Today we head to Nablus (Shekem).  On way we see Mount Gerazim where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice to God and where Jesus was tempted. (Picture 346) We visit Jacob’s Well where Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman.  It is located within a Greek Orthodox Church where the priest of 29 years paints, etc.  He also built his own tomb.  I got to draw water from the well and drink it. (Pictures 347 – 366)  We then see Tel of Nablus which is 8,000 years old. (Picture367)  From Nablus we see Mount Gerazim and Samaritan Temple and Settlement. (Picture 368)

Now to Sebaste (Greek for Augustus) built by Herod.  Also where John the Baptist was killed. (Pictures 370 – 380)

We then attempted to go to Mt. Gerazim but had to go through Samaritan Village.  It was the Sabbath so the site was closed.  We were “greeted” by a troop of Samaritans only to be swept into the house area of a Rabbi.

Reflecting again 7/7 on Tour Day 5

We try again to enter the tomb of Jesus at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  Once again, after patiently waiting at the door of the tomb, we are turned away.  Took advantage of the time there and snapped a few more photos.

Way up to Golgotha

Tomb of Jesus

(Pictures 268 – 286)

We now head to Masada through the wilderness passing the Dead Sea which is the lowest point on earth. (Pictures 287 – 318)  On to Qumran, where Essenes lived and where Dead Sea Scrolls were found.  Many ritual baths found here and they held all things in common.  Scrolls were hidden after fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD.  40,000 fragments found.  (Pictures 319 – 327)  Now a dip in the Dead Sea. (Pictures 329 – 334)

We see Tel of Jericho which is the oldest city in the world of 10,000 years and lowest city on earth. (Picture 340)

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