Israel
Day 2: Upper Jordan
Today we visited Katzrin, located in the Golan Heights, which is set up as an ancient village. We got to experience what life might have been like in early centuries and what daily chores would have held. Next up is Caesarea Philippi which was used by many as a temple to serve various God’s, but most notably the Greek god...
Day 1: We Made it to The Coast of Israel!
Today we set off to Caesarea Maratamia, Tzipori and Nazareth. Caesarea Maritime is a mere 30 miles north of Joppa. It became Israel’s most populous city at the time of the early church. Herod the Great dedicated the city, his crowning architectural triumph, to his friend Caesar Augustus. Caesarea served as the Roman Capital of Judea. One of the most...
We arrived to Israel safely!
Today felt like the never-ending day. We left Denver on Sunday afternoon, flew through Chicago and Istanbul, and then arrived into Tel Aviv late Monday night. We are staying right off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The waves of the ocean can be heard right out our window as we prepare for our first night of rest. Tomorrow we...
How to Pack for Travel to Israel
In this video, Pastor and Israel Tour Guide, Josh Weidmann, shows you tips for how to pack for travel to Israel. After several trips leading tours, Josh has his system down to a science! We hope you find this helpful in your own international travel to Israel or wherever your journey takes you. For those traveling to Israel, here is a...
The Best Guide Book for An Israel Trip!
In 2012, after going on my first Israel trip, I decided to return to the Holy Land and find the best way to lead tours in the future. I rented a little Fiat car and drove to as many sites as I could to plan my route and find the best material. When I set out on that personal pilgrimage,...
Day 9: The Final Steps of Christ in Jerusalem
Probably the most recognizable site in the world is Temple Mount, The Dome of the Rock. The significance of Temple Mount dates back to the time of Abraham, where he took his son Isaac to be a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Later on Solomon built the first temple to God on this “mount” where all Jews would go during...
Is It Safe to Travel to Israel?
Listen to an interview I did with Shalom Almog in Israel, the owner of Coral Tours: I’ve been to Israel many times and never felt unsafe. The times I spent in downtown Chicago were far more frightening to me than any of my night walks in Israel. But let’s be honest, Israel has never known life without conflict. Israel has been...
Jesus in Jerusalem: An Old City Given New Life (Video Teaching from Israel)
People visiting Israel for the first time are often surprised by what they see... this is not what most people imagine the holy city would look like! What we can fail to appreciate is that we are witnessing the ways that Christians of other cultures have expressed their worship of the Lord through the centuries. Here is what you can expect to see when you first visit the Holy City:
Day 5: Lower Jordan and Bethlehem
Started off the day with some of the most impressive ruins uncovered in Israel. Beth Shean shows over 20 layers of occupation. The city sits at an ideal intersection between the Jordan Valley and the Harod Valley (extension of the Jezreel Valley). Control of the city passed between Egyptians, Israelites, Greeks and finally the Romans, becoming the largest city...
Day 7: The Negev and the Wilderness
Today we start our adventures hiking the snake trail or riding the cable car to the summit of Masada. Masada means “stronghold” in Hebrew which is evident when you see this amazing fortress sitting on a cliff overlooking the Dead Sea. Herod the Great added a palace and fortification intending it to be his “summer palace” but likely didn’t...