We had two full days left in Tel Aviv, most likely because it was cheaper to fly on a Tuesday than on a Sunday or Monday. The three of us left in the hostel got ready for our final departures and for going to the beach. We met with Steven and Danielle around noon and headed to the beach. We returned to the same beach we had visited toward the beginning of our trip. This time, however, the crowds were out. Families, dogs, teenagers aplenty, loud music, pigeons, an...

It's such a blessing to have two Sabbaths in a row, two special days set apart by God so we can worship Him and not forget the freedom He has given us. Freedom from death and freedom to go and live a life in service to our God. “‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings” (Leviticus‬ ‭23:3‬). &...

In passing, in biblical stories from childhood, I had heard of En Gedi. I knew the story of the place more closely than I knew the place itself. After defeating a Philistine army in the city of Keilah, David fled with his men to the wilderness while Saul pursued them. David was wise enough to ask his God for help and escaped at just the right moment. In the midsts of hot pursuit, Jonathan and David become ever stronger friends while Saul becomes more enraged with...

At the top of the Mount of Olives there is an amazing view of all of Jerusalem, in particular the eastern wall in its entirety. The Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount is a prominent figure that stands just below the skyline. West Jerusalem, the much newer part of the city, appears above it, built on a higher hill. It's like looking out in a miniature of a city. Anything metal shines in the afternoon sun. Wind blew the entire time we were on the top. There is a ...

It's pure tradition that the last three prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible are buried in this series of underground tombs on the side of Mount of Olives. It's more of a catacomb than a simple tomb, complete with rings of interconnected passageways lined with individual tombs. Our guide told us that the disciples of the prophets were often buried near their teacher. Regardless of who was originally placed in this hewn catacomb, there is evidence that Jews,...