Trip to Bethlehem

I am pleased to announce a much anticipated 2018 trip to Israel. This trip will be like few others, with five guides who each have unique knowledge, perspectives and interesting stories to share while we are on the ground in Israel.

Dome of the Rock from the Mount of Olives

This week’s readings in the devotional Advent Journeys framed a portion of our upcoming trip to Israel as the Magi travel past Caesarea-Philippi, down the Hula Valley, around the Sea of Galilee and beyond through the Jordan River Valley. My trips to Israel helped me to understand much more of the Bible through the context of experiencing the geography of the land of Israel.  We will travel through the places and experience some of the sights (topography and fauna) seen by the heroes of our faith.

Advent Journeys, a book worth reading!

The first idea which developed into the book Advent Journeys was to walk the route of Joseph and Mary through central Israel. The events which occurred along this road framed our Bible and demonstrate God’s love and care for us in life, no matter where life takes us. The adventures which occurred along the Patriarch’s Highway, in the Jordan River Valley and at the other sites we will visit tell of God’s love, protection and gift of salvation.

The road from Nazareth across Jezreel Valley

As I laid out our trip I made sure we included the Jordan River Valley, the Via Maris (coastal highway) and an excursion to Shiloh. This site is north of Jerusalem along a route known as the Central Ridge Road which was traveled by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his sons, Joshua, Samuel, King David, Ezra, and Jesus. This route forms a portion of week two in Advent Journeys which I have only explored from satellite mapping, travel journals, the Bible and modern facebook pages. Now I will be able to travel this road in the comfort of an airconditioned bus and share its stories with you.

Satellite map showing the route of Joseph & Mary

We will travel the the Central Ridge Road (also known as the Patriarch’s Highway) in order to visit Shiloh, the site of Israel’s earliest place of worship known as the Tabernacle. We will see the extensive archaeological exploration at this site and discover its importance in the Bible. We will see Bethel, Mizpah, Ramah, Anathoth and other sites along the way.

From Nazareth looking to the east

Our trip will include Tel-Aviv, Joppa, Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Nazareth, Sepporis, Galilee, Katzrin, Mt. Hermon, Mt. Arbel, Magdala, Jericho, Masada, Qumran, the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Gezer, the Wilderness of Zin, Arid and Beer-Sheva: in other words, all areas of Israel. You will have the option of a nine day trip or a fourteen day excursion (Take the fourteen day excursion, this truly is the trip of a lifetime and will make the Bible come alive!)

The city of Joppa as seen from the Mediterranean beaches

I will make available for those who go with me not only an agenda for this trip, but also a detailed itinerary for those who enjoy reading, and desire to know where we are going so they can spend time looking around the places they have studied. I like to study a place before I go so I can spend my time away from home looking at and experiencing the land rather than playing catch up through readings or lectures. I will send these to be placed on a tablet or kindle which can be easily carried to Israel.

Exploring the Dome of the Rock and Temple Mount

I will soon have more details on my website, including travel dates and cost of the trip. To receive updates, learn about the trip or to sign up please like and follow KosherCopy on Facebook. With this blog I am inviting you to travel with me and come to see the Bible as only those who have set foot in the land of Israel can understand.