Jerusalem Day 2

זה יפה הלילה בירושלים

I can hardly believe we have only been here 2 days! I honestly feel like I have been in this captivating little country for at least a week. Yesterday, our tour guide, Mark, took us all over the city of Jerusalem. We went to the Tower of David Museum, and learned about some of the history of ancient Israel. We learned about the three main Jewish feasts: Pentecost, Passover, and Tabernacle. We also walked the wall enclosing Jerusalem. I now laugh at myself for thinking I would not be able to work out while i was here. We have been walking up and down hills everywhere. Jerusalem is called the city of peace. 

Today was beautiful. 

 The view from the Mount of Olives looking down at the city of Jerusalem was breathtaking. From there we identified all the sites from where Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and his complete journey to ending at the place where he was crucified. We also went to visit more beautifully old churches. One was called the Dominus Flevit Church-- also called the Teardrop Church because this is the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Today I learned the difference between reformed Jews, Conservative Jews, and Messianic Jews. I also learned about the "Law of Return," and what makes someone "Jewish" enough to return to Israel for permanently. They must be a second generation Jew. 

We also learned about the 8 gates surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem:

Jaffa

New

Damascus

Herod/Flower

Stephen/East

Dung

Zion

have you ever had your laptop hard drive crash the night before you're leaving the country to "study" abroad? 

have you ever lost your luggage on an international flight?

have you ever tasted a falafel?

have you ever walked the wall that separates Old Jerusalem from New Jerusalem?

have you ever seen King David's tomb?

have you ever been to the Mt. of Olives?

have you ever prayed in the garden of Gethsemane? 

YES YES YES to all of the above, its been quite a trip so far. 

 

My favorite experience today was singing at the very bottom of the house of Caiaphas where Jesus waited before he was crucified... "I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice, to worship you..."

there are no words to describe it. 

Jesus was talking about Jerusalem in this scripture:

Matthew 5:14 

 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."

 Good night from Israel... we have an early morning tomorrow.