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November 21 - Day 9
November 21 - Day 9
Today, Jonathan and Liora, our friends from Vancouver took us on an excursion into the outskirts of Jerusalem, including the ancient village of Ein Karem. Thought to be the birthplace of John the Baptist, and the place where his mother Elizabeth lived, many churches and monasteries have been established over the centuries. Although the village itself has only a population of about 2,000 people, three million visitors , come every year, a third of them from around the world.
Today, Jonathan and Liora, our friends from Vancouver took us on an excursion into the outskirts of Jerusalem, including the ancient village of Ein Karem. Thought to be the birthplace of John the Baptist, and the place where his mother Elizabeth lived, many churches and monasteries have been established over the centuries. Although the village itself has only a population of about 2,000 people, three million visitors , come every year, a third of them from around the world.
On our way there, we traveled through the northern mountains of Jerusalem. Much of it reminded us of Northern California. But clearly, with its ancient stone terraces that stretched across the slopes, this area was inhabited a very long time ago. In fact, pottery has been found dating back to the middle Bronze Age, about 2000 to 1500 BC. It was not difficult to imagine that, if John the Baptist had truly been born there, the hills would not have been much different.
On our way there, we traveled through the northern mountains of Jerusalem. Much of it reminded us of Northern California. But clearly, with its ancient stone terraces that stretched across the slopes, this area was inhabited a very long time ago. In fact, pottery has been found dating back to the middle Bronze Age, about 2000 to 1500 BC. It was not difficult to imagine that, if John the Baptist had truly been born there, the hills would not have been much different.
The churches, built in medieval times, are beautiful. Here is a gallery of photos of our day.
The churches, built in medieval times, are beautiful. Here is a gallery of photos of our day.
Hadassah Medical Centre, on the other side of the ravine where Ein Karem is situated. We will be visiting the laboratory and the world famous Chagall Windows there on Monday
The Scroll of Fire completed in 1971, considered to be one of the most symbolically beautiful sculptures in Israel.
It is situated in the Martyrs Forest, a forest consisting of approximately six million trees, itself a living monument to the Holocaust. The images on the scrolls describe the story of the rebirth of the nation, from the Holocaust up to the Six Day War.
Courtyard outside of the Church of St. John the Baptist
Inside the Church of St John the Baptist. Inside are the remains of an ancient mosaic floor and a cave where, according to Christian tradition, John the Baptist was born.
A long walkway up to the Church of the Visitatioon.
The Church of the Visitation honors the visit paid by Mary, the mother of Jesus, to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. (Luke 1:39–56) This is the site where tradition tells us that Mary recited her song of praise, the Magnificat, one of the most ancient Marian hymns. And so, it was a beautiful and spontaneous moment when suddenly one of the tour guides, standing with a group that were there among us, began singing it.
St. Mary's Spring. According to a Christian tradition which started in the 14th century, the Virgin Mary drank water from this village spring
Return to Hilary and Stan in Israel 2018
Return to Hilary and Stan in Israel 2018
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