Images from Israel

ISRAEL 2008

2009-02-04T05:58:00.002+02:00

ISRAEL 2008

Video

2009-01-01T21:42:00.006+02:00

Israel 2008

Oct 5, 2007 - Day 29 Fri/Sat

2007-10-10T03:18:00.000+02:00

This is our last whole day in Israel. The highlight of the day was the Psalms Museum and meeting the gentleman who was inspired to paint a pictoral representation of each of the 150 Psalms. I bought his book of the Psalms with an illustration for each. It is a one of a kind work and amazing. Many people visited the Museum when we were there. It is out of the way and difficult to find, but people did because his work is so unique.

This evening was Shabbat. It was a very happy occasion in the Old City. Photographs are prohibited during this time. Posted are some night photos, mostly near the Zion Gate which is outside the photo exclusion zone.

I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you!

Next year in Jerusalem!!!!

Wed Oct 3- Day 27

2007-10-03T22:49:00.000+02:00

These photos are taken over the last week. Locations include Jericho, which is located in the West Bank; Jerusalem; and the Mediteranean Coast, including Haifa.

Sept 25, 2007, Tuesday - Day 19

2007-09-25T22:06:00.000+02:00

Monday was a big day for Bar Mitzvahs. They take place twice a week. It is a joyous occasion and everyone is happy. A family invited me to stand on a chair to peer over the women's side to the men's side of the wall to take photos. It was a very busy place and chairs to stand on are difficult to come by.

The Jewish Quarter is preparing for Succot. It is customary to build a tent with palm branches for a roof and spend time during the upcoming week in the tent. This feast is to remind them of the God of Israels presence during the exodus from Egypt.

St. Annes church is a Roman Catholic Church maintained by a catholic organization in South Africa. The Roman Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary was buried in this location. This is also believed to be the location of the pools of Bathesda used during the second temple period and Byzantine period to collect rainwater from the Bathesda Valley. The Christian New Testament describes a healing miracle performed by Jesus near the pools of Bathesda during the second temple period.

Sept 22, 2007 - Day 16 - Yom Kippur

2007-09-22T17:53:00.000+02:00

Today is Yom Kippur. Hebron Street is blocked off and there are no cars, buses, or taxis are to be seen or heard. The streets are silent. Most Jews were in synagogue today and at the wall. They are fasting today and will break their fast this evening, I believe about 8pm.

Ramadan is ongoing and the Arab markets are bust as this is when Arabs buy gifts and other necessities such as winter shoes. It is a big month for merchants. Arabs are still fasting by daylight and feasting at night. There is so much good food at the market.

Thurs Sept 20 - Day 14

2007-09-21T22:05:00.000+02:00

Temple mount was busy and being cleaned up for Ramadan. Visitors on the Mount today included the three religions that trace their beginnings back to Abraham: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. It is believed that rock housed within the Dome of the Rock Mosque is where Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac and where Muhammad left the Earth on his Night Journey.

The West Wall was joyous as Bar Mitzvahs were being performed this day. A fence sections the wall into men and women areas. The fences are physical and block sight as well. On this day the women can be seen peering over the fence, some standing on chairs to gain a glimpse of their loved one's Bar Mitzvah.

The Jerusalem Archaeological Park was amazing. The Archaeological digs uncovered c Byzantine residences, Herodian Street and huge stones-fallen remains from destruction by Romans in 70 CE, remains of Umayyad Palaces from early Islamic Period, tower built by crusaders, and so on. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and he took us through a real-time virtual reality experience of the Herodian Temple Mount before its destruction.

Wed Sept 19 - Day 13

2007-09-20T07:06:00.000+02:00

Visited Jerusalem Walls National Park, where it is believed the walls and towers of King David's City is located. What is believed to be the Shiloach Pool was discovered accidientally while excavating to repair a sewage leak. The black sewage pipe can be seen in one of the photos. The top of the ravine was ground level and the area was manually excavated. Most of the pool is located under the garden of a private residence. What is believed to be the Gihon Spring is also located in this Park. The photo with the caption "Great View" captures The City of David (old and new), the Old City Wall of the Temple Mount which is located at Mt. Moriah, part of the Mount of Olives, part Mt. Scopus, and the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat).

Tues Sept 18 - Day 12

2007-09-18T17:32:00.000+02:00

Spent the weekend in Arad, a town located in the Negev Desert. The town has a diverse population consisting of indigenious and others people from all over the world. Had a wonderful evening in the desert with a family who really made us feel welcome during their holiday of Ramadan.

Thurs Sept 13 - Day 7

2007-09-14T23:10:00.000+03:00

This is the first day for both Rosh Hashana and Ramadan. There is lots of activity at the Temple Mount and the Western Wall as pilgrims from all nations are in Jerusalem to celebrate the holidays.

The Temple Mount was facinating to visit. Jewish and Muslim cultures both believe that the location under the small dome next to the dome of the rock is the center of the earth.

The Temple Mount is important to three main religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. All three groups were present on the Mount Today.

There is also a large under ground Mosque that can hold a few thousand people for Ramadan.

Wed Sept 12 - Day 6

2007-09-14T17:51:00.000+03:00

Had a great day at the Arab Market and East Jerusalem. Greg, one of our hosts showed us around. We ate falafel at a place that has been in business for 200 years and had a sweet desert unique to this area. This is the day before Ramadan and everyone is making preparations for fasting during the day and feasting at night. It was an amazing day.

Tues Sept 11 - Day 5

2007-09-11T22:24:00.000+03:00

These were taken at the Tower of David Museum in the Old City. The city is busy with everyone preparing for the holidays.

Thursday is Rosh Hashana which begins the Jewish year of 5768. "Shana Tov" is a phrase I have started to recognize as a Happy New Year.

Thursday also marks the beginning of Ramadan. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Quran was sent down from heaven.

Mon Sept 10 - Day 4

2007-09-11T00:30:00.000+03:00

Today was a busy day stocking up on essentials for the holidays. Between Ramadan and Rosh Hashana holidays the grocery stores are emptying fast. Today was a good day to prepare since most every place of business will be closed from Thursday afternoon to Sunday.

Sunday Sept 9 - Day 3

2007-09-09T22:47:00.000+03:00

Visited the Jewish Quarter of the Old City today. The Western Wall and plaza was busy. We managaged to get tickets to tour the Western Wall Tunnel. It is quite the excavation as much of the orignial western wall (Herodian) is below ground, as is the 2000 year old walkways. Also went to the Temple Institute where they are readying items for service in a new temple. Spent most the day in the Jewish Quarter, which is quite small however there are lots of streets. I still have lots more to see. It has been surprisingly cool the last couple of days.

Trying to find out the best way to Arad from Jerusalem next Sunday. It looks like the bus does not go there.

Sat Sept 8 - Day 2

2007-09-09T00:46:00.000+03:00

First full day, walked to the Old City. Since shops in the Christian and Armenian Quarters of the Old City are open Saturday we stayed mainly in the Christian and Armenian Quarters. Entered through the Zion Gate to the Armenian Quarter, skirted the Jewish Quarter, heading towards Christian Quarter and Jaffa Gate.
Had fun in the Arab Markets as they "cater" to the tourists. I must say the shops are colorful and so are the merchants.

Friday Sept 7- Day 1

2007-09-07T22:02:00.000+03:00

Arrived in Jerusalem late afternoon. Many stores and restaurants are closed for Shabbat until Sunday Morning. Our hosts showed us the way to a 24 hour mini mart and a nearby restaurant that was open.

We are staying a 6 Naomi St near the corner of Hebron Street which is near the Arab Abu Tor District. The Naomi house was has a long history and was located in Trans Jordan, before the 6 day war. It is a beautiful building at night, however it "shows" much better during the day.

Multimedia message

2007-09-07T21:11:00.001+03:00

Two hours till take off. Next stop Tel Aviv!

Multimedia message

2007-09-07T20:54:00.001+03:00

Arrived after 14 hours of non stop flying. Next a trip via the shuttle bus to 6 Naomi Street, Jerusalem.

DAY 0 TEST POST - Images updated daily starting Sept 7, 2007

2007-07-14T02:49:00.000+03:00