Day 14 – Thursday, November 20: Jerusalem, Mt. of Olives, Gethsemane, Herodium, Shepherds’ Fields, Bethlehem
Today was our first full day in Jerusalem. This is the first of three full days here in Jerusalem’s ancient and modern capital. We began on the Mt. of Olives, and ended at Shlomo’s community of Har Gilo outside of Bethlehem. The weather was perfect once again, with full sun and highs in the mid 70s. We read from Psalm 122 (in English and Hebrew) as we began at 7:30.
Mt. of Olives/Gethsemane
From our hotel we drove around the northern end of the Old City to the Mt. of Olives. Cresting the Mt. of Olives we drove to a spectacular view across the Kidron Valley of the Old City and Temple Mount below. From here we walked down to Dominus Flavet, a small chapel where we enjoyed singing a chorus together. Here we celebrated Christ’s kingship as we remembered Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). Continuing down the slope and then up to a private garden where we considered the passion of Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22). From here we walked down to the Church of All Nations (the traditional Garden of Gethsemane) where we saw olive trees hundreds of years old!
Herodium
We then boarded the bus and drove southeast of Jerusalem to Herodium (we saw a gazelle when we entered the site). This was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. He was also buried in 4 BC. The site was incredible, with many new renovations and displays. Inside the well-preserved official’s chamber where we saw a wonderful presentation. We then walked up through the royal arches to the top where we saw the bathhouse, synagogue, impressive frescoes, and a great view of Jerusalem. We left the site by carefully walking down through the cistern system.
“Today was our first day here in Jerusalem. The view of the Temple Mount and Old City from the Mt. of Olives was how we began the day. This is the best view of Jerusalem! We then walked down the western slope and considered Jesus’ passion and betrayal. We ended the day by visiting Shlomo’s community.”
Shepherds’ Fields/Bethlehem
Just to the west of Herodium and east of Bethlehem is Beit Sahour (an eastern adjacent Arab town). Located here are the traditional shepherds’ Fields. After lunch across the street, we entered a cave where we recalled the words of Micah 4 and 5 as well as Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. It was “just at the right time God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). We also went into the Chapel of the Shepherds where we enjoyed singing Christmas carols.
From here we drove into Bethlehem where we visited an olive wood factory and store owned by the Nissan Brothers. These olive wood products were impressive. These olive wood products were impressive and so well crafted.
Har Gilo
En route back to our hotel, we made a special extra stop at Shlomo’s community. We saw his home and enjoyed a wonderful view of Jerusalem! We drove back to our hotel for dinner and another optional walk (to Jaffa Road and Ben Yehuda). It was great day first day here in Jerusalem! We have two more full days left on the tour.
Day 15 – Friday, November 21: Yad Vashem, City of David, Southern Excavations, Old City, Rampart Walk, Holy Sepulcher Church
