Holy Land Travel Orientation Holy Land Travel Orientation Understand that half of what there is to see in the Holy Land is hidden from most that walk her paths. They are unseen spiritual truths, only revealed to the sensitive and spiritual of heart. This page is desig ned to help you get the most out of your travels in the Holy Land. ​ Following are nine orientation se ctions we highly recommend you acquaint yourself with before departing on your Holy Land Trip to Israel: Sectio n 1: Historical Periods in Israel's History ​ Section 2: Preparing Yourself to See the Holy Sites in Israel ​ Section 3: How to Get the Most Out of Your Holy Land Trip ​ Section 4 : Understanding Group Travel Dynamics ​ Section 5: Travel Tips for Israel ​ Section 6 : Packing List ​ Section 7: Staying Connected While In Israel ​ Section 8: Getting Around In Israel for Personal Use ​ Sec tion 9 : Orientation Meeting In Israel Topics ​ Below are two very helpful videos showing exactly what to expect and the process you will need to follow for arriving and departing Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. See where to get your tourist visas, go through the Passport Checkpoint area, proceed to the baggage claim area, go through customs, exit the airport, get a taxi, and more. Then, for departing Israel, see the steps for the security checkpoints, luggage check-in, terminal layout, and more. Anchor 1 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 1 Historical Periods in Israel’s History Why it's important to understand a brief overview of the historical periods of Israel. The Holy Land is an old place, about the oldest in the world! While in the Holy Land, you’ll be seeing things as old as 6,000 years. That’s old! Different periods of history will be referred to when describing Israel’s holy sites and places. Please realize that at a particular site, there will likely be several key events that have taken place there. Each event will have happened during a specific period in Israel’s history. If you can understand the different periods a little, you’ll get much more out of your experience. Please click here for the Historical Timeline of Israel Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 2 Preparing Yourself to See the Holy Sites in Israel ​ The Need to Understand What You’re Going to See It would be wonderful if the Holy Land was exactly the same as it was 2,000 years ago when Christ walked its paths, or 4,000 years ago when Abraham traversed its hillsides and valleys. However, 4,000 years is a long time, and there have been many changes that have taken place during this time span. It’s hard for us to understand, but 4,000 or even 2,000 years is a long time! Because of its strategic location in the world, no other country has had as many kingdoms occupy it, or as many battles fought on its soil as Israel. This, along with time, has led to much change to Israel and its holy sites. The good news is that many of the biblical sites are in their natural state and appear much the same as they did when the events that happened there occurred. Other sites have had monuments, churches, or basilicas built near, or on them and are not exactly as they appeared when the events that occurred there happened. Also, many sites have had many events happen in one spot over thousands of years, so it would be impossible to have each event preserved just the way it happened. Understanding What Some of The Holy Sites Will Be Like Many of these monuments, churches, or basilicas will have a Catholic, Arabic, or Mid-Eastern style look. They’re very different from what we’re accustomed to seeing, and at first glance, you might find this unattractive. You also might disagree with the religious backgrounds of some of these sites and feel somewhat uncomfortable as well. In addition, you most likely will find other people visiting the Holy Land from other countries who are actually worshipping and kissing some of the adornments on these sites. On a previous trip to Israel, some in our group found all this a little repulsive and chose not to enter some of these holy sites. Because of these possible negative reactions, we would like to provide you with a little background and history about how these holy sites have been preserved so your sightseeing experience can be the best as possible during your time in the Holy Land. A Little History Even before the time of Christ and afterward, many of the holy sites were marked out and preserved. Then, about 300 years after the time of Christ, the Roman Empire (world power at that time) embraced Christianity. At that time, the mother of Emperor Constantine (Helena) was one of the first of the royal family to convert to Christianity. Later, Emperor Constantine did as well. Helena came to the Holy Land and wanted to preserve some of the holy sites, so she had churches, monuments, and basilicas built over some of the key holy places. These included the Church of the Holy Sepulture, Church of the Nativity, Basilica in the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of the Annunciation, and others. Helena and others throughout history felt such emotion and awe at these holy sites that they wanted to honor and preserve them for future generations. The Early Church during this period was the first to be in charge of these sites, and then because the Early Church slowly evolved into what we know as the Catholic Church, many of these holy sites came under the care of the Catholic Church. The monuments, churches, and basilicas were not always Catholic in nature, so we shouldn’t assume that they shared the same religious views at their inception. There were others as well that came to the Holy Land to build churches, monuments, and basilicas on these holy sites (Armenians, Russians, Greeks, etc.). Their hearts felt the same awe and emotion as others who came, so they too built on or by these holy sites to honor and preserve them. Some of these holy sites are ancient (from as old as 5,000 years), and the churches have a Mid-Eastern style look. Gratefulness to Those Who Preserved the Holy Sites If it hadn't been for those who preserved the biblical sites, they would have been lost or had other buildings, roads, and infrastructure built over them. They would have been lost to the world forever. These early pilgrims felt the same awe and emotion you will feel. We certainly can’t fault them for this. Because of all the adornments and construction over the centuries, it's hard to imagine how some of these sites would have looked in their original setting. However, the years of activity and tradition at these holy sites give greater weight to their authenticity. And while we might disagree with the decorations and atmosphere of these places, we should appreciate and admire all the devotion and sacrifice made to preserve them. Some Might Find These Churches, Monuments, and Basilicas Repulsive Part of the reason some might find the places they see in Israel as repulsive will have to do with a difference in religious faith. Another reason is due to a misunderstanding of style. These holy sites have a very different style than what we’re accustomed to in modern churches. Most of the old churches we see are just a few hundred years old and have somewhat the same architecture and style from our modern era. Closing Thoughts 1. Entering these churches, monuments, and basilicas to see these holy sites doesn’t mean we’re in any way embracing and accepting their religious beliefs. 2. While the style, religious background, and adornments might not be to our taste, the motives of those who preserved these sites seem to be noble and honorable. As you see these sites, you will understand why these early pilgrims wanted to preserve them. 3. It’s important to note that we, from a modern mindset, have different views and tastes regarding building styles. Because to us, something 200-400 years old seems really ancient, we need to realize that seeing something 1,500 years old has an entirely different architectural look and sense to it than what we’re accustomed to seeing. Hopefully, this info will help you. As mentioned, on a previous trip to Israel, some didn’t really understand these things beforehand, and it took them a bit to get themselves wrapped around some of these concepts. It was kind of a self-discovery process. For this reason, this orientation and background are provided so you can get the most out of your Holy Land Experience Trip and not get bogged down in this area. Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 3 How to Get the Most Out of Your Holy Land Trip ​ How to See What Many Don’t See in the Holy Land Understand that half of what there is to see in the Holy Land is hidden from most that walk her paths. They are unseen spiritual truths, only revealed to the sensitive and spiritual of heart. Try to get as close to God as you can prior to and during your time in the Holy Land, so you can see and hear things that many don’t see during their visit there. The Holy Land is not just places and historical artifacts; it’s an experience, an experience that is spiritual in nature and eye-opening for those who can see in this realm. You Won’t Be Able to See Everything It would be great to see every detail at every holy site, but that would take months, if not years, to do. It’s important to understand that there is a lot to see and, therefore, just the highlights can be seen. You’ll be eating the frosting off the cake and won’t be able to eat the whole thing. As a result, please don’t be discouraged if you can’t spend as much time in each place as you’d wish. You’ll have to move along to see just the highlights, and if you stay too long at one place, that means you’ll be saying “No” to another. Your Trip Won’t be Perfect It would be fantastic if you could be guaranteed a perfect trip with a perfect experience, but that’s just not reality. Going to the Holy Land is undoubtedly the closest you’ll get to the “Trip of a Lifetime,” but please don’t get your hopes up so high that you’re let down and feel discouraged if it doesn’t turn out as you dreamed. Your trip won’t be perfect. Your leader and the rest of your group will probably not live up to your expectations either. The only perfect person on the trip will be you (well, maybe not exactly perfect, but pretty close to it, lol). So just prepare yourself to understand that things just aren’t going to be flawless. Trust God for Your Experience It’s also easy to have preconceived ideas of what to expect; the emotions you’re going to feel, the dreams you might have of the Holy Land, and the experience you want to have. Please try to set some of these aside and trust God to give you the experience He has for you. Don’t get everything built up so high that it would be impossible to fulfill them. Trust God to bless you and teach you what He has for you. He’s the One who’s worked everything out for you to go, and I’m certain He has special things to teach you. Trust in Him and be looking for what He has for you. And after everything is said and done, be content with what He gives you. It’s His trip, and you need to be happy with the outcome, whatever it may be. Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 4 Understanding Group Travel Dynamics ​ Traveling with Others Part of the joy and richness of your Holy Land Experience will come from sharing it with others. Going somewhere alone is never as much fun as doing it with someone else. The impact and fullness of the experience will come alive as it’s experienced as a group rather than as an individual or couple. For this reason, you’ll want to consider a few things to make your Holy Land Experience the best as possible. Try to Think as a Group and Not as an Individual Traveling as a group is very different from traveling as an individual or couple. There will be other team members in your group, and each person needs to realize they’re part of a larger event than just themselves. The whole team will be depending on others to be punctual, courteous, thoughtful, and pleasant. Try to take into consideration that what you do affects everyone else on the team. Try to Keep Up with the Group It will be important that you keep up with the group and not linger too long seeing things during your travels. Because you’ll be seeing some really interesting things, it will be easy to get lost in these and forget that there are other things to see as well. Pleas e Be Punctual Everything from wake-up times, mealtimes, arrival times, departure times, and the site-seeing schedule for each day needs to be considered. Because you are spending a lot of money and taking precious time out of your busy life to experience the Holy Land, you’ll want to be as punctual as possible so you and your team can see everything as planned. Your group can only be as fast as the slowest person, so try to be punctual and thoughtful of others. If you tend to be a late person, consider getting a head start on things by starting earlier than normal so you can be on time. ​ Please Be Patient & Courteous Be aware that sometime during the trip, you’ll likely feel tired, a bit irritated with others, or upset at something that’s happened. Do your best to overlook the faults of others and try to keep yourself in check. Also, realize that we have an enemy who will do his best to take away from our experience by using others or problems. Be alert and prayerful! Keep yourself close to God and do your best to love others, and take everything in stride. Try to Be Rested Up Before Your Holy Land Trip Because you’re going to be expending a lot of energy during the trip, try to get as rested as possible before departure. To illustrate this point, we’ll use the term “gauges” to help us out. We all know that most of our vehicles have gauges: gas gauge, temperature gauge, oil gauge, etc. Using this analogy for our bodies, we all have bodily gauges as well. We have physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual gauges. Before your trip, try to get your bodily gauges as full as possible. By doing so, you’ll get more out of your trip and be more joyful and patient with others. Here are a few tips for filling up your bodily gauges before trip departure: Try and scale down on your activities and output before the trip. For example, cut back on meetings, outings, get-togethers, and social events. Get plenty of sleep. Get plenty of exercise (you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, so try to get in walking shape before the trip). Get as much of your responsibilities and commitments done ahead of time, and don’t wait until the last minute to take care of things. There will be plenty of last-minute things to do, so don’t add to them by procrastinating. Try to get packed and ready at your earliest convenience. If you need to shop for trip items, try to do so plenty of time in advance. By doing the following, you’ll start your trip with your bodily gauges full and not empty. And when you think about it, who would start a long journey with their car having an empty gas tank and little or no oil in the engine? Anchor 4 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 5 Travel Tips for Israel ​ 1. Get in shape physically before you go to Israel. You will be doing a lot of walking, so the better shape you’re in, the easier and more pleasant your time will be. Several months prior to your trip, start walking at least 15 minutes a day. 2. Activate your credit/debit cards before departure to Israel. 3. Make sure your Passport is up to date and valid. It must have 6 months of time left before expiration (of your dates in Israel) to be valid. 4. Don’t shave your body before taking a dip in the Dead Sea. The salt and minerals will irritate your skin. 5. Don’t show public display of affection with the opposite sex, especially on the Temple Mount and Muslim sites. 6. Don’t be afraid to bargain for purchases at marketplaces. It’s expected, so take part in it. 7. Establish meeting places at each site so that if for some reason you get lost or separated, you can find each other. 8. Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated. 9. Pack layered types of clothing instead of heavy clothes. 10. Carry your personal items in a safe place on your person. 11. Take a good camera or video camera. 12. Get used to people smoking as it’s very common in Israel and the Middle East. 13. Many Israelis are not religious, but secular. This might seem weird, but it’s true. 14. Carry a copy of your Passport. 15. Women should dress very modestly, especially when visiting holy sites. Ladies should bring a large scarf or shawl to cover themselves when necessary. 16. Men should wear hats when visiting Jewish holy sites. 17. Men should not wear hats when visiting Christian holy sites. ​ 18. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops when visiting holy sites like churches, Temple Mount, etc. ​ Anchor 5 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 6 Packing List ​ General Items Travel Bible or smartphone with Bible app Journal and pen for taking notes Plug adapter for plugging devices into the outlets in Israel. Click here for purchase options Note: The outlets in Israel are different from the States. You’ll need this adapter for plugging things in to be charged, etc. Also, electricity in Israel is 220 volts. In America, it’s 110 volts. Many electronic devices today can adapt to both voltages, such as smartphones, tablets, etc. If this is all you'll be charging, then a plug-in like this is all you'll need. Lightweight Portable Chair. Click here for purchase options Note: Chairs are optional, but you might find them handy for our Bible teachings. Charger converter needed for Israel (Needed for charging cameras and etc.). Click here for purchase options Note: Electricity in Israel is 220 volts. In America, it’s 110 volts. Many electronic devices today can adapt to both voltages. If you plan to take an item that cannot use 220 volts, then the above link is a charger converter you’ll need. Travel alarm or smartphone that has this capability Flashlight (mini) or smartphone that has this capability Camera or smartphone that has this capability Film or Storage Disks for your camera (bring plenty, because it's much more expensive in Israel) Many people find it helpful to take Ziplock baggies or small plastic containers to put their lunches in. ​ Clothes Dressing in layers is best when considering your clothes. For the most part, the weather will be warm and sunny during the time we are in Israel. However, there might be some cooler days and evenings. Note: Special clothing requirements must be considered when visiting sites like the Temple Mount, many churches, and other religious sites. Ladies: Please bring a large scarf or shawl to cover yourself when visiting these religious sites. You also must dress modestly so your knees and shoulders are covered. Men: You will not be able to enter many religious sites if you are wearing shorts or tank tops. Therefore, we discourage wearing these items during the day. However, they can generally be worn during your free time in the evenings if you'd like. General Clothing Swimsuit, beach shoes, and a plastic bag for the Dead Sea experience if you want to get in the water Light jacket Sturdy walking shoes with traction for the many stone paths and roads you’ll traverse. FYI ~ Many of the streets are paved with stone, so it's challenging to wear shoes with awkward heels/soles on uneven pavement. Sleepwear Hat for sun protection purposes Day Pack/Back Pack (can be used as a carry-on and for travel in Israel) Ziplock bags for lunches and items you might find while in Israel. Umbrella - Small contractible type Sunglasses ​​ Toiletries In Israel, most products are available. However, prices in Israel generally run higher. Following are some reminders of items you might want to take: Shampoo/Conditioner Soap Toothbrush Toothpaste Deodorant Lip balm Razor After-shave Band-Aids Feminine items Sunscreen Tylenol/ Ibuprofen Eyeglasses/ contact lenses Anti-bacterial hand lotion Any prescription medicine Money We suggest bringing around $300 USD for emergency use if needed. A credit card is the best way to pay for things in Israel, as you will get the best exchange rate. However, some local vendors will not accept credit cards, so Shekels are best for that (USD are also accepted by local vendors selling to tourists). Shekels can be drawn out from most ATMs in Israel. No need to go to your bank to get them ahead of time. At our first hotel in Tel Aviv, there is an ATM close to it. Food & Lunches The day of arrival in Israel (unless you arrive earlier) will be a Sabbath evening . This means all Jewish stores, restaurants, and so forth will close early (normally starting around 3:00 pm) This can present challenges for eating and preparing a lunch for the next day. If you will be arriving after 3:00 pm, you can eat dinner at the hotel or buy something ahead of time. Some places will be open, but very few. For the next day's sack lunch, you can buy something ahead of time or take extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels (the hotels seem okay with this). ​ Breakfast - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels. It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast if desired at a local restaurant or made by hand. ​ Lunch - Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare themself a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. ​Dinner – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you eat at local restaurants or the hotel if you prefer. ​ Note: Many people find it helpful to take Ziplock baggies or small plastic containers to put their lunches in. Luggage Size & Amount We don't have a luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding over 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage as it makes it hard to handle. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage on the trip, so don't pack any heavier than what you can lift. ​ Documents & Items to Carry with You at all Times There are several options for carrying your money and important documents with you on your trip. You can use a money belt (waist style or necklace style) or pockets on your pants or shirt that can be buttoned and secure. Passport ~ Must not expire until 6 months after your trip. Copy of your Passport Driver's License Printed or screenshots of your payment receipts for our trip to Israel in case you are interviewed by Israeli security at the airports (because of security purposes, Israel often interviews travelers at incoming and outgoing airports) Health Insurance Card or proof of insurance Credit/Debit Card (make sure to activate your cards for Israel or international travel) Note: It’s a good idea to have your debit card activated so you can draw out Shekels for spending in Israel. Travel Visa received in Israel at customs. Special Note: When arriving in Israel, you’ll go through customs to receive your visa for your stay in Israel. It will be a small piece of paper. Please don’t lose it! You will need it on several occasions while in the country. You can tuck it away in your passport if you’d like. ​ Anchor 6 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 7 Staying Connected While In Israel ​ Staying connected with loved ones back home and having Internet access is a high priority for many. ​ Also, being connected to the Internet would be very helpful in accessing our HolyLandSite.com website, where you would be able to see and follow along during our Bible studies and tours of each site we'll be visiting in Israel. Additionally, it would be very helpful to access info during your free time in the evenings if you wanted to investigate sites of interest, dining options, directions, and so forth. ​ What are the options for staying connected while in Israel? Here are the best solutions: ​ 1. In many cases, you can use your phone in Israel if you add on an international plan with your cell provider. Just check with your provider to learn about the cost and availability of this service. 2. You can purchase an Israeli SIM card. In most cases, these can be mailed to your home before leaving for Israel and then activated upon arrival in Israel (I believe these are only available for those in the United States, but you could call them and see.) A SIM card service we use is TalknSave . ​ 3. You can purchase a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival. Here are some links for this option: Buying a Sim Card at Tel Aviv Airport in 2023 - Traveltomtom.net Israeli SIM cards | SimToIsrael | Tour Israel Jerusalem Tel-Aviv ​ Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 8 ​Getting Around In Israel for Personal Use Public Bus Company - Egged Where will you find Egged buses? Almost everywhere. Egged is the biggest bus company in Israel. They usually operate as intercity buses, except for some cases in Northern Israel. Egged is also the main player in most Israeli cities, except for the Tel Aviv area. Their buses are completely green. Lately, they’ve also added a fleet of greyish buses. Useful Travel Apps Google Maps - This is our favorite. It has great maps in English, and you can use it to see exactly where you need to go. It also shows the live bus arrival times. Taxis Only use recognized, marked taxis in Israel. Sometimes, private people will act like a taxi service, but they are not. This can be risky. The taxis are easily recognizable with their distinct black and yellow taxi sign on their rooftops. The taxi fare you will pay to whichever city in Israel you are traveling to has a legally fixed price. This will depend on the time of the day that you are traveling (after 9.15 pm, there is a surcharge of +25%). There will also be an extra charge for more than two passengers, and if you have a large amount of luggage, you may have to pay another 5-10 NIS. Taxi drivers also charge an extra 5 NIS when leaving the airport. Catching a Taxi from the Street It is still common practice to hail a taxi on the streets in Israel. There are two ways to set the price: ​ 1. Ask the driver to turn on the meter. This is a good way to ensure you do not get overcharged. The meter will begin at a standard minimum charge and then go up from there. Drivers are also required to present you with a receipt at the end of the journey, should you ask for one. ​ 2. Negotiate a fee with the driver before you get into the taxi. Make sure you agree on a fair price for both of you so there are no nasty surprises when you arrive at your destination. ​ Taxi Apps In Israel Booking a taxi using an app on your smartphone is increasingly popular now. Following are several options. Yango Taxi Israel - This is an app where you can set your destination and see the estimated cost of your ride almost immediately. You can also track your ride in the App and see exactly when it will arrive. It’s an easy-to-use service that works both on Android and iOS telephones. ​ Yango lets you book a ride with multiple destinations and can also suggest alternative pickup points to reach your destination faster and at a cheaper price. Because the price is upfront, it will stay the same, even if you are delayed by traffic. ​ Gett - About 8,000 of Israel's 25,000 cab drivers now use Gett, an Israeli company once known as Gett Taxi. Gett Taxi app in Israel does not actually own taxis or employ drivers but simply takes a fee for introducing passengers and drivers and acting as a third party for payments. Like Yango, the system is transparent, so passengers can’t be overcharged. Also, it’s easy to pay by credit card. ​ Uber - Uber is smaller than Yango or Gett, so response times might be a bit longer. Ordering an Uber driver costs 8 NIS from the time you get in the car, then 1 NIS for every minute you spend in it, plus 2 NIS for every kilometer. The hotels can also order you taxis if needed. ​ Light Rail System This is a great way to travel while in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. ​ Transportation on the Sabbath Starting Friday afternoon (around 3:00 pm) all public transportation in Israel will begin shutting down and won't resume until Saturday evening around 7:00 pm. Getting around during this time is limited to walking, or taxis. Anchor 9 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 9 Orientation Meeting In Israel Topic s ​ Get Acquainted Time We'll begin our orientation meeting in Israel by getting acquainted. We'll simply go around the circle allowing each person to state their name and where they're from. Name Tags Each person will receive their own nametag that can be worn around the neck. Please wear it every day. This way, we can identify those in our group, and you won't get mixed up with other tour groups as well. ​ Audio Devices Each person will receive their own kit that will contain their audio device, charger, neckstrap, and earpiece. Each person will be responsible for charging their own audio device each evening. Please take care of your devices and keep the plastic bag they came in. T hese will need to be returned at the end of the trip in their plastic bags. Please top them off when you first get them so they're fully charged. ​ Lunches Because eating out is expensive in Israel and time-consuming, and we won't always be close to a restaurant, each person will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. ​ Stay Hyd rated Water is the best way to stay hydra ted. Soda and most other drinks will not hydrate you but inste ad, cause you to have to go to the bathroom more frequently. Many bathroom stops can slow down our tour schedule considerably. So, it's important to stay hydrated with the best means possible, which is water. ​ Bathroom Breaks You will have plenty of opportunities to use bathrooms, but we will not be able to stop all the time every time someone needs to use a bathroom. Stopping all the time can slow down our trip considerable and possibly cause us to omit some sites due to time constraints. As mentioned above, stay hydrated, but avoid drinking too many fluids so you don't have to go to the bathroom frequently. ​ Souvenirs We will be somewhat limited as to how long we can shop for souvenirs. There is always a tension between shopping and seeing sites. If too much time is taken shopping, then we might have to eliminate seeing a site during that day's agenda. During your free time (especially in Jerusalem) you can shop till you drop, so you might want to save your heavy shopping until these times. If you do see something at a site you must have, please make your purchases quickly so we can move along and see all the sites on the agenda for that day. ​ Video Filming As most of you know, we have a large YouTube Channel where we publish Bible videos of the Holy Land. In fact, most of you found this Israel tour trip through these videos. We will have our cameras rolling most of the time in order to gather more material to continue making more videos. We are grateful for your understanding and consideration of this ministry to the Lord. We hope you will just go about everything as normal and count it a blessing to be used by the Lord through these videos. ​ Also, as w e tour the sites, please feel free to video, take photos, and so forth of our talks and teachings for your own use as well. We'll try to move slowly through the sites so you'll have plenty of time for capturing your memories. ​ Understanding Some of the Sites Some of you might not agree with the religious background of some of the churches we enter. Please understand that just because we enter a church doesn't mean we are endorsing or agreeing with it. These churches have preserved these sites over the years so that they can be seen today. ​ We Won't Be Able to Wait in Long Lines at Some Sites There are two main sites where we will not be able to wait in long lines. The Church of the Nativity (to enter the grotto area) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (to enter the tomb) are the two main ones. To enter these sites can take many hours so if they are really important to you, then you will need to make arrangements on your own time to see them. We would need to eliminate other sites on the agenda in order to wait in the long lines. ​ Pass Along Directions While in crowded areas, please pass along turn directions and so forth so those behind you know where to go. ​ Fro nt Seats on the Tour Bus Please save the first two rows of seats on the bus for Holy Land Site staff. We'll have camera equipment and other items for which we'll need the space. Thank you for your understanding. ​ Tour Bus Departure Times From the Hotels We will depart the lobby of the main hotel each day promptly at 7:45 am to board the tour bus. Please be on time and ready to depart. It would be great to set a goal of being in the hotel lobby by around 7:30 am . Unfortunately, we will not be able to search for late people, so it will be each person's responsibility to be on time. ​ From Each Tour Site After we have toured a site, you will have 20 minutes to go to the bathroom and bye any souvenirs or items you want to purchase. We will tell you what time the bus will be departing so you can be sure to leave with the group. Again, we will not be able to search for late people , so it will be each person's responsibility to be on the bus when it departs. ​ If You Miss the Tour Bus If, for some reason, you miss the tour bus, you will need to get a taxi to the next place on the tour where we will be. Our itinerary can be found on our website. ​ Tour Trip Itinera ry If you don't have Internet service when you're away from your hotel, it would be wise to download the tour trip webpage so you can see the itinerary in case you are late and miss the tour bus. ​ Digital Maps of Daily Trip Itinerary On the website trip itinerary, you will see at the bottom of each day's itinerary a link to see a Google Map Directory of the route and sites we'll be seeing each day. ​ Internet Service While In Israel If you don't have Internet via your phone service, free Internet service is provided at each hotel where we will be staying. Also, the tour bus has free Internet service as well. ​ Pleas e Be Punctual Your experience, along with everyone else in the group, will be so much better if each person is punctual. Our group can only be as fast as the slowest person, so try to be punctual and thoughtful of others. If you tend to be late, consider getting a head start on things by starting earlier than normal so you can be on time. ​ Touring In Jerusalem This will be a little different than most places as we'll be on foot a lot. Be certain to stay with the group. We will use bathrooms along the way as needed. Please don't wander off, or you might get separated from the group. ​ Volunteers to Carry Our Tour Group Flag In many cases, it's nice to have our group's small flag so everyone can see where the beginning of the group is. If you would like to help out, just let us know. We would be grateful for the help. ​ Stay Toget her As We Tour It will be important to stay together as a group as we tour the sites. This way, you'll stay within range of the audio devices, which will allow you to hear the talks and not get lost. Please don't be a straggler or lag behind. ​ Hotel Transfer Days Take into account on the days we change hotels that you will need to get all your luggage ready for transport. Please give yourself extra time in the morning to have your luggage with you when we depart the hotel lobby at 7:45 am. ​ Also, check your rooms carefully when transferring hotels. If you leave something behind, it will be very difficult to return and get it. Also, it might not be there even if you return. ​ The Use of My Bible Over the years, I have moved over to using my cell phone for the Bible teachings due to the wind and ease of use. However, because I'm now known in all our videos with my Bible in hand, I now put my cell phone in my Bible when teaching. ​ When to Ask Questions During the beginning of the sites of interest and historical background of each site, and during the Bible teaching times, please hold your questions. Anytime during these times, please ask all the questions you would like. ​ Shekels for Using Some of the Bathrooms At some bath rooms, a few Shekels will be needed to use some of the bathrooms. If possible, have a few Shekels for this (you can draw them out in Israel at an ATM). If you don't have any Shekels, we will cover this for you. ​ Take Photos on Your Phone & Make Copies of Your Passports & Identification In case you might lose any of your identity documents, it's a good idea to take photos of them on your cell phone and make copies of them to carry with you. ​ Transportation on the Sabbath Starting Friday afternoon (around 3:00 pm), all public transportation in Israel will begin shutting down and won't resume until Saturday evening around 7:00 pm. Getting around during this time is limited to walking or taxis. ​ Just Call Me Todd While the Lord has blessed me with several Bible degrees and a Ph.D. in theology , please just call me Todd. I am your humble servant and nothing more. All that I am is due to God's grace and work in my life. Without Him, I am nothing. ​ Emergency Contact s ​ During Tour Hours Joel Fink: joelfink27@gmail.com 1-541-603-4770 USA ​ After Tour Hours Todd Fink: holylandsite.com@gmail . com 1-541-603-0881 USA ​

Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime October 20~November 5, 2023 17-Day Trip ​ Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it to the depths of our souls.​ You will never be the same or read your Bible the same after a trip like this. ​ If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective from the Scriptures of the events and places of the Bible. ​ We are delighted to share that Israel has removed every Covid vaccination mandate plus every other restriction, so visiting Israel is normal with no burdens whatsoever. As a result, we are rejoicing and really excited about our upcoming trips to Israel. ​ Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone around the world that is able to travel to Israel with a valid Passport. ​ ___________________ ​ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone with this dear friend of mine to Israel twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" ​ Dan Reeves ​ Quick Links ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD ​ Hotel Reservation Booking Section ​ About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration Info ​ Itinerary ​ Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation ​ Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources ​ Petra Trip Extension Info & Payments The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee: $1,850 USD Items covered by Holy Land Site Ministries: ​ Transportation in Israel Via a Deluxe A/C Motorcoach ​ All Park & Entrance Passes ​ Holy Land Site Tour Guide and Bible Teacher, Dr. Todd Fink ​ Wireless Headsets for a Better Listening Experience Individual Costs : $2,800 USD This cost can change depending on individual preferences and location. ​ To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we allow individuals to book their own lodging and airfare. Also, to see as many sites as possible and keep costs down, we have folks pack a sack lunch. The hotels will provide breakfast and dinners if desired. We recommend eating breakfast at the hotels for time and convenience sake. For those desiring to experience the culture, you can enjoy eating dinners out at the local restaurants of your choice. Items to be covered by each individual: ​ The costs below are close estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selections, and how expensive you want to eat. ​ Sack Lunch & Dinner Meals in Israel ...... $450 per person (Breakfast included in Hotel cost) ​ Lodging in Israel (found on itinerary) ... $1,200 per person (Based on private, double occupancy rooms.) ​ Airfare ...................................................... $1,100 per person ​ Personal transportation In Israel ................ $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv, and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method for this transportation. Due to multiple arrivals and departures from passengers, it is not possible for us to attend everyone’s various time schedules. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements.​ ​ Total Estimated Cost of Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee $1,850 ​ Individual Costs $2,800 ​ Total $4,650.00 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, then this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land allow only around 7-8 full days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss out on many significant holy sites as a result. This trip will have you in Israel for 13 full touring days. You will, therefore, see almost everything significant there is to see in Israel. A 17-day trip like this normally is quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? Because we are eliminating tour companies, travel agencies, tour guides, etc., and are providing these services instead. We are also allowing you to book your own airfare, lodging, and some of your meals. And lastly, we are staying in nice, clean hotels/hostels instead of expensive hotels. It is our pleasure to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ in offering you this special and affordable trip of a lifetime. Because this is a custom trip, each participant will be required to book their own airfare, lodging, and purchase some of their own meals. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This trip is not for the weak and faint of heart! There will be a fair amount of walking, some hiking, climbing stairs, times when it could be warm (Dead Sea area), etc. Those considering this trip need to be in good shape and able to withstand some discomfort at times due to heat, walking, stairs, steps, hiking, etc. Our estimated walking distance will be about 3 - 5 miles (4 - 7 km.) a day. Those considering this trip need to be prepared for a rewarding but full schedule of about 8 - 9 hours a day. However, if at any time you want to take time off for rest during the trip, you are welcome to do so. GROUP SIZE LIMIT In order to have a more intimate and better experience, we limit our group size to around 35 - 40 people. This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (to and from Ben Gurion Airport). Please make plans to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. ​ Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who is able to take us to all sites in Israel, even in the West Bank. LODGING IN ISRAEL We will be staying at hotels with private rooms and bathrooms during our time in Israel. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). Click here for hotel reservation links . ​ LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding over 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage as it makes it hard to handle. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage on the trip, so don't pack any heavier than what you can lift. ​ MEALS IN ISRAEL Each person will be responsible for paying for their own lunches and dinners. ​ Breakfast - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels. It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast if desired at a local restaurant or made by hand. ​ Lunch - Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare themself a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. ​Dinner – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you eat at local restaurants or the hotel if you prefer. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay for all park and entrance fees to all sites. You will be responsible for paying for any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will normally last around two hours. We will begin with some orientation of the site. Then we'll do a walking tour to see the site and its points of interest. Afterward, we'll find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that happened at the site and close with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God would desire to teach us. Some of the Bible teachings might be filmed for publishing on our website. We'll then end our visit with some free time. DOCUMENTS A valid U.S. Passport is required. Passports must have at least six months left before they expire for travel to Israel. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and info on our website that provide help and orientation to better understand many of the biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other helpful info. In addition, we will provide helpful info leading up to our trip that will help prepare you to get the most out of your holy land experience. ​ We also ask that you acquaint yourself with our Travel Orientation Material found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen these dates to visit Israel because the weather is stable, the days are longer, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please take into consideration that there might be slight adjustments to the schedule depending on things out of our control. Additionally, if the team would like some flexibility in seeing sights, we are happy to do this if possible. ​ MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL Phone SIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service at all times while in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. ​ If you don't have Internet via your phone service, at each hotel where we will be staying, free Internet service is provided. Also, the tour bus has free Internet service as well. ​ DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each tour trip itinerary , you will see at the bottom of each day's itiner ary a link to see a Google Map of the route and sites we'll be seeing each day. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: Google Ma p Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will leave our place of lodging each day at 7:45 am and return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. From this time on, you will have free time to eat, relax, see the local sites and culture, etc. ​ PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. The best option is to make sure you have Internet in Israel (you can activate your phone or get an Israeli SIM card) and use Google Maps. It will tell you exactly which bus, light rail train, or walking route to use. It also works in real-time, so you can see exactly when buses or trains are arriving and departing. ​ AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with tour hosts. ​ ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION INFO HOLY LAND TRIP NEWS Israel is open for tourism and has no vaccination mandates or restrictions at this time. ​ REGISTRATION DEPOSIT A registration deposit of $500 USD is required to register and secure your spot on the Holy Land Experience Team. Before paying your deposit, please fill out the online registration form. We will then notify you of your acceptance into the trip team, and payment of your deposit can then be made. After being notified of your acceptance on the team, you can pay your deposit at your earliest convenience. This will ensure your spot in the group. ​ REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD ​ REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATE Your trip registration, deposit, and final payment deadline is August 1 , 2023 . Tourism is growing quite rapidly in Israel, and things need to be done earlier than in previous years. Therefore, booking lodging, bus transportation in Israel, etc., needs to be done no later than 2 months before trip departure to ensure availability (booking lodging is even recommended 6 months in advance for best availability). For these reasons, we have set August 1 , 2023 , as the deadline for trip registration for everyone. For those who desire to attend this trip after August 1 , 2023 , we will handle each person on a space availability case basis. Thanks for your understanding. ​ CANCELATIO NS & RE FUNDS Deposit Refund Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons on or before the August 1 , 2023 , deadline, Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half ($250) of your $500 deposit. ​ Deposit Transfer If you would like to transfer your deposit to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds of All Funds Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons before August 1 , 2023 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment. ​ If you must cancel your trip due to personal reasons after August 1 , 2023 , Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of your final payment due to expenses we will have already incurred and cannot recuperate. ​ Full Payments Transfer If you would like to transfer your $500 deposit or final payment to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds from Personal Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Because these purchases will be the responsibility of each person, Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. ​ Refunds if Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control, i.e., Covid-19, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person as these were booked personally. All funds paid to Holy Land Site Ministries will be cheerfully refunded except the $500 deposit, as Holy Land Site Ministries has overhead expenses that cannot be recuperated. If you want full protection for trip expenses, w e suggest you get trip insurance to protect all your expenses, i.e., flights, lodging, Holy Land Site Ministries fees, etc. ​ TRIP PROTECTION INSURANCE If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you, or if the trip is canceled for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies provide travel protection insurance in the case of cancelations due to unforeseen reasons. Travel Protection Agencies (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com) ​ Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/ ​ Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com ​ Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans ​ Seven Corners: sevencorners.com ​ WHEN TO BOOK AIRFARE & LODGING Please do not book any flights or lodging until you receive your trip confirmation from Holy Land Site Ministries. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS ​ Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: October 21, Check-out: October 22, One night Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com ​ Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias Check-in: October 22, Check-out: October 26, Four nights Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com ​ Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: October 26, Check-out: November 4, Nine nights Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com ​ Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. If, for some reason, the hotels are full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the check-in lobby of the main hotel by 7:45 am. Bus departure is scheduled daily at 8:00 am from each hotel. ​ ​ CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmailcom Website: HolyL andSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, OCT 20 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please make plans to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, on October 21 , 2023. Please arrive by 3:00 pm. This will give you plenty of time to attend our orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah & Suites Hotel and then find a meeting place. ​ Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. ​ Clic k to see "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video" SAT, OCT 21 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through customs. Please don’t lose your small tourist visa provided to you. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow approximately 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Orientation and get acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel ​ SUN, OCT 22 TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed and the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation , where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee , which will be our base for the next 4 nights. Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, OCT 23 SEA OF GALILEE AREA This day alone is worth the trip! We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day at Ginasor , where we'll see an ancient boat ( Beit Yigal Allon Museum) from the time of Jesus. We'll take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used in Jesus’ day. We’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes , the location of the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. From the Mount of Beatitudes, we'll walk in the footsteps of Jesus down the hill to Tabgha by the Sea of Galilee. Then on to Capernaum , where Jesus set up His home ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons out of a demon-possessed man. Time permitting, we'll end the day at a breathtaking spot overlooking the Sea of Galilee , where we'll see many sites around its shore, one of which is where the Feeding of the 5,000 took place. Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, OCT 24 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the cursed towns, which has one of the most preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. Then it's on to visit the most likely place Jesus called many of His disciples and the area where Peter was reconciled with Christ after denying Him three times. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach where you can dip your feet in the Sea of Galilee or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, OCT 25 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll visit Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle against the Midianites. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and finish the day on top of Mt. Arbel , the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission, and which provides a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, OCT 26 JORDAN VALLEY AREA We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley, following the footsteps that Jesus and His disciples would have walked, arriving at the Baptismal Site of Jesus, where Jesus was baptized by John. We'll provide an option for those who would like to get baptized to do so. Then to Jericho , the oldest known walled city and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims did since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet "I was glad when they said unto me: 'Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem'" (Psalms 122:1–2). Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary FRI, OCT 27 DEAD SEA AREA We’ll begin the day by driving to Masada , a massive fortress rock column that overlooks the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll ascend Masada by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod's Palace, where in 73 AD, the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness. Then, what would a visit to Israel be without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward. Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, OCT 28 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We'll then visit the magnificent Herodian Fortress. While there, we'll view the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . We’ll then travel to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then on to Beth Shemesh , where key events in the life of Samson took place and where the Ark of the Covenant miraculously was returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary ​ SUN, OCT 29 SAMARIA AREA Today we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink out of Jacob’s Well , the place where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years, and where Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then it’s on to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward. Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, OCT 30 JERUSALE M We’ll start the day with a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives and orient ourselves to the layout and places of Jerusalem . We’ll then visit the Chapel of Ascension , where Christ ascended back to heaven and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll take the Palm Sunday Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll see Mary’s Tomb and underground caves that were part of Gethsemane . Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, OCT 31 JERUSALEM Today, we’ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , where Solomon’s Temple was and the holiest and most battled-over piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jew’s most holy site in Israel. We’ll visit the Southern Stairs Area , which was the main entrance to the Temple Mount, a place Christ and His disciples would have often been, and the likely place where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and then see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10 : Google Map Itinerary ​ WED, NOV 1 JERUSALEM Today we will visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper, and where early Christians built an early church/synagogue shortly after the time of Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a model of Jerusalem from around 135 AD . Then we'll have the privilege of visiting the City of David , where everything began in Jerusalem. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb. For those who would like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. For the others, you can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man. We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, NOV 2 NEGEV AREA Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin by visiting the Oaks of Mamre , a preserved site over the place where Abraham lived for a period of time and had several amazing encounters with God. Just a short distance from the Oaks of Mamre is the place where the patriarchs are buried in the Cave of Machpelah . Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We’ll then travel to Beersheba , where Abraham lived and made a covenant with Abimelech. Farewell Dinner at 6:30 pm. Free time afterward. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary ​ FRI, NOV 3 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by seeing Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Golgotha , where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the Stations of the Cross . Then we'll walk to the Lions' Gate and see the famous Eastern Gate and Eastern Wall , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to the time of Solomon and see the evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then we'll see the Church of St. Anne, where the Pool of Bethesda is located, the place Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. Free time afterward. Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, NOV 4 ISRAEL - HOME Unless you plan on continuing your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible! ​ The hotel in Jerusalem ​(Prima Park) ​provides several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv​ right from the hotel. All of them can be prearranged, so you have no waiting time whatsoever. It is recommended to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at least 4 hours in advance. This means you should leave Jerusalem 5 hours before your flight departure. Following are your transportation options: ​ 1. Taxi: C osts around $100 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $120 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 3. 12-passenger Shuttle Bus: Costs around $25.00 USD per person. Please arrange transportation with the hotel front desk a day in advance. All transportation options take about an hour to reach the airport and run every day of the week, even on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport ​ C li ck t o see "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video" SUN, NOV 5 ARRIVE HOME Return home filled with an overflowing heart, knowing that you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the actual places where many of the events in the Bible took place. Anchor 3

Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime October 25 ~ November 10, 2024 17-Day Trip ​ Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it to the depths of our souls.​ You will never be the same or read your Bible the same after a trip like this.​ ​ If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective from the Scriptures of the events and places of the Bible. ​ We are delighted to share that Israel has removed every Covid vaccination mandate plus every other restriction, so visiting Israel is normal with no issues whatsoever. As a result, we are rejoicing and really excited about our upcoming trips to Israel. Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone around the world that is able to travel to Israel with a valid passport. ​ ___________________ ​ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone with this dear friend of mine to Israel twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" ​ Dan Reeves ​ Quick Links ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD ​ Hotel Reservation B o okin g Section ​ About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration Info ​ Itinerary ​ Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation ​ Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee: $1,850 USD Items covered by Holy Land Site Ministries: ​ Transportation in Israel Via a Deluxe A/C Motorcoach ​ All Park & Entrance Passes ​ Holy Land Site Tour Guide and Bible Teacher, Dr. Todd Fink ​ Wireless Headsets for a Better Listening Experience Individual Costs: $2,800 USD This cost can change depending on individual preferences and location. ​ To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we allow individuals to book their own lodging and airfare. Also, to see as many sites as possible and keep costs down, we have folks pack a sack lunch. The hotels will provide breakfast and dinners if desired. We recommend eating breakfast at the hotels for time and convenience sake. For those desiring to experience the culture, you can enjoy eating dinners out at the local restaurants of your choice. Items to be covered by each individual: ​ The costs below are close estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selections, and how expensive you want to eat. ​ Sack Lunch & Dinner Meals in Israel $450 per person (Breakfast included in Hotel cost) ​ Lodging in Israel (found on itinerary) $1,200 per person (Based on private, double occupancy rooms.) ​ Airfare $1,100 per person ​ Personal transportation In Israel $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv, and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method for this transportation. Due to multiple arrivals and departures from passengers, it is not possible for us to attend everyone’s various time schedules. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements.​ ​ Total Estimated Cost of Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee $1,850 ​ Individual Costs $2,800 ​ Total $4,650 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, then this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land allow only around 7-8 full days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss out on many significant holy sites as a result. This trip will have you in Israel for 13 full touring days. You will, therefore, see almost everything significant there is to see in Israel. A 17-day trip like this normally is quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? Because we are eliminating tour companies, travel agencies, tour guides, etc., and are providing these services instead. We are also allowing you to book your own airfare, lodging, and some of your meals. And lastly, we are staying in nice, clean hotels/hostels instead of expensive hotels. It is our pleasure to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ in offering you this special and affordable trip of a lifetime. Because this is a custom trip, each participant will be required to book their own airfare, lodging, and purchase their own meals. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This trip is not for the weak and faint of heart! There will be a fair amount of walking, some hiking, climbing stairs, times when it could be warm (Dead Sea area), etc. Those considering this trip need to be in good shape and able to withstand some discomfort at times due to heat, walking, stairs, steps, hiking, etc. Our estimated walking distance will be about 3 - 5 miles (4 - 7 km.) a day. Those considering this trip need to be prepared for a rewarding but full schedule of about 8 - 9 hours a day. However, if at any time you want to take time off for rest during the trip, you are welcome to do so. GROUP SIZE LIMIT In order to have a more intimate and better experience, we limit our group size to around 35 - 40 people. This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (to and from Ben Gurion Airport). Please make plans to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. ​ Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who is able to take us to all sites in Israel, even in the West Bank. LODGING IN ISRAEL We will be staying at hotels with private rooms and bathrooms during our time in Israel. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). Click here for hotel reservation links ​ LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a luggage size and number allo wance per person, but we suggest not exceeding over 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage as it makes it hard to handle. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage on the trip, so don't pack any heavier than what you can lift. MEALS IN ISRAEL Each person will be responsible for paying for their own lunches and dinners. ​ Breakfast - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels. It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast if desired at a local restaurant or made by hand. ​ Lunch - Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare themself a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. ​Dinner – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you eat at local restaurants or the hotel if you prefer. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay for all park and entrance fees to all sites. You will be responsible for paying for any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will normally last around two hours. We will begin with some orientation of the site. Then we'll do a walking tour to see the site and its points of interest. Afterward, we'll find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that happened at the site and close with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God would desire to teach us. Some of the Bible teachings might be filmed for publishing on our website. We'll then end our visit with some free time. DOCUMENTS A valid U.S. Passport is required. Passports must have at least six months left before they expire for travel to Israel. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and info on our website that provide help and orientation to better understand many of the biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other helpful info. In addition, we will provide helpful info leading up to our trip that will help prepare you to get the most out of your holy land experience. ​ We also ask that you acquaint yourself with our Travel Orientation Material found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen these dates to visit Israel because the weather is stable, the days are longer, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please take into consideration that there might be slight adjustments to the schedule depending on things out of our control. Additionally, if the team would like some flexibility in seeing sights, we are happy to do this if possible. ​ MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL Phone SIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service at all times while in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. ​ If you don't have Internet via your phone service, at each hotel where we will be staying, free Internet service is provided. Also, the tour bus has free Internet service as well. ​ DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each tour trip itinerary , you will see at the bottom of each day's itiner ary a link to see a Google Map of the route and sites we'll be seeing each day. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will leave our place of lodging each day at 7:45 am and return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. From this time on, you will have free time to eat, relax, see the local sites and culture, etc. ​ PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, use the bus or light rail train system. The best option is to make sure you have Internet in Israel (you can activate your phone or get an Israeli SIM card) and use Google Maps. It will tell you exactly which bus, light rail train, or walking route will best suit you. It also works in real-time, so you can see exactly when buses and trains are arriving and departing. ​ AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with tour hosts. ​ ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION INFO HOLY LAND TRIP NEWS Israel is open for tourism and has no vaccination mandates or restrictions at this time. ​ REGISTRATION DEPOSIT A registration deposit of $500 USD is required to register and secure your spot on the Holy Land Experience Team. Before paying your deposit, please fill out the online registration form. We will then notify you of your acceptance into the trip team, and payment of your deposit can then be made. After being notified of your acceptance on the team, you can pay your deposit at your earliest convenience. This will ensure your spot in the group. ​ REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD ​ REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATE Your trip registration, deposit, and final payment deadline is August 1 , 2024 . Tourism is growing quite rapidly in Israel, and things need to be done earlier than in previous years. Therefore, booking lodging, bus transportation in Israel, etc., needs to be done no later than 2 months before trip departure to ensure availability (booking lodging is even recommended 6 months in advance for best availability). For these reasons, we have set August 1 , 2024 , as the deadline for trip registration for everyone. For those who desire to attend this trip after August 1 , 2024 , we will handle each person on a space availability case basis. Thanks for your understanding. ​ CANCELATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Refund Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons on or before the August 1 , 2024, deadline, Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half ($250) of your $500 deposit. ​ Deposit Transfer If you would like to transfer your deposit to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds of All Funds Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons before August 1 , 2024 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment. ​ If you must cancel your trip due to personal reasons after August 1 , 2024 , Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of your final payment due to expenses we will have already incurred and cannot recuperate. ​ Full Payments Transfer If you would like to transfer your $500 deposit or final payment to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds from Personal Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Because these purchases will be the responsibility of each person, Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. ​ R Refunds if Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control, i.e., Covid-19, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person as these were booked personally. All funds paid to Holy Land Site Ministries will be cheerfully refunded except the $500 deposit, as Holy Land Site Ministries has overhead expenses that cannot be recuperated. If you want full protection for trip expenses, w e suggest you get trip insurance to protect all your expenses, i.e., flights, lodging, Holy Land Site Ministries fees, etc. ​ TRIP PROTECTION INSURANCE If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you, or if the trip is canceled for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies provide travel protection insurance in the case of cancelations due to unforeseen reasons. Travel Protection Agencies (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com) ​ Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance ​ Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com ​ Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans ​ Seven Corners: sevencorners.com ​ WHEN TO BOOK AIRFARE & LODGING Please book your lodging at your earliest convenience, as lodging fills up fast in Israel. You can book your flights around 6 months before trip departure or as desired. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We show Bookings.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be done 72 hours in advance with no fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. ​ Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: October 26, Check-out: October 27. One night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com (booking becomes available about 1 year in advance) ​ Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias Check-in: October 27, Check-out: October 31 . Four nights stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com (booking becomes available about 1 year in advance) ​ Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: October 31 , Check-out: November 9. Nine nights stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com (booking becomes available about 1 year in advance) ​ Note : For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. If, for some reason, the hotels are full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the check-in lobby of the main hotel by 7:45 am. Bus departure is scheduled daily at 8:00 am from each hotel. ​ ​ CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmailcom Website: HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, OCT 25 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than October 26, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend our orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah & Suites Hotel and then go to our meeting place. ​ Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. ​ Clic k to see "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video" ​ SAT, OCT 26 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through customs. Please don’t lose your small tourist visa provided to you. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow approximately 3 hours from the airport to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Orientation and get acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel ​ SUN, OCT 27 TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed and the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation , where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee , which will be our base for the next 4 nights. Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, OCT 28 SEA OF GALILEE AREA This day alone is worth the trip! We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day at Ginasor , where we'll see an ancient boat (Beit Yigal Allon Museum) from the time of Jesus. We'll take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used in Jesus’ day. We’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes , the location of the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. From the Mount of Beatitudes, we'll walk in the footsteps of Jesus down the hill to Tabgha by the Sea of Galilee. Then on to Capernaum , where Jesus set up His home ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons out of a demon-possessed man. Time permitting, w e'll end the day at a breathtaking spot overlooking the Sea of Galilee , where we'll see many sites around its shore, one of which is where the Feeding of the 5,000 took place. Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, OCT 29 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the cursed towns, which has one of the most preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. Then it's on to visit the most likely place Jesus called many of His disciples and the area where Peter was reconciled with Christ after denying Him three times. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach where you can dip your feet in the Sea of Galilee or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary ​ WED, OCT 30 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll visit Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle against the Midianites. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and finish the day on top of Mt. Arbel , the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission, which provides a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, OCT 31 JORDAN VALLEY AREA We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley, following the footsteps that Jesus and His disciples would have walked arriving at the Baptismal Site of Jesus, where Jesus was baptized by John. We'll provide an option for those who would like to get baptized to do so. Then to Jericho , the oldest known walled city and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims did since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet "I was glad when they said unto me: 'Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem'" (Psalms 122:1–2). Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary FRI, NOV 1 DEAD SEA AREA We’ll begin the day by driving to Masada , a massive fortress rock column that overlooks the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll ascend Masada by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod's Palace, where in 73 AD, the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness. Then, what would a visit to Israel be without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward. Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, NOV 2 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We'll then visit the magnificent Herodian Fortress. While there, we'll view the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man. We’ll then travel to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then on to Beth Shemesh , where key events in the life of Samson took place and where the Ark of the Covenant miraculously was returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary ​ SUN, NOV 3 SAMARIA AREA Today we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink out of Jacob’s Well , where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years, and where Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then it’s on to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward. Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, NOV 4 JERUSALEM We’ll start the day with a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives and orient ourselves to the layout and places of Jerusalem . We’ll then visit the Chapel of Ascension , where Christ ascended back to heaven and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll take the Palm Sunday Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll see Mary’s Tomb and underground caves that were part of Gethsemane . Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, NOV 5 JERUSALEM Today, we’ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location where Solomon’s Temple was and the holiest and most battled-over piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jew’s most holy site in Israel. We’ll visit the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount, a place Christ and His disciples would have often been, and the likely place where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and then see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary ​ ​ WED, NOV 6 JERUSALEM Today we will visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper , and the place an early church/synagogue was built by early Christians shortly after the time of Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a model of Jerusalem from around 135 AD . Then we'll have the privilege of visiting the City of David , where everything began in Jerusalem. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb. For those who would like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. For the others, you can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man. We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, NOV 7 NEGEV AREA Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin by visiting the Oaks of Mamre , a preserved site over the place where Abraham lived for a period of time and had several amazing encounters with God. Just a short distance from the Oaks of Mamre is the place where the patriarchs are buried in the Cave of Machpelah . Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We’ll then travel to Beersheba , where Abraham lived and made a covenant with Abimelech. Farewell Dinner at 6:30 pm for those who are able. Free time afterward. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary ​ FRI, NOV 8 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by seeing Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Golgotha , where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the Stations of the Cross . Then we'll walk to the Lions' Gate and see the famous Eastern Gate and Eastern Wall , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to the time of Solomon and see the evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then we'll see the Church of St. Anne, where the Pool of Bethesda is located, the place Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. Free time afterward. Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, NOV 9 ISRAEL - HOME Unless you plan on continuing your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible! ​ The hotel in Jerusalem ​(Prima Park) ​provides several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv​ right from the hotel. All of them can be prearranged so you have no waiting time whatsoever. It is recommended to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at least 4 hours in advance. This means you should leave Jerusalem 5 hours before your flight departure. Following are your transportation options: ​ 1. Taxi: C osts around $100 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $120 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 3. 12-passenger Shuttle Bus: Costs around $25.00 USD per person. Please arrange transportation with the hotel front desk a day in advance. All transportation options take about an hour to reach the airport and run every day of the week, even on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport ​ Cli ck t o see "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video" SUN, NOV 10 ARRIVE HOME Return home filled with an overflowing heart, knowing that you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the actual places where many of the events in the Bible took place. ​ ​ Anchor 3

Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime May 2~18, 2025 17-Day Trip ​ Our Hol y Land Trips are open to anyone around the world that is able to travel to Israel with a valid passport. Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it to the depths of our souls.​ You will never be the same or read your Bible the same after a trip like this.​ ​ If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective from the Scriptures of the events and places of the Bible. ​ We are delighted to share that Israel has removed every Covid vaccination mandate plus every other restriction, so visiting Israel is normal with no issues whatsoever. As a result, we are rejoicing and really excited about our upcoming trips to Israel. ​ ___________________ ​ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone with this dear friend of mine to Israel twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" ​ Dan Reeves ​ Quick Links ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final P ayment ~ $1, 4 50 USD ​ Hotel R eservation B ooki ng Section ​ About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration Info ​ Itinerary ​ Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation ​ Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee: $ 1, 9 50 USD Items covered by Holy Land Site Ministries: ​ Transportation in Israel Via a Deluxe A/C Motorcoach ​ All Park & Entrance Passes ​ Holy Land Site Tour Guide and Bible Teacher, Dr. Todd Fink ​ Wireless Headsets for a Better Listening Experience Individual Costs: $2,800 USD This cost can change depending on individual preferences and location. ​ To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we allow individuals to book their own lodging and airfare. Also, to see as many sites as possible and keep costs down, we have folks pack a sack lunch. The hotels will provide breakfast and dinners if desired. We recommend eating breakfast at the hotels for time and convenience sake. For those desiring to experience the culture, you can enjoy eating dinners out at the local restaurants of your choice. Items to be covered by each individual: ​ The costs below are close estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selections, and how expensive you want to eat. ​ Sack Lunch & Dinner Meals in Israel $450 per person (Breakfast included in Hotel cost) ​ Lodging in Israel (found on the itinerary) $1,200 per person (Based on private, double occupancy rooms.) ​ Airfare $1,100 per person ​ Personal transportation In Israel $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv, and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method for this transportation. Due to multiple arrivals and departures from passengers, it is not possible for us to attend everyone’s various time schedules. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements.​ ​ Total Estimated Cost of Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee $1, 9 50 ​ Individual Costs $2,800 ​ Total $4, 7 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, then this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land allow only around 7-8 full days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss out on many significant holy sites as a result. This trip will have you in Israel for 13 full touring days. You will, therefore, see almost everything significant there is to see in Israel. A 17-day trip like this normally is quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? Because we are eliminating tour companies, travel agencies, tour guides, etc., and are providing these services instead. We are also allowing you to book your own airfare, lodging, and some of your meals. And lastly, we are staying in nice, clean hotels/hostels instead of expensive hotels. It is our pleasure to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ in offering you this special and affordable trip of a lifetime. Because this is a custom trip, each participant will be required to book their own airfare, lodging, and purchase some of their own meals. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This trip is not for the weak and faint of heart! There will be a fair amount of walking, some hiking, climbing stairs, times when it could be warm (Dead Sea area), etc. Those considering this trip need to be in good shape and able to withstand some discomfort at times due to heat, walking, stairs, steps, hiking, etc. Our estimated walking distance will be about 3 - 5 miles (4 - 7 km.) a day. Those considering this trip need to be prepared for a rewarding but full schedule of about 8 - 9 hours a day. However, if at any time you want to take time off for rest during the trip, you are welcome to do so. ​ GROUP SIZE LIMIT In order to have a more intimate and better experience, we limit our group size to around 40 people. This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (to and from Ben Gurion Airport). Please make plans to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm at our Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. ​ Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who is able to take us to all sites in Israel, even in the West Bank. LODGING IN ISRAEL We will be staying at hotels with private rooms and bathrooms during our time in Israel. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). ​ LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding over 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage as it makes it hard to handle. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage on the trip, so don't pack any heavier than what you can lift. MEALS IN ISRAEL Each person will be responsible for paying for their own lunches and dinners. ​ Breakfast - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels. It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast if desired at a local restaurant or made by hand. ​ Lunch - Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare themself a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. ​Dinner – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you eat at local restaurants or the hotel if you prefer. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay for all park and entrance fees to all sites. You will be responsible for paying for any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will normally last around two hours. We will begin with some orientation of the site. Then we'll do a walking tour to see the site and its points of interest. Afterward, we'll find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that happened at the site and close with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God would desire to teach us. Some of the Bible teachings might be filmed for publishing on our website. We'll then end our visit with some free time. DOCUMENTS A valid U.S. Passport is required. Passports must have at least six months left before they expire for travel to Israel. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and info on our website that provide help and orientation to better understand many of the biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other helpful info. In addition, we will provide helpful info leading up to our trip that will help prepare you to get the most out of your holy land experience. ​ We also ask that you acquaint yourself with our Travel Orientation Material found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen these dates to visit Israel because the weather is stable, the days are longer, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please take into consideration that there might be slight adjustments to the schedule depending on things out of our control. Additionally, if the team would like some flexibility in seeing sights, we are happy to do this if possible. ​ MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL Phone SIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service at all times while in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. ​ If you don't have Internet via your phone service, at each hotel where we will be staying, free Internet service is provided. Also, the tour bus has free Internet service as well. ​ DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each tour trip itinerary , you will see at the bottom of each day's itiner ary a link to see a Google Map of the route and sites we'll be seeing each day. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will leave our place of lodging each day at 7:45 am and return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. From this time on, you will have free time to eat, relax, see the local sites and culture, etc. ​ PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, use the bus or light rail train system. The best option is to make sure you have Internet in Israel (you can activate your phone or get an Israeli SIM card) and use Google Maps. It will tell you exactly which bus, light rail train, or walking route will best suit you. It also works in real-time, so you can see exactly when buses and trains are arriving and departing. ​ AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with tour hosts. ​ ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION INFO HOLY LAND TRIP NEWS Israel is open for tourism and has no vaccination mandates or restrictions at this time. ​ REGISTRATION DEPOSIT A registration deposit of $500 USD is required to register and secure your spot on the Holy Land Experience Team. Before paying your deposit, please fill out the online registration form. We will then notify you of your acceptance into the trip team, and payment of your deposit can then be made. After being notified of your acceptance on the team, you can pay your deposit at your earliest convenience. This will ensure your spot in the group. ​ REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payme nt ~ $1, 4 50 USD ​ REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATE Your trip registration, deposit, and final payment deadline is March 1 , 2025 . Tourism is growing quite rapidly in Israel, and things need to be done earlier than in previous years. Therefore, booking lodging, bus transportation in Israel, etc., needs to be done no later than 2 months before trip departure to ensure availability (booking lodging is even recommended 6 months in advance for best availability). For these reasons, we have set March 1 , 2025 , as the deadline for trip registration for everyone. For those who desire to attend this trip after March 1 , 2025 , we will handle each person on a space availability case basis. Thanks for your understanding. ​ CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Refund Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons on or before the March 1 , 2025, deadline, Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half ($250) of your $500 deposit. ​ Deposit Transfer If you would like to transfer your deposit to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds of All Funds Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons before March 1 , 2025 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment. ​ If you must cancel your trip due to personal reasons after March 1 , 2025 , Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of your final payment due to expenses we will have already incurred and cannot recuperate. ​ Full Payments Transfer If you would like to transfer your $500 deposit or final payment to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds from Personal Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Because these purchases will be the responsibility of each person, Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. ​ Refunds if Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control, i.e., Covid-19, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person as these were booked personally. All funds paid to Holy Land Site Ministries will be cheerfully refunded except the $500 deposit, as Holy Land Site Ministries has overhead expenses that cannot be recuperated. If you want full protection for trip expenses, w e suggest you get trip insurance to protect all your expenses, i.e., flights, lodging, Holy Land Site Ministries fees, etc. ​ TRIP PROTECTION INSURANCE If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you, or if the trip is canceled for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies provide travel protection insurance in the case of cancelations due to unforeseen reasons. Travel Protection Agencies (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com) ​ Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance ​ Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com ​ Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans ​ Seven Corners: sevencorners.com ​ WHEN TO BOOK AIRFARE & LODGING Please book your lodging at your earliest convenience, as lodging fills up quickly in Israel. You can book your flights around 6 months before trip departure or as desired. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We show Bookings.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be done 72 hours in advance with no fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: May 3, Check-out: May 4. One night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com or Kfar Maccabiah Direct Booking (Booking only allowed one year in advance) ​ Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias Check-in: May 4, Check-out: May 8. Four nights stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com (Booking only allowed one year in advance) ​ Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: May 8, Check-out: May 17. Nine nights stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com (Booking only allowed one year in advance) ​ Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. If, for some reason, the hotels are full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the check-in lobby of the main hotel by 7:45 am. Bus departure is scheduled daily at 8:00 am from each hotel. ​ ​ CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmailcom Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, MAY 2 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please make plans to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than May 3, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend our orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel and then go to our meeting place. ​ Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. ​ Clic k to see "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video" ​ SAT, MAY 3 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through customs. Please don’t lose your small tourist visa provided to you. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow approximately 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Orientation and get acquainted meeting 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel ​ SUN, MAY 4 TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed and the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation , where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee , which will be our base for the next 4 nights. Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, MAY 5 SEA OF GALILEE AREA This day alone is worth the trip! We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day at Ginasor , where we'll see an ancient boat (Beit Yigal Allon Museum) from the time of Jesus. We'll take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used in Jesus’ day. We’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes , the location of the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. From the Mount of Beatitudes, we'll walk in the footsteps of Jesus down the hill to Tabgha by the Sea of Galilee. Then on to Capernaum , where Jesus set up His home ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons out of a demon-possessed man. Time permitting, w e'll end the day at a breathtaking spot overlooking the Sea of Galilee , where we'll see many sites around its shore, one of which is where the Feeding of the 5,000 took place. Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, MAY 6 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the cursed towns, which has one of the most preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. Then it's on to visit the most likely place Jesus called many of His disciples and the area where Peter was reconciled with Christ after denying Him three times. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach where you can dip your feet in the Sea of Galilee or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary ​ WED, MAY 7 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll visit Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle against the Midianites. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and finish the day on top of Mt. Arbel , the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission, and which provides a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, MAY 8 JORDAN VALLEY AREA We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley, following the footsteps that Jesus and His disciples would have walked, arriving at the Baptismal Site of Jesus, where Jesus was baptized by John. We'll provide an option for those who would like to get baptized to do so. Then to Jericho , the oldest known walled city and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims did since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet "I was glad when they said unto me: 'Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem'" (Psalms 122:1–2). Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary FRI, MAY 9 DEAD SEA AREA We’ll begin the day by driving to Masada , a massive fortress rock column that overlooks the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll ascend Masada by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod's Palace, where in 73 AD, the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness. Then, what would a visit to Israel be without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward. Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, MAY 10 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We'll then visit the magnificent Herodian Fortress. While there, we'll view the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . We’ll then travel to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then on to Beth Shemesh , where key events in the life of Samson took place and where the Ark of the Covenant miraculously was returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary ​ SUN, MAY 11 SAMARIA AREA Today we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink from Jacob’s Well , where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years and where Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then it’s on to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward. Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, MAY 12 JERUSALEM We’ll start the day with a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives and orient ourselves to the layout and places of Jerusalem . We’ll then visit the Chapel of Ascension , where Christ ascended back to heaven and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll take the Palm Sunday Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll see Mary’s Tomb and underground caves that were part of Gethsemane . Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, MAY 13 JERUSALEM Today, we’ ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location where Solomon’s Temple was and the holiest and most battled-over piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jew’s most holy site in Israel. We’ll visit the Southern Stairs Area , which was the main entrance to the Temple Mount, a place Christ and His disciples would have often been, and the likely place where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and then see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10 : Google Map Itinerary ​ WED, MAY 14 JERUSALEM Today we will visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper and the place an early church/synagogue was built by early Christians shortly after the time of Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a model of Jerusalem from around 135 AD . Then we'll have the privilege of visiting the City of David , where everything began in Jerusalem. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb. For those who would like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. For the others, you can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man. We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, MAY 15 NEGEV AREA Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin by visiting the Oaks of Mamre , a preserved site over the place where Abraham lived for a period of time and had several amazing encounters with God. Just a short distance from the Oaks of Mamre is the place where the patriarchs are buried in the Cave of Machpelah . Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We’ll then travel to Beersheba , where Abraham lived and made a covenant with Abimelech. Farewell Dinner at 6:30 pm. Free time afterward. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary ​ FRI, MAY 16 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by seeing Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Golgotha , where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the Stations of the Cross . Then we'll walk to the Lions' Gate and see the famous Eastern Gate and Eastern Wall , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to the time of Solomon and see the evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then we'll see the Church of St. Anne, where the Pool of Bethesda is located, the place Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. Free time afterward. Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, MAY 17 ISRAEL - HOME Unless you plan on continuing your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible! ​ The hotel in Jerusalem ​(Prima Park) ​provides several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv​ right from the hotel. All of them can be prearranged so you have no waiting time whatsoever. It is recommended to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at least 4 hours in advance. This means you should leave Jerusalem 5 hours before your flight departure. Following are your transportation options: ​ 1. Taxi: C osts around $100 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $120 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 3. 12-passenger Shuttle Bus: Costs around $25.00 USD per person. ​ Please arrange transportation with the hotel front desk a day in advance. All transportation options take about an hour to reach the airport and run every day of the week, even on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport ​ C li ck t o see "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video" SUN, MAY 18 ARRIVE HOME Return home filled with an overflowing heart, knowing that you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the actual places where many of the events in the Bible took place. ​ ​ Anchor 3

Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime May 3~19, 2024 17-Day Trip ​ Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it to the depths of our souls.​ You will never be the same or read your Bible the same after a trip like this.​ ​ If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective from the Scriptures of the events and places of the Bible. ​ We are delighted to share that Israel has removed every Covid vaccination mandate plus every other restriction, so visiting Israel is normal with no issues whatsoever. As a result, we are rejoicing and really excited about our upcoming trips to Israel. Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone around the world that is able to travel to Israel with a valid passport. ​ ___________________ ​ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone with this dear friend of mine to Israel twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" ​ Dan Reeves ​ Quick Links ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD ​ Hotel Reservation B ooking Section ​ About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration Info ​ Itinerary ​ Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation ​ Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee: $ 1,850 USD Items covered by Holy Land Site Ministries: ​ Transportation in Israel Via a Deluxe A/C Motorcoach ​ All Park & Entrance Passes ​ Holy Land Site Tour Guide and Bible Teacher, Dr. Todd Fink ​ Wireless Headsets for a Better Listening Experience Individual Costs: $2,800 USD This cost can change depending on individual preferences and location. ​ To keep our trips as affordable as possible, we allow individuals to book their own lodging and airfare. Also, to see as many sites as possible and keep costs down, we have folks pack a sack lunch. The hotels will provide breakfast and dinners if desired. We recommend eating breakfast at the hotels for time and convenience sake. For those desiring to experience the culture, you can enjoy eating dinners out at the local restaurants of your choice. Items to be covered by each individual: ​ The costs below are close estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selections, and how expensive you want to eat. ​ Sack Lunch & Dinner Meals in Israel $450 per person (Breakfast included in Hotel cost) ​ Lodging in Israel (found on the itinerary) $1,200 per person (Based on private, double occupancy rooms.) ​ Airfare $1,100 per person ​ Personal transportation In Israel $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv, and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method for this transportation. Due to multiple arrivals and departures from passengers, it is not possible for us to attend everyone’s various time schedules. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements.​ ​ Total Estimated Cost of Trip ​ Holy Land Site Fee $1,850 ​ Individual Costs $2,800 ​ Total $4,650 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, then this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land allow only around 7-8 full days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss out on many significant holy sites as a result. This trip will have you in Israel for 13 full touring days. You will, therefore, see almost everything significant there is to see in Israel. A 17-day trip like this normally is quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? Because we are eliminating tour companies, travel agencies, tour guides, etc., and are providing these services instead. We are also allowing you to book your own airfare, lodging, and some of your meals. And lastly, we are staying in nice, clean hotels/hostels instead of expensive hotels. It is our pleasure to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ in offering you this special and affordable trip of a lifetime. Because this is a custom trip, each participant will be required to book their own airfare, lodging, and purchase some of their own meals. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This trip is not for the weak and faint of heart! There will be a fair amount of walking, some hiking, climbing stairs, times when it could be warm (Dead Sea area), etc. Those considering this trip need to be in good shape and able to withstand some discomfort at times due to heat, walking, stairs, steps, hiking, etc. Our estimated walking distance will be about 3 - 5 miles (4 - 7 km.) a day. Those considering this trip need to be prepared for a rewarding but full schedule of about 8 - 9 hours a day. However, if at any time you want to take time off for rest during the trip, you are welcome to do so. ​ GROUP SIZE LIMIT In order to have a more intimate and better experience, we limit our group size to around 35 - 40 people. This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (to and from Ben Gurion Airport). Please make plans to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm at our Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites in Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. ​ Note: For those having the time and resources, arriving a day early will give you a chance to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who is able to take us to all sites in Israel, even in the West Bank. LODGING IN ISRAEL We will be staying at hotels with private rooms and bathrooms during our time in Israel. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay (a total of three: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem). Click here for hotel reservation links ​ LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding over 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage as it makes it hard to handle. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your own luggage on the trip, so don't pack any heavier than what you can lift. MEALS IN ISRAEL Each person will be responsible for paying for their own lunches and dinners. ​ Breakfast - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels. It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast if desired at a local restaurant or made by hand. ​ Lunch - Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare themself a daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack as you wish. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores or extra items from the breakfasts buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. ​Dinner – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you eat at local restaurants or the hotel if you prefer. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay for all park and entrance fees to all sites. You will be responsible for paying for any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will normally last around two hours. We will begin with some orientation of the site. Then we'll do a walking tour to see the site and its points of interest. Afterward, we'll find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that happened at the site and close with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God would desire to teach us. Some of the Bible teachings might be filmed for publishing on our website. We'll then end our visit with some free time. DOCUMENTS A valid U.S. Passport is required. Passports must have at least six months left before they expire for travel to Israel. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and info on our website that provide help and orientation to better understand many of the biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other helpful info. In addition, we will provide helpful info leading up to our trip that will help prepare you to get the most out of your holy land experience. ​ We also ask that you acquaint yourself with our Travel Orientation Material found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen these dates to visit Israel because the weather is stable, the days are longer, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please take into consideration that there might be slight adjustments to the schedule depending on things out of our control. Additionally, if the team would like some flexibility in seeing sights, we are happy to do this if possible. ​ MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL Phone SIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service at all times while in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. ​ If you don't have Internet via your phone service, at each hotel where we will be staying, free Internet service is provided. Also, the tour bus has free Internet service as well. ​ DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each tour trip itinerary , you will see at the bottom of each day's itiner ary a link to see a Google Map of the route and sites we'll be seeing each day. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will leave our place of lodging each day at 7:45 am and return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. From this time on, you will have free time to eat, relax, see the local sites and culture, etc. ​ PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, use the bus or light rail train system. The best option is to make sure you have Internet in Israel (you can activate your phone or get an Israeli SIM card) and use Google Maps. It will tell you exactly which bus, light rail train, or walking route will best suit you. It also works in real-time, so you can see exactly when buses and trains are arriving and departing. ​ AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with tour hosts. ​ ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION INFO HOLY LAND TRIP NEWS Israel is open for tourism and has no vaccination mandates or restrictions at this time. ​ REGISTRATION DEPOSIT A registration deposit of $500 USD is required to register and secure your spot on the Holy Land Experience Team. Before paying your deposit, please fill out the online registration form. We will then notify you of your acceptance into the trip team, and payment of your deposit can then be made. After being notified of your acceptance on the team, you can pay your deposit at your earliest convenience. This will ensure your spot in the group. ​ REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS ​ Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) ​ Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD ​ Final Payment ~ $1,350 USD ​ REGISTRATION DEADLINE DATE Your trip registration, deposit, and final payment deadline is March 1 , 2024 . Tourism is growing quite rapidly in Israel, and things need to be done earlier than in previous years. Therefore, booking lodging, bus transportation in Israel, etc., needs to be done no later than 2 months before trip departure to ensure availability (booking lodging is even recommended 6 months in advance for best availability). For these reasons, we have set March 1 , 2024 , as the deadline for trip registration for everyone. For those who desire to attend this trip after March 1 , 2024 , we will handle each person on a space availability case basis. Thanks for your understanding. ​ CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Refund Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons on or before the March 1 , 2024, deadline, Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half ($250) of your $500 deposit. ​ Deposit Transfer If you would like to transfer your deposit to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds of All Funds Paid to Holy Land Site Ministries In the unfortunate case you may need to cancel your trip due to personal reasons before March 1 , 2024 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment. ​ If you must cancel your trip due to personal reasons after March 1 , 2024 , Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of your final payment due to expenses we will have already incurred and cannot recuperate. ​ Full Payments Transfer If you would like to transfer your $500 deposit or final payment to another person, you can do so. Just kindly have this person pay you and let us know. ​ Refunds from Personal Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Because these purchases will be the responsibility of each person, Holy Land Site Ministries will be unable to refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. ​ Refunds if Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control, i.e., Covid-19, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person as these were booked personally. All funds paid to Holy Land Site Ministries will be cheerfully refunded except the $500 deposit, as Holy Land Site Ministries has overhead expenses that cannot be recuperated. If you want full protection for trip expenses, w e suggest you get trip insurance to protect all your expenses, i.e., flights, lodging, Holy Land Site Ministries fees, etc. ​ TRIP PROTECTION INSURANCE If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you, or if the trip is canceled for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies provide travel protection insurance in the case of cancelations due to unforeseen reasons. Travel Protection Agencies (Rated the Highest by Forbes.com) ​ Forbes.com Adviser (compares many companies): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance ​ Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com ​ Travel Guard (AIG): travelguard.com/travel-insurance/plans ​ Seven Corners: sevencorners.com ​ WHEN TO BOOK AIRFARE & LODGING Please book your lodging at your earliest convenience, as lodging fills up quickly in Israel. You can book your flights around 6 months before trip departure or as desired. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We show Bookings.com as an option because they offer no upfront charges, and cancelations can be done 72 hours in advance with no fees. However, if you want to book using another booking platform, you are welcome to do so. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: May 4, Check-out: May 5. One night stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com or Kfar Maccabiah Direct Booking ​ Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias Check-in: May 5, Check-out: May 9. Four nights stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com ​ Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: May 9, Check-out: May 18. Nine nights stay. Hotel Reservation Link: Bookings.com ​ Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. If, for some reason, the hotels are full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the check-in lobby of the main hotel by 7:45 am. Bus departure is scheduled daily at 8:00 am from each hotel. ​ ​ CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmailcom Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, MAY 3 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please make plans to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than May 4, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time to attend our orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah & Suites Hotel and then go to our meeting place. ​ Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. ​ Clic k to see "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video" ​ SAT, MAY 4 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through customs. Please don’t lose your small tourist visa provided to you. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs and obtaining visas, please allow approximately 3 hours from airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Orientation and get acquainted meeting 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Hotel & Suites, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel ​ SUN, MAY 5 TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed and the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation , where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee , which will be our base for the next 4 nights. Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, El Hadif Street 1, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, MAY 6 SEA OF GALILEE AREA This day alone is worth the trip! We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day at Ginasor , where we'll see an ancient boat (Beit Yigal Allon Museum) from the time of Jesus. We'll take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used in Jesus’ day. We’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes , the location of the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. From the Mount of Beatitudes, we'll walk in the footsteps of Jesus down the hill to Tabgha by the Sea of Galilee. Then on to Capernaum , where Jesus set up His home ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons out of a demon-possessed man. Time permitting, w e'll end the day at a breathtaking spot overlooking the Sea of Galilee , where we'll see many sites around its shore, one of which is where the Feeding of the 5,000 took place. Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, MAY 7 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16). We’ll visit Chorazin , one of the cursed towns, which has one of the most preserved synagogues in the Galilee area. Then it's on to visit the most likely place Jesus called many of His disciples and the area where Peter was reconciled with Christ after denying Him three times. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. At Magdala, we will visit a natural beach where you can dip your feet in the Sea of Galilee or swim if you'd like. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary ​ WED, MAY 8 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll visit Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle against the Midianites. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and finish the day on top of Mt. Arbel , the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission, and which provides a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, MAY 9 JORDAN VALLEY AREA We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley, following the footsteps that Jesus and His disciples would have walked, arriving at the Baptismal Site of Jesus, where Jesus was baptized by John. We'll provide an option for those who would like to get baptized to do so. Then to Jericho , the oldest known walled city and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims did since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet "I was glad when they said unto me: 'Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem'" (Psalms 122:1–2). Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary FRI, MAY 10 DEAD SEA AREA We’ll begin the day by driving to Masada , a massive fortress rock column that overlooks the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll ascend Masada by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod's Palace, where in 73 AD, the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness. Then, what would a visit to Israel be without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward. Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, MAY 11 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We'll then visit the magnificent Herodian Fortress. While there, we'll view the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . We’ll then travel to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then on to Beth Shemesh , where key events in the life of Samson took place and where the Ark of the Covenant miraculously was returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary ​ SUN, MAY 12 SAMARIA AREA Today we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink from Jacob’s Well , where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years and where Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then it’s on to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward. Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary ​ MON, MAY 13 JERUSALEM We’ll start the day with a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives and orient ourselves to the layout and places of Jerusalem . We’ll then visit the Chapel of Ascension , where Christ ascended back to heaven and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll take the Palm Sunday Walk to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll see Mary’s Tomb and underground caves that were part of Gethsemane . Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary ​ TUES, MAY 14 JERUSALEM Today, we’ ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location where Solomon’s Temple was and the holiest and most battled-over piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jew’s most holy site in Israel. We’ll visit the Southern Stairs Area , which was the main entrance to the Temple Mount, a place Christ and His disciples would have often been, and the likely place where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and then see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10 : Google Map Itinerary ​ WED, MAY 15 JERUSALEM Today we will visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper and the place an early church/synagogue was built by early Christians shortly after the time of Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a model of Jerusalem from around 135 AD . Then we'll have the privilege of visiting the City of David , where everything began in Jerusalem. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb. For those who would like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. For the others, you can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man. We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11: Google Map Itinerary ​ THURS, MAY 16 NEGEV AREA Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin by visiting the Oaks of Mamre , a preserved site over the place where Abraham lived for a period of time and had several amazing encounters with God. Just a short distance from the Oaks of Mamre is the place where the patriarchs are buried in the Cave of Machpelah . Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We’ll then travel to Beersheba , where Abraham lived and made a covenant with Abimelech. Farewell Dinner at 6:30 pm. Free time afterward. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary ​ FRI, MAY 17 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by seeing Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (stone pavement and judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa (painful path to the Cross) to Golgotha , where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the Stations of the Cross . Then we'll walk to the Lions' Gate and see the famous Eastern Gate and Eastern Wall , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to the time of Solomon and see the evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then we'll see the Church of St. Anne, where the Pool of Bethesda is located, the place Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. Free time afterward. Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary ​ SAT, MAY 18 ISRAEL - HOME Unless you plan on continuing your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of a visit to the Land of the Bible! ​ The hotel in Jerusalem ​(Prima Park) ​provides several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv​ right from the hotel. All of them can be prearranged so you have no waiting time whatsoever. It is recommended to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport at least 4 hours in advance. This means you should leave Jerusalem 5 hours before your flight departure. Following are your transportation options: ​ 1. Taxi: C osts around $100 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $120 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). ​ 3. 12-passenger Shuttle Bus: Costs around $25.00 USD per person. Please arrange transportation with the hotel front desk a day in advance. All transportation options take about an hour to reach the airport and run every day of the week, even on Shabbat (Saturday), the Sabbath. Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport ​ C li ck t o see "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video" SUN, MAY 19 ARRIVE HOME Return home filled with an overflowing heart knowing that you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the actual places where many of the events in the Bible took place. ​ ​ Anchor 3

The Old Testament Festivals & Jesus Understanding the Old Testament Festivals and How Jesus Fulfills Them See how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Festivals (Feasts, Appointed Times). Many people don't understand the importance of the Old Testament Festivals and how they relate to Jesus. See the Bible come to life as you see how the festivals are fulfilled in Jesus. The seven Old Testament Festivals are: 1. The Passover: This is the foundational feast 2. Unleavened Bread: This feast was to last for 7 days 3. First Fruits 4. Pentecost or Feast of Weeks 5. Feast of Shouting (Also known as Trumpets) 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles ​ These festivals can be broken down into two basic divisions: ​ 1. The Spring Festivals 2. The Fall Festivals Spring Festivals 1. Passover Feast — Leviticus 23:4-8 This feast remembers the last plague in Egypt when the angel of death “passed over” the children of Israel who applied the blood of the lamb to their doors. The Israelites took a bundle of hyssop and dipped it into the blood in the basin at the threshold. Going up, they put it up on the lintel, then touched the two sides of the frame (Exodus 12). When you look carefully at the imagery, the way the blood was placed on the doorframe formed the shape of a cross. ​ The first three feas ts of the Lord (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits) tak e place close together. Passover takes place on Friday, Unleavened Bread takes place the next day (Saturday, and lasts for a week), and Firstfruits takes place on Sunday. Passover began on a Friday of the 1st month (14th of Nisan) of the Jewish calendar, which was established by God because this was when the Israelites left Egypt. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. ​ Fulfillment in Christ When John the Baptist said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), he understood the Old Testament reference. And in the New Testament, we see that Jesus, born in a stable, visited by shepherds, and led to the slaughter, is that lamb sent for us. His death allows the judgment we deserve to pass over us. When we accept Christ, we accept the loving gift of a second chance — because of his death on the cross, we have a clean slate! ​ Additionally, 1 Corinthians 5:7 clearly states that Jesus is the Passover Lamb: "Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb , has been sacrificed." ​ In summary , the Passover pointed to the Messiah as our Passover Lamb whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, at the same time that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening. ​ 2. Unleavened Bread Feast — Leviticus 23:6 This seven-day feast begins on the day after Passover (Saturday, 15th of Nisan) and lasts for a week ((15th - 21st of Nisan) . In the haste of the Israelites to leave Egypt, there was no time to add leaven (yeast) to their bread. During this time, remembering the hardships in Egypt and how God freed them from captivity, the Jews eat nothing leavened. ​ Leaven often represents sin and decay in the Bible. Once incorporated, yeast becomes an inseparable part of the bread; the same is true for sin’s effect on our lives. The Jews were constantly sacrificing unblemished animals to atone for sin temporarily. ​ Fulfillment in Christ Only the Messiah, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, could offer a permanent solution. The unleavened bread represents Jesus’ sinless life; he is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins. In John 6:35, Jesus boldly states that he is the bread of life. Not only does he remove our sins, He nourishes our souls! ​ In summary , the Unleavened Bread pointed to the Messiah’s sinless life, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ body was in the grave during the first days of this feast, like a kernel of wheat planted and waiting to burst forth as the bread of life. ​ 3. Feast of Fruits — Leviticus 23:10 The Feast of First Fruits took place on the day after Unleavened Bread started (Sunday, 16th of Nisan), and is a harvest feast to thank and honor God for all he provided. Although they didn’t know it at the time, the children of Israel were celebrating what would become a very important day. ​ The priests sacrificed Passover lambs on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, and the first day of Passover was the 15th. The Feast of First Fruits was celebrated the third day , the 16th of Nisan. So you can see how the first three feasts take place one right after another (with the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasting seven days). Passover is on Friday, Unleavened Bread started on Saturday, and Firstfruits on Sunday. Fulfillment in Christ This “third-day ” celebration was the same day that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul refers to Jesus as the first fruits of the dead. He represents the first of the great harvest of souls — including you — that will resurrect to eternal life because of the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20). ​ In summary , the First Fruits pointed to the Messiah’s resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to him in I Corinthians 15:20 as the “first fruits from the dead.” ​ 4. Feast of Weeks or Pentecost — Leviticus 23:16 This feast takes place on the 7th day of the 3rd month, Sivan. This feast is the second of the three harvest feasts. It occurs exactly seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits, so it’s also called Pentecost, which means “50 days.” Traditionally, people were expected to bring the first harvest of grain to the Lord, including two leavened loaves of bread. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Fulfillment in Christ God’s plan to save souls included more than the Jews. Through Jesus, this plan was revealed. In Matthew 9:37, Jesus tells his disciples that “the harvest is great, but the workers are few .” Then he put the plan into place: In Acts 1:4, he tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. ​ That arrival was the day the Church was born — Pentecost — and the harvest began with 3,000 souls. The message spread to both Jews and Gentiles (the two leavened loaves of bread), extending the harvest to us! ​ In summary , the Feast of Pentecost — (Called Shavuot today.), pointed to the great harvest of souls, both Jew and Gentile, that would come into the kingdom of God during the Church Age. The Church was actually established on this day when the Messiah poured out the Holy Spirit, and 3,000 souls responded to Peter’s first proclamation of the Gospel. ​ Interval Between Spring and Fall Festivals ​ The long interval of three months between Harvest and Trumpets pointed to the current Church Age, a period of time that was kept as a mystery to the Hebrew prophets in Old Testament times. That leaves us with the three fall feasts, which are yet to be fulfilled in the life and work of the Messiah. Because Jesus literally fulfilled the first four feasts and did so on the actual feast days, I think it is safe to assume that the last three will also be fulfilled and that their fulfillment will occur on the actual feast days. We cannot be certain how they will be fulfilled, but they will be in God's way and timing. ​ Fall Festivals ​ Similar to the first three spring feasts, the fall feasts take place one right after another. The Feast of Trumpets starts on the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri, the Day of Atonement on the 10th day of Tishri, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) on the 15th - 22nd of Tishri. ​ 5. Fe stival of Shouting ( Trumpets) — Leviticus 23:24 This feast began on the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri. In a beautiful declaration, God commands his people to rest. During this time, all regular work is prohibited, and men and women present a food offering to God. This feast lasts 10 days and begins with trumpet blasts to signal the time to prepare for the Day of Atonement Feast. Traditionally, it's also referred to as the "Ten Days of Awe." It's a time to afflict your soul and engage in serious soul searching. It's a time to repent and get right with God. ​ In Leviticus 23:24, God commands his people to gather and commemorate the decree with trumpet blasts. ​ Fulfillment in Christ On the same front, the sound of a trumpet is also associated with the rapture, or the time Jesus will return for his bride (1 Corinthians 15:52). Once he returns, there will be a wedding feast of celebration. Revelation 19:9 says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb .” He’s preparing us to celebrate! ​ In summary , the Feast of Trumpets (Called Rosh Hashana today), points to the Rapture when the Messiah will appear in the heavens as a Bridegroom coming for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52). ​ 6. Day of Atonement — Leviticus 16, 23:26-32 ; Num. 29 This day was actually not a feast but a day of fasting. It began on the 10th day of the 7th month, Tishri. To make “atonement” is to make restitution for wrongs committed. As a day of humility and repentance to God, it was a time for the Jews to get their hearts, consciences, and lives right before him. The observance involved the sacrifice of animals as the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies. What the High Priest did there couldn’t offer more than an annual payment for their sins. However, hiding in plain sight was the promise of one who could atone for their sins permanently (Hebrews 9:12). ​ This feast is when the entire nation of Israel's sins were dealt with as a whole. It's when the high priest would go inside the Holy of Holies (only once a year and on this day) to offer atonement for the sins of the entire nation. ​ Fulfillment in Christ Where is Jesus in these sacrificed animals? The bull and one of the goats were an offering of thanks, but the “scapegoat” took on their sins (Leviticus 16:10). The scapegoat was to be burdened with all the sins of Israel and sent into the wilderness. ​ The Jewish leaders condemned Jesus, and he — burdened with the sins of all mankind — was led out of the city to be crucified: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins — and not only our sins but the sins of the world” (1 John 2:2). ​ The necessity of the Day of Atonement was rendered void by Jesus’ death on the cross — our debt has been paid! ​ In summary , the Day Atonement (Called Yom Kippur today), points to the day of the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth. That will be the day of atonement for the Jewish remnant when they “look upon Him whom they have pierced ,” repent of their sins and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10 and Romans 11:1-6, 25-36). ​ 7. Feast of Tabernacles or Booths — Leviticus 23:34 This feast takes place on the 15th - 22nd days of the 7th month, Tishri. Celebration always follows the Day of Atonement. The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God’s provision and protection for the people of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. During the seven days of the feast, people live in temporary structures as they did in the wilderness. The Lord himself was with the Israelites in the desert, in a tented temple called the tabernacle, so the feast also celebrates his presence as he tabernacles (dwells) with us. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Because the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement were connected to the Feast of Booths, most Jews would arrive in Jerusalem to attend these three feasts that were one right after another. ​ Fulfillment in Christ Jesus is called Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). He put on a temporary tabernacle — a human body — to dwell on this earth and offer himself as a sacrifice. ​ This feast also points to the promise that God will return and rally with his people — in the person of Jesus. And when he does, he has promised that there will be no more death and suffering, that he himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). His return is the final answer to the hope we’ve carried our entire lives. What a day that will be! ​ In summary , the Feast of Tabernacles (Called Sukkot today.) Points to the Lord’s promise that He will once again tabernacle with His people when He returns to reign over all the world from Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-7). ​ Credit for some of the information on this page: Wycliffe.org, ChristInProphecy.org

Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan Overview ​ Location 1. Jericho is in the Jordan Valley about 8 miles (13 km.) north of the Dead Sea and about 15 miles (24 km.) east of Jerusalem. 2. It’s situated at 900 ft. (275 m.) below sea level, making it the lowest city in the world. 3. Jericho claims to be the oldest city in the world that has been continuously inhabited. 4. Its name means “City of Palms.” 5. It was located at the crossroads of two main travel routes. It had a north-south route that ran through the Jordan Valley, and an east-west route that connected the east side of the Jordan River with Jerusalem, the Samaritan cities, and the coastal plain cities of the Mediterranean Sea. 6. It has a year-round climate with lots of sun. 7. Tel Jericho is also known today as Tell Es-Sultan. Historical Background 1. Jericho was a well-fortified Canaanite city before the arrival of the Israelites. 2. It’s an ancient city with about 6 thousand years of history. 3. Archaeologists have uncovered 23 levels of civilizations in Tel Jericho. 4. The city was fortified with double walls. ​ 5. Jericho was given by Marc Antony (Roman general under Julius Caesar) to Cleopatra (Pharaoh of Egypt) as a wedding gift in 36 BC. 6. King Herod built a winter palace in Jericho around 20 BC and would later die there as well. 7. During the Byzantine period, homes and churches were built in the area. 8. During the Crusader period, the town was moved about a mile (1.6 km.) southeast of Tel Jericho. Places of Interest Around Jericho 1. Tel Jericho 2. Mount of Temptation Monastery 3. Jericho Cable Cars (access to Mount of Temptation Monastery) 4. Hisham’s Palace (8th-century Muslim Palace) 5. Modern Jericho 6. Shittim (place the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land) 7. Camp Gilgal (place the Israelites camped after entering the Promised Land) 8. Zacchaeus Tree 9. Herod’s Palace 10. St. George’s Monastery (hanging monastery with Cave of Elijah) 11. Baptismal Site of Jesus 12. Jordan River 13. Dead Sea Places of Interest at Tel Jericho 1. Elisha’s Spring (tourist viewing place) 2. Tower 3. Walls 4. Ancient Homes 5. Burn & Ash Layers 6. Palace 7. Building 8. Neolithic Tower 9. Byzantine Homes 10. Walls 11. Preserved Wall and Homes (this area is likely where Rahab lived as it was spared in the destruction by the Lord) 12. Elisha’s Spring (main source) ​ Archaeological Evidence at Tel Jericho that Proves the Bible is True 1. Retaining Walls ​ The walls were constructed of large stones at the base and mud bricks continuing upwards. The exterior wall’s stone base was about 15 feet high (5 m.), and the mud-brick wall on top of it was another 25 feet tall (8 m.), for a total of around 40 feet (13 m.). The inner wall was constructed the same way, only it rose even higher than the exterior wall for a total height of around 50 feet (15 m.). The width of the walls were around 8 ft. (2.5 m.) wide, and people lived between them. Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall (Josh. 2:15). These double walls were enormous and overwhelming in size and strength. ​ The retaining walls can still be seen today. ​ 2. Fallen Mud-Brick Walls ​ Joshua 6:20–22: So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city , every man straight before him, and they captured the city. ​ The Hebrew meaning for the wall fell down flat is that it fell beneath itself outward. This is exactly what archaeology reveals. ​ When the walls of Jericho were first uncovered, the fallen red bricks could be seen in large quantities. However, much of the bricks were removed so lower layers of excavations could see what was below these walls. Nonetheless, the archaeological reports clearly reveal these red mud bricks were discovered and existed. ​ What was discovered under the fallen red bricks were remains of houses (using the same red brick style) from earlier periods before cities became smaller and taller to withstand the new technology of the battering ram. The square shapes of these houses can be seen clearly today. ​ 3. Burn Layer ​ Scripture says that the Israelites burned Jericho with fire after they conquered it. And they burned the city with fire , and everything in it ( Joshua 6:24). ​ A burn layer can clearly be seen today all throughout the Tel of ashes and black burn layers. This can most notably be seen in the cut-out section as you walk up the stairs of the Tel and then on the upper part of the cut-out section. 4. Area where the burnt full Jars of barley were found. ​ Unfortunately, this evidence has been covered back over due to the current excavation team in charge of the site. This has been intentionally done for political reasons to erase any connection from the Bible to the evidence. Because Tel Jericho is in the West Bank, it is under the control of Arabs, who are mainly against the Bible and Jewish history. ​ The burnt jars of clay reveal that the battle was short, just as the Bible says. This is confirmed in the archaeology. ​ The battle took place in the Spring during the barley harvest, just as the Bible states. 5. Preserved section of the wall where Rahab likely lived. ​ On the east side of the Tel is a preserved section of the wall that suggests this is the area where Rahab lived because it was not totally destroyed. 6. Discovered abandonment layer all throughout the Tel due to Joshua's curse on Jericho. ​ Joshua cursed Jericho, and it laid abandoned for many centuries. This formed an abandonment layer that can be seen today: Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates” ( Joshua 6:26). ​ 7. Jericho was rebuilt by the Israelites during the time of King Ahab, according to Joshua's prophecy. ​ This confirms that Tel Jericho laid abandoned for quite some time until it was rebuilt: In his days Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho ; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn , and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub , in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun (1 Kings 16:34). ​ 8. Israelite occupation layer. ​ After Jericho was rebuilt, the Israelites inhabited the city. This is confirmed by an Israelite layer found at the Tel today. ​ 9. What can be seen today at Tel Jericho matches perfectly with the Biblical account of what happened. This is amazing and is just one more piece of evidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy. ​ Jericho in the Bible 1. Rahab, the prostitute, who hid the Israelite Spies, was from Jericho. Joshua 2:1: And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho ." And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. Joshua 2:8–15: Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign 13 that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” 14 And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.” 15 Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall . 2. The Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River near Jericho. Joshua 3:14–16: So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), 16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho . 3. The Israelites camped at Gilgal after entering the Promised Land. Joshua 4:19: The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho . 4. The Israelites celebrated the Passover after crossing the Jordan River. Joshua 5:10: While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. ​ 5. Jericho was the first city captured by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. Joshua 6:1–5: Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up , everyone straight before him.” Joshua 6:15–16: On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city." 6. The mud-brick walls of Jericho fell flat (beneath themselves) and formed a ramp. Joshua 6:20–22: So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat [Hebrew meaning: fell beneath themselves outward] so that the people went up into the city , every man straight before him, and they captured the city. 21 Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword. 22 But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute's house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” ​ 7. Joshua burned the city of Jericho with fire. Burn layer found throughout the tel. Joshua 6:24: And they burned the city with fire , and everything in it. 8. Joshua cursed Jericho, and it laid abandoned for many centuries. This formed an abandonment layer that can be seen today Joshua 6:26: Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates.” ​ 9. Jericho was rebuilt during the time of King Ahab in around 875 BC. 1 Kings 16:34: In his days Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. 10. The prophets, Elijah and Elisha, traversed in Jericho often. 2 Kings 2:4: Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho ." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho . 11. Elisha healed the water source of Jericho. 2 Kings 2:19–22: Now the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful." 20 He said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it." 22 So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke. 12. The miracle of a blind man healed by Jesus occurred in Jericho. Luke 18:35–43: As he [Jesus] drew near to Jericho , a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 13. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was from Jericho. Luke 19: 1–10: He [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." 9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." 14. The famous story of the Good Samaritan happened on the route from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 10:25–37). Faith Lesson from Jericho 1. The first lesson we can learn is that the Bible is true, and we can fully trust it. Jericho provides overwhelming evidence that what was written in the Bible can be found in the archaeology. Therefore, we can fully trust the Bible as the very word of God that is inspired and living. ​ 2. The crumbling of the walls of Jericho by the shout of the Israelites proves to be one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. Do we believe God can crumble the obstacles in our lives today as well? 3. Rahab was a sinner who chose to fear the Lord and turn to Him. She was welcomed into the Jewish faith and became part of the lineage of Christ, along with Ruth, the Moabitess. Matthew 1:5–6: And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab , and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth , and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. Amazingly, in the genealogy of Christ, two generations in a row include foreign women who were saved by grace through faith and welcomed into the Jewish faith. 4. The lives of Rahab and Ruth illustrate that salvation has always been and always will be, open to anyone willing to listen to God’s call of salvation. 5. Jesus healed a blind man in Jericho because of his persevering faith. What about us, what kind of faith do we have in Christ? Do we give up easily, or do we persevere? 6. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was another outsider who was willing to embrace Christ’s love and offer of salvation. Jericho resounds with examples of outsiders who were rejected by others but sought out by God. Do we believe God loves outsiders today, and do we welcome them into our lives and churches? ​

Church of Annunciation ~ St. Joseph Church Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Annunciation & St. Joseph's Church ​ Location 1. Nazareth is about 15 miles (24 km.) southwest of the Sea of Galilee and about 23 miles (37 km.) inland from the Mediterranean Sea. 2. The Church of the Annunciation is in the center of the City of Nazareth, on Casa Nova Street. Historical Background 1. Nazareth had an estimated population of around 300 during the time of Christ. 2. It was a small farming town where everyone knew each other. ​ 3. Nazareth had a bad reputation. Matthew 1:46: Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” There have been unearthed six different layers of archaeological construction and buildings that support this site as being the home of Joseph, Mary, Jesus, and the brothers and sisters of Jesus. ​ 1. A mikveh (a Jewish ritual bath) can be seen at this site. This helps us see that this home was Jewish and those living here were faithful in obeying God. This would fit the description of Mary's family. Tradition holds that this home is in the cave grotto on the lower level of the Church of the Annunciation. 2. Christians began venerating the home of Mary soon after Christ’s death and resurrection. Remains of a Judeo-Christian synagogue, such as pottery shards, columns, column bases, capitals, cornices, decorated stones, cross symbols, and one remaining wall, show proof of this. Additionally, inscriptions with the name "Jesus" and "Rejoice Mary" were found. ​ The floor of this church was oriented towards the south, facing Jerusalem, which was the custom of all synagogues during the time of Christ. ​ A Mosaic of the Crown from the Judeo-Christian Church was found, which has letters from the name of Christ and encircled by a crown. This reflected the belief that Jesus was the King of Kings. 3. Sometime in the middle of the 4th century AD, Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, commissioned the construction of the Church of the Annunciation based on tradition and evidence she found at the site. The church was built over the remains of the Judeo-Christian synagogue. It was oriented toward the east instead of south toward Jerusalem. This was common in this time period. ​ 4. The church Helena built in the Byzantine era (324-638 AD) was torn down by the Muslims in the 7th century AD. Upon the ruins of the Byzantine Church Helena built, the Crusaders built a Crusader Church (1105-1263). It was oriented toward the east like the earlier Byzantine Church. ​ 5. In 1620, the Franciscans purchased the ruins and rebuilt them. In 1730, the church was rebuilt again, and in 1877, it was enlarged. 6. In 1955, the Franciscan Church was demolished to make way for a new church. When the Franciscan Church was removed, excavations took place that provide much of the archaeological evidence we can see today. 7. From 1955 to 1969, the church was rebuilt to its current status. It’s now a massive two-story basilica with a modern architectural style. In 1969, when it was completed, it was the largest Christian church in the Middle East. ​ 8. The church has two levels with two separate churches. The upper church level is for Nazareth’s Catholic community. The lower level is centered around the grotto, which was the home of Mary and the site of the Annunciation. The remnants of the churches from the second century, Byzantine, and Crusader eras can be seen around the grotto. ​ 9. There is another church in Nazareth that commemorates the Annunciation of the birth of Christ as well. It’s the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, which is the traditional site held by the Eastern Orthodox churches. However, it doesn't have nearly as much evidence as being the authentic site of Mary's home as the Church of the Annunciation does. ​ Places of Interest 1. Statue of Mary – Her hands are blackened from people touching them so much. 2. Written in Latin across the facade over the triple-doorway entrance is the Bible verse: “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). 3. The entryway doors to the Church have carvings of significant events in the Old and New Testaments. 4. The current church is a two-story building. The main entrance is on the lower level. 5. On the lower level is the grotto that is believed to be the original home of Mary and the place where the angel Gabriel appeared to her. The following archaeological evidence can be seen here that supports this site as the authentic home of Mary. ​ Jewish Ritual Bath (Mikveh) Cave from the Time of Jesus Mosaic Floor of Judeo-Christian Synagogue Mosaic of the Crown from the Judeo-Christian Church Apse & Walls of the Byzantine Church Helena Built Mosaic Floor Tiles of the Byzantine Church Behind the Altar are Stairs Leading Down to the Grotto from the Byzantine Church Crusader Walls Crusader Pillars Crusader Apse 6. The words written on an altar table at the front of the grotto mean, “Here the Word was made Flesh.” 7. On each side of the grotto are the remains of earlier churches. 8. The upper level of the basilica serves as the local Roman Catholic parish church. 9. Outside the upper level of the basilica are excavations of buildings during the time of Christ. 10. Outside the lower level of the basilica is a covered area with mosaic panels of many countries from around the world. ​ St. Joseph's Church ​ Evidence supporting the Church of St. Joseph as the authentic site of the home of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus after they returned from Egypt. ​ First-Century AD Evidence 1. We have a mikvah dating back to the time of Joseph and Mary. This would support the idea that a very religious Jewish family lived here. The mosaic tiles were added later to the mikvah, most likely by early Christians in around 100 AD or the Byzantines in around 400 AD. ​ 2. We have a cave-home complex under us where evidence of household items dating to the first century have been found. The caves, granaries, and wells in this lower level date to the early first century and were typical of what Mary and Joseph would have used. Later, there is evidence that early Christians turned the site into a worship place. This cave complex is quite humble. We can see a diagram showing its layout. To preserve and protect this cave-home, the public is not allowed free access to it. However, we can see part of it through this iron grill here and the steps leading down to it we'll see in a moment. ​ Fourth-Century AD Evidence ​ Next, we see evidence of a Byzantine Church that was built over this site in around 400 AD. The apse at the front of this grotto has been restored, which seems to be from this period. This was called the church of the Nutrition (because Jesus was nurtured and grew up here). It was also called St. Joseph’s House. ​ Seventh-Century AD Evidence ​ Travelers who visited this place in the 7th Century pointed out that this had been the location of the “Carpentry Shop of Joseph.” ​ Twelve-Century AD Evidence ​ During the Crusader period, in around 1125 AD, a Crusader Church was built over the site of the Byzantine church. Some remains of this church can be seen inside the new one. It was destroyed by the Arabs (1263 AD) after the defeat of the Crusaders. ​ Sixteenth-Century Evidence ​ During the Ottoman period, the Franciscans acquired the ruins of the Crusader church in 1745, and the first chapel was built in 1754. ​ Today's Church Evidence The Franciscans rebuilt the new church we see today in 1914 on top of the earlier churches and cave-home complex. ​ ​ Nazareth In the Bible 1. Nazareth was the home of Joseph and Mary, and the place where the angel Gabriel was sent to announce to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Christ the Messiah. Luke 1:26-38: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth , 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. ​​ Faith Lesson from the Life of Mary 1. Mary was a righteous person whom God saw would honor and obey Him with the great gift of being the mother of Christ. Are we devoted to God in such a way that He would entrust to us abundant blessings? ​ 2. Mary did not remain a virgin after giving birth to Christ, as many believe. She had many other children, as we can see all throughout Scripture: Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is His mother not called Mary, and His brothers , James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters , are they not all with us? Where then did this man acquire all these things?” (Matt. 13:55–56). Are we students of God’s Word so we believe the truth, or do we follow what our church or others teach instead? Who is our highest authority in what we believe: people or God’s Word? ​ 3. Mary is not to be worshiped like some do but is an example to us of a person of deep faith and obedience. Do we revere and honor Mary, or do we worship her?

Magdala Photo Gallery Places of Interest Magdala Mary Magdalene ​ Location 1. Magdala, also known as Migdal, is located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 2. It was located on the Via Maris (International Highway linking Africa with Asia and Europe). ​ 3. A massive tower foundation was discovered here t hat may account for the city's name. Both Magdala in Aramaic and Migdal in Hebrew mean tower. Historical Background 1. Excavations first revealed this buried seaport city in the 1960s. Later, more of Magdala was recently discovered in 2009. It’s believed a flash flood covered it sometime in the latter part of the 1st Century, as there have been no coins or artifacts found dating later than 67 AD. 2. It was a fishing village and had one of the largest fish markets in the northern Galilee area. 3. It has one of the oldest, most well-preserved synagogues in Israel. 4. This synagogue was in use during the time of Jesus, and He certainly would have preached here regularly. Matthew 4:23: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 5. On one occasion, Jesus came to this area after feeding 4,000 people on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 15:38–39: Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan (Magdala). 6. Magdala, and the immediate area around it, had an estimated population of around 40,000 people during the time of Christ. 7. It had a boat harbor with a fleet of around 230 boats. Today, it is still used as a boat launch, and many boats are parked just north of this site. 8. It has a rare stone replica of the temple in Jerusalem with detailed carvings showing different aspects of the temple. 9. Magdala was the hometown of the famous Jewish historian Josephus. 10. It was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out 7 demons. ​ 11. It was the largest Jewish city around the Sea of Galilee. ​ 12. The area around Magdala is called "Migdal," the Hebrew name for Magdala. ​ 13. Magdala became a center of rebellion against Rome and a fortified base for rebels during the first Jewish revolt that began in AD 66. ​ 14. In AD 67, three Roman legions commanded by Vespasian reached Magdala and surrounded the city. After its defeat, many of the rebels tried to escape by boat acros s Galilee with disastrous results. The Romans engaged them in a sea battle and killed so many that the water in the Sea of Galilee turned red with their blood. Another 1,200 were executed in nearby Tiberias. Of the remaining Magdala citizens, 6,000 were sent to build a canal in Greece, and 30,000 were sold as slaves. Places of Interest 1. Synagogue 2. Beth Midrash (teaching area in the synagogue) 3. Stone with grooves (used for reading the scrolls in the synagogue) 4. A rare stone replica of the temple in Jerusalem in the synagogue 5. Well-preserved mosaics in the synagogue 6. Scroll storage room in the synagogue 7. Marketplace 8. Fishmarket area 9. Residential area 10. Mikvahs 11. Harbor ​ 12. Byzantine Monastery 13. Duc In Altum (Latin for "Put out into the deep") is a spiritual center in Magdala where all can worship. It has a unique Galilean boat as an altar and has a beautiful view behind it of the Sea of Galilee. This center was built in honor of Mary Magdalene. One of its purposes is to honor and support women today. Magdala (Mary Magdalene) in the Bible 1. Jesus preached here regularly. Matthew 4:23: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 15:38–39: Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan [Magdala]. 2. Jesus cast out 7 demons from Mary Magdalene. Luke 8:1–3: Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. 3. Mary was likely a wealthy widow as she followed Christ everywhere and supported the ministry of Jesus financially. 4. A strong case could be made that Mary was one of Christ’s most devoted and loyal followers. She followed Jesus everywhere and supported Him financially, she was present at the mock trial of Jesus, she heard Pontius Pilate pronounce the death sentence upon Jesus, she saw Jesus beaten and humiliated by the crowd, she was one of the women who stood near Jesus during the crucifixion to try to comfort Him, and she was the first woman Christ appeared to after rising from the dead. 5. Mary looked from a distance at Christ’s crucifixion and then moved in closer during His last suffering hours on the cross. Mark 15:40: There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. John 19:25: But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 6. Mary Magdalene helped buy expensive spices to anoint the body of Jesus after His crucifixion. Mark 16:1: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 7. Mary was the earliest witness to the resurrection of Jesus and was sent by Jesus to tell the others. Mark 16:9: When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. John 20:11-18: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. 8. Even at the very end, Mary never lost her first love for Jesus. Revelation 2:4: But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 9. There is also no doubt that Mary served Christ alongside the apostles for the rest of her life. Faith Lesson from Magdala and Mary Magdalene 1. Christ cast out 7 demons from Mary. This changed her life forever and filled her with deep gratitude to Jesus. Are we grateful for what God has done for us as well? 2. Mary loved Christ profoundly and was one of His most devoted followers. She is the model of what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Are we devoted to Christ as Mary was? 3. Mary supported Jesus’ ministry financially. Do we support Jesus’ ministries as well? 4. Mary never lost her first love for Christ. Have we lost our first love?

Other Sites of Interest In Central Israel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Other Sites of Interest In Central Israel Bethany Beyond the Jordan Tradition and archaeology hold that this site is the believed location of Bethany Beyond the Jordan. It’s located on a tributary that connects to the Jordan River known as Wadi Kharrar. Just before the place this wadi joins the Jordan River is called Bethany Beyond the Jordan. It’s also just across from Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site on Israel’s side of the river. (For more on Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site, please see Jordan River Baptismal Site of Jesus.) This area is where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist (John 1:28), where John baptized many people, and where John lived for periods of time. It’s on the Jordanian side of the Jordan River and consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill), and the area of the churches of John the Baptist. There are Roman and Byzantine ruins of churches, chapels, a monastery, caves that hermits have used, and pools in which baptisms were held. Excavations at this site began in 1996, following Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel in 1994, and have uncovered more than 20 churches, caves, and baptismal pools, all dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. This area is also associated with the ascension of the Prophet Elijah into heaven, which is commemorated at a hill called Tell Mar Elias or Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill). Mizpah Mizpah was located centrally in the country within the territory of Benjamin, about 8 miles north of Jerusalem. Its importance as an administrative center is demonstrated not only by its use during the days of the Judges and Samuel but also by its utilization by conquering nations years later when the Empires of Assyria and Babylon would take over Judah. Mizpah means watchtower or lookout and was a central meeting place where Israel gathered for much of its history. At Mizpah, Jacob and Laban made a covenant wherein Jacob promised Laban that he would take care of his daughters and grandchildren (Gen. 31:48–49). The city of Mizpah was established as an important site early in the history of Israel in the time of the Judges and was used as a national rallying point for a man of the Levites who asked for national justice at the end of the time period of the Judges when his concubine was raped and killed by several members of the Benjamite tribe. Samuel judged the nation from Mizpah and held national gatherings at the city, and Israel's first king, Saul, was presented to the nation at Mizpah.