Day 1 Mon Apr 27, 2009 – Depart Regina (flight details to be announced)
Day 2 Tue Apr 28 – Arrival and transfer to our hotel on the Mediterranean Sea (Overnight at Kibbutz Nahsholim at ancient Dor)
Day 3 Wed Apr 29 – CROSSROADS AND CONFLICTS
COASTAL PLAINS: After an Israeli-styled breakfast, we will explore the ancient Phoenician city of Dor where during temple times the murex snails and other shells were harvested for a special dye which colored the priestly garments. Afterwards we will follow one of the main land passages along the Eastern Mediterranean, which connected the super powers of the ancient world. One of our study themes will include trade and commerce from the days of Herod the Great and his seaport project at Caesarea. Here we will discuss some of the conflicts between Gentiles and Jews during the first centuries B.C. and A.D. We will reflect on the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10) and the subsequent emergence of Christianity into the non-Jewish communities. Later we will travel to Mt. Carmel to consider Elijah and the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). From here we will travel through the Jezreel Valley to Megiddo and Jezreel (the fortified city - I Kings 21:23). Our day will end with a scenic overview of the Sea of Galilee. (First of four nights on the Sea of Galilee at Kibbutz Nof Ginosar)
Day 4 Thu Apr 30 - TO THE SOURCES OF THE JORDAN RIVER
THE UPPER GALILEE and GOLAN: This morning we will journey to Israel’s border with Lebanon at the base of Mt. Hermon to enjoy the nature along the bountiful springs that form the upper Jordan River. Along the way we will explore the archaeological remains of Hazor (Josh 11:10-13) and Dan (1 Kings 12:25-33), where we will see the remnants of a temple site from the time of Jereboam. At the Banyas falls we will consider the words of Psalm 42, which lists several physical features and place names which remain to the present day. We will also give attention to the extent of Jesus’ ministry in this northern part of the country (Caesarea Philippi, Matt 16:13). At Nimrod’s Fortress we will enjoy a breathtaking overview of the Hula Valley and parts of south Lebanon and consider Jesus’ transfiguration, which likely took place somewhere in the foothills of Mt. Hermon above Caesarea Philippi. We will also take in perspectives of Syria from the heights of the Golan and time permitting we will finish this day with a visit to Gamla (often called the ‘Masada of the North’).
Day 5 Fri May 1 – STRINGING PEARLS WITH JESUS
AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE: Today we will explore the deeper teachings of Jesus as he ministered around the lake. Sites will include: the region of Bethesda, Capernaum, the traditional Mt of Beatitudes, Tabgha, an ancient boat museum plus a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and more.
Day 6 Sat May 2 – THE BOYHOOD HOME OF JESUS
THE CENTRAL GALILEE: This morning we will begin with an overview from the top of Mt. Arbel as we travel towards Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. We will also visit the nearby ruins of Sepphoris, once the capital of Herod Antipas’s Galilee, and the site of a prominent rabbinical community during the first centuries AD. This afternoon we will view some points of interest in the central Galilee mountain range. Time permitting we will visit the Baram synagogue.
Day 7 Sun May 3 – HIDING PLACES IN THE WILDERNESS
JORDAN VALLEY and DEAD SEA: After an early breakfast we will leave the Galilee and journey down the Jordan Valley towards the Dead Sea. Along the way we pause to view the excavations of Scythopolis, the capital of the Decapolis where we will experience an impressive Greco-Roman metropolis at the base of ancient Beit Shean where Saul and his sons were hanged on the city walls (1 Sam 31:8-12). Later we will view Qumran and discuss the important Dead Sea Scrolls which were found in nearby caves in 1947. At En Gedi we will view the region where David hid from Saul (1 Sam 24). We will finish this day at Masada, the imposing desert fortress palace built by Herod the Great in the southern Judean wilderness. (Overnight wilderness experience with camels)
Day 8 Mon May 4 - WELL DIGGERS and THE GREAT WILDERNESS
NORTHERN NEGEV: This morning we will get a glimpse at shepherding in the southern Judean hill country and northern Negev with a visit to ancient Arad (Num 21) to discuss many aspects of life during the early Bronze Age. Afterwards we will ponder the many facets of biblical rock and water imagery as we hike through the beautiful Zin Canyon (Num 20). Other sites will include Avdat, the principal farming center of the ancient Nabateans. (Overnight at Mitzpe Ramon)
Day 9 Tue May 5 - THE SHEPHELAH of JUDEA
WESTERN FOOTHILLS OF JUDEA: We will begin this morning with a breathtaking overview of the Ramon Crater, which is on the edge of the Paran wilderness region where the spies were sent out (Num 13). From here we will travel north to Be’er Sheva, where Abraham and Isaac made treaties with Abimelech (Gen 20-26). Afterwards we will continue into the Shephelah of Judea (lower western foothills) with a journey through ancient Philistine country along the coastal plains near Gath and Ekron. We will visit the Elah Valley where David and Goliath met in battle (1 Sam 17), and ancient Beit Shemesh, near the home of Samson. Afterwards we will ascend up to Jerusalem. Time permitting we will also view Tel Maresha at Beit Guvrin (also known as Eleutheropolis in the first centuries AD).
Day 10 Wed May 6 - THE ENVIRONS OF JERUSALEM
Today we will journey along some of the scenic heights of the Judean hill country to gain perspectives of important approaches to Jerusalem during biblical times. We will view the Central Benjamin Plateau to the north and ridge routes to Jericho as well as the area of Bethlehem to the south. Later at the Israel Museum we will view some of the Dead Sea Scrolls on display as well as a model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple period (New Testament times). Other sites to include are the Herodium near Bethlehem and Yad ve Shem (Holocaust Memorial).
Day 11 Thu May 7 - JERUSALEM THE HOLY
Today we will consider some of the most important historic and religious sites to Jews, Muslims and Christians. We will begin our day at the famous Western Wall, which is an open-air synagogue for the modern Jewish community. Afterwards we will ascend the nearby Temple Mount of Herod the Great, now also a sacred site for Muslims. From here we will walk along the traditional Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the prize of orthodox Christianity. Sites along this way will include the pools of Beit Zaita (John 5), and some existing portions of the Antonio fortress of Herod the Great.
Day 12 Fri May 8 - JERUSALEM THAT JESUS KNEW
During our journey today inside the walled Old City and its enchanting quarters we will inspect several important archaeological sites from Jesus’ day. One of these will be a wealthy high priest’s home (possibly the house of Caiaphas). We will conclude our day at the exciting Southern Wall Excavations (or Ophel Gardens), where some key New Testament passages are easily reconstructed. Time permitting we will also cool ourselves in Hezekiah’s Tunnel underneath the original City of David. Our afternoon will conclude with a time of reflection in the beautiful Garden Tomb.
Day 13 Sat May 9 - FREE DAY FOR REST AND SHOPPING
Day 14 Sun May 10 - DEPARTURE
