Exploring More Of Jerusalem!

This is the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed one of His miracles, healing a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years.

 

Pool of Bethesda

Here we see Gary Purdy, reading the scriptural account of this miracle in John 5.

Gary Purdy (center)

St. Anne’s Church is located at the start of the Via Dolorosa, adjacent to the Bethesda Pool.  Here we heard Portuguese believers beautifully expressing their worship to our Lord by singing “Because He Lives” in their native tongue.

Joining us at this site was a group of Nigerian pilgrims, all dressed in apparel made of the same colorful fabric.  Two members of our group asked for a picture, and this lady graciously consented.

Betty Scarbrough & Wesley Brown with Nigerian Lady

Our group joined untold thousands of others who have walked the Via Dolorosa (Latin for Way of Grief or Way of Suffering), a street within the Old City of Jerusalem that Jesus walked, carrying His cross, on the way to His crucifixion.

Via Dolorosa

This is an underground cistern at the Fortress of Antonio, located on the north end of the Temple Mount.  Cisterns were common in Bible times, required to hold rainwater for daily use, especially in times of drought.

Water Cistern

We stopped at the Austrian Hospice in the Old City, which included a magnificent view from the rooftop.  We also enjoyed coffee and strudel before we departed, just as several Catholic Popes and other notables had done before us. 

Bill &Wyeth Luter On Austrian Hospice Roof With 

Temple Mount In Background

Sue Brooks Snaps A Picture From The Roof Top

Karen & Robert Bluethman Enjoy Coffee & Strudel

Coffee & Apple Strudel

We proceeded next to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the traditional site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection, inside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Inside The Church Of The Holy Sepulcher 

Place Where Jesus' Body Was Prepared For Burial

One of the most colorful experiences in Jerusalem is to be found in the Old City market.  The first rule of shopping there?  Never pay the list price!  You are expected to bargain before the deal is closed.  (Several in our group were apparently quite adept at reaching an agreeable price!)

Sue Brooks, Betty Scarbrough, Wyeth Luter & Billie Sheppard 

Model Recently Purchased Scarves

Robert Bluethman, Ken Sheppard, Bart Huemmer & Charles Fortune

Do What Men Do While Ladies Shop (Wait)

Fresh Spices!

Walking Through The Old City Market

Yad Vashem is the Jewish people’s living memorial to the Holocaust.  The name Yad Vashem comes from Isaiah 56:5:  “And to them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial and a name (a “yad vashem”)…which will not be cut off.”

Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum

Ezekiel 37:14 Inscription at Museum

An unexpected and delightful treat for all of us on Tuesday was being hosted for late afternoon coffee, tea and sweets in the home of Walter and Paula Zanger, professional Israel guides and long-time friends of our group leader Ken Sheppard.  Here Walter is pictured with Ken’s wife Billie, and Ken with Paula.  Also pictured are our tour guide, Nathan Shapiro, and driver, Ami.

 Walter & Billie 

Ken & Paula 

Nathan Tells Ami How To Make His Second Millon

Good Food & Fellowship!

This long and good day ended with a somewhat privileged access to the Rabbinic Tunnel near the Western or "Wailing Wall" of the Temple Mount.  Because of its religious significance, visiting men were required to wear the yarmulke or skullcap, worn by orthodox and conservative Jewish males.

Entrance To Rabbinic Tunnel

Area Where Excavated Rubble Is Collected In Tunnel

Eddie Brown Explores Rabbinic Tunnel