Israel is Intense

Israel is intense.  Few other places offer as much to sustain the spirit, feed the intellect and stimulate the senses.  Israel is a land bridge between three continents and is therefore a fusion of peoples and landscapes from Asia, Africa, and Europe.  It can be an infuriating mix of conflict and harmony.  Always, however, there is an amazing allure and fascination to see more.  I love the Mark Twain quote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”  With such diversity in this land so many preconceived notions go away and hopefully some prejudice as well.

It is spring in this country.  Poppies burst forth in the fields and iris emerge, seemingly out of bedrock

There is perhaps no more familiar landmark than the Dome of the Rock on the Jerusalem skyline.  Holy Place to Jews because it is built over the Holy of Holies. It also remembers the Patriarch, Abraham and the rock thought to be the place of intended sacrifice of Isaac. Holy place to Christians because the Temple Mount is a prominent place where Jesus taught.  Holy Place to Muslims because the Dome is built over the rock thought to be the place of the ascension of Mohammed.

The southern teaching steps of the temple, some of which are original to the time of Jesus, is a perfect place for a class to learn about what we are seeing and experiencing

What a delight while there to have a quartet sing, "I walked today where Jesus walked."

Lunch in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was falafel for most of us.  It is a pita filled to the brim with falafel balls,( ground chick pea balls fried)with vegetables, pickles and sesame sauce.  It is a great lunch in a pocket. Doug Harris can attest to that.

Those are french fries on the top!!!

The afternoon saw us at the church of the Dormition that remembers Mary, Jesus mother.

On then to Peter in Gallicantu, which is the Church of the Rooster Crowing.  It remembers the denial of Peter and is a stunningly beautiful church inside. There is lots to remind each of us of our own denials and shortcomings.

Another full and spectacular day

Blessings,
Mary