Around Jerusalem

It’s sad to think that our time here in Israel is coming to an end but incredible to think back on all we’ve seen and done. We still have 1 full day left after today and tons more to see in Jerusalem. Today we began our day at the western wall. At the base of the Temple Mount, thousands of Jews (and thousands of tourists) visit this spot daily to worship and pray at the wall. Our group had an opportunity to do the same. It’s crazy to see the difference in inclusion for prayer and joy at the bottom of the mount vs. the caution we had to exercise at the top.

From the wall, we travelled on foot underneath the city through the rabbinic tunnels. Here we saw the massive stones used to construct the walls of the Temple Mount, an absolutely incredible engineering feat for this time period. As we exited the tunnel we popped out at the first stop of the Via Dolorosa , the way of the cross. We walked through on our way to the bus back at the Dung Gate, loaded the bus and headed out for Bethlehem.

Bethlehem began with a lunch stop where we all enjoyed some prepared schwarma and on to a shopping stop... our first opportunity to shop! Also in Bethlehem, we stopped by the shepherds fields. These fields were not only used to raise lambs, but sacrificial lambs. Pastor Josh taught the birthing procedures for sacrificial lambs and how they were wrapped in cloths and then placed in a manger. This method sounded quite familiar for us as we made the connection to Luke ch. 2. What a great visual for the birth of our savior, a story we looked at so many times before.

From the shepherds fields, we stopped quickly to look at Herodium, the burial site of Herod the Great (who we’ve learned a ton about this trip). We were then dropped off at an incredible open air market to experience some true Israeli culture full of the smell of spices, sweets and fresh fruits. It was another great day, it’s sad to think tomorrow will be our last. Thanks for following, God bless.