Holy Land - 11.22 (Part 2)

From Caiaphas' house, we learned much about the Old City of Jerusalem on the southern side and saw the Ophel leading "up" to the Temple Mount. From this vantage point, we could also see the layout of the Western Wall and the close proximity to where they believed the Holy of Holies to have been. This view gave great understanding as to "why" the Jews go to that particular place to pray.

Upon leaving Caiaphas' house, we went to lunch at the Ambassador Hotel, where we enjoyed hamburgers and French fries. This was the most "American" meal that we encountered while in Israel. In the lobby, "Juan Dollar" (the merchant at whose store we shopped on the previous night) met us with prayer shawls. The story and understanding of the prayer shawl is quite interesting and I purchased one to use as an object lesson with our church at some point.

After lunch, we walked the Via Dolorosa, the road that Jesus walked from His trial at Pilate's to the place of the crucifixion. Click here for pictures http://www.biblewalks.com/Sites/ViaDolorosa.html
Due to our tour guides' contacts, we were able to get into a section of the real Via Dolorosa which is located below the modern streets of Jerusalem. We ended our journey at the Damascus Gate and then loaded on the buses for a ride to Gordon's Calvary. Click here for pictures of Gordon's Calvary http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-garden-tomb

Was Gordon's Calvary the actual place of the crucifixion and burial? There is some conflicting viewpoints, but either way, it has been the traditionally accepted site. There is now a modern Arab bus station in front of Calvary, and the tomb was modified during the Byzantine period. In spite of the changes and the varying opinions, the more important FACT is that -- Jesus was not on the cross and the tomb was empty! We enjoyed communion together (the pastors in the group served) and this was a very special and very humbling time together.

As we gathered together at the hotel, someone asked about clarification on the Bar Mitzvah. The occur for Jewish boys at age 12, which is the accepted age at which the boys are old enough to carry the Torah. The Scriptures are bound on their hand and forehead. A leather strap wraps around the left arm, as a symbol of binding the Scriptures close to the heart. The prayer shawl (Talit) is pulled over the head and closed as a personal tent for privacy during prayer. Only the men have the prayer shawls and this is what Deut. 22:5 refers to when it says that a "a woman shall not wear that which pertaineth to a man..." From this verse, some have devised that women should not wear pants, but even the men in Bible times didn't wear pants. A full understanding of the Jewish culture, reveals that this passage is clearly making reference to the prayer shawl. The Bar Mitzvah is a celebration complete with a entry parade, family cheering, and women throwing candy. The candy is symbolic to remind us that the Scriptures are sweet. This celebration is full of meaning and we were blessed to be able to see these celebrations during our visit to the Temple.

During this meeting, we were given the instructions for our departure times, luggage checks, etc. We would have time to eat, shower, rest, and load up to begin our journey back to Hartsville.