Sleeping a ten-minute drive from Masada had a definite strategy behind it: We were starting the site by 8:15 AM and able to avoid the day’s heat, for the most part.  In fact, we were descending Masada’s backside by 11:15 AM, so this was no time for dilly-dallying! Continue reading →

Great day in the desert!

On the way from Jerusalem to Jericho, we stopped at a look-out point.  The Judean wilderness before us was stunning.  This was the area of Jesus’ temptation.  This was the setting for the Good Samaritan.  This was the land of Promise, with Jericho mere miles away. Continue reading →

Two mornings ago, our day began MUCH earlier than usual.  Here’s why…

This was not scheduled initially, but a special opportunity arose; and half of our group decided it was worth the cost.

The price?  One very early morning—on the bus at 4:45 AM.

The payoff?  A once-in-a-lifetime witnessing of the Jewish festival of Shavuot.

Next question: What on earth is Shavuot?

For a concise summary, I turn to Wikipedia: Continue reading →

Our morning itinerary was light today.  Walking was less than usual, as was the heat.  Everyone seemed to enjoy both of those reductions.  Our guide today was Claire Pfann, wife to Steve, who led us to the Israel Museum last week.  She is a renowned New Testament scholar, occasionally appearing on religious documentaries, and I can hardly tell you how much I enjoyed listening to her.  A wonderful speaker with a sharp mind and warm spirit, Claire was a treat!  Today’s sights centered on the life of John the Baptist—two churches and a monastery. Continue reading →

Literally “the way of the sorrows”, this is undoubtedly the most famous street name in the Old City.  While portions of the path could be easily debated for historical accuracy or validity, it cannot be denied that this route of walking and meditation has been profound to Christian pilgrims for way over thirteen hundred years.

The true pilgrim would slowly and thoughtfully proceed along the way, stopping at each station, some very briefly and others for lengthy periods.  All sorts of devotional materials exist to lead one through the Stations of the Cross, the cheapest of which is a booklet that any guy on the street will sell you for $1.00.

Our walk was not that of the pilgrims. It was that of the time-pressed, we-can’t-dare-miss-our-bus tourists.  Continue reading →