Middle East

The Miraculous Waters Of The Dead Sea

June 8, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

So Salty That Nothing Can Live

The Dead Sea, a fascinating hypersaline lake, bringing health and healing to many. This land locked body of water is also known locally as the Salt Sea, where it’s shores are shared by Jordan, Israel, and The West Bank. It is one of the most unique places in the world. The Dead Sea and the shores that surround her, are over 1,300 feet below sea level. It has the unique honor of being the lowest place on the face of the earth. If that weren’t unusual enough, it is also the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. This fascinating lake is over 1,200 feet deep.

Peace And Tranquility Envelope You

As you arrive at the lake, it seems like the perfect place to spend the day, swimming in the beautiful and healing water. But just try to stand up, and you will get the biggest surprise. It is impossible to walk or stand. Your body will immediately want to float. The good news is, you will not sink. The bad news….just try to get out. Due to a natural buoyancy, anyone can easily float. Can’t swim? No problem, just lay back and relax. Let every muscle relax as you lay back, breathing in the fresh air. You are floating on the amazing Dead sea. Peace and tranquility will be your companions.

Are you one of these people who worry about critters in the lake? No need to worry, fish are totally unable to live in the harsh waters. Imagine water that is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean! Nothing lives in this harsh wonderland other than certain bacteria’s and microbial fungi. It is so salty that you can actually see different shapes of solid salt that have formed over the years. These salt shapes and figures are interesting to look at. Use your imagination and you can even see animals of salt and other shapes in these amazing waters.

“Miracle minerals of Life” in the salty Dead Sea.

The shores surrounding the Dead Sea are home to many health resorts. The mineral content of the water is extremely high. It is refreshing to the skin. People with skin ailments flock to these resorts to heal their dry flaky skin. There is healing in the water. There is health in the air. Due to the limited number of flowers that grow in the salty sand, the pollen count is quite low. The atmosphere surrounding the lake is also very low in allergens. There is very little pollen to blow around on a windy day. Even though very few things grow in this salty environment. There are beautiful flowers that call the area home.

Flowering Flamboyant Trees Live In The Desert Near The Dead Sea

There may not be many flowers near the Dead Sea, but these rare flowers of the desert are beautiful. Better known as the Flame Tree, these gorgeous flowers beckon you to tarry in the area. The desert is indeed blooming near the Dead Sea.

An Oasis In The Desert

Looking for a healthy retreat, or a place to relax? The Dead Sea can be your oasis in the desert. In the fresh desert air, you will rest and relaxation. In the mineral rich waters you will find healing. Leave your worries at home, pack your bag, and grab your passport. It is time for a desert experience at the Dead Sea.

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Published on [email protected] on June 18, 2017 at:

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Christians Experience Holy Week In Jerusalem

April 12, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in the Old City of Jerusalem

Christians the world over are celebrating Holy Week. While it is celebrated world wide, this is a special time for pilgrims to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. What a wonderful time to walk in the steps of Jesus and remember the events leading up to Easter. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher plays many important roles during this time.

There is something very special about experiencing Holy Week in Jerusalem. Celebrate the most amazing events in the history of the life of Jesus. What an unforgettable experience for people of faith. What a blessing it is for Christians to walk in the very steps of Jesus, during Holy Week.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter as the day that Jesus is said to have entered into the old walled city from the Mount of Olives riding on a donkey. Many of the local churches have special services and Masses on this day. Morning Mass is held at 8 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Path to the Eastern gate in Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

Many of the events in the Old City center around this path, as Christians stop and remember that their Lord and Savor Jesus the Christ road upon this very path as He entered the city. There is the traditional palm procession held here in the afternoon on Palm Sunday.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the day that Christians stop and join together in several locations within the Old City of Jerusalem. This is the day that the events surrounding the Last Supper are remembered. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher will hold a special Eucharist ceremony and other denominations will usually have a foot washing ceremony and the Lord’s Supper.

Christians the world over stop and remember this night. This was the night that Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Special services are also held in the garden.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

On Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at 8 a.m. by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. There will be other churches doing special services and masses also during the morning hours throughout the city.

Later in the afternoon, the Franciscans make a traditional walk to the Upper Room on Mount Zion.

The Garden Of Gethsemane

In the evening, beginning at 9 p.m., pilgrims and local Christian Groups come to the garden to watch with Jesus for one hour. This is held in the Garden of Gethsemane and followed by a procession with candlelight to the place it is believed that Jesus spent the night before He was crucified. This is held at the church of St. Peter in the Old City.

Good Friday

Climbing steps to Calvary

Climbing the steps to Calvary at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Old City of Jerusalem is really thought provoking. On Good Friday, at 8 a.m., the Lord’s Passion and crucifixion will be remembered at Calvary, When you ascend to the top of the stairs, you will find yourself at the very spot believed to be Calvary. It was here that Jesus gave up His life.

The Horror Of Crucifixion

This was the nail that was driven through the ankle bone of those to be crucified. This nail was discovered in Jerusalem, and dates back to the 1st Century A.D.

The Rock Of Golgotha Where Jesus Was Crucified

“The light shines in the darkness” on the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Walking The Via Dolorosa

After the Lord’s Passion at Calvary, the Stations of the Cross will help you to remember each step that Jesus took that last day on earth. The walk on the Via Dolorosa begins at 11:30 a.m. and is led by the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land. This is a quiet walk on the Via Dolorosa as Jesus also made that walk on His way to Calvary, carrying His cross. It is a time to remember and to relive each step of that last day. At 3:00 pm another walk is led by local priests. It will start at the Monastery of the Flagellation which is near the entrance to the Lion’s Gate. Having a guide will help you to navigate this twisty walk along the Via Dolorosa.

Believed By Many To Be The Tomb Where They Laid Jesus

Later on Good Friday, at 8:10 p.m., a funeral will be held for Jesus the Christ. The funeral will be celebrated at the Holy Sepulchre. This is an event that is unique to the Christian Churches of Jerusalem. During this time there will be an reenacting of the deposition of the body of Jesus into the tomb.

The Easter Vigil

One of the most anticipated services is the great Easter Vigil, which is the climax of the week of remembering. This service is held on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. in the Basilica of the Resurrection, followed by the solemn entry of the Patriarch of Jerusalem at 3:30 p.m. The recitation of vespers will begin at 6 p.m.

This concludes the Holy Week services until the Resurrection of Jesus is remembered on Easter morning. While you are celebrating these events, remember, that you are also in Israel at the time the Jews are celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Many restaurants will be closed, as well as markets, fast food restaurants, etc. It is wise to make sure that you are aware when things will be open and closed for feast days and Sabbaths.

The Christians in Jerusalem welcome you to join them, as they walk in the steps that Jesus walked.

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The Holy Land Celebrates The Feast Of Unleavened Bread

April 12, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Feast Of Unleavened Bread

The Feast Of Passover begins the Feast Of Unleavened Bread. The First Day being the 15th of Nisan which begins with the traditional Seder. However, the activities in the Holy Land are far from over. Jews the world over, celebrate the Feast Of Unleavened Bread for a full eight days, except for some Reformed and other progressive Jewish believers. During this time no leaven will be found in the homes of Jewish believers and neither will it be used or cooked with. This will also include restaurants, public markets, bakeries, etc. This follows the commandments given to the people in the Books of Exodus and Leviticus.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is sometimes called The Festival of Matzot. You will find the commandment to keep these two feasts in the Book of Leviticus:

LEVITICUS 23:5

“In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at dusk is the LORD’s Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD; seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work. And ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days; in the seventh day is a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work.”

Observant Jews, the world over, spend several weeks before the Passover Seder and then the Feast of Unleavened Bread to do a thorough housecleaning. Every small crumb of chametz or leaven must be found and gotten rid of. All traces of flour and yeast must be gotten rid of from the kitchen and indeed the whole house.

If you are going to be traveling in Israel or Samaria during this time, you may find that your favorite bakery will not be open. Often this is a traditional time to close the Bakeries completely and enjoy the week long feast. In addition to the regular Sabbath Days, these Feast Days include two extra days that are as Sabbaths and restaurants, transportation, and all Jewish commerce will be closed. It is good to plan ahead for these times.

This is a fun time to enjoy the creativity of cooks the world over as they use the matzo in very different and creative ways during this week. While the days in between the beginning and the end are not special set apart Sabbath Days, the whole week is reverent and you will find many special services at the area Synagogues. Things will move at a different pace in the land. What a special time to visit! So relax and enjoy your Israel adventure. Explore, mingle with the locals, and prepare for those times that are considered Sabbaths.

For those traveling who are wanting to find local events, a good starting place is any Chabad House, as it caters to those traveling. The Seder and much of the observation of this feast is done in homes as families. Visitors will find a few public events in and around Jerusalem. Chabad Houses are good to keep lists of these events and also host their own events. Enjoy your adventure to this special land during this special time.

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Published on [email protected] April 12th at:

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The Festival Of Passover

April 10, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Holy City Of Jerusalem

Jewish believers, in Israel and throughout the whole world, have either entered in or are preparing to enter into the Feast Of Passover. Passover is a major Jewish feast that remembers the liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt. The story of the Passover can be found throughout the Book of Exodus in the Jewish Tanakh or the Old Testament. It is a time to remember and reflect on all that God has done. The feast begins on the 15th day of Nisan and lasts seven or eight days depending on where in the world you are.

This is a commanded feast set forth in the Book of Leviticus. It reads as follows :

Leviticus 23:5-8

“In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at dusk is the LORD’s Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD; seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work. And ye shall bring an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days; in the seventh day is a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work.”

This is a time when families get together around a festive table and remember their freedom from slavery. They share the symbolism that is done every year and the story of how they left Egypt is retold, as if each person was there. It is a night for remembering and rejoicing! For the following seven days no leaven is eaten, as commanded by the Lord.

Throughout the world this feast is kept by the Jewish people everywhere. It is the first of the spring feasts. So as the feast is to begin, we wish all our Jewish friends a Happy and Blessed Passover.

Chag Pesach Sameach

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Published on [email protected] April 10th at:

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Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

April 9, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Path Leading To The Eastern Gate In The Old City Of Jerusalem

Today much of the Christian world celebrates Palm Sunday, or the day that Jesus road into the city from the Mount of Olives on a donkey. The faithful lined this path with palm leaves. The Bible records this event in the Book of John, the 12th chapter:

John 12:13-15

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

¹⁴And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

¹⁵Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.”

The Eastern Gate Where Jesus Entered Jerusalem

The Bible also records the Triumphal Entry in the Book of Matthew, the 21st chapter:

Matthew 21 1-5

“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:

“Tell the daughter of Zion,

‘Behold, your King is coming to you,

Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,

A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Today, much of the world stops to remember this day. This is the day that it is believed that Jesus declared His Kingship as He entered The Eastern Gate of Jerusalem. For more than a thousand years, this gate has remained sealed. It will not open again until the Messiah comes. At that time, He, Himself, is to open the gate, and enter the city.

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Published on [email protected] April 9, 2017 at:

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The Blessings Of The Grape Leaves

April 6, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

A Seller Of Grape Leaves And Vegetables

Selling grape leaves and vegetables in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem is one of the blessing of Jerusalem. Open markets are everywhere and if there is no market, just come out by the street and share your bounty. Nice fresh grape leaves are a necessity to daily life.

The most popular way to use grape leaves is to stuff them. I have enclosed a general recipe for making the leaves, but they are usually made with whatever leftovers you may have and the current veggies in the garden. Most always they begin with wild or brown rice and lamb is an all time favorite if adding meat.

Delicious Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves

Ingredients

2 large or 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into thick slices

1 pound jar pickled grape leaves or use fresh grape leaves if you prefer.

½ cup olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 pound wild rice or brown and wild rice mixed

2 cups finely chopped parsley

2 medium tomatoes diced, 1 Bell pepper diced, 1 zucchini diced, mushrooms chopped, and black olives chopped..you can add any vegetable you like

10 cloves garlic,

½ cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon allspice

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 inch fresh ginger chopped small

salt and black pepper to taste

If wanting to add meat…add 2 cups diced lamb

Instructions

Line the bottom of heavy pot with the potato slices to hold the stuffed leaves off the bottom of the pot.

2. In a large heavy pan, heat half of the oil and saute the onions and garlic until transparent. Add the rice, stir and cook for one minute. Add 2 1/2 cups of water, stir and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, depending on the rice used. Remove from the heat and add the parsley, vegetables, and seasoning. Mix well.

3. Remove the leaves gently from the jar or separate carefully if using fresh steamed leaves, wash with cold water and squeeze gently.

4. Place one grape leave down with rough side up. Put one tablespoon of the rice and vegetables in the the center of the leaf. Fold and roll.Fold the ends in before rolling to hold the stuffing in.

5. Place rolls over the potato layer until you cover all the potatoes with first layer. Repeat placing on top until you placed all the rolls tightly in the pot. Drizzle with olive oil

6. Position a round plate, and press lightly to prevent the rolls from coming loose while cooking. Add water until you have about 2 1/2 inches of water above the plate. Place a light weight on top of the plate to keep from moving. Something heavy, or even a clean rock or brick will work.

7. Bring the pot to a boil, turn down the heat and cook over low heat for 40 minutes.

8. Pour fresh lemon juice over the rolls. Position the plate back on top of the stuffed leaves and cook over low heat for an additional 15 minutes more.

9. Remove from the heat and allow the leaves to rest while keeping covered for 30-45 minutes. Uncover and place on a platter and serve with a salad.

Play with the recipe and make it your own. There is no right or wrong.

Grape leaves are low in calories and high in fiber. They are rich in vitamins A, K, Calcium and Iron. They play a big part in the Middle Eastern, Greek, and Southeast Asian diet. If you stuff your grape leaves with healthy options, you will have a healthy and nutrient rich meal. They remain healthy if you steam or bake them.

If traveling in the Middle East, Greece, or Southeast Asia, be sure to sample the different ways that they are made. Life is an adventure, so take time to mingle with the locals, eat their special foods, and enjoy.

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Published on [email protected] April 8,2017 at:

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The Exodus Path To The Promised Land

April 6, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Exodus Path To The Promised Land

The Exodus Path to the Promised Land across the desert wilderness of Jordan was a long forty years for the Hebrew Slaves that were learning to know a new lifestyle in order to enter the Land of Promise. It was a harsh journey and a necessary one, as they learned how to live a new life as People of the Book. Even today, as your eyes look out over this vast and harsh desert, you can not help but be touched. The Exodus Path to the Promised Land was a long journey then, and it is an amazing adventure now.

The Book of Numbers, in the Bible (Torah) is completely devoted to the many lessons and experiences of the Jewish people as they made the Exodus journey. Forty years they sojourned in this beautiful but harsh desert. A desert that can change in a minute. High winds and blowing sand coupled with extreme temperatures was a constant companion. This was the reality of their sojourn in this vast Sinai wilderness. They faced this desert without food, water, and shelter. God provided miracles to provide their needs, but pessimistic attitudes are hard to unlearn. Today, as adventures in this vast desert, we too can taste and see a few of the frustrations that they must of felt. We come with food, water, and shelter arranged for, but the harsh temperatures are still there to contend with and the wind still blows the hot sand when you least expect it. This is the reality of this amazing Jordanian Desert.

Today, in Jordan, the cities offer all the upscale accommodations that any traveler may require. Smaller towns offer quaint inns that are clean and more than adequate. There are amazing tours available where you will spend the nights in tents in the desert and enjoy the the moon at night. Here you savor the opportunity to listen to the story tellers of the Bedouin tribes as they recount the ancient stories.

As you travel in the desert, you will have opportunities to have tea in humble tents with members of the Bedouins tribes. In every town, you will find restaurants ran by the local people. The Jordanian food is outstanding. One of the marvelous benefits of being an adventurer, is the opportunity to mingle with the local people.

As you plan your next adventure to the Holy Land, remember to include Jordan. Experience the Exodus Path, remember the experiences. This is a time when the Jewish people stop to remember, as they prepare for Passover, It is a perfect time to walk in the steps of the Exodus Path.

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Published on April 7th, 2017 on [email protected] at:

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The Promised Land

April 5, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

“The Promised Land” As Seen By Moses

This is the view of the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo which is in ,what is now, the country of Jordan. After a long and hard forty years of leading the Hebrew Nation through the desert, Moses was told by God that He would not cross over into the land. But God allowed him to climb to the top of Mount Nebo where he viewed this amazing land of promise. As you stand on Mount Nebo today, this is the same panoramic view that Moses would have had. On a clear day you can look out and see the Dead Sea, the beautiful River Jordan, the small town of Bethlehem, and the far away hills of the city of Jerusalem. As we recaptured that same panoramic view, it was amazing to even consider the magnificent sight that met the eyes of Moses.

The story of this magnificent view is told to us in the Bible, it reads as follows:

Deuteronomy 34:1-6 (KJV)

34 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,

3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

4 And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.

6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulcher unto this day.

View of the Holy land on Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo has always been a place of importance not only in Judaism, but also within the Christian faith. In the early third and fourth centuries monks came from Egypt on a special pilgrimage and latter built a monastery to remember the latter years of the life of Moses. Their little church/monastery was called a Siyagha. During these early centuries, Christians were also coming from Jerusalem on a spiritual pilgrimage to this same area. By the latter part of the Fourth Century an empty tomb was erected to help the pilgrims remember Moses.

This little Siyagha, by the Sixth Century, had grown into a large Basilica. Within the Basilica was magnificent mosaics dating from the Byzantine era. There are almost no remains of the early Basilica, but a shrine now stands at the site. This magnificent collection can be seen within the shrine. Outside the current shrine is a large monument of the Brazen Serpent set up by Moses and recorded in Numbers 21:4-9. There is also a monument of a Great Stone, which is believed to be from the tomb of Jesus.

“The Great Stone”

The Mount Nebo site is administrated by the Franciscans and the shrine is open daily. No trip to the Holy Land is complete without a visit to Mount Nebo. To view the Holy Land as did Moses is breathtaking and a special part of any Holy Land adventure or pilgrimage.

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Was published on [email protected]retraveler on April 6, 2017 at:

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The Holy City Of Jerusalem

April 4, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Holy City Of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the city of God, is located on the plateau within the Judaean Mountains. This ancient city is midway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. It is among the oldest known cities of the world, dating back to the Ninth Century BCE. This magnificent city with all her grander is considered Holy to three major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is the ancient home of the Children of Abraham and is the center of Jewish worship.

Ancient Jerusalem, known as the City Of David, dates back to the 4 millennium BCE. According to the Old Testament (Tanakh), King David captured this city and it became the forever capital of The United Kingdom of Israel. His son, King Solomon had the First Temple built. and in the year 1538 Suleiman the Magnificent built walls around what is now the Old City. Since the nineteenth Century the Old City has been divided into four quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.

The Armenian quarter is located in the southwest corner of the walled city. This quarter can be accessed through both the Zion Gate and the Jaffa Gate. The Armenians first came to Jerusalem in the fourth century. Christianity is the official religion of Armenia. Jerusalem has the oldest diaspora community outside of Armenia. At the center of the quarter is the Saint James Monastery, where all activities and decisions go forth.

The Christian quarter is in the Northeast quarter and borders the other three quarters at different places. The Christian and Armenian quarters are basically considered as one community except for language differences. The are over 40 Holy sites in the Christian quarter.

The Jewish quarter is in the Southeast quarter and is home to many major Synagogues and Yeshivas, including the Hurva Synagogue which has been the target of destruction numerous times. The newest restoration of Hurva Synagogue was rededicated in 2010. This is the center of all Jewish activity world wide. Jews worldwide come here to celebrate the major feasts each year. To all Jews worldwide, Jerusalem is the center of all religious activity.

The Muslim quarter is in the Northeast quarter of the city and is the largest and most populated quarter in the city. Until 1929, the Muslim quarter had a mixed population of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Currently, more than 60 Jewish families still live in the Muslim quarter.

Outside the the Walled City is the modern city of Jerusalem. It is a beautiful, modern city which is the capital of Israel. In Jerusalem you will find markets, parks, skyscrapers, and every modern convenience. As you look beyond the city, your eyes will feast on a green and productive desert. Yes, in Israel, the desert is blooming.

The first of the major feasts of the Biblical Year are drawing close and Jerusalem is in a state of preparation for this years Passover. As the city prepares to celebrate their freedom from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea there is a hush of reverence. Even many non-religious Jews stop to celebrate the Passover and relive it’s message. In Jerusalem, the city completely stops doing any business for each weekly Sabbath and each of the Seven Major Feasts of God. This is the most sacred city in Judaism! All Jewish prayers the world over are prayed while facing Jerusalem. Jerusalem is considered the City of God.

There is never a wrong time to make a pilgrimage or to go on an adventure trip to Israel. With a desert that is blooming, you will enjoy fresh fruits year around. You will find many market places, including Yuhuda Market open year around to serve the needs of locals and visitors. Grab your passport and pack your bag. We will see you in the Holy Land.

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Published in [email protected] April 5,2017 at:

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Traditional Baptismal Site Of Jesus On The Jordan River

March 29, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Qasr al-Yahud On The River Jordan

Qasr al-Yahud on the river Jordan is believed to be the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. The baptismal site is located on the bank of the Jordan River, just east of Jericho. The baptism of Jesus is recorded in Matthew 3:13-17.

Matthew 3:13-17 King James Version

¹³Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

¹⁴But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

¹⁵And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

¹⁶And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

¹⁷And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Baptismal ceremonies during times of war and upheaval in the land have not always been allowed. However, in the 1980’s at the request of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch they were renewed. This was generally done on Easter Sunday and Epiphany Sunday. In time, this was followed by the Franciscan, Ethiopian, Coptic, Syriac, Russian and Romanian monasteries and churches. Each denominations religious calendar was used when setting the dates.

Another View Of Qasr al-Yahud

Currently, Qasr al-Yahud has been opened to pilgrims of all Christian denominations who wish to renew their Baptismal vows. Pilgrims and adventurers visiting the site are welcome to visit the nearby Deir Hijleh Monastery, which is an active monastery in the Jericho desert. There is a small shop with air-conditioning which serves cold drinks and has some souvenirs. The monastery also has toilets, a public prayer chapel for pilgrims, and seating where you can sit and enjoy the view of the river Jordan.

Qasr al Yahud is considered to be the third holiest religious site in Israel, with the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem being the first and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem being the second.

For those wanting to make a pilgrimage to Israel which is to include a baptism at Qasr al Yahud, you are welcome call ahead for current baptismal times and any current restrictions. They can be reached by Phone at: 02-650-4844 or by email at: [email protected]. Adventurers do not really need to call ahead unless they are wanting to renew their vows in baptism.

Adventurers and pilgrims to the area, often find the connection with Elijah an interesting piece of history. According to various traditions, this is also the site where Elijah ascended into heaven in a fiery chariot after he and Elisha crossed over the river Jordan. (This account is found in 2 Kings 2:8) and it is also considered to be the place where the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River to enter the Holy Land after having wandered in the desert for 40 years. (This is recorded in Joshua 3:13)

Whether you are a pilgrim wishing to walk in the steps of Jesus of Nazareth or an adventurer traveling to Israel, Qasr al Yahud is an excellent holy site to visit and those wishing to renew their baptismal vows are welcome to do so.

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Published on [email protected] March 31, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/traditional-baptismal-site-of-jesus-on-the-jordan-river