ISRAEL 2015 – NUMBER 2

JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN’T SEE THIS ALREADY, I am sending it out again.  On September 2 the invitation with the pricing details will go out.

The first Israel Teaching Tour of 2015 was sold out in 18 hours.  There are at least 12 people on the waiting list in case someone cancels.  So Bob and I thought that we should offer a SECOND Israel Teaching Tour in 2015.

October 8-18, 2015.  See the itinerary below.

THIS IS A PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT.  The final offer, including the per person price (land only), will be out about 6 days.  Watch for it on September 2 since I am sure this one will also fill up nearly immediately. A $500 deposit is required when you sign up.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE WAITING LIST FOR the previous tour scheduled for May-June, and you wish to confirm your place for this October tour, please email me NOW and I will hold a place for you.  skipmoen@mac.com

FOR EVERYONE GOING TO ISRAEL OR CONTEMPLATING JOINING US:  A note about Hamas.

Hamas seeks not only to kill all Israelis but also to destroy Israel’s economy and security.  You will contribute to their cause if you decide NOT to come on the basis of their terror threats.  Be assured that we will NOT put you in harm’s way and will cancel everything if warranted, but until then, please do not be deterred.  Stand up for Israel by going there, spending your money, meeting the citizens, participating in their lives and coming home with a very different story than the media wants you to believe.  Trust in the Lord.  Make your pilgrimage and make it count.

Here’s the October schedule:

From Dan to Beersheba – 11 Days tour of Israel

1 night on the coast, 3 nights in Galilee, 2 nights at the Dead Sea, 4 nights in Jerusalem

October 8 (Thur.) – DAY 1:   Flying over the ocean, we reach the shores of God’s land. Upon our arrival to the Ben Gurion airport we will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel on the coast of the Mediterranean, for a wonderful buffet dinner and a good night’s rest.

October 9 (Fri.) – DAY 2:   COASTAL PLAIN

After a rich Israeli breakfast we will begin our tour of Israel at Caesarea, city of Cornelius the Centurion, the first Gentile to convert (Acts 10). We will visit the Roman theatre, walk on the pier used by the apostle Paul on his way to Rome and see the impressive water aqueduct built by Herod the Great. Leaving the Mediterranean, we will travel north to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah held the contest with 450 prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). At noon, a memorable experience is awaiting for us, as we stop for a typical Falafel Meal at the Druze village of Daliat El-Carmel. We will continue to Haifa for a view of the extra ordinary Bahai Gardens, considered one of the most beautiful handmade gardens in the world, before we continue to our hotel in the beautiful region of Galilee.

October 10 (Sat.) – DAY 3:   AREA OF THE TRIBE OF DAN

Today is dedicated to the spectacular northern part of Israel. Following the accounts described in the Gospel of Luke chapter 9, we will drive through the Hula Valley. Overlooking the magnificent Mt. Hermon, where the miracle of Transfiguration occurred, we will reach Dan Nature Reserve. After a refreshing walk through the beautiful reserve and a taste from the cool water, we will see Jeroboam’s Altar (I Kings 12). We will also see a city gate from the time of Abraham the Patriarch and learn about the importance of the gate in the social life of the city in the Biblical times. After a nice sandwich lunch, we will also visit Banias, one of the headwaters of the Jordan River and site of Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed Yeshua as the Messiah. Next we willstop at the crusader Nimrod Fortress. Situated on a cliff, it offers a magnificent view of the entire northern region. We will make our final stop at Har Ben Tal, a military post overlooking the border of Israel with Lebanon and Syria, and the road Paul took on his way to Damascus.

October 11 (Sun.) – DAY 4:   AROUND THE SEA OF GALILEE

Today we will be visiting the places where Yeshua spent most of his public life. Using a replica of the wooden fishing boat from the disciples’ time, we will sail on the Sea of Galilee and recall Yeshua’s experiences with the fishermen. At Korazim, one of the cities cursed by Yeshua (Mat. 11:20-24), we will visit the beautiful synagogue made of basalt. We will notice a carved seat used by the community’s most respected members, known in the ancient sources as the Moses Seat (Mat. 23: 1-7). At lunch we will enjoy a typical “St. Peter’s Fish”. From here we will continue to Gamla a city conquered by the Romans and known as “Masada of the Galilee”.After a breathtaking view of the area, we will walk through the city’s synagogue, Mikveh and Oil press and hear the story of this unique town. Finally, we will visit Katzrin, an ancient village from Yeshua’s days, where we will get a chance to learn about daily life in Biblical times.

October 12 (Mon.) – DAY 5:   THE JORDAN VALLEY

Before leaving the beautiful Galilee area we will drive by Mt. Gilboah, where King Saul fell on his sward and found his death (I Samuel 31). Our first stop will be at the ancient Beit Alpha synagogue, where a spectacular mosaic floor awaits us at. Depicting the Ark of the Covenant, the Zodiac and the offering of Isaac, it tells us the story of Jewish life in the Galilee. Driving down the Jordan Valleywe will reach Beth Shean (I Sam. 31), a Decapolis Capital mentioned in the Gospels. Here, we will walk on the ancient streets, view the Roman steam baths, the theatre, coliseum, market and temples. We will make a stop at the Baptismal Site on the Jordan River. Located across from Jericho, the oldest city in the world and a beautiful oasis, (Joshua 3), it is believed to be the traditional site where Yeshua was baptized by John (Mathew 3:13). A nice ride along the Dead Sea will bring us to our hotel, located in the lowest place in the world, 1300 ft. below sea level!

October 13 (Tue.) – DAY 6:   DEAD SEA AREA

We will start our day by visiting the astonishing ruins of Massada. Using a cable car we will reach Herod’s magnificent fortress, site of the Zealots’ stand against Rome. Well preserved storehouses, cisterns and palaces will be among the features to visit. Here we will discuss the enormous role that Herod the Great played in the life of Israel. Our next stop will be at Ein Gedi, where David wrote some of his beautiful psalms. After a short hike we will reach the waterfall where David cut off Saul’s skirt (I Samuel 24). We will enjoy the rest of the day swimming in the Dead Sea. Those who wish will be able to enjoy the hotel’s SPA as well.

October 14 (Wed.) – DAY 7:   BEERSHEBA – PHILISTINE COUNTRY

Before leaving the Dead Sea area we will make a short stop in the area of Sodom and Gomorrah and see its salt mines. Crossing part of the Wilderness of Judea, we will become acquainted with the Bedouin life. Our first destination will be Beersheba, where Abraham made the covenant with Abimelek and stopped his wanderings (Genesis 21). We will visit the ancient city gate, some of the houses, the water system and the well dug by Abraham. Using the Gaza Road, which Philip rode with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) we will reach Tel Maresha, holding outstanding remains from the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine days. We will also visit the Bells’ Caves, ancient quarries from which material was extracted for the production of cement 2000 years ago!!!At the Elah Valley you will be able to pick up your own stone from the brook where David slew Goliath (I Samuel 17). Towards the end of the day we will start ascending to the Golden City of the Mighty King: JERUSALEM.

October 15 (Thur.) – DAY 8:   THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM

We will begin our day with an early visit to the Temple Mount and the impressive Dome of the Rock. Then we will enjoy a quiet moment of prayer at the Western Wall, while we enjoy the many Bar-Mitzvah’s taking place here on Thursday mornings. We will continue to the Jewish Quarter, to visit the extensive area uncovered by archaeologists, including the Burnt House at the Herodian Quarter, where we will see the interior of houses from Jesus’ time with ashes indicating Jerusalem’s destruction. Then we will visit the newly renovated Hachurvah Synagogue. Built in the 18^th century and destroyed in 1948, it is considered the most important and most beautiful synagogue in the Old City. Towards the end of the day we will walk through the Cardo and Hezekiahs Wall, towards the Arab Market and bazaar and leave the Old City through the Jaffa Gate. At night a memorable events awaits us, as we view the spectacular light and sound show at the Tower of David, telling the story of Jerusalem thought the centuries.

October 16 (Fri.) – DAY 9:   JERUSALM: PAST AND PRESENT

We will walk through the Kidron Valley to the Pool of Siloam, where Yeshua healed the blind man (John 9). On the way we will stop at the Absalom Memorial, erected by King David’s son, Absalom before his death (II Samuel 18). Following the footsteps of pilgrims since the first century we will climb to the Ophel, using an old pipeline that was only recently opened to the public which follows the First Century Street that led from the City of David to the Temple Mount. We will view the remains of the Temple and the steps used by Yeshua when entering the Temple Mount (Luke 19, Matthew 21). Then, a fun experience awaits us as we join the Jerusalemites on their shopping for the Sabbath at the famous Machane Yehudah Market. You might like to have some cash handy and enjoy a variety of fruits, vegetables, delicates, cheeses, local sweets and many other tempting surprises. At the end of the day, right before the sun sets down, we will make a stop at the Western Wall to receive the Sabbath in the most glorious way possible.

October 17 (Sat.) – DAY 10:   SABBATH IN JERUSALEM

In the morning we will attend the Sabbath services with the “Roeh Israel” (Israel’s Shepherd) congregation, headed by Joseph Shulam. Then we will make a short stop at a park located in the heart of Jerusalem to view an original First Century Tomb and the Rolling Stone that closed it. We will spend the rest of the morning at the world famous Israel Museum. Among the many discoveries housed in the museum are the Ossuary of Caiphas the High Priest, the Pontius Pilatus Stone, the stele bearing the House of David inscription, the Bulai of Gemariah the son of Shaphan, the bone with a nail of a crucified person, glass like crystal and many other remains from Yeshua days. The afternoon will be free.This will allow us to rest and absorb in much of the information we have come to obtain. You may want to use this day to re-visit a certain site, to stroll on your own or to do some shopping. Our tour bus will function as a shuttle bus and different activities will be suggested.

October 18 (Sun.) – DAY 11:   Following a wrap-up teaching in the morning, we depart for home, after fulfilling a lifetime dream of seeing, touching and breathing the very places we have only read about until now. Arriving home our Bible will never be the same, for it will be alive in front of our eyes and in our hearts forever.

Special Speakers while in Israel: We hope to have Moshe Kempinski, Jeremy Gimpel and perhaps a surprise.