Today, we left our kibbutz and traveled south towards Jerusalem. Our fist stop was to Kohav HaYarden – The Star of the Jordan – a Crusade castle from the end of the 11th century. We learned that it was defeated by the Arab Conquest; however, the views of the entire Jordan Valley alone were stunning.
We then journeyed south, passing through the border control as we entered into Samaria – you may know it as the West Bank. We discussed how this section of the land is controlled by the Palestinian Authority and has been peaceful as there really is a desire to find a way to co-exist with one another. When we left the castle, we were approximately 1200 feet about sea level. By the time we passed Jericho and began our ascent into Jerusalem, we were 350 meters below sea level. Slowly, we climbed into the Judean mountains and we saw the Old City in all of its majesty. We stopped at Mount Scopus (home of the Hebrew University) and looked out to the entire city, enjoying fresh challah, grape juice and joining together to recite the Shehechianu (a prayer of rejoicing)!
We entered the Old City through the Zion Gate into the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Cardo (Roman ruins), attending a wonderful presentation at the Davidson Center to learn the history of the 2nd Temple, and explored the ruins surrounding the Temple Mount. Following this, we all went to the Kotel (Western Wall, Wailing Wall) to offer our own prayers and thoughts – many of us place the prayers of loved ones and friends into the wall’s crack. Afterwards, we spent some time in the Moslem Quarter, shopping in the shuk (open air market) – some were able to get some great souvenirs – bargaining all of the way!
We then walked to the other end of the Moslem Quarter to take a peak at the Dome of the Rock and stopped to have some Turkish coffee and tea at a friendly shop. We even celebrated Ralph’s birthday with a special ritual – check out the photo!
We then walked underneath the Western Wall in the newly excavated tunnels, learning of the great building that Herod and those that followed created. It was fascinating and exciting for everyone. After a long day, we are now resting for tomorrow’s journey to Masada and the Dead Sea. Enjoy sharing this journey with us.
**NOTE: Pictures are delayed - I will try to upload them tomorrow. **
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Jerusalem was cold and the wind came through our windows. The curtains were blowing from the draft. At night we woke to hail and thunder. The bathroom had no heat, C-.
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