The lowest point on Earth is also the site of one of the world's greatest treasures and an amazing place to visit when you are in the Holy Land. However, even more than that, it's also set to (potentially) become one of the seven new wonders of the natural world. What is it you ask? Why the Dead Sea of course.

The Dead Sea is one of the most unique places in the world. In essence, it is a heavy salt sea where you don't go swimming, but instead, you simply go and float in the water. Even if you don't know how to keep yourself aloft, you'll be able to do so in the Dead Sea because of the unique properties of the water. The water is heavily concentrated with salt, so much that when you go into the water you would actually float on a river of salt.

For obvious reasons however, you should be sure to protect your eyes. In fact, the properties of the Dead Sea are related to a Jewish tradition which illustrates how people felt about the Dead Sea thousands of years ago at the time of Jesus and before. Some Orthodox Jews practice an ancient tradition to wash their hands after a meal; the tradition is called "Mayim Achronim," literally, the "after waters." The primary reason for the tradition was because most of the salt in Israel came from the Dead Sea and since it was so strong, if you got some in your eyes, it could cause damage to the cornea.

Now what about this business of it being a new wonder of the world? Well the New 7 Wonders organization is holding a competition online to decide what the world's most unique seven natural wonders will be. The Dead Sea is one of the finalists and is actually a fairly unique entry, even in a competition dedicated to unique things.

The reason why it's considered so unique (besides the obvious) is that it is an entry directly born of the peace process between Israel and her Arab neighbors. The New 7 Wonders competition requires national governments to put forward applications for places located within their borders. In the case of the Dead Sea, it has three distinct borders. The first of course is right here in Israel. The second one is in Jordan and the third is in the Palestinian Authority. The two countries of Israel and Jordan and the country-in-waiting (for lack of a better term) of Palestine all had to work together to make the entry a reality, making the Dead Sea a true symbol of peace in the Holy Land.

So next time you visit Israel, drop by and take a float in the Dead Sea. And while you're at it, visit the New 7 Wonders competition and vote for peace and Israel:

http://www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature/dead_sea

The Holy Sepulchre is more than just a large, ancient church, but is a holy site for Orthodox and Catholic Christians divided into many smaller chapels dedicated to different parts of the Easter story.

Also known as the Church of the Resurrection, the cavernous church commemorates the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of Christ's burial. It sits on the edge of the Christian Quarter in the Old City and is home to several Christian denominations: Greek Orthodox, the Armenian Orthodox and the (Latin) Roman Catholic are the larger denominations while the Egyptian Coptic Orthodox, the Ethiopian Orthodox and the Syrian Orthodox also possess rights and properties in the building.

Originally built by Constantine’s mother in 330 A.D. on top of a pagan worship site, inside the church many first-century tombs hewn from rock were discovered there, one identified as that of Joseph of Arimathea, used for the body of Jesus after his resurrection.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher has weathered many attacks during various periods of history in the Holy Land. Most of the present building is the result of 12th-century reconstruction by the crusaders. Since 1520, the keys of the church have been kept by a Muslim family rather than one of the Christian groups.

Because many denominations share the building, disputes often arise regarding the space. One is the continuing dispute between the Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox concerning ownership rights in the Chapel of the Ethiopians, located on the roof of the Chapel of St. Helena. Also, during Easter fights sometimes break out between the Greek and Armenian Orthodox during the Holy Fire ceremony.

Click here for a list of services and the various chapels in which they take place.

The following is a description of the chapels and significant locations within the church, memorializing the death and resurrection of Christ.

The Tomb of Jesus
The tomb, also known as the edicule, is at the center of the Holy Sepulchre Church, and symbolically sits under the largest dome in the church. The tomb is used in turn by all of the denominations for daily mass. A rectangular, tall structure built of red granite and adorned with candlesticks outside the door, the edicule houses two small rooms - the Chapel of The Angel and the tomb itself. The Chapel of the Angel contains a stone, which represents part of the larger stone that was rolled away from Christ's tomb on the day of the resurrection, according to tradition. On this stone is an imprint of a hand believed to be that of one of the angels who waited in tomb to announce the resurrection. A Greek monk is always present in this room to guard the Tomb of Christ. The Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre contains the tomb of Christ, the 14th Station of the Cross and the holiest site in Christendom. A marble slab lies in the place where Jesus was laid.

Stone of Anointing
Upon entering the Holy Sepulchre from the spacious courtyard, the Stone of the Anointing or Unction, lies just beyond the iron doors. Tradition has it that this is the spot where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial by Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus was anointed and wrapped in a clean linen cloth according to the Jewish tradition of those days. The limestone slab dates to 1808 replacing the one destroyed in the 12th century. Opulent lamps hang above the stone. Many pilgrims stop here first to kiss the stone before moving on to the rest of the church.

Golgotha (or Calvary)
To the right of the stone is a staircase that leads to two chapels on the tip of Golgotha, where Jesus was nailed to the cross. The first room is a Catholic Franciscan Chapel with an altar dedicated to the Nailing of the Cross (Station 11 of the Via Dolorosa). The Greek Orthodox Calvary is the second room, with the actual Rock of Golgotha (Station 12 of the Via Dolorosa) that can be seen through glass. Pilgrims may touch the rock through a small opening in the glass.

The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene
This Franciscan chapel, to the north of the tomb, is believed to the where Mary Magdalene watched Jesus’ burial, as recounted in Mark 15:47, and also encountered Jesus after his resurrection. This is the Catholic area of the church.

The Prison of Christ
This small area is believed to be where Jesus was temporarily held with the two thieves before he was crucified.

The Chapel of the Division of the Robe
The Armenian chapel is the location at which it is believed the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ robe according to John 19:24.

The Chapel of St. Longinus'
The Greek chapel is dedicated to Longinus, the Roman soldier who led the group of soldiers that escorted Jesus to Golgotha. According to Matthew 27:54, after the crucifixion the Roman centurion acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God.

The Chapel of the Crowning of the Thorns
This Greek Orthodox chapel is located at the base of Golgotha and, as the name suggests, memorializes the abuse Jesus suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers. According to John 19:2, the soldiers mocked Jesus and put on him a purple robe and crown of thorns. A small fragment of the column from the Prison of Christ is in this chapel.

The Catholicon
The main chapel facing the Tomb of Christ is a large rectangular area with a dome and is considered the “naval of the world” - the spiritual center of the earth (Ezekiel 38:12). Two thrones are on the altar, one for the Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and the other for the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. The ornate chapel is a large area used by the Greek Orthodox.

The Chapel of St. Helena/Chapel of St. Gregory
The Greeks consider this Helena’s Chapel while the Armenians call it the Chapel of St. Gregory. Located at the base of the stairs near the Crowning of the Thorns, there is a throne and an original mosaic from the church which has been preserved. Along the stairway small crosses carved by medieval pilgrims are etched into the wall. The chapel has two apses, one dedicated to the repentant thief and the other to St. Helena, mother of Constantine who searched for the true cross, according to tradition.

The Chapel of St. Vartan
This Armenian chapel, not often open to the public, is adjacent to St. Helena’s Chapel and was only discovered in the 1970s. Remnants of the wall date back to the 2nd century and one is etched with a merchant ship and an inscription which translates "Lord, we shall go."

The Chapel of the Finding of the Cross
According to tradition, St. Helen discovered Jesus’ cross here in 330 AD. She found three crosses - one for Jesus and the two thieves crucified with him. She brought a sick man to touch each cross and determined that the one at which the man was healed was the cross of Christ.

The Coptic Chapel
Located on the other side of the tomb, the small chapel has its own separate entrance.

The Syrian Chapel
For the Syrian Orthodox Christians, this chapel on the east end of the church was used for burials in Jesus’ time.

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for www.travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.

With just a week until Easter, the celebrations that mark Holy Week begin on Sunday just as an estimated 100,000 Christian tourists flood the Holy Land this week to take part in the Easter season.

The Christians from overseas join the 146,000 Christians living in Israel who deem Easter their most important holiday.

This year, both the Orthodox and Catholic Easters coincide on April 24. Passover is in the middle of Easter week, beginning on Monday evening, April 18.

Jerusalem is the center of the Resurrection story. The following is a list of masses, gatherings and special events this week that commemorate the last days and resurrection of Jesus:

Sunday, April 17
Palm Sunday
7 a.m. Procession with Palms and Pontifical Mass at Holy Sepulchre
2:30 p.m. Procession from the Mount of Olives to St. Anne’s Church
the Armenians, Copts and Syrians join together for a processional three times around the rotunda in the Holy Sepulchre, each chanting or singing in their own language.

Monday, April 18
6 a.m. Mass at 5th Station of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa

Tuesday, April 19
7:30 a.m. Mass at the Church of the Flagellation

Wednesday, April 20
8:30 a.m. Mass at Gethsemane, Basilica of the Agony
All day: Veneration of the Flagellation Column at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Holy Sepulchre:

Thursday, April 21
Holy Thursday
8 a.m. Washing of the Feet at the Holy Sepulchre
2 p.m. Armenian Orthodox Foot Washing Ceremony at St. James Church
3:30 p.m. Catholic Pilgrimage to St. James in the Armenian Quarter and to the churches on Mount Zion
5 p.m. Armenian processional from the olive tree at the Holy Archangels Church, believed to be where Jesus before meeting Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the High Priest (John 18:19-24). 9 p.m. Gethsemane: Holy Hour in the Basilica of the Agony

Friday, April 22
Good Friday
9:30 a.m. Good Friday Service in English at the Garden Tomb
12:15 p.m. Via Dolorosa: Way of the Cross. Starting from the First Station with the Franciscan Friars, followed by various
groups.
8:10 p.m. “Funeral" Procession at the Holy Sepulchre

Saturday, April 23
Holy Saturday
6:30 a.m. Catholic Easter Vigil at Holy Sepulchre
1 p.m. Referred to as the Saturday of Light, or Sapt il-Noor, the Holy Fire Ceremony takes place at the Holy Sepulchre and is observed by Eastern Orthodox sects, such as the Greek, Syrian, Armenian, Greek and Russian churches as well as the Copts. Must arrive with a pass issued by one of the churches hours in advance of the service.
16:15 p.m. Resurrection Service in Arabic, with translation into Hebrew
7 p.m. Ethiopian Holy Fire service on roof of Holy Sepulchre. No pass required.

Sunday, April 24
Easter Sunday
Masses held at Holy Sepulchre, St. James Church and other churches in the Old CIty
6:30 a.m. “Son-Rise” Resurrection Service in English at the Garden Tomb
9:30 a.m. “Son-Rise” Resurrection Service in English at the Garden Tomb
11 a.m. Resurrection Service in Scandinavian at the Garden Tomb
12:30 p.m. Resurrection Service in French at the Garden Tomb

Monday, April 25
Easter Monday
Masses held at Holy Sepulchre, St. James Church and other churches in the Old City

Holy Week was ushered in to Jerusalem on Sunday with thousands of Christians waving palms and walking the route believed to be the same one Jesus took when he entered Jerusalem in his final week.

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’” John 12:12-15

Thousands of Christians, both local Arabs and Armenians, plus pilgrims, poured into the alleys of the Old City to attend Palm Sunday services and then left with their symbolic fronds for family dinners or to visit more of the city.

The excitement that always marks this time in Jerusalem was palpable in the Old City on Sunday.  As the week carries on, the anticipation of the holy day builds until the Saturday of Light and then ultimately Easter Sunday.

Many of the Holy Week events in Jerusalem are relived as in the Bible. Because of the geography here, Christians can actually follow the footsteps of Jesus around Jerusalem to the holy sites that commemorate the week of his last supper, death and resurrection.

Anthony, a tourist from Romania, was making his first Easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He said he was moved by being able to live out some of the passion of Jesus, on location.

“I think it is important to do this at least once in order to strengthen my faith,” he told Travelujah. “I feel the Easter story coming alive to me.”

Services took place at various churches around Israel and the Palestinian territories.

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for www.travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.

Why is this Passover night different from all the rest? Mainly because more and more Christians, both in Israel and overseas, will be partaking in some observance of Passover, a phenomenon that is catching on among many Christians, evangelical and otherwise.

Erev Pesach (Passover Eve) begins at sunset on Monday night in Israel. Jews all across Israel and the world will sit down for the traditional Seder dinner commemorating the miraculous exodus of the Israelites form Egypt. Each year, more Christians join in whether with their Jewish neighbors or at Seder dinners of their own. 

Wayne Hilsden, senior pastor of King of Kings Community in Jerusalem, said that Christians have a precedent for observing the Passover: Jesus’ last supper was a Passover Seder with his disciples.

“Celebrating Passover is an enriching experience for every Christian,” Hilsden told Travelujah. “The symbols in the Passover celebration ultimately point to the Messiah. To sever our link with the Old Testament scripture - the root and foundation of our faith - causes Christians to miss out on some very significant spiritual truths.”

Every other year King of Kings hosts a large seder dinner for the entire congregation while the other years congregants gather with smaller groups in homes. They use a range of the traditional order of the meal, the Hagaddah (telling in Hebrew), written by Orthodox Jews to ones written by Messianic believers. Hilsden said that church leaders present the Seder with the belief that “Yeshua (Jesus) is the Passover lamb and his blood has been sprinkled over the doors of our hearts through faith.”

“Prominent churches around the world are awakening to and having Passover Seders,” Hilsden said, adding that observing the feast “will bring a far greater measure of spiritual health and understanding to churches.

Christine Darg, president of Exploits Ministry, has led Passover conferences in Israel and in countries around the Middle East for Christians over the past 14 years.

“We gain a deeper revelation of the principles and precepts of our God by observing the (biblical) feasts, all of which are types and shadows of Messiah,” Darg said. “Every element of the Passover meal and Seder points in some way to Him. The striped and pierced unleavened bread speaks of Him as the sinless one who was pierced and wounded for our sins and sicknesses.”

Darg noted the striking parallels between Passover and Jesus’ death. The process of the Passover sacrifice began in the temple at 9 a.m.; Jesus was bound to his cross at the third hour, 9 a.m. The temple sacrifices continued until the the evening sacrifice at the ninth hour, or 3 p.m., when then the high priest would cry out, “It is finished.” At the ninth hour Jesus also cried from the cross, “It is finished!” as he died.

“The church historically never should have distanced itself from its Hebraic foundations,” Darg told Travelujah. “It is important to commemorate the death and burial of Jesus, the Lamb of God, and to celebrate the resurrection of Yeshua as the first fruits from the dead at the appropriate season, at Pesach, rather than during the pagan spring holiday named after a fertility goddess.”

This doesn’t mean that Christians don’t or shouldn’t also celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Most do observe Easter, but many call the holiday “Resurrection Sunday” instead.

Visiting Israel during Passover is especially unique. Since most Israelis observe the holiday, the days leading up to it are marked by a rush at the supermarkets and massive spring cleaning to get rid of the leaven from one’s home according to the biblical command in Exodus 13 and Deuteronomy 16.

Hilsden said that with the whole country taking part in a Seder in most homes, you can’t help but hear the traditional songs and joy pouring through the open windows and through the walls as families sit around the Passover table. It is a galvanizing moment in the nation.

“You have a sense of participating in something bigger than yourself,” he said. “Any holiday (here) is special. There’s something in the atmosphere that you breathe and you feel. When you come to the Holy City for a holy day, it is just unlike anything you experience in any part of the world.”

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for www.travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.

“Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” John 19:17-19

Through occasional rain drops and thick clouds, thousands of Christian pilgrims carrying wooden crosses made their way along the slick stones of the Via Dolorosa to retrace the steps of Jesus as he carried his cross to Gologotha and was crucified on Good Friday in Jerusalem.

The Via Dolorosa, or the Way of Suffering, is marked by 14 Stations of the Cross, where Jesus is believed to have stopped on his way to Golgotha. The final four stations are in side the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Some 100,000 Christian pilgrims from Egypt, Ethiopia, Italy, Russia, Armenia, France, the United States and many other nations, are visiting the Holy Land for Easter Week. Hundreds were crowded into the courtyard of the Holy Sepulchre this morning awaiting their turn inside the church that most Orthodox and Catholic Christians contain the original crucifixion and burial site.

Jesus was sentenced and crucified on Good Friday, and rose from the dead three days later.

“It is awesome, how can I explain?” said Meaza Yohannes, an Ethiopian pilgrim who was in Israel for the first time. “Especially for me being a Bible teacher. Everything that is in the Bible I am seeing with my own eyes. The Bible is coming alive.”

An Italian tourist, Mirella from Florence, said that every stone in the Old City was special.

Local Christians were busy preparing for the holiday, the highlight of the Christian calendar for the community here. Candles were being sold in anticipation of the Saturday of Light, the climax of festivities for Orthodox Christians.

On Good Friday, each church held  its own procession from its Old City headquarters to the Holy Sepulchre to hold mass there. Some churches hold a burial service in the afternoon as well and then prayer vigils in dark churches throughout the night.
 
By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for www.travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.

From the Holy Fire Ceremony on Saturday to all-night services and sunrise celebrations on Sunday, Christians in Israel reveled in Easter festivities celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

For many Orthodox Christians, the climax of the Easter season is on Saturday at the Holy Fire ceremony.

Angelina Karageuzian, an Armenian Orthodox Christian, told Travelujah she goes to the service every year - and it never gets old for her. She walked with the Armenian processional to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at 11 a.m. where she and thousands of other faithful - local Christians and pilgrims alike - waited standing for the ceremony at 2 p.m.

“That moment when the light comes out, it’s a different, special feeling,” she said. “I wait for that moment. I am ready to wait for hours for that moment. It is very spiritual.”

Some 10,000 worshippers packed into the Holy Sepulchre for the ceremony including Greek, Russian, Armenian Orthodox and Coptic and Syrian Christians. From early morning, Christians begin to crowd into the Old City to get into the church.

The Holy Fire ceremony has been taking place at the Holy Sepulchre for 1,200 years. Worshippers believe that a flame miraculously emerges from the tomb of Jesus at 2 p.m. each year. Greek and Armenian clergymen in the tomb catch the flame with their candles and then pass it to the congregants in the dark, cavernous church. As the flame is passed from person to person, the church lights up with the candles of 10,000 worshippers and the church bells announce the arrival of the light.

Each person holds a bundle of 33 slim candles bundled together, the number representing Jesus’ age before he was taken to Heaven. The flame is passed to anyone waiting with a candle, from inside the church all the way to those who couldn’t get passed the police barriers at Jaffa Gate. THe same day, candles ignited by the same flame are flown out to Orthodox communities throughout Israel, the Palestinian territories and the world. Some Catholics attend, although the ceremony is not endorsed by the church.

Scouts from all the churches beat their drums in a festive procession leading the way to the Holy Sepulchre.

For Catholics and Protestants, Sunday is the primary day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. A sunrise service took place at the Garden Tomb, a place where many Protestants believe the tomb of Jesus could be located. Several services in different languages took place throughout the day.

In the Old City, masses were held at the Holy Sepulchre and the churches in each of the convents marking the many Christian communities.

Traditionally, Christians have a large feast on Sunday afternoon before another afternoon mass.

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for www.travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.

In a first known tour of its kind, 25 Ethiopian Catholics made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land designed specifically for them and their specific spiritual needs especially during the Easter holiday.

Usually Catholics from Ethiopia join Orthodox Christians, the majority religion in their nation, on tours to the Holy Land. But this time, the Catholic pilgrims celebrated Easter in Jerusalem and have been touring the entire country in a weeklong visit spiritually catered to Catholics.

Most of the people in the group were in Israel for the first time.

Meaza Yohannes, a Bible teacher, said it is amazing for her to see everything she has been teaching for 20 years  with her own eyes.

“The Bible is coming alive,” she told Travelujah. “It is so awesome I cannot even explain. We know what we read in the Bible, but now it is real. This country is rich in culture and rich in history and tradition.”

Ethiopia is the second oldest Christian country in the world, after Armenia. Christians make up about 63 percent of Ethiopia’s population with about 44 percent Orthodox and 10 percent Protestant while Catholics account for less than 1 percent.

Tsehai Haile, who organized the trip in conjunction with Travelujah, explained that Catholics usually join Orthodox tours because more Orthodox come. In the future, however, more tours will be arranged for Catholics and perhaps even medical visits.

“It is better because they can pray together,” she said. “The communion service is also  different than the Orthodox one.”

Tutu Godana said that after she visited the Holy Land replica in Florida, she decided she had to make it a point to see the real Jerusalem.

“It’s more than I expected - to see the real, practical journey of Jesus,” Godana said. “It just touched my heart. I think my faith will be stronger because of this.”

Michael Haile said he has traveled to many countries around the world including Europe and Australia, but nothing in all of his experience compares to the uniqueness of Israel. From the spiritual atmosphere to the vegetation to even how Israelis made use of the land when they built the nation, Haile said he was amazed with the country.

“I had to visit Israel because it is the place of the history of mankind,” he said. “The Bible says that all people will come up to Mount Zion.” 

“There are many churches in Europe, but here the design, the structure and the colors of the churches are different here,” he noted. “They are old churches, but they give you such a good feeling, they feel new and fresh.”

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for www.travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.

We'll begin with the ending: We may never know with certainty which of the four sites associated with "Emmaus" is the true site. Which one is the actual location where Jesus appeared to His disciples following His resurrection? The story in Luke 24 recounts how two of Jesus' disciples met Him while traveling. They were heading west from Jerusalem, to Emmaus. They spoke with the "stranger" for a while; only later, when they ate together, was Jesus' true identity revealed. Later, the two disciples headed back to Jerusalem.

The name "Emmaus" is a mispronunciation of the Hebrew word "Hammat," meaning hot springs, so the site must be near a natural spring. The distance is also crucial in identifying Emmaus. The disciples traveled in a single day from Jerusalem, to Emmaus, and back. Therefore, the biblical site of Emmaus needs to be within round-trip distance from Jerusalem. The distance in the Gospels is measured as "three-score furlongs" (Luke 24: 13), which is most commonly translated as approximately 60 "stadia," (an ancient Greek unit of length). However, there are discrepancies within the text; some translations state that the distance was 160 stadia. Depending on the translation, Emmaus can be anywhere from seven to 18 miles away.

Going on an "Emmaus" tour leads us to some fascinating sites for the Christian traveler.

We start with the most famous and most widely accepted of the four sites - Emmaus Nicopolis, or its Arab name, Imwas, located on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv road. It was the earliest site to be identified with the biblical Emmaus - in the 4^th century AD - and this early identification strengthens the argument that this is the true site. Likewise, when Arabs settle in a village, they traditionally keep its original name, and the similarities between "Imwas" and "Emmaus" further bolster the claim. However, it is far from Jerusalem - a distance of 16 miles, making quite a tiring round trip journey for the disciples.

Emmaus is located in the famous Ayalon Valley, where the Israelite ruler Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still. Today, there is a monastery located at the site, in Latrun. Originally built as an inn for travelers on their way to Jerusalem, it is now inhabited by Trappist Monks, who sell the monastery's famous wine and honey.

Visitors can also see a 12^th century Crusader fortress. In nearby Park Canada - a nature lover's dream - tourists can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Emmaus, including a Roman-Byzantine bathhouse and an amphitheater.

The next possible Emmaus is in Abu Ghosh, a Christian-Arab village located between Nicopolis and Jerusalem. This was one of the locations favored by the Crusaders as the resurrection site. Abu Ghosh is also identified as the ancient Kiryat Ye'arim, where the Ark of the Covenant rested for 20 years until King David brought it to Jerusalem. Today, one of the best-preserved Crusader churches is in Abu Ghosh. Called the Church of the Resurrection, it was built atop Roman ruins and is now a Benedictine Monastery which can be visited. The Church of Notre Dame de L'Arche de L'Alliance (Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant) was built in the 1920s on the site of an ancient Byzantine church. A statue on the roof depicts the Virgin Mary carrying baby Jesus. On the Jewish holidays of Shavuot and Sukkoth, both churches hold spectacular music festivals. Abu Ghosh is also famous for its Middle Eastern cuisine, specifically hummus, and restaurants abound specializing in authentic regional delicacies.

We move on to Moza, likely the "Motza" mentioned in the time of Joshua and again in the Jerusalem Talmud. This is the closest of the four sites to Jerusalem, and there are Roman ruins visible. However, Moza's relationship to the resurrection is ambiguous; many conjecture that it was chosen as a possibility merely due to its close proximity to Jerusalem.

The final "Emmaus" is in El-Kubeibeh, an Arab village, located west of Nebi Samwil. The Crusaders were the first to identify this as the Biblical site, after finding a nearby fort named Castellum Emmaus. They reasoned the name could mean only one thing - this was the site of the biblical Emmaus. In addition, the village lies approximately eight miles from Jerusalem - perfect day-trip distance. The Crusaders declared it "Emmaus" and built a church on top of the site; later, the Franciscan order, at the beginning of the 20^th century, built a church atop those remains. The Franciscan church is still standing and can be visited today. Archaeologists unearthed further remains dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras. One of those remains, possibly from Byzantine or Roman time, is identified by some scholars as the house of Cleopas, one of the two disciples. However, although the distance and archaeological remains seem to verify El-Kubeibeh as the correct site, the lateness of the identification (12^th century AD) casts aspersions on its veracity; many conjecture that the Crusaders identified this as "Emmaus" in order to have a convenient stopping point for pilgrims to the Holy Land.

So which one of these is "it?" We don't know for certain. But as so often happens, while the results of the journey may be inconclusive, hopefully the journey itself brought us meaning and fulfillment.

 Ras El Amud Neighborhood  - Jerusalem surroundings area

Settlement remains dating to different phases of the Middle Canaanite period (2200-1900 BCE) and the last years of the First Temple period (eighth-seventh centuries BCE), including an inscription in ancient Hebrew script that mentions the name Menachem, were recently exposed in an archaeological excavation the Israel Antiquities Authority is conducting in the Ras el-Amud neighborhood of Jerusalem, prior to the construction of a girls’ school.

Among the remains from the First Temple period is a handle on which the Hebrew name Menachem is engraved. According to archaeologist Dr. Ron Beeri, the excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “This important find joins similar names that were found in archaeological excavations in the Ancient East and in Israel in particular. The names Menachem and Yinachem are expressions of condolence – possibly related to the death of family members”.

Dr. Beeri adds that such names already appeared earlier in the Canaanite period: the name Yinachem was found written on an Egyptian pottery shard that dates to the eighteenth dynasty and the name Yinachemu is mentioned in the El-Amarna letters (from the fourteenth century BCE) as the name of an Egyptian governor on the Lebanese coast.

This is the first time that a handle with this name has been found in Jerusalem. The name Menachem is known from the corpus of Hebrew or Phoenician names and seals that bear this name were found in Israel, Assyria, Cyprus and Egypt. The name Menachem Ben Gadi is mentioned in the Bible. He reigned as king of Israel for ten years in Samaria and was one of the last kings of the Kingdom of Israel. According to Kings 2 Menachem Ben Gadi ascended the throne in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah, king of Judah. Menachem, king of Israel, is also mentioned in the texts of the king of Assyria, Tiglath-Pileser III, as Menachem of Samaria and as one of the kings from whom he received tribute.

Photograph: Mariana Salzberger, Israel Antiquities Authority

While not the exact temple destroyed by Samson, archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a Philistine temple that dates back to the 10th century BC that could typify the type of structure Samson brought down with his God-given supernatural strength as told in Judges 16.
 
Prof. Aren Maeir of Bar Ilan University said he and his team of international volunteers have discovered a Philistine temple and a number of ritual items dating back to the Iron Age.

“We found a structure that we have been slowly exposing over the last few seasons,” Maeir told Travelujah, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. “What is unique about this temple is there are two large pillar bases situated 2 meters away from each other. That immediately rings the bell of the story of Samson.”

The temple of Dagon, the one Samson knocked over, was located in present-day Gaza, Maeir said. Finding this temple, however, is reminiscent of the time of Samson and the biblical narrative.

“It adds flesh on the bones or color on the story to the biblical story,” he said. “Even if you don’t believe if it happened ... the story resonates cultural authenticity (through the archaeology).”

The excavations at Tel Zafit National Park have been ongoing for 15 years. This year, the team also found evidence of an earthquake in the 8th century BC, possibly the one mentioned in the Book of Amos.

“In several parts of the excavation we found buildings that collapsed,” Maeir said.

He explained how an exposed brick wall, more than 2 meters high, was toppled over. Seismologists estimate that the energy for such a fall can only be caused by a major earthquake. The destruction of the wall was dated in the mid-8th century BC and coincides with the earthquake mentioned in Amos 1:1.

Excavations have also uncovered evidence of the destruction of the city by King Hazael of Damascus, around 830 BC, as mentioned in 2 Kings 12, as well as evidence of the first Philistine settlement in Canaan, circa 1200 BC, and different levels of the Canaanite city of Gath.

The park is located in the southern coastal plain of Israel, between Jerusalem and Ashkelon.  It is open to visitors and includes a nature trail with a view to half of country, archaeology finds and a window into the nature of land of Israel.

The Tell es-Safi/Gath Archaeological Project is a long-term investigation aimed at studying the archaeology and history of one of the most important sites in Israel. It is one of the largest ancient ruin mounds in Israel and was settled almost continuously from the 5th century BC until modern times. Maeir blogs about the findings and other items at gath.wordpress.com.
 
Participants in this summer's dig hail from the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, UK, Holland, Poland, and Israel.  Maier said volunteers are welcome to join the dig every summer.

“It is an enjoyable, enriching experience,” he said. “In the 14 years I’ve been doing this, of the hundreds of volunteers that have come through, I have yet to hear someone say, ‘I did not enjoy this.’”

For more information on how you can volunteer, visit the Tell es-Safi/Gath website.

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for Travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy  Land.

Saturday Night - April 18th.

The crowds swelled and pilgrims came from all over the world to join in the Christian Orthodox Holy Fire Ceremony. The festivities occurred at the sacred Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the believed site of Jesus's crucifixion, buriel and resurrection by many - located in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Church was built on the orders of Emperor Constantine in 325, and has attracted a steady stream of pilgrims since its construction with the exception of a few periods in history. Control of the grounds and interior is sharply divided between Catholics and various Orthodox denominations, in a tenuous status quo that often degenerates into physical violence between monks, and has prevented much-needed structural repairs.

Considered a miracle that occurs annually on Holy Saturday - the day after Orthodox Easter Sunday when at precisely 2 pm local time, a sun beam believed to shine through the windown in the ceiling of the Church lights a lamp placed inside the tomb of Jesus. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theofilos III entered the tomb structure of Jesus at the Church and after the lighting of the lamp, he lights a few candles with the holy fire and passes them to worshippers in the Church. The fire then spreads rapidly amongst the church-goers. An olive lamp is expected to bring the flame to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, where street celebrations are also held.

Traditionally, the pilgrims were expected to bring back the fire to their own communities in Eastern Europe and Russia.

Travelujah is announcing a special invitation to all users to send us your recent blog entry highlighting some aspect of your journey here as well as short video footage (less than 3 minutes) of a unique experience you had here in Israel and or the Palestinian territories, Jordan or Egypt.  There are many members of our social community as well as users worldwide who wish to enjoy your travels too. Not everyone is able to come and visit here but there are millions of people in the world who are keenly interested in the Holy Land and would like to learn more about this cradle of faith.

Travelujah is a unique social community for people interested in the Holy Land. We are different from other travel sites because we offer a place for people to connect to the Holy Land before and after their journeys. Travelujah is the premier destination site for Christians interested in learning more about the Land of the Bible. If you haven't yet joined Travelujah, please register to our site.  We will conduct a poll on the best blog and the best video and the winners will get front page billing as well as an annoucement in a special press release distributed to Christian and other mainstream media (online and offline) worldwide.

The second papal visit to the Holy Land in nine years has been picked up by leaders of the Jewish State as a clarion call to beckon Christians from all nations and denominations to visit the Holy Land.

"The fact that he's actually coming here to the Holy Land conveys a strong message to Christians  around the world that they should come here," Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said at a media briefing. "The government of Israel joins this message in calling Christians, come to the Holy Land, come as pilgrms, we ae ready to receive you and welcome you."

Misezhnikov spoke of Christian sites as well as other packages the State of Israel can offer - from spa treatments to holy sites - that can provide a "spiritual, extraordinary experience in a country with extraordinary landscapes and a progressive infrastructure."

Indeed, old infrastructure is getting a facelift while new is being added.

Some of the ancient sites renovated include the room in the Old City believed to be the site of Jesus' last supper. The site on Mount Zion will be host to a personal and private visit by Pope Benedict XVI.

Also in Jerusalem, the Kidron Valley, once a haven for drug dealers and users, has been cleaned up and will host Jerusalem's first papal mass. The valley separates the Mount of Olives from Jerusalem's Old City. Nestled between the Eastern Gate and the Garden of Gethsamane, the valley is now home to newly planted olive trees and refurbished tombs of  including the Pillar of Absalom, the Tomb of Bene Hezir and the Tomb of Zechariah. The mass will seat up to 6,000 worshippers in the historic location.

Besides sprucing up historic and ancient sites, Israel has invested in new structures as well. "As a government we have drawn numerous lessons from previous visits (by officials)," Misezhnikov said. "All of the infrastructure is going to remain and will of course this infrastructure is designated for future."

In Jesus' home town of Nazareth, for example, a 7,000-stone seat amphitheater has been built on site for future use.

"This is one of the important things that will remain and will be an economic lever," said Nazareth Mayor Ramiz Jaraisy. "We know this will be seen from around the world. This is first-class exposure and will encourage tourism in the future. We are expecting a wave of tourism following this. We hope for a specific call from the Pope for people to come and make prilrimage to the Holy Land."

By Nicole Jansezian

Last March, I met a man who experienced a small miracle here in  the Holy Land. Today I was incredibly saddened to learn about his passing.

On February 15, 2010 my connection with Robert Buchan began with a simple email exchange. On the recommendation of some friends, he wanted to bring his wife, Anne, and himself on a private 8 day guided tour of the Holy Land. He asked for George Said, the same Catholic guide that we hired to guide the Buchan's friends in a similar  tour a couple months earlier. From that point began an exchange of emails that lasted approximately a month, until he arrived in Israel on March 13, 2010 with wife, Anne.  Robert was very involved with the particulars of his itinerary. He wanted to ensure that the program that we designed would  include major Catholic sites of interest because his wife, unlike him, was a practicing and baptised Catholic. It was critical that they journey to the holy sites and experience the rituals  and services that were important to her. For instance, he wanted to  make sure that they went to the Jordan at some point along their tour. We made sure that they were able to attend mass at appropriate holy sites during their tour as well.  But beyond that, he really made it sound as if he was kind of going along for her sake. Nowhere, did he mention that he was going to collect water from the Jordan so that he could be properly baptised with the same water that Jesus was baptised in. You see,  Robert was terminally ill, and  his last wish was to come to the Holy Land.

I did not know any of this. I learned the details of his motivation for travel when I spent time with Robert and Anne one afternoon at the Israel Museum during their tour. I was looking forward to meeting them. I was awed by the attention and care that Robert had put into planning the perfect program for his wife and so I was curious to I was meet him. As we sat in the museum coffee shop, I admired how good they both looked especially considering the long journeyas well as the extensive days of touring in warm weather.  But then Anne dropped the bombshell - she told me that Robert was suffering from a terminal melanoma and had only a few months to live.

I was shocked. Sitting beside me was the picture of health.

Anne continued. She explained how he was very ill, but that he felt strongly about traveling to the Holy Land before his death.  Never baptised, he wanted to be baptised using the same Jordan waters that Jesus had been baptised in. She further explained how just the day before they left Australia on their long journey, Robert was incredibly sick and they questioned whether they should really go. But somehow they decided to board the plane. It was in God's hands.

From the moment he arrived in the Holy Land and throughout the duration of their 8 day stay, Robert felt wonderful. He looked wonderful. Anne said it was a miracle to see him feeling so good, filled with renewed energy, spirit and life. It was no wonder that I thought he seemed the picture of good health. Anne attributed his glow to the Holy Land. Yup, miracles do happen. And that's what it was. For those those few days that he spent here, he was feeling wonderful.

At the end of April, Robert sent me a couple pictures from his trip which I am now sharing in this post.

This morning, I awoke to find Anne's email informing me of Robert's passing. " Rob, passed away on 5th July, at home, after suffering Melanoma for some 6 years."  Among other things she told me how he was properly baptised on June 15th with water from the Jordan collected during their visit, She also asked me to pray for the happy and eternal repose of his soul. She wrote a few personal words to me and then added what is known as the Benediction from Numbers 6 -  "May the Lord let his face shine upon you . . " It reminded me of my father who always recited this blessing to my siblings and I each week at the Sabbath table, and it is the same blessing that is regularly included in services in churches and synagagues.  Anne and Robert's week long visit to the Holy Land was truly a miracle, one  which I was blessed to witness.

Robert was an inspiration and I feel lucky to have had an opportunity to meet him and get to know him. Though our lives only touched ever briefly, his strength and that of his wife Anne's, left an indelible mark on me forever.  It is said that all prayers ascend to heaven through Jerusalem. When i visit Jerusalem next week, I will put my prayer for Robert into the Western Wall.

In Sakhnin - a village in the Lower Galilee you've probably never heard of - grand steps are being taken to tackle one of the environmental movement's most perplexing problems: wastewater treatment.

Sakhnin is located approximately 45 minutes from Tiberias. It rests on the site of the ancient town of Sikhnin, a Jewish village which prospered during Roman rule. Today, the Arab community of Sakhnin is mostly Muslim, though there is a sizable Christian community as well. In fact, visitors can join the locals and worship at the Greek Orthodox church of St. George.

Sakhnin is also known for its premier soccer club, Bnei Sakhnin, one of the first Arab teams to play in the top tier of Israeli soccer. The Bnei Sakhnin holds the honor of being the first Arab team to win the state cup.

Aside from producing star soccer players, Sakhnin is working to produce usable wastewater. The LIFE project was implemented by the Sakhnin Regional Environmental Education and R&D Center of the Town Association for Environmental Quality (TAEQ), of Agan Beit Natufa. The project is also run in cooperation with Istanbul Technical University (ITU), and the main agenda of the program is to deal with wastewater treatment.

Wastewater has tantalized environmentalists for decades - if only there were a way to reuse the water, it could be a boon to the crop growth of arid areas. But of course wastewater is tainted, impure. The mere mention of it causes people to wrinkle their noses. Untreated, the wastewater, or effluent, can cause health problems. Furthermore, it can even damage existing soil and water resources. But - and here's what excites the environmental scientists - if it is properly treated, the effluent may be reused for agricultural purposes, as a substitute for fresh water. Reusing is the number-one priority of the green movement - why throw out what can be repurposed and repackaged? In addition, if the wastewater is treated properly, it can actually reducegreenhouse gases. To an arid region, being able to reuse effluent is like finding stacks of twenties hidden in your sock drawer.

The Sakhnin project entails upgrading the existing wastewater treatment facilities, in order to improve the quality of effluent. The water can then be used for agricultural irrigation (though it is not suitable for drinking water.) In addition to creating treasure from trash, the project is also a model of international cooperation, as the educational and research activities related to the upgrade are carried out by high school and university students from Israel and Turkey. Israel and Turkish scientists have agreed to exchange R&D programs and scientific information.

In 2002, a new ecological building was planned for the Sakhnin Educational Center. Using the age-old adage of practicing what you preach, the design for the building was to include as many energy-saving elements as possible. For example, an internal yard was built to introduce cooler air to the hallways throughout the night. Plants in the yard cast cooling shadows around the main area, so as the outside temperatures rise with the sun, the inside remains cool and inviting. In the mid-afternoon, doors of the rooms facing the main area are opened, to transfer the cooler air from the rooms to the main area. Architects designed the building to work in concert with the natural topography of the area, and the building was constructed using natural building materials, such as local stones, soil, straw, and stabilized lime.

In Sakhnin, one witnesses firsthand what happens when necessity meets inventiveness. Less waste, more water, better crops. Waste not, want not, indeed. 

Towns Association for Environmental Quality

Israel Environment Ministry

You come to the Holy Land with your children. You're excited to show them the land, to teach them about its rich history and its centrality to Christianity. But kids just wanna have fun! Fret not! In Israel, you can do both at the same time. Take advantage of the unique experiences the Holy Land offers. Swim in the Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water. Clamber over ancient Crusader fortresses. Point out the flora and fauna that existed in the times of Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

Here are 5 kid-friendly stops for your Holy Land itinerary:

North:

Walk in the water at the Majarsa Nature Reserve! The Daliot River, which runs into the Kinneret, forms the perfect water hike. Wade through the river, befriending exotic dragonflies and fish along the way. Remember to bring waterproof shoes or sandals - the rocks are slippery! The water level ranges from ankle to waist-height (though the level depends on the rainfall from the previous winter.) You might have to carry the small ones through the deeper portions; older ones will relish the chance to swim in the refreshingly cool water. Babies and toddlers can enjoy the hike as well, happily reclining in a baby carrier, as Mom or Dad does all the work! The hike lasts about twenty to thirty minutes, depending on the crowds (and the speed of your crew.) Reward your kids - and yourself - for a job well done at the ubiquitous "artik" (Hebrew for ice pop) stand that will greet you upon exit.

Note: Depending on the amount of time you will be in Israel, it might be worth investing in a parks pass. For the price of the pass, you have unlimited access to all the national parks in Israel for a year. You can purchase a pass at any of the parks.

At Bat Ya'ar Ranch, near the ancient, mystical city of Tsfat, you may hear your kids say, "Wow!" "Cool!" or "Can we do that again?" But they will definitely not say, "I'm bored!" The ranch, one of the foremost horseback riding sites in Israel, has plenty of fun for everyone. Parents and kids, ages 10 and up, can take a (gentle, trained) horse out for an hour (or longer). For a true "havaya" (Hebrew for "experience"), go on a two-day horseback trek! Meander "out west," stopping for the night at a unique ecological village. Bat Ya'ar also offers a challenging ropes course (open on Saturdays and holidays), as well as Israel's only outdoor bowling site! The younger crowd can enjoy all sorts of age-appropriate activities, such as pony rides, pita-making, and a petting zoo. Bat Ya'ar also offers activities for groups - contact the ranch for more information or to make reservations. (office@batyaar.co.il or 04-682-2268)

Center:

The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens - aka The Biblical Zoo, located in Jerusalem - offers all the wonder and enchantment of a zoo through a unique Biblical perspective. The informational signs tell readers not only about the animal's diet and habitat - but also where this animal is mentioned in the Bible. The zoo is spread out over 62 lush, well-maintained acres. Observe the magnificent animals - regal lions, playful monkeys, slithery reptiles, and majestic elephants; hike a short path to a fantastic viewing area and observe zebras, giraffes, and hippos bathing in the cool water. Don't miss out on the Children's Zoo, complete with a petting zoo and a Noah's Ark-themed playground. Surrounding the playground is a beautiful sculpture garden - which youcan touch and climb on! The Children's Zoo also offers shade and comfortable benches, and, of course, refreshments. Relax with an ice cream or ice-cold drink before continuing on your way.

Have a budding archaeologist on your hands? Then grab your trowel and soil sifter and head to Bet Guvrin to participate in Dig for a Day! (What? You don't have your own trowel and soil sifter? That's okay - the folks at Archaeological Seminars, who run the digs, will provide them for you!) The program, which is appropriate for adults and kids over the age of five, runs approximately three hours. While that might not be enough time to unearth and reassemble King Tut, it will be jam-packed with digging, sifting, examining your finds, and then touring the park. Crawl through the vast, labyrinthine cave system (don't worry, it's guided) and marvel at the complex underground rooms built hundreds of years ago. Keep in mind that you need to pay separately for entrance into the park, in addition to the fees for the dig.

Ein Hemed, just off the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway (Route 1), an oasis of green in a mostly brown country, is filled with fascinating Crusader remains and leafy grounds. The Crusaders who lived here long ago gave the place a different name - Aqua Bella, meaning "beautiful water," in appreciation of the refreshing stream that runs through the park. At the entrance of Ein Hemed is a small playground, but what will surely fascinate the little guys for longer is the imposing, two-story Crusader manor. Walk through the magnificent arched gate into a central courtyard and investigate the well-preserved rooms. (Terrific for a game of ultimate hide-and-seek!) Follow a path to a burial cave that scholars have dated to the Second Temple period. The gurgling stream adds to the beauty and serenity of the park. Guided tours are available with a reservation, including a "Genesis Tour," "Nature's Right to Water" and "William the Crusader."

The experiential is what we remember the most. Let your kids run, swim, climb, and dig - let them touch their history with their own two hands (and feet). The impact of this experience will resonate with them long after the dirt is scrubbed off and the ice pops are finished.

Israel - the homeland of Jesus of Nazareth. Most of His life - birth, ministry, crucifixion - happened right here. Wherever you turn, you find remnants of eras past, bearing silent witness to the beginnings of Christianity. Though of the three Abrahamic religions, the Christian population in Israel is the smallest, Israel is indeed home to thriving pockets of Christians. Scattered throughout Israel, especially in the northern section, the Galilee, are small enclaves of Christians, some even living in their own Christian villages. To lead a Christian life in the land of its birth is truly a unique experience. And, in fact, Israel is the only Middle Eastern country in which the Christian population is actually growing.

The kibbutz of Nes Ammim is one such Christian village. Located in the Western Galilee, near the city of Nahariya, Nes Ammim was created in the wake of the Holocaust. Christians in Europe, horrified by the atrocities of the war, decided to do more than offer sympathy. They wanted to lend a hand in building a homeland for the Jewish people. In the early 1960s, the movement settled in Israel. Like inhabitants of all of the early kibbutzim, the first few years were filled with hard physical labor, as they built the land, literally. They planted avocado orchards, and started a thriving flower industry. Nes Ammim became a popular spot for Christian pilgrims to volunteer, whether for a few weeks, a few months, or even longer. A youth hostel and guesthouse sprung up. But the Intifadas hit the Christian tourism industry hard, and the numbers of guests to Nes Ammim dwindled. The flower industry, too, was hit by rising production costs and withered.

However, the Christian community of Nes Ammim did not simply close up shop. Today, Nes Ammim is synonymous with reflection and peace, offering a neutral arena for dialogue between Jews and Arabs. The volunteers at Nes Ammim facilitate constructive talks between the two sides, and many of them then return to their own homelands as ambassadors for peace. Nes Ammim also runs a guesthouse, which offers modern amenities, as well as guided tours, access to local sites, and a Museum of Jewish-Christian Relations. Come as a guest or stay to volunteer - it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the Christian traveler.

Shfar'am, also known by its Arabic name, Shefa-Amr, is another, predominately Arab, village in the Galilee which is home to a large Christian community. Located northeast of Haifa, Shfar'am is mentioned in the Talmud and was once the seat of Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court). Today, the population consists of Druze, Christian, and Muslim residents. There are many fascinating Christian sites in Shfar'am, including an ancient Crusader fort. Byzantine tombs indicate a strong Christian presence here in the 5^th and 6^th centuries, and on the entrance to the graves are inscriptions which mention Jesus. Another highlight of Shfar'am is an ancient synagogue, recently renovated. St. Jacob's Church was an active church in the 4^th century; now, it is it the site of the Sisters of Nazareth Convent. And the Greek-Catholic community of Shfar'am still prays at St. Peter and St. Paul's Church.

In addition to the Christian holy sites, Shfar'am is famous for its mastic-flavored ice cream. (Mastic is a member of the pistachio family). It is also home to the Bet al-Musica Conservatory. The conservatory offers courses in various instruments, and holds concerts and performances throughout the year. There is also the yearly "Fort Festival," an event which draws people from all over as Arab children compete in a singing contest. The Nakhleh Coffee Company, the leading coffee producer in the Arab world, is based in Shfar'am. More cafes are opening up, drawing tourists and locals alike.

Of course, no mention of Christian communities in the Galilee would be complete without talking about Nazareth. After spending some time in the city proper and visiting the churches, spend a day in "Nazareth Village," - as its website says, "The Nazareth that Jesus Knew." The village is a full-scale, authentic reproduction of life in a 1^st century Holy Land village. Visit 1^st century homes, synagogues, olive presses, and more, all based on archaeological evidence.

Many of the north's large cities, like Nazareth, Haifa, and Tiberias, have sizable Christian presences. Visit the Scot's Hotel in Tiberias, run by the Church of Scotland. Haifa is home to a Maronite church, a Carmelite church, and St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Parish Church, in addition to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery.

While touring the Holy Land, make sure to visit the villages and enclaves of fellow Christians, to see first-hand that Christianity, a strong presence in the land hundreds of years ago, is still a vibrant - and growing - presence today.

The most powerful stories of the Bible are those of journeys. Abraham finding Mt. Moriah, Moses crossing the desert and Jesus traveling to speak the word of God are just a few well known examples. In many cases, the journey is no less important than the destination itself, a concept that is slowly being forgotten in our day and age. Traveling by bike can take us back to those days where our personal journey was part of the pilgrimage. By biking in the Holy Land we better understand many of the geographical challenges that were part of biblical times. Cycling also allows us to be part of the land rather than to just see it passing by a window. For those who seek challenging courses, cycling around the Sea of Galilee is a fairly easy ride, yet it certainly provides an intimacy with the land and a spiritual connection. The pace of traveling by bike is the most important element, fast enough to get from place to place, yet slow enough to see and appreciate the land, meet the locals, smell the flowers and taste the locale cuisine.  Another aspect of cycling is city tours; you see the city in a whole new perspective that allows for personal connection.  Especially in a place like Jerusalem, even if you\'ve been there before, riding through the alleys and sidestreets will provide you with a an entirely new perspective of the city, its people, history, its geography, the architecture and day to day movement of life there.

Note: Travelujah members receive a 10% discount on all bike tours arranged through our preferred provider, Eco Bike. To receive your 10% discount, you must first join Travelujah, and we will send you a 10% discount coupon that you can use when reserving at info@ecobike.co.il