Greetings from Jerusalem!
Even though today is Day 8, I'm going to go back and summarize Day 5.
We began the day by going to Mount Tabor, the site of Jesus' Transfiguration. We had Mass at the Basilica of the Transfiguration where we saw a couple of beautiful side chapels dedicated to the prophet Elijah and Moses.
Mount Tabor.
Mount Tabor.
Basilica of the Transfiguration.
Mass at the Basilica of the Transfiguration -- side chapel dedicated to Moses.
Beautiful view of the valley from Mt. Tabor.
Outside of the Basilica of the Transfiguration, school girls greet Catholic pilgrims offering "free hugs!" We hugged as many as we could!
Jericho from one side of the road.
Jericho from the other side of the road.
From Jericho, we were able to see the "Mount of Temptation," traditionally known as the mountain on which Jesus was tempted by satan during His 40-day fast.
Mount of Temptation - Jericho.
The summit of the Mount of Temptation, about 360 meters above sea level, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab and Gilead.
The Mount of Temptation is about 5 km northwest of the West Bank city of Jericho. Access to the summit is by a 30-minute trek up a steep path — passing through the cliffhanging monastery on the way — or by a 5-minute cable car ride from Tel Jericho.
Below is a close-up of the Greek Orthodox monastery built into the side of the Mount of Temptation . . . with cable cars immediately below it.
Distant view of the Mount of Temptation.
The summit of the Mount of Temptation, about 360 meters above sea level, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the mountains of Moab and Gilead.
The Mount of Temptation is about 5 km northwest of the West Bank city of Jericho. Access to the summit is by a 30-minute trek up a steep path — passing through the cliffhanging monastery on the way — or by a 5-minute cable car ride from Tel Jericho.
Below is a close-up of the Greek Orthodox monastery built into the side of the Mount of Temptation . . . with cable cars immediately below it.
At the end of the day, we visited Jesus' baptismal site on the Jordan River (Yardenit), where many non-Catholics like to get "re-baptized."
The Baptismal site - YARDENIT is situated at the Southern end of the Sea of Galilee, at the place where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea on its way down to the Dead Sea. More than one million people visit here on a yearly basis.
Yardenit is a sacred holy area. Realizing the importance that the natural surroundings play in providing the peace and tranquility that Christian pilgrims look for when visiting the site, a path has recently opened allowing pilgrims to observe the natural flora and fauna alongside the Jordan River, enabling them to conduct services in the natural surroundings should they wish to do so.
During the Baptismal service it is important that visitors respect the peace and tranquility which prevail. Empty bottles are available here, enabling visitors to take samples of the holy water from the Jordan River as a memento.
The Baptismal site - YARDENIT is situated at the Southern end of the Sea of Galilee, at the place where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea on its way down to the Dead Sea. More than one million people visit here on a yearly basis.
Yardenit is a sacred holy area. Realizing the importance that the natural surroundings play in providing the peace and tranquility that Christian pilgrims look for when visiting the site, a path has recently opened allowing pilgrims to observe the natural flora and fauna alongside the Jordan River, enabling them to conduct services in the natural surroundings should they wish to do so.
During the Baptismal service it is important that visitors respect the peace and tranquility which prevail. Empty bottles are available here, enabling visitors to take samples of the holy water from the Jordan River as a memento.
We were able to buy bottles already filled with water from the Jordan River.
Map of Sea of Galilee and location of Yardenit towards the bottom of the map.
Jordan River at Yardenit -- where baptisms take place.
Baptisms in progress in Jordan River at Yardenit, Israel.
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