U.S. passport valid through January 2002, is
required for all tour participants. .
Please contact us and sign up as soon as possible to
secure your place on this trp!
Dear Friend,
Shalom! from Hatikva Ministries.
We are very excited about our upcoming July 2001 Israel tour. If this is
your first Israel tour or if you’ve been before, this is the tour for you. The
“Every Place You Always Wanted to See in Israel but Never Had the Time!” tour
has a little of everything. From the beautiful Mediterranean Sea to the amazing
Dead Sea (and several points in between) you’ll find that Israel is a treasure
chest of historical and Biblical gems. We’ll visit ancient synagogues and
modern museums and participate in an actual archeological dig! This tour will
be one of the most memorable no matter how many times you’ve been!
Below you’ll find a letter from Joe Good and an itinerary for this tour.
Once you see all the places we’ll visit, I’m sure you won’t want to miss this
one.
Registration deadline is May 15. If you would like a brochure,
more information, or would like to register, you can contact me by e-mail at
[email protected] or by calling
(731) 642-7836. You can also
contact Darryl at the Hatikva Ministries office at (409) 724-7601.
I hope to hear from you soon
Judy Kilgore
Tour Coordinator
Dear Friend,
This year Hatikva Ministries is
excited to sponsor a completely new tour to Israel, “Every place you wanted to
see in Israel but never had the time.” As the tour theme suggests, the places
visited will not be the “have-to-see” sites of most tours. Instead, the focus
will be to visit sites that will complement – geographically and historically –
the Israel that is commonly seen.
Most tours concentrate on visiting sites in
central Galilee around the Sea of Galilee and in the Jerusalem area. Our
“Battlegrounds of Prophesy” tour includes a trip south into the Negev. This
tour spends two days at sites in northwestern Israel and a day in southwestern
Judea. For travelers on past tours, this will help round out your understanding
of the geography of Israel.
Ancient history is the focus of many tours to
Israel. Although it’s not a “kosher” Hatikva Ministries tour without at least
one “Tel” visit, we will visit sites that are important to Israel’s modern
History. The reestablishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was not just one
event, but instead a process that took place throughout the land over a period
of years. Some of the sites we will visit include a battlefield, a detention
camp, and even the home of Israel’s Declaration of Independence! And
current events will be highlighted when we visit the kibbutz where the blue
(techelet) thread is made fulfilling the Biblical commandment of tzit
tzit.
There are even a few stops that are being
scheduled for entertainment and relaxation. Relaxation? On a Joe Good tour??
Well, for a few minutes, maybe. Gilla, Judy, and I sat down and through our
combined efforts selected these sites. So whether you’re a first-time pilgrim,
or have visited the Land multiple times, you’re sure to broaden your knowledge
and understanding of Israel and her people.
Following the basic tour will be a 6-day extension
based in Jerusalem and staying at the same hotel. The extension will be a
seminar on the Temple consisting of visiting sites related to its history and
lectures about its services. Whether it’s the layout of the Temple complex, the
liturgy of its services, or the involvement by the people, an understanding of
the Temple and its ways is instructional to G-dly living. Don’t miss this
opportunity to see and learn firsthand.
Joe Good,
Hatikva Ministries
Hatikva Ministries
Summer 2001 Tour
AND
Temple Studies
Extension
Hosted by Joe Good
Every Place You Wanted to See in Israel but Never Had the Time
Basic Tour – July 14 – 25, 2001 Only $2649
Extension – July 25 – 31, 2001 Only $795
DAY 1 JULY 14 – SATURDAY
Leave Newark, NJ for overnight flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.
DAY 2 JULY 15 –
SUNDAY
Independence Hall The city’s first mayor, Meir Dizengoff,
lived in this austere bunker-like concrete building. On May 14, 1948 his home
was the setting for the historic declaration that brought the State of Israel
into being. The house has since become a fascinating museum recalling that
momentous day and the events that led up to it. Alongside the hall in which the
proclamation was made is the Hall of Documents displaying a collection of
original documents. Outside, a white memorial and fountain, known as the
Founders’ Monument, names those who founded the city and depicts the story
of Tel Aviv in three bas-relief panels.
Over-night in the Tel Aviv Area.
DAY 3 JULY 16 –
MONDAY
Museum of the Jewish Diaspora This museum on the campus of Tel
Aviv University is one of the most interesting museums in Israel. It is
excellent for an understanding of the country and its people. In a succession
of separate rooms, each dedicated to a particular theme, visitors get a glimpse
into the lives of Jews in 80 nations scattered around the world since the
destruction of the Temple in 70CE. The overall theme is the combination of
Jewish diversity with Jewish commonality. “Uniformity with variety” is explored
with scores of intriguing displays of ritual objects and clothing, books,
photographs, models of housing and synagogues, videos, sound recordings, and
much more.
Ceasarea Mithraeum Towards the end of the 1st Century CE a
warehouse was transformed into a Mithraeum by the addition of benches along the
sides and an altar at the east end. An off-center light shaft near the eastern
end of the vault permits a ray of sunlight to fall on the altar at noon on June
21. In the 2nd Century CE the north wing of a U-shaped building that opens
toward the sea was erected on top of the Mithraeum; it was a portico displaying
portraits and inscriptions honoring officials, some of who would certainly have
been devotees of the cult celebrated below. This Mithraeum must have served the
Roman garrison, and is the only one known in Israel. It probably went out of
use in the 4th Century.
Dor Located on the Mediterranean coast north of Ceasarea, Dor was
a Phoenician port in 2000 BCE. Though seized by the Israelites, and then the
Assyrians, it was recaptured by Phoenicians and remained an independent city
until the Roman conquest. From the 4th to 7th centuries it was a Christian
town, destroyed in the Arab conquest. Crusaders built a castle on the shore in
the 12th century, but within a hundred years, the Mamelukes had destroyed it.
Dor was revived in 1949 as a moshav (cooperative village), set up by
immigrants from Greece. It has a beautiful beach and plenty of reminders of its
long history. The techelet (blue) thread that is to be worn on the
corners of the garment and also woven into the High Priest’s garments is
made here. A visitor to the moshav can watch the development of the dye from
sea snail to blue thread a process that was lost for 1900 years. There
is also a Hellenistic Museum at Dor.
Beit She’arim This archaeological site at the foot of Mount
Carmel contains the remnants of a Galilean town, which acquired enormous
importance in Jewish religious life in the centuries after the destruction of
the Temple in Jerusalem. With the crushing of the Bar Kochba Revolt in the 2nd
century CE, Beit She’arim grew to be a large, religious town. Rabbi
Yehudah Hanassi moved here with his seminary, and under him it became the seat
of the Sanhedrin, the “Supreme Court” of Jewish Law. Rabbi Yehudah spent his
time here writing and codifying the Mishna still known as the Oral Law.
Over-night in the Haifa area.
DAY 4 JULY 17 TUESDAY
Atlit (also known as Ma’apilim Atlit Camp) Notorious Atlit
Camp was the British detention center, established in 1938 and used for holding
illegal Jewish immigrants in Palestine during the pre- and postwar period.
During this time, when Jews were trying to escape from Nazi Europe, a
succession of more-or-less unseaworthy and overloaded ships put ashore on
Israel’s beaches. The occupants were rounded up by the British
authorities, brought here, and held in crowded dormitories until they could be
deported. Tens of thousands of would-be immigrants passed through the camp.
Now you can walk between the high barbed-wire fences where Holocaust
survivors, including children whose parents had died in the extermination
camps, were detained. Some were returned to Germany or other parts of Europe,
and many were forwarded to other British prison camps in, for example, Cyprus
or Mauritius. This camp was restored in 1970, but of the original 80 dormitory
huts, only two remain. These are filled with models to give some idea of the
life and conditions endured by the inmates. The camp is dominated by the
Disinfection Building where detainees were stripped naked on arrival,
segregated by sex, and herded in to be sprayed with disinfectant liquid from
showers – an uncanny resemblance to the Nazi gas chambers.
National Maritime Museum (Haifa) Holds a record of shipping
throughout the ages including a Roman ship attack ram weighing one ton, which
caused maritime archeologists to reevaluate the size of ancient ships.
The Clandestine Immigration Museum Close to the beach and a
little out of the heart of town; this building envelops an entire ship. Inside
the museum combines the functions of memorial and archive, recording, through
displays, documents, life-size models, and exhibits, the whole organized
struggle that brought 107,000 “illegal immigrants”, including Holocaust
survivors, to Israel from Europe during the years 1934 to 1948. Some
heartrending exhibits detail particular events; such as the story of the 1947
clandestine ship Exodus, carrying over 4,500 Holocaust survivors. Upon arrival
at Haifa they were held by the British authorities, and then sent back to
Germany. The real refugee ship on display shows what the interior was like.
Carmelite Monastery A steep staircase of 300 steps, cut into the
hillside, continues up and across an attractive heath with superb sea views, to
the handsome monastery. Inside a circular domed chapel encloses a reputedly
holy and miraculous cave, Elijah’s Cave, where Elijah is said to
have lived and died. (The easy way to reach the monastery is to take the
cable car and enjoy a vista overlooking Haifa.)
Acre (Akko) The Citadel – During the British Mandate, the
authorities put Akko’s medieval citadel to use as a high-security prison
for Jewish guerrillas several were hanged there. In a spectacular raid on the
citadel in May 1947, the Irgun group dynamited a hole in the ancient wall, went
inside, overpowered the guards, and freed 30 Irgun and 11 Lehi prisoners. The
citadel now contains the Museum of Heroism, honoring the prisoners who
were held or executed there.
Over-night in the Haifa area.
DAY 5 JULY 18 – WEDNESDAY
Rosh HaNikra The coastal landscape climbs as it approaches the
Lebanese border, which runs along a high ridge in Israel’s northwestern
corner. Rosh HaNikra is essentially a frontier post on this ridge whose white
cliffs plunge straight down into the blue Mediterranean. At the top, thrilling
views run far down the country’s Mediterranean shore. The area’s
biggest attraction is the Rosh HaNikra Caves, which can be reached by a cable
car at the bottom of the cliffs. Here the sea has eaten into the soft pale
sandstone like moth grubs into a woolen cloak. The cliffs are riddled with
little holes and tunnels that wind through the rock from one opening to the
nextand at each the azure water hammers in, as if to bring the whole cliff
tumbling down into the waves.
Bar’am Dating from the 2nd century CE, the well-preserved
remnants of a fine synagogue include two walls of huge stone blocks, sturdy
stone columns forming three aisles, and a handsome flagstone floor, with an
arched entrance facing Jerusalem.
Until the 1948 War of Independence, the synagogue was part of a small
Maronite Arab village and friendly to the Jewish forces. During the
fightingwhich was particularly intense at this point, being close to the
Lebanese borderthe population was asked to leave “temporarily”. Eventually
their homes were largely destroyed. About 100 yards up from the synagogue, on
higher ground, is the villagers’ church and their ruined houses. The
church is still used for weddings and ceremonies by the now grown-up children
of the villagers.
Jish (Hebrew Gush Halav) Today a hillside village of Christian
Arabs, Gush Halav was an important town during the Second Temple and Talmudic
periods and was associated with the learned Jewish community based around
Meron. It was also renowned for its olive oil. During the First Revolt against
Rome (68 CE), it was a rebel stronghold. Revolt commander Yohanan came from
Jish. The tombs of 1st-century sages Shemai’a and Avtalion lie in a domed
building by the road below the village. Remnants of small 3rd and 4th century
synagogues were found a mile east of the village.
Meron In Second Temple and Talmudic times, Meron became a great
center of Jewish learning, as well as a focal point for acts of rebellion
against Roman rule. In 1949, a new Meron, an Orthodox religious settlement, was
founded in the same place. From that era, several 1st and 2nd century tombs
survive, including the domed mausoleums, set within a walled enclosure, of the
renowned Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashi) and his son, Eleazer. North of the
tombs stands the magnificent rock-carved façade of a 2nd-century
synagogue. Little else remains of the building. Several other revered rabbis
are reputedly buried in rock-cut tombs here, including the great 1st-century
sage Hillel, his less liberal rival Shammai, and the 2nd-century
Rabbi Yohanan “the shoemaker”. Meron and Safed are considered the
birthplaces of Jewish mysticism.
Jotapata (Yodfat) Josephus moved to Jotapata hoping to disrupt
the Roman supply lines. When Vespasian was informed, he sent 1,000 cavalry to
blockade the town and followed up with the rest of the army. Jotapata was built
on a cliff spur jutting out from a hill and could only be approached from the
top of the hill. This made it very difficult to assault. While keeping up a
constant barrage, the legionaries constructed a ramp that would bring them up
to the level of the battlements. Just before dawn on the 47th day of the siege,
the Romans broke into the town and killed every living thing. Josephus and 40
of the leading citizens were hiding in a cave. Before being discovered and
captured, they decided that they should commit mass suicide. Josephus was the
last man left alive and surrendered to the Romans and, in return for betraying
his people, he was spared.
Over-night at Nof Ginnasar.
DAY 6 JULY 19 -THURSDAY
Katzrin (Qazrin) This attractive, well-laid-out town, built in
1967, is now the capital of the Golan region. Its population of 6,000 accounts
for half the Jews in the Golan. The name derives from the Hebrew version of
castrum, the Roman word for a military camp, and the town makes a
good base for exploring local antiquities. The Golan Archaeological
Museum has extensive displays of relics from all over the region,
especially coins, domestic implements, and stonework. There are many relief
carvings of menorot dating from Temple times and from the Roman and Byzantine
periods. It is well worth seeing the museum’s short film about the Roman
conquest of Golan’s former capital, Gamla. Almost opposite is the Dolls
Museum, which tells Jewish history through a succession of charming tableaux,
made of little models. Nearby are the remains of the 4th-century Ancient
Synagogue and the archaeological site of the original town of Katzrin. The
Qasrin Antiquities Park, an open-air museum, contains reconstructions of life
in Talmudic times
Army Base No visit to Israel would be possible if it were not for
the efforts of countless thousands of Israeli’s who have fought for peace
within Israel’s borders. The Barak Brigade in the Golan Heights is a tank
unit it is made up of 3 battalions located within about 20 miles of each other.
Current events permitting, we’ll have lunch with one of the Battalions and
they will entertain the tour group with a tank demonstration. The Israeli
slogan, “Never a Dull Moment” is applicable here.
Banias At the northern end of the Hula Valley, Herod Agrippa II
built a fortress-like palace at the edge of Ceasarea Phillipi.
The usual architectural foundations of the ground floor still exist, but
underneath them are massively constructed rooms and hallways out of scale to
the buildings of the area. The site is still being excavated and studied as
this gem of a palace surprises archaeologists.
Kibbutz Ein Gev Founded in 1937 just within the pre-1967 border,
Kibbutz Ein Gev was the location for the first Jews in modern times to cast
their nets again into the Sea of Galilee. The Kibbutz contains a small museum
that illustrates fishing life around the Kinneret.
Over-night at Nof Ginnasar.
DAY 7 JULY 20 – FRIDAY
Zipori (Sepphoris) This remarkable archaeological site consists
of ruins from the First Temple period, remnants of complete pre-Roman Jewish
town and a Roman theater. A reconstructed Roman villa contains its beautiful
original Dionysian mosaic floor. A woman’s face in the design has been
dubbed the “Mona Lisa of the Galilee”. Important to the debate over the
religious and cultural make-up of Zipori is the synagogue that has been
unearthed. The synagogue is unusual in its architecture and orientation, and
has a well-preserved central mosaic. Zipori’s 12th-century
Crusader fortifications are a reminder that the Crusader armies gathered here
in 1187, before marching to the Horns of Hittim to take on Salah ed-Din. The
formers’ crushing defeat ended the Second Crusade.
Sefat (Tsfat or Zefat) The city Yeshua called “the city
on a hill” is one of Israel’s most picturesque towns. Sefat is located
in the beautiful hills of Galilee 3,280 feet above the Sea of Galilee. This has
been a center of Jewish learning for centuries and was, with Meron, the
birthplace of kabbala. The many ornate 16th-century neighborhood synagogues
here are very much in use. These synagogues welcome non-Jewish visitors, though
modest dress, (cover your arms, shoulders and legs to the knee), is expected.
After the First Revolt (66-73CE), the town grew as Jews fled here from
Jerusalem. Crusaders drove the Jews out and constructed the citadel in 1140
(they dubbed the town Safedstill a popular version of its name). It was taken
in turn by Salah ed-Din (1188), the Knights Templar (1240), and the Mamelukes
(1266). In 1517 all Israel came under Ottoman rule. Jews returned, including
many expelled from Spain in 1492. The new arrivals brought with them a rich
culture; they built the synagogues and, in 1578, set up the region’s first
printing press. An earthquake in 1759 caused great damage, after which many
Sephardim (Jews of Spanish origin) moved elsewhere. However, Ashkenazim arrived
from Russia and took their place bringing with them their own mysticism and
Yiddish culture. In 1837, another earthquake and epidemic killed over 5,000
people, and the town went into decline. Arabs moved in and in the 1929
anti-Jewish riots killed 21 Jews and wounded 80. In the 1948 War of
Independence, Sefat was an Arab stronghold with a population of 12,000 Arabs,
including a fighting force of 6,000. When the Arabs entered the Jewish quarter,
with its population of 1,500 mainly elderly Hasidim, a group of 35 men in the
Palmach elite Jewish fighting force arrived. The fact that such a small number
of men managed to defeat the Arab forces and take the whole town is now widely
celebrated in Jewish history. It is known as the Miracle of Sefat. Located in
Sefat is the Davidka, a homemade cannon whose noise, alone, is said to have
helped the Jews conquer Sefat in 1948.
Over-night at Nof Ginnosar
DAY 8 JULY 21 – SATURDAY
Drive to the top of Mount Gilboa Mt. Gilboa is where Saul and
Jonathan were killed. From the top, the view of the Jordan Valley on one side
and the Jezreel Valley on the other side is spectacular.
Cable Car to Mount of Temptation overlooking Jericho Orthodox
churches claim that this mountain west of Jericho in the Judean Wilderness was
where Jesus was “led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” (Matthew
41-11) after his immersion. An impressive Greek monastery hangs on to its
barren, rocky slope.
Drive to the Dead Sea for overnight stay. Enjoy relaxing time at
the sea.
DAY 9 JULY 22 – SUNDAY
Tel Arad The remnants of an ancient walled Canaanite and
Israelite settlement, 3500-1500 CE, lie on a desert hillside set back from the
road. This was an old, handsome, and wealthy city when its king joined the
struggle to keep Moses and the Children of Israel out of Canaan. Later,
Israelite settlements on the site were smaller and simpler. Tel Arad’s
setting is glorious; gentle, undulating sand and rock, speckled by the dark
tents of the Bedouin surround the ancient Tel. Within the Tel ruins of streets,
houses, wells, sacrificial altars, a synagogue, and a palace – which have been
uncovered in two separate excavation areas – vividly illustrate desert life in
those times. From the site is a view toward modern Arad, a striking blanket of
green thrown over the desert. The highlight of this site is a temple that is
built on the order of the Temple in Jerusalem. It was an actual working Temple
with sacrifice alter and Holy of Holies until Hezekiah reverently closed it to
solidify Jerusalem’s prominence in the country.
Yad Mordechai Within walking distance of the northeast corner of
the Gaza Strip is a kibbutz that was established in 1943. When the 1948 War
broke out and Egyptian forces were confidently approaching Israel, the
Egyptians expected to be to the outskirts of Tel Aviv within days, if not
sooner so great was the confidence. The Kibbutz of Yad Mordechai was the first
obstacle. The kibbutz did eventually fall, but not without first stopping the
advance and seriously undermining the confidence of the Egyptians. Today, Yad
Mordechai has a museum memorializing the heroic battle. Still visible on the
grounds are the trenches, Egyptian tanks where they were destroyed, and even
the fallen water tank, which was so important at the time. Because of Yad
Mordechai, the Egyptians never came close to Tel Aviv.
Ashkelon From Mount Carmel in the north the coastline descends
southwards in a smooth line unbroken by any natural harbor. Sand dunes line the
shore. Only the presence of drinking water can explain the choice of any
particular spot as the site of a city. Ashkelon has no spring, but is rich in
fresh water wells. Inevitably, it became an important part of the great trade
route, The Way of the Sea – Via Maris, linking Egypt and Mesopotamia. Ashkelon
was the largest of the five Phillistine cities and was visited by Samson. Today
Ashkelon is a National Park. It has several archaeological sites including the
Crusader Jaffa Gate in the great wall, a medieval church, Jerusalem Gate, the
Well of Peace, the forum and the City Council Chamber.
Over-night in Jerusalem.
DAY 10 JULY 23 – MONDAY
Knesset The Israeli parliament building of 1966 is a stately
building located on a hill west of the center of Jerusalem and surrounded by a
large, open space. This is the focal point of modern Israel. It was necessarily
constructed with defense very much in mind and a good deal of the structure
lies below ground level. Here, in debates, the nation’s divisions are
starkly revealed, as is its essential unity. Religious and secular forces, left
and right-wing ideologues, Zionists and anti-Zionists, meet, clash, and form
pragmatic alliances. Few countries in the world are as wholeheartedly
democratic, with a system of proportional representation that permits almost
any and every voice to be heard under this roof. The name itselfKnesset means
assemblyreflects this role too, and the name contains an echo of Beit Knesset,
the Hebrew for synagogue. Outside, an eternal flame burns, and the entrance to
the grounds has a sculptural fence memorializing the Holocaust. Nearby, a
16-foot tall bronze menorah, a gift from Britain, depicts events in Israeli
history and symbolizes the central place of the Knesset in the Jewish
homeland.
Rockefeller Museum This museum houses one of Jerusalem’s
leading archaeological collections. In a sequence of well laid out rooms, set
around a central courtyard, its displays cover the full range of human history,
from its origins almost to the present day. Among the most interesting and
impressive items are the Galilee skull and other very early human remains found
in Israel. Also on display is ancient jewelry (some over 4,000 years old), a
board game (of about 1600 BCE), and ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian items
found in Israel. There are especially interesting reconstructions of a 7th
Century Islamic palace and baths.
Bible Lands Museum Although the museum contains displays of
thousands of archaeological finds exploring Near East ritual and religion
throughout the period from Abraham to the Byzantines, it is known for its
temporary exhibits on various themes of national and religious significance. No
two visits should be the same.
History of Jerusalem Museum (Citadel, or Tower of David) The
museum is housed in the ancient Citadel. One of the most imposing landmarks of
the Old City is the Tower of David, rising from within the massive defenses of
the fortress known as the Citadel. It stands alongside the powerful stonework
of Jaffa Gate. Despite the name, nothing but myth connects the structure with
King David, the city’s founder. Constructed by King Herod in the 1st
Century BCE, today it houses an extensive museum of Jerusalem’s history.
The structure forms an enclosure around a large central open-air archaeological
site. Using films, maps, pictures, dioramas, holograms, life-size fiberglass
statuary, superbly detailed models, and numerous other types of displays, as
well as thousands of the historic objects found here, the museum leads through
the long and intricate story of Jerusalem.
Sound & Light Show Jerusalem The son et lumiere in the
Citadel courtyard has the dramatic setting of the fortress and tells the story
of the city and its citadel. As the history of Jerusalem is reviewed, the
architectural history of the citadel is fascinatingly highlighted.
Over-night in Jerusalem.
DAY 11 JULY 24 TUESDAY
Dig for a Day Want to get hot, sweaty, dusty, and experience
Israel at its foundation? We will travel to an archaeological site where you
can actually be a working part of an archaeological dig.
Burma Road As May 1948 approached, the supply line to the Jews of
Jerusalem was cut off. The Arabs controlled all the roads. In order to
alleviate a shortage of food, water, and ammunition, a makeshift road was
hastily constructed around and over the hills leading to Jerusalem.
Construction was hidden from both the British and local Arabs. This lifeline
was instrumental in preventing the total downfall of Jerusalem to the Arabs.
Today this scenic road is preserved as a memorial to the ingenuity of those who
struggled for Israel’s right for existence.
Farewell dinner before basic group returns to New York.
Basic Tour returns tonight for early morning July 25th arrival into
JFK.
July 25-31, 2001
Teacher Joe Good
EXTENSIVE LECTURES IN THE HOTEL
DAY 1 JULY 25 – WEDNESDAY
Holy Land Hotel With the hills of Judea as a backdrop, a model of
the 1st Century CE Jerusalem has been built on the grounds of the Holy Land
Hotel. At a scale of 150, the layout of Jerusalem, the topography, and the
enormity of the Temple Mount come to life as the visitor walks around the
model. Constructed of stone, wood, and metal the model is very true to life in
its appearance.
Western Wall Tunnel In 1967 Israel gained control of the Temple
Mount and soon afterwards archaeologists began excavating through the rubble
along the western side. A tunnel running along this western side allows the
visitor to see parts of an ancient bridge to the Temple Mount, a Herodian era
building, a sealed gateway to the Temple Mount, and an aquaduct used in the
Hasmonean era.
Kotel More commonly known as the Wailing Wall, the Kotel is an
exposed section of the western wall of the Temple Mount built by Herod the
Great. This part of the wall is revered because of its proximity to the
location of the Temple.
Sisters of Zion Pratoriam & Roof The Antonio Fortress was
constructed north of the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount. Although most
of the foundation of the fortress has either been destroyed or covered up with
1900 years of construction, some of the ground pavement is exposed in the
basement of the church of the Sisters of Zion. A trip to the rooftop balcony
gives a good bird’s eye view of the north end of the Temple Mount.
DAY 2 JULY 26 THURSDAY
Southern Steps Almost all pilgrims who came to the Temple
Mount approached from the south ascending Mt. Zion from the Kidron Valley. This
was no small ascent, and the Southern Steps were the final approach before
entering the Mount. In order to slow the over-eager pilgrim, the steps are
irregularly spaced so that climbing them takes a certain amount of
concentration. In places, the original steps are present. It was while standing
here that Neal Armstrong, of moon walking fame, stated that this was the
greatest moment of his life.
Eastern Wall The Eastern Wall has become as open history book
concerning the development of the Temple Mount. Although much of it is
underground and behind a Moslem cemetery, the exposed parts tell a story of
construction and reconstruction. Each culture and time period has a distinct
style of cutting rock, or “laying” previously cut stone. Visible along the wall
are Persian, Hasmonean, Herodian, Omayyad, and Ottoman stones which indicate
when the Temple Mount was expanded and rebuilt.
Northern Wall Within the Temple Mount, the Northern Wall is the
least studied. It was constructed by King Herod and some stones are still
visible. But over time what was once a valley outside the wall has been filled
in so that now it is barely a depression.
DAY 3 JULY 27 FRIDAY
Azazel On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), after the Azazel
goat was designated by the High Priest, he was led to a spot in the wilderness
about six miles from Jerusalem. There he was pushed off the side of a hill. In
the future, when the False Messiah flees Jerusalem and is captured, he will be
taken to the same hill to meet his destiny.
Mount of Olives East of the Temple Mount and across the Kidron
Valley rises the Mt. of Olives, a narrow ridge that separates more verdant
Jerusalem from the beginning of the Judean Wilderness. David fled from Absolom
over the Mt. Of Olives, and Yeshua entered Jerusalem from its slopes. Today, a
Jewish cemetery dominates its slope, as this is the place on earth where the
resurrection of the dead will begin. Important to the sanctification of the
Temple Mount, and all Israel, is the spot where the Red Heifer is slain. Due
east of the “Rock”, someday a red heifer will be slaughtered on the height of
the Mt. Of Olives and the Messianic Age will commence.
DAY 4 JULY 28 – SATURDAY
Temple Mount From threshing floor to 40-acre religious center,
the Temple Mount is 3000 years of construction and expansion. King Solomon
built the First Temple. Although nothing visible remains, the Bible describes
the Temple and some of the buildings surrounding the Temple. These were
destroyed by the Babylonians, rebuilt in the time of Ezra, and later the whole
Temple complex was expanded and aggrandized by King Herod. But even
Herod’s changes contained features of the original in name and usage.
Hulda Passage Whether named after a prophetess or a burrowing
animal, the Hulda Tunnel leads the pilgrim from the Southern Steps to the
Temple Mount proper. In the Hasmonean era (app.100 BCE) the entrance to the
Temple Mount from the south was called the Hulda Gate. With the Herodian
addition, the gate became a tunnel, but retained its name.
Solomon’s Stables At the approximate level of the top of the
Southern Steps, Solomon’s Stables is a large underground room. This is
part of the Herodian expansion project so it had nothing to do with Solomon.
The Crusaders used the area for their animals thinking that Solomon had done
the same. Today, the Moslems have turned the room into a prayer area. Visible
within the room is Hasmonean era masonry.
Dome of the Rock Built in its present form in the late 7th
Century CE and embellished several times since then, the Dome of the Rock has
been rumored to be the site of Solomon’s Temple. But only in the last ten
years, through the architectural archaeological research of Leen Ritmeyer, has
the “rock” of the Dome been established as the site of Holy of Holies.
Foundation markings in the rock itself match exactly the Biblical
descriptions.
DAY 5 JULY 29 – SUNDAY
Temple Mount Examination by an On-the-Surface Tour An
out-of-place rock, a curiously shaped cistern, or a wall not parallel to those
beside it these are clues to the origins of the Temple Mount. By walking around
the Temple Mount, minute clues to the past can be found. With each additional
item of evidence, the reality of the Temple and all its rooms and courtyards
comes to life in the minds of those who study it.
Silwan To the south and east of the Temple Mount along the Kidron
Valley is the area known as Silwan. It is primarily an Arab neighborhood. Most
of the historical events before King Solomon took place in this area.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel In order to ensure an adequate water
supply during the expected siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzer, Hezekiah, in
the 8th Century BCE, directed the digging of a tunnel from the Gihon Spring on
the east side of the City of David to the west side. The tunnel, almost 1800
feet long, winds through solid rock and is, at times, just tall and wide enough
for a man to walk through. Water still flows through the tunnel.
Shiloach (Siloam) Pool The water that has flowed through
Hezekiah’s tunnel from the Gihon Spring collects in the Pool of Siloam.
Although it is at the lower end of the Tyropean Valley, still the pool was well
within the walls of Jerusalem. Shiloach is a form of the word Shiliach which
means “sent”. The waters from this pool were used in several of the Temple
services.
Tophet Also called the Valley of Jehosephat, the Tophet is
located at the junction of the Kidron and Hinnom Valleys. The Field of Blood
and the tomb of Annas the High Priest are situated on the slopes opposite the
location of the ancient city wall. The Tophet is the location of the Feast of
Leviathan and is the most cursed spot on earth.
DAY 6 JULY 30 MONDAY
Free Day in Jerusalem.
Depart late night for return
DAY 7 JULY 31 TUESDAY
Arrive early morning into JFK.
Please call the office or Judy at the numbers listed at
the top of this page
or email [email protected]
U.S. passport valid through January, 2002, required for all tour
participants. Final payment is due May 15, 2001.Tour price includes Air
transportation; Surface transportation by deluxe motorcoach; Hotel
accommodations in first-class hotels in twin-bedded rooms with private bath;
Meals daily buffet breakfast and 3-course dinner; Sightseeing as specified in
the itinerary; Airport and flight taxes in effect at ticketing; All tipping is
included–driver, guide, hotels. Baggage allowed free of charge is one
regular-sized suitcase per person plus one airline approved “underseat” bag.
While maximum care will be taken to safeguard luggage, the organizers accept no
liability for loss or damage. Tour price does not include wines, liquors,
mineral water, after dinner coffee or tea not part of the menu; sightseeing or
services not specifically mentioned or noted as optional; excess baggage; and
all other items of a purely personal nature. Cancellations: no penalty for
written cancellations received up to 95 days before departure. Written
cancellations received 94- 65 days before departure are subject to a $150 per
person administration fee. Written cancellations received 64-45 days prior to
departure are subject to a $300 cancellation fee. Written cancellations
received 44-31 days before departure are subject to a 25% cancellation fee of
the total tour price per person. Written cancellations received 30-16 days out
are subject to a 50% cancellation fee of the total tour price. Written
cancellations received less than 16 days before departure are subject to a 100%
cancellation fee of the total tour price per person. No refund made for any
missed services while on tour. In addition to the above cancellation fees,
airline tickets are not refundable once issued. We recommend trip cancellation
insurance–applications available on written request. Healthcare/medical costs
outside the USA are not covered by Medicare and some private insurance plans.
Medical insurance is part of the optional trip insurance, applications
available on written request. Important notice: brochure price based on a
minimum of 32 passengers basic, 26 extension, estimated 2001 tariffs, airfares,
and currency exchange rates as of March 1, 2001. While every effort will be
made to hold the price, it is subject to change if above conditions change
substantially. Responsibility: Joe Good, Hatikva Ministries, Escorted Travel
Concepts, and their agents act only in the capacity of agents in all matters
pertaining to hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and transportation,
whether by motor bus, boat, air or any other means, and as such, are not
responsible for any damage, expense, or inconvenience caused by late train,
plane, or ship arrival or departure or by any change of schedule or other
condition, nor the loss of or damage to any person or property from any cause
whatsoever. The sponsoring organization reserves the right to withdraw the tour
at any time, decline or retain any person as a member of the tour for any cause
at any time, or make changes in the published itinerary whenever in their sole
judgment conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort,
convenience or safety of the tour. The passage contract in use by the airlines
concerned, when issued, constitutes the sole contract between the airlines and
the purchasers of the tour and/or passengers. Payment of deposit by tour
participants indicates understanding and acceptance of the above terms and
conditions.
All New Israel Tour!
Hatikva Ministries Temple Studies Extension
July 14 – 25, 2001 Only $2649
Temple Studies
Extension
July 25 – 31, 2001 Only $795