Two Months in Israel

This year I had the privilege of spending two months in the land of Israel. The time was enjoyable and educational. While in the land I participated in a two week tour, four archaeological digs and also wandered various historic sites, shopping areas, recreational parks and various places to eat.

Some of the places I visited during the two weeks of my tour were places I visited before, but since I helped plan the tour, there were some new places also.

The Archaeological site at Shilo

One of the places I looked forward to seeing was Shilo, the site where Joshua set up the Tabernacle and where young Samuel heard the voice of the Lord. The Tabernacle is long gone, but the hills still stand at this site, the ruins have been made visible and the stories about Israel’s place of worship are still remembered.

A cave sits below the place of the Tabernacle at Shilo

One of the things I personally was interested in was the road that led to Shilo. I wrote about the trip of Joseph and Mary in my book Advent Journeys. I was pleased to see it was like the pictures I researched for the book. The site of Shilo was interesting also.

Baha'i Gardens in Haifa with the port area below

A second new place I visited was Haifa. I visited the Baha'i Gardens, hiked the Haifa Trail, ate great food at the top of the hill, and looked down at the great harbor below. The gardens were beautiful and very well kept. I walked down the 750 steps in the garden, and walked up the alternate trail that led back to the top of the hill. I enjoyed swimming at the beach.

The house in the Church of the Annunciation at Nazareth

I participated in archaeological digs at Tel Gezer, Tel Hadid, Zippori, and at Tel Dan. Zippori was the most interesting dig, and I will write about that in another post. While at Zippori I visited the Church of the Annunciation. The sanctuary is beautiful. The small house in the church as well as Joseph’s carpentry shop in the basement of another church are both interesting.

Kurlander Dairy in Northern Israel

I spent about ten days near Tel Dan and enjoyed the beautiful countryside in Northern Israel. While there I took a long hike a Banias and saw the waterfalls. I also entered Dan at the Canaanite Gate, visited Kerlander Dairy, Hermon Field School and various restaurants and shopping centers in the area.