On our way to the Holy Land. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER .... phone is a great place to store your books. . even for storing a Bibl
“EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF MICHIGAN” ~Presents~
A Journey to the Holy Land Under the Direction of the Rev. Eric M. Williams Local Guide and Instructor Canon Iyad Qumri 12 Days: NOVEMBER 12-23, 2016
This is a preliminary itinerary subject to change. NOV 13-18 NOV 18-21 NOV 21-23
St. George’s Guest House Sisters of Nazareth St. George’s Guest House
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, DAY 1: DEPART U.S.A On our way to the Holy Land SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, DAY 2: ARRTIVE TEL AVIV / TRANSFER TO JERUSALEM We arrive in Tel Aviv and are met by our guide, Canon Iyad Qumri. We are transferred to Jerusalem Introductions Dinner and overnight at St. George’s Guest House Nablus Road 20, POB. 19018, Jerusalem 91190 ++972 2-6282627 ++972 2-6283302 ++972 2-6282253 (fax) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, DAY 3: HORIZONS OF JERUSALEM / OLD CITY / CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION Mt. Scopus, view the Judean desert, Mt. of Olives. Walk the Cardo to the Constantinian Entrance to the Church of the Resurrection to the Holy Sepulcher, Lunch, afternoon Holy Sepulcher (Cont.) Dinner and Overnight Saint George’s Guest House TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, DAY 4: SHEPHERD’S FIELD / BETHLEHEM / HERODIUM Depart Jerusalem for the shepherd’s Field to visit the first century caves, lunch in Beit Sahour, visit the Church of Nativity which is located in Manger Square, the oldest Church in Christendom, constructed by Costantine in AD 326, visit Herodium some 12 km. south of Jerusalem, on a hill shaped like a truncated cone that rises 758 m. above sea level, stood Herodium, the palace-fortress built by King Herod. It had a breathtaking view, overlooking the Judean Desert and the mountains of Moab to the east, and the Judean Hills to the west. Dinner and Overnight at Saint George’s Guest House Speaker: Contemporary Issues- A Palestinian Perspective WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, Day 5: WESTERN WALL / DOME OF THE ROCK / ISRAEL MUSEUM
We depart for the Western Wall near Elharam Esh Sharif (The Dome of The Rock and the AlAqsa Mosque). St. Anne’s Church and the pools of Bethesda. Lunch. Israeli Museum and the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed. We will also visit a scale model of the Old City of Jerusalem, describing the city as it would have been during the time of Jesus. Dinner and Overnight at Saint George’s Guest House THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, DAY 6: PRINCESS BASMA CENTER / QUMRAN / DEAD SEA Visit Princess Basma Center for Disabled Children on the Mount of Olives, and meet with Director Mr. Ibrahim Faltas at this national center for the evaluation, rehabilitation and education of children and adults with special physical and emotional needs, we depart for Qumran, Lunch in Qumran, visit the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Dead Sea, where you will have the option to swim – or really, float (Rocky Beach) Dinner and overnight at Saint George’s Guest House FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, DAY 7: JERICHO / NAZARETH Wadi Qelt early morning to get the feel for the desert, depart for Jericho to hike up Mt. of Temptation and view Tell Jericho, 20 minute meditation on Mt of Temptation, Lunch in Jericho, drive through the Rift Valley to Nazareth. In Nazareth we will visit Mary’s Well, the site of the only spring-fed fountain in the city, and most likely the place where Mary would have gone to draw water. We then visit the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation where we will have an opportunity to have an introduction to the Icon, we then follow on foot the path to the Latin Church of the Annunciation, the traditional site of the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, telling her she would conceive Jesus, the Emmanuel. Dinner and Overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth Tel: 972-4-6554304 Fax: 972-4-6460741 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, DAY 8: JORDAN RIVER / CAPERNAUM / MT. OF BEATITUDES Today we depart for the Sea of Galilee-Lake Kinnereth. Stop at the Jordan River from the Northern side for the renewal of Baptismal vows, visit Capernaum where we see a fourth century Synagogue and St. Peter’s House. We continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, Lunch is by the Sea of Galilee, boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, followed by a visit to the Ancient boat that dates to the 1st century, Tabgha (Heptapegon), The Loaves and Fishes Church and the Chapel of St. Peter’s Primacy for Eucharist and time to wade in the water, where Jesus performed his first miracle Dinner and overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, DAY 9: CHRIST CHURCH / SEPPHORIS Sunday Eucharist (Arabic) at Christ Church in Nazareth, the Rev. Nael Abu Rahmoun. Lunch, we then go to Sepphoris, where we explore the excavations of the Roman / Byzantine city, the capital of Galilee at the time of Jesus. Dinner and overnight at the Sisters of Nazareth A treat you will not want to miss!!!! MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, DAY 10: BURQIN / NABLUS / TAYBEH Depart for Burqin. Jesus had passed through Burqin on his way to Jerusalem from Nazareth, and as he was passing by the village he heard cries for help from ten lepers who were isolated in quarantine in a cave, Nablus to visit (St. Photini the Greek Orthodox Monastery), St. Photini
lived in first century Palestine, she was the Samaritan woman who Christ visited at the well asking her for water, the church built over Jacob’s well where will tour the church and drink from the Well, Lunch in Taybeh, visit Taybeh, the only 100% Christian town in the Palestinian Authority, in the fourth century the Emperor Constantine and his mother St. Helen built the church of St. George in the village, the ruins of the Church are still found on a hill in the town. Taybeh is also the home of the only Palestinian brewery in the Middle East, Shopping in Taybeh to support Christian community. Dinner and overnight at Saint George’s Guest House Guest Speaker: Contemporary Issues- An Israeli Perspective TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, DAY 11: BETH-PHAGE / DOMINUS FLEVIT / GETHSEMANE / MT. ZION Depart for Beth-phage, here we will begin the Palm Sunday Procession. We will stop at Pater Noster and Dominus Flevit, where Jesus wept over the city. It is known as Dominus Flevit [ Latin for “The Lord wept”]. Afterward, we will walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. We will then travel by bus across the Kidron Valley to the site of Caiaphas’ Palace where Jesus experienced the Jewish portion of His trial. The site is known today as St. Peter in Galicantu [“crowing rooster”]. Dinner at the Qumris in Jericho Overnight at Saint George’s Guest House WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, DAY 12: WAY OF THE CROSS / EMMAUS Stations of the Cross, Silent reflections at the Empty Tomb, Later in the morning we will depart for Emmaus Nicopolis. We celebrate the Eucharist at the ruins of the Byzantine Church Free Afternoon for last minute shopping and packing Transfer to the Tel Aviv airport
A Message from Iyad: Dear Pilgrims, Over the years I have found that the more prepared pilgrims are in every way, the more fulfilling their experiences have been. These are the ones who have taken care of all of the details before even leaving their own country. They already know what to pack, what to expect and some of the basic cultural rules. I have listed below the concerns that my pilgrims have had in the past. I hope this will help you to also be better prepared. Remember that you are on pilgrimage for a short time. It is a chance to surrender to the mystery of the journey, without all the props and masks and distractions of daily routines. You have a unique opportunity to rest in the hands of your leaders, in the hospitality of the wonderful people of Palestine, and in the guiding love of God. Traveling lightly, including shedding your worries and preconceptions, will open your heart to the adventure and the Holy journey we will be sharing. Salaam, Canon Iyad Qumri Licensed Tour Guide
Weather Summer (Jun/Jul/Aug/early Sep): Temperatures will be in the high 80º’s, 90º’s. However, Tel Aviv, and Tiberias will be hot and humid. Jerusalem is dryer and cooler, particularly at night. Masada and Eilat are extremely hot, but dry. (110º+!). No Rain!!! Spring and Fall (late Mar/Apr/May & late Sep/Oct/Nov): Daytime temperatures will be very pleasant, in the 60º's to 70º’s in most of the country, however it will be hot at the Red and Dead Seas. Jerusalem temperatures will be comfortable in the 40º to 50º’s in the evening. There will be some rain - nothing torrential. Winter (Dec/Jan/Feb/early Mar): Winter weather can fluctuate. Some winters are mild and sunny, some cooler and overcast. There can be occasional heavy rain and, in January and February, even snow sometimes. It will probably be in the 50º’s and 60º’s in most places, but in the 40º’s in Jerusalem and the hills of Galilee, it will be cold at night.
Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. Airlines can cancel flights and individuals may cancel their trips for a number of personal reasons. There are now policies available that cover cancellations for any reason. I don't recommend a particular company. You might use these websites to help make your decisions:
http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/travel-insurance-101/ http://www.consumeraction.gov/insurance.shtml
Books You will not want to bring many books. However, pack a journal and perhaps a map, a guidebook to read at night, a Bible or prayer book if it is small. Sometimes a kindle, ipad, or cell phone is a great place to store your books. . even for storing a Bible or Prayer Book. Excellent books are also for sale at St. George’s College and the nearby Educational Bookshop.
Americans & Coffee After a number of trips to the United States, I now understand how much Americans enjoy their coffee . . . which brings me to the topic of coffee. Yes, it is true; many hotels and restaurants in my country serve the instant coffee, Nescafe. If you are not a fan of Nescafe then you now have several options. One, I have heard from other pilgrims that Starbucks in the U.S. sells an instant coffee product called VIA which is great as a substitute for brewed coffee and it’s containers are small and travel well. Recently Folgers and several other brands are offering their products in small easy to pack containers.
Electricity and Electronics The electrical current in Israel is 220AC. Electrical plugs are shaped differently in Israel. Most U.S. phone and camera chargers only need a simple plug adaptor (see internet or local travel store). If you bring a hair dryer you will need a transformer and an adapter plug. However, inexpensive dual voltage hair dryers are available in the U.S. and in travel stores. Dual voltage items must be switched over to our 220AC and can then be used with only an adapter plug.
Transportation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem As your guide, I will provide luxury coach transportation for the group arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and also for the group’s departing transportation at the end of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims and baggage will be transported to our hotel in Jerusalem, approximately a 45-minute drive. It is best to have a group flight, but sometimes people want to travel on their sky miles or arrive earlier or stay later. If you arrive in Tel Aviv within 45 minutes of the group flight, you may take our scheduled group transportation to the hotel. This is all included in your total package fee.
Extending Your Stay Sometimes pilgrims want to extend their time in the Holy Land either by adding days prior to their scheduled pilgrimage or adding days immediately after the pilgrimage. Unfortunately because of the number of pilgrimages that I lead, I am unable to make hotel or travel
arrangements for your extended stay. However, I do have several airport transportation suggestions. First, it is easy and safe to take a service taxi to and from Ben Gurion Airport. It is called a sherut (she root). It brings you to your hotel in Jerusalem, but will probably stop at other hotels to drop off passengers. The sherut stand is located in front of one of the exits and is clearly marked “Service Taxi to Jerusalem”. The price per person is approximately $11.00 (US dollars) or NIS 45.00. This of course is subject to change.
Free Time There will be planned “free time” within our itinerary, usually two half days or one full day. I will be happy to suggest a variety of activities for you to choose from, including particular shopping areas and additional places of special interest.
Language English is understood and spoken widely in most tourist areas. Arabic and Hebrew are the official languages in Israel. I speak English, Arabic and Hebrew so I can always help you out!
Walking Plan to be able to walk comfortably for 20 minutes at a time. Bear in mind that the terrain is sometimes rough and dusty. In most areas there are places to sit and rest while waiting for the group. Comfortable walking shoes are essential!
Pilgrimage Accommodations We will be staying in traditional, clean, modest, and comfortable places, which are appropriate for a pilgrimage. These accommodations are close to the local culture and also the traditions of welcoming pilgrims to the Holy Land. In Jerusalem we are staying at St. George's Pilgrim Guest House. This cathedral close contains a beautiful garden, St. George's College and is also the home to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Guest House provides the perfect retreat for pilgrims. The rooms are climatecontrolled, have TV, and good bathroom and showers. The staff is top-notch and noted for good customer service. The food is super and they have a modest rooftop deck for early morning or evening gazing over the Old City. I am very happy we were able to book it for our group! You will feel so much a part of the local culture while still feeling comfortable and secure. In Nazareth we are staying at the Sisters of Nazareth Guesthouse! At the Sisters of Nazareth Guesthouse, the rooms are a bit smaller than at St. George's Guesthouse, but have been fully updated, have climate control, and are noted for their very clean upkeep. There is a lovely
courtyard for pilgrims to gather in the evenings. Breakfasts are simple, usually consisting of delicious bread (home made), jams, cheese, fruit, hardboiled eggs, juices, and coffee.
What to Wear and What Not to Wear! Women – Please dress conservatively in skirts, slacks or capris (that cover the knees) for Holy Land sites. No tank tops, shorts or sleeveless blouses, please. Short-sleeves are fine. Bermuda shorts are fine for the walking tour in Galilee. You will want to be able to dress up slightly for church on Sunday and for a few special nights. You will also need a sweater or light jacket for potentially cool evenings. Men – Long pants, jeans or khakis, are necessary most days. Bermuda shorts are fine for the walking tour in the Galilee. You might want some long-sleeved shirts for church and a few special nights. *Hats, Sunglasses and Sunscreen for Everyone - You will definitely need a hat and sunglasses, also sneakers and/or walking shoes that can handle cobblestones. Otherwise, shoes are entirely up to you. Do not forget your sunscreen! Jewelry - A watch is helpful but a lot of jewelry is unnecessary. Many people enjoy finding a silver or gold cross - or some special earrings while on the pilgrimage. Laundry - Many pilgrims hand wash a few items in their bathrooms; they will dry overnight. There is also a laundry service available at St. George's Guesthouse for an extra charge.
Reading List 2014-2015 The Historical Figure of Jesus by E.P. Sanders Presenting a cogent and balanced view of Jesus as a person, a theologian examines different interpretations of Jesus's aims and teachings, discussing the disciples' role in Christianity's success.
The Shadow of the Galilean by Theissen, Gerd First published in 1987, this 20th anniversary edition of this classic bestseller includes a new afterword from the author. Here, in narrative form, is an account of the activity of Jesus of Nazareth, scrupulously constructed so that it does not undercut the insights of New Testament scholarship. What makes it different from other such attempts is that Jesus never actually appears. What we find everywhere is his shadow, his effect.
How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil by D.A.Carson D. A. Carson is a research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. This clear and accessible treatment of key biblical themes related to human suffering and evil is written by one of the most respected evangelical biblical scholars alive today. Carson brings together a close, careful exposition of key biblical passages with helpful pastoral applications. The second edition has been updated throughout.
The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew: Three Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner When an American Muslim woman befriends two other mothers, one Jewish and one Christian, they decide to educate their children about their respective religions. None of them guessed their regular meetings would provide life-changing answers and form bonds that would forever alter their struggles with prejudice, fear, and anger. Personal, powerful, and compelling, The Faith Club forces readers to face the tough questions about their own religions.
A Walk in Jerusalem: Stations of the Cross by The Rev. Canon John Peterson In "A Walk in Jerusalem," The Reverend Canon John L. Peterson, brings new life to this centuries-old ritual known as the Stations of the Cross. Illustrated with a map, 14 blackand-white photographs, and 14 pen-and-ink drawings, this helpful guide provides the appropriate episode of the Passion story along with a meditation and brief liturgy that apply that story to today’s world. Designed for use on Good Friday or general devotions,
"A Walk in Jerusalem" offers new insight into the Passion Narratives and encouragement to live as Christ taught.
Whose Promised Land? by Colin Chapman Two peoples, Jews and Palestinian Arabs, lay claim to the same piece of land. But who does it really belong to? Scripture, history, and contemporary politics add to the volatile conflict in the Middle East. Whose Promised Land?, now in a fully revised and updated fifth edition,
Jerusalem, One City, Three Faiths by Karen Armstrong Venerated for millennia by three faiths, torn by irreconcilable conflict, conquered, rebuilt, and mourned for again and again, Jerusalem is a sacred city whose very sacredness has engendered terrible tragedy. In this fascinating volume, Karen Armstrong, author of the highly praised A History of God, traces the history of how Jews, Christians, and Muslims have all laid claim to Jerusalem as their holy place, and how three radically different concepts of holiness have shaped and scarred the city for thousands of years.
The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine by Mike Peled In 1997, a tragedy struck the family of Israeli-American Miko Peled: His beloved niece Smadar was killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. That tragedy propelled Peled onto a journey of discovery. It pushed him to re-examine many of the beliefs he had grown up with, as the son and grandson of leading figures in Israel's political-military elite, and transformed him into a courageous and visionary activist in the struggle for human rights and a hopeful, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Holy Land by Jerome Murphy O'Connor Fully Updated: The geographic heart and soul of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The Holy Land has immense significance for the millions of visitors it has attracted since as early as the fifth century BC. Now in an exciting new edition, this popular handbook once again offers tourists an indispensable, illustrated guide to over 200 of the most important archaeological and religious sites in the City of Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in Jerusalem* by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan Using the gospel of Mark as their guide, top Jesus scholars Marcus Borg and John Crossan present a day-by-day account of Jesus's final week of life. They begin their story on Palm Sunday with two triumphal entries into Jerusalem. The first entry, that of Roman governor Pontius Pilate leading Roman soldiers into the city, symbolized military
strength. The second heralded a new kind of moral hero who was praised by the people as he rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey.
Four Gospels, One Jesus by Richard Burridge "This is a lively, lucid exposition of the four evangelists' portraits of Jesus. The evangelists' distinctive emphases are set out with flair, imagination and theological sensitivity. Novices and old hands alike will read the Gospels with new eyes. “Four Gospels, One Jesus” is a considerable achievement: scholarly yet accessible".
In the Steps of Jesus by Dr. Peter Walker In the Steps of Jesus, Peter Walker presents a visually stimulating tour of the places Jesus visited and ministered in during his time on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Each location is addressed separately and includes such cities as Capernaum, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Full color photos bring to life the ancient world of the Bible few will ever be able to visit in person. With every page, the reader will gain greater insight into the history, geography, and unique features of these historic places. This is a must-have reference book for those interested in the study of the New Testament and the life of Christ.
Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour Elias Chacour was the first Palestinian to earn a degree from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has built schools, libraries, community centers, and youth clubs throughout Israel's Galilee region, where he lives, as a source of reconciliation between Palestinians and Jews. In "Blood Brothers," Chacour blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the birth of modern Israel. He touches on controversial questions such as "What behind-the-scenes politics touched off the turmoil in the Middle East?" "What does Bible prophecy really have to say?", and "Can bitter enemies ever be reconciled?"
