Day 07 - Temple Mount, Rabbinic Tunnels, Western Wall, Herodium, Bethlehem, Johnny's (shopping)

The iconic Temple Mount is where our day began. This site holds significance for Christians, Muslims, and Jewish peoples, with the center point identified as the rock where Abraham sacrificed Isaac. We remembered that this holy place was for gathering, offering sacrifice, and seeking atonement. We experienced the Western Wall both above and below ground, and had an opportunity to pray and insert written prayers into the wall.

We entered the West Bank next, stopping at the ruins of King Herod’s primary residential palace and burial place, appropriately named, Herodium. After exploring the grandeur that this site once held, we gazed over the next hill, revealing the town of Bethlehem. It was Christmas in March as we remembered Jesus’ birth story.

From there we went into Bethlehem for lunch. A very hospitable Palestinian Christian family served us lunch- a warm supersized sesame bagel with hummus, za’atar, yogurt, Nutella, and more! We shopped for souvenirs in Johnny’s shop, where they specialize in olive tree wooden carved nativity scenes and had tons of other mementos. Look out for one at Calvary’s Seder dinner. 👀