Artifacts & Experiences

We took a taxi service van up to the Mount of Olives, which was the first time we rode in a vehicle since arriving in Jerusalem. As buff as my legs are getting from walking everywhere, I appreciated having transportation provided for a change. We made it to the top of the mountain and looked over Jerusalem with the Temple Mount in clear view. It was a beautiful image that helped me picture the biblical stories occurring in the very place I was standing.

From there we walked down the mountain to visit some of the churches present. However, almost all of them were sadly closed, holding mass, or had an entry fee. But the Sanctuary of Gethsemane was open, so we visited there again. And on our way down the Mount of Olives, we stopped to observe a small cavern filled with interesting ossuaries, or stone chests built to hold the bones of the deceased.

We walked back to the hotel, grabbed lunch, and drove out to the Israel Museum. We saw wonderful artifacts including the Tel Dan inscription, priestly amulets, a Judea Capta coin, the heel bone of a crucifixion victim, the Pontius Pilate inscription, the Temple inscription warning against Gentile entry, the Temple place of trumpeting inscription, items from a priest's house, ossuaries of important individuals, and Dead Sea Scroll and Aleppo Codex fragments. I could keep going, but I likely find this list of items much more intriguing than most people would.

On a side note, we are now getting to the point of not looking like tourists when not traveling as a large group. Most of us at some point in the last few days have been asked if we're either Jewish residents or Mormon students from the nearby university. And in stark contrast, today we saw some of the most touristy tourists that ever toured. There was a line of about eight people appearing to be either American or Western European who were all riding Segways while dressed almost the same and wearing similar helmets and sunglasses. It was adorable.

And to end the night, a few of us revisited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and made it in to see the traditional location of Jesus' tomb. It was a small yet very ornate structure within the church that had many lanterns, candles, and various forms of Christ-related art. The inner room held the rock on which tradition says Jesus was laid. We walked in, gave a quick prayer, and walked out to let the next people do the same. With that being done, I feel that after our remaining planned activities in the city I will be fully satisfied with a complete experience of all the major sites and activities in Jerusalem.

I eagerly anticipate what the rest of this trip will bring!

Grace and Peace,
Jacob Hafler