Israeli Museum & Tour of Bethlehem

Friday morning we awoke late 7 am to a crisp beautiful sunny day. We were soon on the bus where our resilient band of Potomac Pilgrims continued their quest to better discern the life of Jesus. On this 6^th day we paid a visit to a very interesting Israel Museum. We began this stop by climbing some steps to overlook a scale model 50 x 40 meters of the walled city of Jerusalem. We were able to locate Golgotha, Mt. Zion, David’s City, etc. in relationship to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. Looking over the Mount we saw the Holy of Holies where the high priest enters once a year to pray. Entering the Shrine of the Book we saw some of the Dead Sea Scrolls from Qumran caves dating from roughly 200 BC. They confirm the accuracy of Old Testament books.

Our next stop was Bethlehem. Since Bethlehem is in the Palestinian controlled land our Israeli guide was banned from accompanying us but our driver David has a special license to drive us pass the checkpoint and into the city. Our first stop there was at a craft shop run by Palestinian Christians. From there we walked up a cobblestone street arriving at a non-profit cultural education center sponsored by the Lutheran Church. There a we listened to an insightful talk by our young host Angie. She told us what it is like living as a Palestinian Christian in a community under authority of a Palestinian government. She explained that the center’s ministry is to move children, youth, and women from war to a future based on faith, hope and life.

From there we walked up to the birthplace of Jesus. The tradition location of the manger is deep beneath the Basilica of the Nativity.  We were told the Basilica is administered by three faiths: The Roman Catholic Church, The Greek Orthodox Church and the Armenian Church. As we passed through the underground cave the priests were refilling the lamps with oil and purifying the room with incense. We thought it was a spiritually moving experience to stand in close proximity to such a revered site.

Our lunch was held in a large restaurant in a mall that was mostly empty because Friday is a religious day when most shops and restaurants are closed.  David drove us by the Shepherd’s Fields, the barriers- electric fences and barbed wire and, new Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory. David’s commentary was insightful. Just before returning to our hotel we dropped some of the hardy travelers off in the old city of Jerusalem on Shabbat Eve.

Ending the day we were reminded that one need not bring a Fodor or Michelin guide to Israel. Your personal Bible describes the sites perfectly.

See attached photos of our day…

Devar & Suzie Burbage,  Tom & Sherri McKenna

From the Temple to the Garden Tomb

Up before dawn today for an early start at the Temple Mount area by 7 a.m.  Passing through heavy security we entered into the plaza area where the money changers would have been confronted by Jesus.  We observed the magnificent exterior of the Dome of the Rock…..only Muslims are allowed to enter.

We visited the tunnels under sections of the Temple Mount that were fascinating and an architectural phenomenon.  The next site was the archaeological reconstruction site next to the Temple Mount.  This gave us insight into the historical character of Jerusalem.

We were able observe and visit the Western Wall (Wailing Wall).  The wall is the only fragment of the Great Temple to survive the Roman destruction.  It is the most visited site in Israel and the most sacred structure of the Jewish people.  People from all over the world converge to see, feel and pray at the wall.  We were able to wedge notes and prayer requests between its timeless stones.  Thursdays are days for Bar Mitzvahs and we witnessed the ceremony for a group of Israeli boys.

We visited other sites outside the Temple Mount that are traditionally considered the sites, but not verified, of the Upper Room where the Last Supper was held, the Tomb of King David and where Peter denied knowing Jesus when he was accused of being one of his followers.

Our journey then took us to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha) where Jesus was crucified.  At this place there was a private garden belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, who gave his tomb for Jesus’ burial.  Following entering the Garden Tomb, Pastor Sean and our guide had arranged for us to gather in a small room on the garden grounds where we were surprised with a service including taking communion and singing songs of praise.  It was so meaningful and touched all our hearts to be together and celebrate our love for Jesus, our Lord and savior.

Jeanie and Stan Bissey