Sloshing through Facts, History and Water

Today marked the last full day of our study tour.  We began early this morning on the south steps that were excavated in the 1970's.  Many of the places we go are either commemorating events from the life of Christ or they are restored places.  These steps, carved in the bed-rock of Jerusalem are the same steps that Jesus would have walked on as he headed to the temple.

From there we worked our way around to the Western Wall (also called the Wailing Wall) and viewed the growing numbers heading into the day Shabbat begins.  It is also a spot where you can see the close proximity of the Jewish and Muslim faith.

We took a quick 20 minute stop at the ShoraShim Biblical Art Store.  Moshe, who emigrated from Toronto is one of the owners.  He is a theological teacher of Judaism and provided a great deal of insight into the Jewish perspective on the Scripture and also on living in the land (normally we try to stay for at least 40 minutes or so but you do what you have time for).   Check out their website:

http://www.shorashim.com/

From there it was off to Yad Vashem, the Holocost Museum.  Words really can't describe the artifacts and information contained in that place!

http://www.yadvashem.org/


While digesting the morning we enjoyed time at The Eucalyptus Tree Restaurant.  The Chef (another Moshe) uses the biblical foods and spices in his menu's and the result is incredible.

http://www.the-eucalyptus.com/welcome

Finally, we hurried to the City of David and walked through Hezekiah's Tunnel.  Since we were the last group to go we had time to enjoy the most unique 40 minute walk through a tunnel carved through the bedrock during the time of King Hezekiah to bring water into the city during time of war.

http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/en/virtual_tour/hezekiah’s-tunnel-city-david

Tomorrow we will celebrate Communion together at the "Garden Tomb".  We are observing the way folks wind up their business in advance of Shabbat, enjoy time in the hotel during Shabbat and then we will see the celebrations and "coming to life" of the Jewish section of Jerusalem tomorrow evening as Shabbat ends.