We arrived in Jerusalem by way of Armageddon a few days ago. After staying at the Sea of Galillee for two days, we took the group to see the ancient site of Megiddo: the ancient plain and hilltop fortess which was the site of Canaanite power and religion almost 3500 years ago.
We also took folks to the town of Cana, where you can shop at the "First Miracle Wine Store" for your favourite red or white. The closer one gets to Jerusalem, the more the mix of commercial and religious becomes apparent. On our way into the city we prayed the "Psalms of Ascent". These are the psalms which pilgrims for generations would sing as they approached the Temple. Our hotel is the Knights' Palace (a bit of a misnomer) just inside the New Gate in the Old City. From my room I can walk three paces and touch the walls of the Old City.
Jerusalem is a bustling city, full of tension (there was a rocket attack to the east last night). We gave everyone an introduction to the four quarters of the Old City: Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian. As it was sundown at Sabbath, we went to visit the Western Wall, where there were Jews of every variety of piety praying, studying, reading and singing. The Wall at the beginning of Sabbath is something to behold.
Yesterday evening after the shops openined up again I headed off to Ben Yehuda Street for the post Sabbath festivities. 17 shekels for a Swiss chocolate milk shake.... mmmm. Tomorrow we are off to Masada, the Dead Sea and Qumran.
Shalom to Al Otterdahl from Haim in Edmonton.
We wish you all the best and are very happy for you.
Brigitta says: "I am very glad you are enjoying your trip."
Birgit says: "Rascal Rylan and sister Sydney slept over the other night and it was a blast! Looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about your adventures!"
Posted by: Birgit Doering | May 06, 2007 at 05:13 PM
i am doing a project at school about the jewish pilgrimage and i can't seem to find any websites about what you actually have to do while you are in Jerusalem. I was wondering if you could tell me if there is anything that you have to do in particular while you are there or anything like that, i would be most grateful,
thanks
Lucy
Posted by: Lucy PingPong | October 28, 2007 at 07:54 AM