June 24th, 2010 at 9:12 am (Architecture, Art in Israel, Churches in Israel, Holy Land, Israel, Jerusalem)
Beit Shmuel, Jerusalem
Save the dates of Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9, to join the bi-annual Houses From Within event. In October 2010, Houses From Within will showcase Jerusalem homes, office space, historical buildings, architectural gems, and public buildings in the capital.
Now in its 5th year, previous sites that have opened their doors to the public include The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies on Mount of Olives, Light Train Depot, German-Syrian Orphanage in the Schneller Compound, the Ticho House, Bridges for Peace, Anglican International School, the Italian Hospital, Grand Synagogue of the Belz Hasidic Dynasty, Underground Prisoners Museum, Agnon House, Swedish Theological Seminary…
If you are planning to be in Jerusalem in October, take advantage of this unique event to get a behind the scenes look at prime Jerusalem properties. Pre-registration required. Contact Drive-Israel.com to sign you up!
Travel to Israel and the Holy Land! Drive-Israel.com creates custom self-drive trips in Israel so you can tour Israel at your own pace – meet site experts along the way! Contact us to begin your unique tour of Israel.
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June 7th, 2010 at 3:07 am (Churches in Israel, Holy Land, Jesus Trail)
Candles, incense – pilgrims leave their mark on the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Station of the Cross, Jerusalem, Israel
Tour Israel and the Holy Land! Drive-Israel.com creates custom self-drive trips in Israel so you can tour Israel at your own pace – meet site experts along the way! Contact us to begin your unique tour of Israel.
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June 7th, 2010 at 2:54 am (Churches in Israel, Holy Land, Jesus Trail)
Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem
The 14 stations of the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows, are each clearly marked in the Old City of Jerusalem. Wind your way through the open air market, along this ancient spiritual route.
Most probably developed by the Franciscans after they were granted administration of the Christian holy places in Jerusalem in 1342, the Via Dolorosa symbolizes a spiritual journey.
In the photo, see Station No. 5.
Tour Israel and the Holy Land! Drive-Israel.com creates custom self-drive trips in Israel so you can tour Israel at your own pace – meet site experts along the way! Contact us to begin your unique tour of Israel.
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June 7th, 2010 at 2:19 am (Churches in Israel, Holy Land, Jesus Trail)
Via Dolorosa: 3rd Station
On a walk through the Old City of Jerusalem, we followed the ancient Via Dolorosa. The Stations of the Cross depict the final journey of Jesus. History, holy sites, and a lively marketplace (souk, in Arabic) make this location a unique spot on earth.
Experience religious travel when you tour Israel and the Holy Land! Drive-Israel.com creates custom self-drive trips in Israel so you can tour Israel and the Holy Land! Contact us to begin your unique tour of Israel.
Book your dream trip to Israel with Drive-Israel.com – leaders in self-drive Israel trips!
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February 13th, 2010 at 12:06 pm (Churches in Israel, Country Lodgings in Israel, Jesus Trail)
We take care of accommodations, meals and luggage transfer.
You focus on the journey.
The Galilee region of Israel welcomes you to walk the paths of Jesus—without a heavy pack!
Walk village to village through rugged countryside, see many layers of history as you explore important biblical sites, mingle with locals for a glimpse into rich regional culture, and encounter epic views and diverse flora and fauna.
Experience sacred history as you arrive at important religious sites each day. Feel the satisfaction of arriving at your destination by foot to enjoy a hearty well-earned meal and share your trail stories with hosts and fellow travelers.
- Journey from Nazareth to the Sea of Galilee, village to village on the paths Jesus walked.
- Encounter local hospitality with the diverse and gracious people of the Galilee.
- Experience peaceful natural beauty and rare species of plants and animals.
- Explore ancient sites at the roots of Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
- Total distance is 60 km (40 miles).
Contact Drive-Israel.com to arrange your walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Israel’s Galilee.
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October 6th, 2009 at 2:16 am (Architecture, Churches in Israel, Country Lodgings in Israel, Honeymoon in Israel)
A recent visit to the Cloisters in New York made this hike to the Crusader fortress of Monfort in the Western Galilee all the more meaningful. Imagine — those knights in shining armor lying still and poised at the Cloisters once climbed these same rocks to Monfort. Within eyesight of the Mediterrean coast, it is easy to see the route taken by the Holyland soldiers in the 1200s, from the port of Acco (Acre) to the inland mountains.
Most of you call this vacation, but for me, an overnight in a luxury B&B is another day at work. My significant other and I set out at midday to explore the Galillee so that I can let you in on the must-dos in Israel.
In the mountains off the coast of Achziv and Rosh HaNikra lies the perfect Provencal inn, complete with spa facilities and a swimming pool. If G-d is in the details, then this chateau is filled with the Holy Spirit: from the fragrant L’Occitane bathtub favors to the basket of lavender potpourri in the 4-postered bedroom, one feels compelled to unwind.
A short distance away in a perfect country setting we found Arnold’s, a new chef restaruant (kosher) with a menu featuring Galilee products like the delicatibly delicious lamb osso buco.
In the Western Galilee you can hike to the Crusader fortress of Monfort, beachcomb the dramatic shoreline of Achziv, and kayak the caves and grottoes of Rosh HaNikra.
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October 4th, 2009 at 6:41 am (Churches in Israel)
The doors are open and you are welcome to visit the commnity of the Sisters of Bethlehem, located on Rte 38, just past Beit Shemesh.
Look for a small sign on the right side of the road, showing a left turn. Turn left and drive up a dirt road with olive trees on either side – reminiscent of Tuscany. All the way at the top, you will find two Christian communities: the Convent of the Sisters of Bethlehem established by Trappist nuns, and the Beit Jimal Monastery built by Salesian monks in 1881. Entrance to both communities is open to the public. There is video on the life of this silent order of nuns, and you can see their prayer room when you climb to the top of the building. In the small adjacent shop, ceramics and pottery made by the nuns are on sale, as well as convent- and monastery-produced olive oil.
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September 9th, 2009 at 12:53 pm (Churches in Israel, Mini Museums)
On the way to the Dead Sea, just past Maale Adumim, stands the believed to be site of the biblical Inn of the Good Samaritan. The site was newly opened in June 2009 and now houses a collection of mosaics – both replicas and originals – that were found in churches, Jewish and Samaritan synagogues. The structure housing the collection was a Turkish guardhouse from the Ottoman period on the road connecting Jericho and Jerusalem.
The parable of the good Samaritan features members of three faiths: Christianity, Jews, and the Samaritan who performed a good deed.
Mosaics art reached its peak in the Byzantine period (3rd to 7th Century CE) when mosaics were the main means of paving religious structures. Great skill was needed to be a mosaic craftsman with particular attention to detail and precision.
Contact your Israel travel expert at Drive-Israel.com – to plan your best trip to Israel!
Rollers from Hellenistic period
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September 2nd, 2009 at 1:00 am (Churches in Israel)
Christ Church, Jerusalem, Israel
A recent visit to Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem revealed a hidden gem located in plain site directly across from the Tower of David Museum and next to the souk (marketplace). The church is situated among flowering gardens with an adjacent guest house, cafe, and small museum explaining the history of the church.
Gardens, Christ Church, Jerusalem
Established in the 1840s by an Anglican missionary called the London Society for Promoting Christianity amongst Jews, the church is decorated with Hebrew text and Jewish symbols. Considered the first modern building in the Old City, it intentionally resembles a synagogue. The front of the church – similar to the holy ark found in synagogues - has Jewish liturgy written across the imposing wooden nave. A seven branched candelabra is placed as centerpiece. Scripture from the Old Testament, in the original Hebrew, is engraved on the wall. A prayer for the holy ark adorns the front as well.
Interior, Christ Church, Jerusalem, Israel
The organization based their missionary activity on doctrine found in the book of Romans. As evangelical Christians of their day believed, these society members thought that in order for Jesus to return, first the Jews must be restored to their own land in what was then Turkish occupied Palestine.
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May 26th, 2009 at 9:44 am (Churches in Israel)
I finally managed to enter St. Peter’s Church in Old Jaffa. The opening hours are very restricted and since I do not live in the area, somehow I was never there on time. Until one day… an early morning appointment in Tel Aviv on a sunny winter day had me walking through the square. Luck was shining down upon me: the Church was open and welcoming.
Photos of the interior of the church are forbidden, but here are some exterior shots to whet the appetite. An isle of tranquility, the silent visitors could hear strains of classical music wafting across the high beamed church space.
Next door to the entrance to the Church is a closed door leading to St. Peter’s Monastery.
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