Day 5
– Western Wall
We had a peek at the Western Wall as we were going to the Muslim side of the Temple Mount the day before, but it was a different experience being down near the Wall amongst everyone.
Steven showed us the preparations involved in approaching the Wall – the washing and putting on the appropriate clothing (yarmulkas and prayer shawls).
Washing
Prayer Shawl
We were able to witness some boys reading the Torah for their Bar Mitzvah. They do this at age 12 or 13, depending on if their father is alive or not.
We were even able to go up to the Wall . . the men on one side and the women on the other. If the men didn’t already have a head-covering on, they had to use a ‘yarmulka’ (which they handed out at the entrance) in order to go inside the fenced area. Women just need to wear modest clothing.
“Our” Men Near the Wall
Emma Touching the Wall
Up close you could see papers in the crevices of the wall – prayers left in behalf of others.
Prayers Left for Others
– Caiaphas’ House
As Jesus was brought to Caiaphas, he would have come up these stairs (behind us). You cannot walk up them anymore as people were taking bits of the stones away as souvenirs (and could turn an ankle as well).
Stairs to Caiaphas’ House
– Garden Tomb
Then we went to the Garden Tomb.
A tour guide from Bath, England (as it is a non-denominational group from England that runs it) took us around the garden by first showing us the ‘place of the skull’.
Group with Tour Guide
Golgotha (“Place of the Skull”)
When our English tour guide was done with his portion of our tour, Steven took us to a quiet, hidden part of the garden where we were able to talk and read from the scriptures. At one point, Emma turned to me with tears in her eyes – this is my most treasured memory from our trip. Just sitting there in the garden, it all became so real and I was glad Emma felt the Spirit there as well.
In Front of the Tomb
Modern Door of the Tomb
– Jaffa Gate/Old City of Jerusalem
After such a full morning, we were all ready for lunch! We took a rest outside Jaffa Gate to eat the most delicious meal we had on our trip (in my opinion) – falafel pitas!
Carrying Lunch
‘Fast Food’ Falafel Pitas
As we wandered around the Old City, it was interesting to see all the different quarters of the city – Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Armenian.
The market reminded me a lot of the bazaar we went to in Istanbul.
Jewish Souvenirs
Food Made in the Doorways
Spices for the Locals
As we were leaving the Old City, Steven pointed out this painting – the modern day boy in the olden day market. It did feel a bit like that as we walked through – the old mixed with the new.
– Folk Concert
After our full day of walking, everyone else was really tired and not up for one more thing, but when we were offered a free folk concert that night, Emma was up for it – so we went! It is definitely for the tourist-set, but it was fun to see the traditional dances with the songs.
Musicians
Dancers
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