Jericho's Walls and more

How low can you go? Find out during a 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018. While on our journey we will make several stops along the shores of the dead sea. We will visit Jericho, home town of King David’s grandmother, Rahab. We will spend the night at Al Mog, a Jewish Kibbutz on the Dead Sea.

Our trip agenda - www.KosherCopy.com

Tell es-Sultan, or Jericho, is reputed to be the lowest and oldest city on earth. And indeed many archeological digs confirm the antiquity of this site. The earliest remains belong to the Natufian people who established a hunting site near the ever flowing spring which supports settlement. In the Neolithic period round houses constructed of mud brick have been found in a village surrounded by a wall and a round tower. This is the earliest fortification system known on earth.

Walls and ancient housing in Jericho

We will visit the site of the excavation and see the walls surrounding the ancient city. During our tour we will re-tell the story of Joshua and how the walls crumbled on the seventh day when the trumpets sounded for the seventh time. In what amounted a a great victory Israel conquered the most powerful city in Canaan during the days of Joshua.

Ancient building and walls at Jericho

Outside of the Tell es-Sultan we will visit the spring which existed during the time of Elijah and Elisha. The two prophets visited this area as Elijah traveled toward his appointment with God on the far side of the Jordan River.

One of the springs at Jericho. Elijah visited here!

We will go near the area where Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. We will celebrate baptism in this area for any who wish to be baptised in the Holy Land. This is the area where Jesus was immersed by John the Baptist.

Mount of Temptation at Jericho

We will see what is traditionally called the Mount of Temptation behind Jericho. A cable car climbs the mountain and a monastery is located in the area to commemorate the fact that Jesus overcame the temptations Satan put forth.

Looking across Jericho toward Jordan

We will also see sycamore trees while we visit in the city of Jericho. The modern city is home to about 18,000 people. We will drive through the city and around a city square. We will talk about Zacchaeus who was the chief tax collector in this region and how he climbed a tree like the trees we will see on our journey.

Jordan City square with Sycamore and Palm trees

We will observe and travel the roads which enter Jericho from every direction. There was a major travel route from Jordan, across the river, through Jericho, and up Wadi Quelt into Jerusalem and beyond to the Great sea. A trade route traveled by Jesus also came into Jericho from the north. Many travelers would use this route to avoid Samaria and travel on to Jerusalem. Others would continue south on the road through Jericho to visit the Dead Sea.

The north and south road near Jericho. Date Palm farm

Jericho is a desirable place to live with hot summers and mild winters. Many types of fruit grow in this area including date palms. Cleopatra fell in love with Jericho. Herod the Great gave her a palace to live in which was also visited by Mark Anthony. THe remains of this palace are visible today.

Looking across the City of Palms toward Moab

Al Mog is a Kibbutz located just north of the Dead Sea with views toward the heights of Moab from which Moses first saw the Promised land and views of the ascent to the Judean highlands. The Kibbutz is located in the oxygen rich Rift Valley and features a swimming pool which will be quite refreshing at the end of a warm day.

Take time to sign up for a unique trip - www.KosherCopy.com

During the time we spend along the Dead Sea and Jericho during our 14 day trip to the Holy Land many Bible stories and more recent history will be shared. Please check the brochure located at www.KosherCopy.com under the tab Israel Tour 2018. Sign up for the tour on the linked registration page. The trip to Israel will be unforgettable.