Old Jerusalem, Israel
The Mount of Olives – This ridge in Eastern Jerusalem looks upon many of the most sacred places for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.
This is the world’s oldest and largest Jewish cemetery, with about 150,000 graves. Some consider it the most sacred burial ground for Jews because it is here that they anticipate the coming of the Messiah.
Dome of the Rock (gold dome) – Sunni Islamic tradition says this spot is where Mohammad ascended to Heaven accompanied by the angel Gabriel.
It is built over the holiest site in Judaism, the Holy of Holies (the inner sanctuary of the second Jewish Temple), which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Wailing Wall – It is a remnant of the ancient wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple courtyard. Following Israel’s victory (after the 1967 Six-Day War), the sacred Wailing Wall came under Israeli control.
Being here was a particularly moving experience for Allyn. Following tradition, she prayed at the Wall, wrote a prayer, and inserted it in the Wall.
She put her hands on the Wall to be as close as possible to the Holy of Holies.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre – This location is one of Christianity’s most important places, in that this is where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
We walked through the interesting Arab Bazaar.
We had dinner with longtime friend Rachel Pollak, who just got engaged and is studying here.
