepherds Fields and cross over to <b>Bethlehem</b> to visit the <b>Church of Nativity. </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Overnight, Jerusalem</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Saturday, Feb 26th<span> </span><u>The Holy City of Jerusalem</u></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span></span><span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Mount of Olives </span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">our guide will share the geography and history of Jerusalem. This vivid lecture overlooks where it happened, the <b>Kidron Valley</b>, the <b>Temple Area</b>, and <b>The Holy City</b>. Descending the Mount of Olives by the path of Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into the Kidron Valley, we worship in the lovely <b>Garden of Gethsemane</b> discussing Jesus’ suffering and his “Passion Week.” Before us is the <b>Golden Gate</b> of the Temple Area, as when Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24. We’ll then visit the <b>House of Caiphas</b>, the place of Jesus’ early trials when Peter denied him and Jesus was “caned.” We’ll then view the <b>Valley of the Cheesemaker</b>, the <b>Valley of Hinnon</b>, the <b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in; text-indent: -2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span>Field of Blood</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">, where Judas took his life, <b>Gehennah</b>, and the</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Ophel</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">, King David’s capital city. We’ll then visit Mount Zion, to the <b>Upper Room</b>, the traditional site of Jesus’ last Passover meal, or the Lord’s Supper. We will end the tour with a visit to the <b>Garden Tomb.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">In the evening a farewell dinner (not included).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Sunday, Feb 27th:</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><b><u>En Route</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span><span> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Arrive JFK at 5:05 a.m.<span> </span>Arrive Buffalo at 9:43 a.m.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span> </span>(Or National at 10:25 a.m. for Andrea and Lori)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div> Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2060941305568311022.post-89984768286840073832011-02-08T04:30:00.000-08:002011-02-08T04:30:14.959-08:00Preparing To Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Poqr-YV_d6E/TVE2jLU_qWI/AAAAAAAAAAc/vMVCcqRBVyQ/s1600/P1010074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Poqr-YV_d6E/TVE2jLU_qWI/AAAAAAAAAAc/vMVCcqRBVyQ/s320/P1010074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We leave February 17th. Most of us will be flying out of Buffalo and the other two out of Washington National. We will be meeting up at JFK and travel together to Tel Aviv.<br />
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We will seek to keep this blog up each day so family and friends will be able to follow our journey.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07772684772060402038noreply@blogger.com1