Monday, December 21, 2009

Pictures from Israel

Tevet 4, 5770

After 36 hours of travel, here we are sitting in the tour bus outside of the Tel Aviv airport. Logic dictates we should have been exhausted. However, the power of adrenaline was in full effect as there was no way we were going to shut our eyes and miss any of this trip.

We drove a little under an hour to the Jerusalem Plaza Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from downtown Jerusalem.

After exploring the hotel and meeting our group, we did crash for the evening since our first full day of touring started the next morning with a 6:45 a.m. breakfast buffet. Meditteranean food...one word...YUM!



First stop on Day 1: Mount of Olives

Here are some views from the top of the Mountain. The gold dome is the Dome of the Rock at the top of the Temple Mount. (we went there too - I'll post pics another day)






We were told that tours do not typically start with a walking tour of Jerusalem because it physically wears the guests out. Therefore, it is usually saved for day 4 or 5. I, however, couldn't have asked for a better way to start the tour. The view from the top of this mountain is burned into my heart. For it was here that I fell in love with Israel.

More pics to come!!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Shalom.





23 comments:

B His Girl said...

WOW! Spring, I pray you have a blessed trip. Can't wait to hear what you learn! Merry Christmas!

Anders Branderud said...

Hello! You wrote: “I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!” You also wrote on your blog: “Yeshua, the Mashiach of Israel, “
I don’t celebrate Christmas.

Every historian in every reputable university in the world knows that xmas originally celebrated the birthday of Mithra the sun god AND that the celebrated Jew (born in spring) COULDN'T have been born in winter. See History Museum pages in website below (go to "Times & Seasons" & click on "Christmas"). Oxford--Christian--historian James Parkes demonstrated that 4th century Christian (antinomian=anti-Torah=misojudaic) church was 180° polar opposite to the 1st-century historical Pharisee--pro-Torah—Ribi Yehoshua ha-Mashiakh (the Messiah). Details & docs @ www.netzarim.co.il [quote Paqid Yiremeyahu]

The Torah, which Ribi Yehoshua ha-Mashiakh (the Messiah), observered and taught, teaches this:
“"Do not do like the practice of the land… in which you dwelled, and do not do like the practice of the land… to which I bring you, and do not walk in their traditions. Do My mi•shәpât•im′ and watchguard My khuq•im′ to walk in them." (wa-Yi•qәr•â′ 18.3).[Hebrew words found in the glossaries in the above Netzarim-page] ”Do not walk in their traditions”, include Christmas.

You have to apply this if you want to state that you follow the Mashiach of Israel. I wrote this, because the information is helpful.

All the best, Anders Branderud

Spring M Fricks said...

Hi Anders,

Thank you very much for posting.

I'm not sure we are following the same Messiah? I am a Messianic Jew and believe Yeshua Hamashiach is the Messiah of all who accept Him and believe in His name. And, that He is the one true Maschiach of Israel.

You are absolutely right that Christmas was originally a Pagan holiday. However, when Christianity came into the picture (mostly through Catholicism), rituals were changed little by little until the people gave up their pagan rituals and began worshipping Yeshua - Jesus.

It follows the old cliche of "if you throw a toad in boiling water, he'll jump out but if you gradually heat up the water he won't"

A prime example of this can be seen in Bet She'an were the old Roman bath houses where turned into baptismals and crosses were painted were idols once stood.

You are also right that Yeshua was not born on Christmas. In fact, He was conceived during Hanukah which is the Festival of Dedication and born in the month of September during the Feast of Tabernacles.

Although this is not widely known throughout the Christian community, it is gradually rising to the surface. However, it won't change Christmas in the hearts of the people who believe in His name. Why? Because we follow Him and we do all things in REMEMBERANCE of Him and therefore, those that celebrate Christmas do so in rememberance of His birth and that is a very precious thing.

So, yes, I did say Merry Christmas because many who read my blog celebrate Christmas and I know their heart is for Him and I wish to celebrate with them.

For me, it's not about religion. It's freedom in Yeshua. He is awesome and mighty and worthy to be served. He is the one we look to in all things. He doesn't judge according to our religion. He judges according to our heart. So in freedom we celebrate and serve Him.

I hope this clears up why I can write Yeshua is the Maschiach of Israel and why I can also say Merry Christmas.

Have a blessed day.

Just A Normal Mom said...

Wow, what a fantastic trip! Have a wonderful time!
***Ally

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

It is one of my dreams to visit Israel someday and walk the path that Jesus stepped on.

I learn so much from you about the Jewish traditions. Thank you for that because it actually helps in my Bible reading.

I too am so thankful that our Heavenly Father judges us by our hearts and not by our religion.

His Blessings to you Spring,
Lee Ann

Linda said...

Hi From Michigan, Thank you for your comment. I would gladly trade weather with you. Love your pictures. Have not made it to Israel yet. I hope to get there someday. Shalom to you.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I'm so jealous right now. Ya'll have a safe and wonderful rest of the trip! Love reading about it.

p.s. Thanks for commenting at my blog. I'm your newest follower.

Not Everyones Mama said...

Wow. Those are absolutely gorgeous pictures!!! How a beautiful trip!!

Unknown said...

It looks amazing! Enjoy your trip!

Stopping by from SITS!

The Blonde Duck said...

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Stephanie Faris said...

Oh wow. What a great trip. I'd love to do that someday...and at Christmastime, no less!

Debbie said...

I would so love to take a trip like that one day. I hope you are having a wonderful time and can't wait to hear more about it.

B His Girl said...

Checking in on you. Praying you have a feathered pen in your hand. B

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LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Hi Spring! Just checking in on you since I haven't seen you post for such a long time. Praying you are okay.

Lee Ann

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