Israel
Day 9: The Final Steps of Christ in Jerusalem
Probably the most recognizable site in the world is Temple Mount, The Dome of the Rock. The significance of Temple Mount dates back to the time of Abraham, where he took his son Isaac to be a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Later on Solomon built the first temple to God on this “mount” where all Jews would go during...
Mount Hermon: The Mountain that Declares His Majesty
BACKGROUND, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND SIGNIFICANCE The view is breathtaking! This lofty mountain, stretching for a distance of 30 miles, has several peaks. It looks more like a mountain range than a single mountain from a distance. The highest point is on the southwest side and is most visible as you approach it from the Sea of Galilee. The fertile fields below Hermon...
Day 7: The Negev and the Wilderness
Today we start our adventures hiking the snake trail or riding the cable car to the summit of Masada. Masada means “stronghold” in Hebrew which is evident when you see this amazing fortress sitting on a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great added a palace and fortification intending it to be his “summer palace” but likely didn’t...
Day 5: Lower Jordan and Bethlehem
Started off the day with some of the most impressive ruins uncovered in Israel. Beth Shean shows over 20 layers of occupation. The city sits at an ideal intersection between the Jordan Valley and the Harod Valley (extension of the Jezreel Valley). Control of the city passed between Egyptians, Israelites, Greeks and finally the Romans, becoming the largest city...
Day 1: We Made it to The Coast of Israel!
Today we set off to Caesarea Maratamia, Tzipori and Nazareth. Caesarea Maritime is a mere 30 miles north of Joppa. It became Israel’s most populous city at the time of the early church. Herod the Great dedicated the city, his crowning architectural triumph, to his friend Caesar Augustus. Caesarea served as the Roman Capital of Judea. One of the most...
How to Pack for Travel to Israel
In this video, Pastor and Israel Tour Guide, Josh Weidmann, shows you tips for how to pack for travel to Israel. After several trips leading tours, Josh has his system down to a science! We hope you find this helpful in your own international travel to Israel or wherever your journey takes you. For those traveling to Israel, here is a...
Day 8: The City of David and Jerusalem
The City of David! Not to be confused with the “old city” of Jerusalem that you can see with Temple Mount, The Western wall, etc…The City of David was built on the southern (tongue-shaped) portion situated between the Kidron & Tyropaean valleys. Just in the last 5-10 years archaeologists have uncovered an extensive portion of the city that was...
Day 6: The Shephelah
Today we started the day with Jerusalem — but only from afar. We did not yet enter the Old City of Jerusalem. We had a great night's stay at a hotel not far from the Damascus gate and then we headed out to the hill country of Judea, known as the Shephelah. We went to a settlement that had many...
The Best Guide Book for An Israel Trip!
In 2012, after going on my first Israel trip, I decided to return to the Holy Land and find the best way to lead tours in the future. I rented a little Fiat car and drove to as many sites as I could to plan my route and find the best material. When I set out on that personal pilgrimage,...
Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?
Listen to an interview I did with Shalom Almog in Israel, the owner of Coral Tours: I’ve been to Israel many times and never felt unsafe. The times I spent in downtown Chicago were far more frightening to me than any of my night walks in Israel. But let’s be honest, Israel has never known life without conflict. Israel has been...
