Thursday, October 28, 2010

Jerusalem

Our full day in Jerusalem--into the Palestinian area at the Dome of the Rock. Sacred place for all the 3 major religions. Now Muslim area where they believed that Mohamed ascended to heaven. For Jews and Christians this is where we believe that Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac.

Walked to the Western (Wailing) Wall where we observed Bar Mitzvahs and had opportunity to pray and place our prayers in the wall. We then walked the Stations of the Cross (Via de Rosa) ending up at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where Jesus resurrected.

Walking the stations takes us through all the old city of Jerusalem. It is an incredible place. Another time of sensory overload. Even without the holy nature of the place--and it is incredibly holy, the air is simply thick with God and a Godly presence--I think that Jerusalem would still be overwhelming. But when you throw God into the mix, it is like drinking water from a fire hose. So much to take in. Thankfully, we got in a bit earlier today so there is time to reflect.

We go to Bethlehem and the Holocaust Museum tomorrow.

Blessings,
Robert

 area around the Dome of the Rock
 Near the Dome of he rock
 Dome of the Rock
 View  back toward the Old City from the Dome of the Rock
 Similar View
 Old city, Palestinian school girls
 Close up of he school girls
 Western Wall
 Close up of Western Wall
 People at the Western Wall
 Young boy at Bar Mitzvah
 Man at Western Wall
 Kidron Valley leading out toward the Mount of Olives
 Old City
 Olives ripening in the Old City

 Beginning of the Stations of the Cross
 Walking the Stations
 Gathering at Station 5 where Simon helps Jesus carry his cross
 Entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher , below the entrance to the Holy Sepulcher where Jesus was laid and then resurrected.

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