Museum of the Jewish People (Bet Hatefutsoh)

Overlooking Jerusalem

Flight from Toronto went well and found Aaron right away. He was very encouraging about making the effort to get to the Museum of the Jewish People (Bet Hatefutsoh) on the campus of Tel Aviv University. Easy transport by train just outside the arrival doors at the airport. We had some trouble locating the building on campus, but enjoyed the walk … lovely campus. Very worthwhile museum. We took the audio tour as we had less than 2 hours before closing. Only regret was not getting to really spend time on the 3rd floor and hear about the “modern” diaspora. Took the train back to the airport and had Aaron and the group waiting for us. There are a total of 9: 3 couples including us and 3 singles. NICE NICE people!! Settled into our rooms at the Abraham Hostel (first backpacker) and walked around the corner for falafel wraps and a little meet and greet and instructions on “how to walk in the crowds of the Old City.” Now I’m looking forward to having my head hit the pillow :).

Highlight of the day: watching the sunset over the Temple Mount and city of Jerusalem.

Hassle of the day: traffic nonsense because the Pope is here too.

Lion’s Gate, entering Via Delarosa

Chapel at Ecce Homo

Terrace of Ecce Homo

Arab celebration

Dinner at Amigo Emil

Day 2

Today we started with a cab ride back to the Mt. of Olives to once more look over the city, and then make the long walk back down through the garden of Gethsemane and walk the Via Delarosa. It was a day of great highlights and great frustrations.

Right from the start of the day Jesus, the man became very real for me. Looking over His city, I too shed tears thinking of Jesus, the man, crying over His city.

We were not able to get into any part of the garden, although we caught glimpses, because behold, the man, Pope Francis I would be coming through in 3 hours and every thing was already closed in anticipation of his arrival.

It set the pattern for our day. Lots and lots and lots of walking to experience mostly closed doors, closed experiences, terrible traffic jams because of the Pope moving about the city.

But, we were not without our joys. The place we are staying for the next 3 nights is Ecce Homo Convent. It is a beautiful spot filled with shalom, amazing views, a quiet chapel where there is such a sense of Jesus, the man, who for the JOY set before him, endured the cross, because He loved us that much.

Fun: falafel pitas from the “best falafel stand in Jerusalem” while watching a parade of Palestinian young people’s bands March through the Arab quarter.

Not fun: having to walk and walk with our suitcases because we got caught in a total gridlock while trying to drive to Ecce Homo Guest House at the end of a day filled with long walks to closed doors and areas.

Fun: dinner, once we finally found it, with one of our fellow “pilgrims,” Connie at a lovely little restaurant in the Christian Quarter.

Some of the thoughts that Pastor Aaron shared: Mt 26: 30-46 which starts out “…and when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mt. of Olives …” We then turned to Ps 118, the hymn that they had been singing just before they went to the Mt. of Olives, and Ps 117, a psalm of praise. Pastor Aaron was emphasizing that Jesus the man knew what His mission was and Who was in control and He went to complete that mission with the quiet assurance that (vs.29) “Oh give thanks to the LORD for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”