Visiting The Holy Land

There are plenty of fun things to do and beautiful places to see while in Israel. But it is religion that brings millions of people to the holy land.

Religion continues to play a huge role in modern Israel.

Sometimes a very serious role. . .

Other times less so. . .

Jerusalem has been considered the holiest city in Judaism for centuries. The Temple Mount is believed to be the place God chose for the divine presence to rest. Two temples once stood on this spot (both were destroyed hundreds of years ago). A portion of the retaining wall built to fortify the hill for the temple remains to this day.

Today, the Western Wall is the holiest site in Judaism. Jews come from all over the world to pray at the Western Wall.

For Muslims Jerusalem is also considered a sacred city. After Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is home to their third holiest site, the Dome of the Rock.

Fountain for cleansing and purification outside the Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is a shrine located on the Temple Mount. Muslims believe that it was from this location that Mohammed ascended into heaven. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter the Temple Mount area for only a few hours on designated days. However, only Muslims are allowed to enter the shrine or to worship on the Temple Mount.

I enjoyed learning more about these religions and visiting their holy sites. However, as someone raised Catholic, it was great fun to visit places I grew up hearing about in church.

 

While fetching water from this well in Nazareth, Mary was told that she was pregnant with Jesus.

In Nazareth I took part in a candlelight procession in honor of Mary. It was an incredibly peaceful, beautiful and spiritual experience!

Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity – the oldest continually operating Christian church in the world.

This church was built on the location of the manger where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

Site of Jesus’ birth

Just outside of Bethlehem you can visit the “Shepherd’s Field” where the local shepherds were told of the holy birth.

I also visited the River Jordan – the site of Jesus’ baptism.

One day while traveling on a public bus, we passed through the small town of Cana. . .wasn’t there a big wedding there once?

I was continuously charmed as each biblical place became real right in front of me! Which brings me back to Jerusalem. . .

For Christians, Jerusalem is the city where Jesus was crucified. The Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) is a street that runs through the old city of Jerusalem.

This road marks the route that Jesus walked carrying his cross. Along the way, the stations of the cross are clearly marked and pilgrims (some even carrying crosses of their own) follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

The Via Dolorosa ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of the actual crucifixion.  

The Rock of Calvary – cracked in half by Jesus’ blood

The Stone of Anointing – where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial

Of course, there is some question as to the historical accuracy of these sites. But the thousands of people visiting the holy land every month aren’t there for historical accuracy. There can be no denying the affect these holy sites have on those who visit.

It was thought-provoking to spend time in a country where religion plays such a huge role in both history and modern life. It is impossible to spend much time in Israel and not observe the constant interaction between various religions and their followers. The pilgrims, from such diverse backgrounds, visiting this region of the world are awe-inspiring. Although they are all so different, what they have in common is faith.

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