Study Abroad

Today, we were able to go up to Massada, which is located in the region of Judea and it is also, near the Dead Sea. Going up the hills is becoming easier, because we have been hiking a lot. We also planned to get up extra bright up and early in order to catch the sunset at Massada, but we caught it when we barely got there instead of on top of the hill like we wanted to. Nevertheless, when we got there, we were able to explore around on our own and visit the remains of this city. I was able to see the Western Palace, which had a lot of beautiful mosaics plastered on the ground. Then, we were also able to see the water cistern of that place, and we were able to go down and visualize how enormous it was/is. After this, we then headed back to the bus and went to Ein Gedi and there we were able to see the waterfalls there as well. The sight was amazing because we had hiked the way up in order to have a good view. The water seemed very refreshing and cool as well. After this, we were then able to go to Qumran. I had been anticipating going to this place for quite some time. Although I am not very knowledgable in the Dead Sea Scrolls, I still have a fascination towards them. I only know a little bit about it, but it is still very interesting to me. Being able to be at the place where they were actually discovered was surreal to me. Learning more about it was even better, and mainly because it was a discovery that opened a lot of doors for scholars to come up with theories, or strengthen theories, as they attempt to reconstruct the past for the present people in our day to understand. Also, another interesting thing that reinforced my belief in the bible, is what our professor told us about the different versions of the text in regards to the Hebraic and Greek texts. He said that we can find assurance in knowing that God is working through man as they write the texts, and although there may be some variations, this does not mean that it does away with the credibility of the bible, but rather, it reinforces it because we know that the generations have believed this text (the Bible) to be majorly important that they believed it authoritative enough to preserve it. (Here are some of the caves at Qumran) Lastly, we were able to go to the Dead Sea and swim in it as well. I was able to float on it because it was so salty. However, I did get the full experience because some of it got on my eye, and it stung a whole lot too. Nevertheless, today was one of my favorite days so far. -Jessica Cruz

May 20, 2016 Today we were able to see the remains of the wall of Jerusalem during the First Temple period which is most likely around 586-1000 B.C. On the streets of Jerusalem, one is also able to see where the wall used to be by looking at the road on the ground, which is highlighted by a light red. We were then able to see the Southern Wall, in Temple Mount. There we were able to see King Herod’s signature architecture, which after seeing various Herodion sites, it was evident he had a style of design. We were also able to see in display the destruction that the Roman soldiers did when they destroyed part of the Temple Mount. It was as if they were playing a massive game of bowling, but instead of the bowling platform being flat, it was a hill. We then went to the southern side of the Temple and walked on the steps where Jesus Christ walked! I still could not believe it, mainly because it has still taken some time for it to settle in that I am actually here. Anyway, here we were able to read scripture, specifically in Acts 2, where it talks about  the day of Pentecost, and where 3,000 people became baptized. Thus, surrounded by ritual baths that are close to the temple, it is most likely evident that they all got baptized outside of the Temple Mount rather than the “upper room.” While we were still there, there was another group there that was singing hymns, and I just thought it was highly encouraging! After this, we then saw remnants of homes of what is believed to be of rich Jews. We were then able to see the fine pottery that they had as well. Also, we were able to see a small diagram of what it would have looked like back then as well. -Jessica Cruz

By Reilly Reis Today's journey began with our drive to Old Shiloh. At the site of Old Shiloh we talked about the history of the Tabernacle and Eli's sinful sons. While we were there we were also able to learn more about the twelve tribes of Israel and their unique relationships with one another. Next we traveled to Mount Gerazim, where we were able to see the remains of a Byzantine church and a fortified enclosure. The site of Mount Gerazim is located within a Samaritan village. I learned that at the time of Passover that this community still performs animal sacrifices. Passover is an eight-day festival that is celebrated in early spring and honors God's delivery of the Israelites from Egypt and the plagues. From Mount Gerazim we drove to Alone Moreh, where we were we had an incredible view of the mountain ranges, valleys, and hills of Northern Israel. From Alone Moreh we drove to the Church of Jacob's Well, which was incredibly ornate! One of the highlights of my day was dropping water from the top of the well, which was below the main level of the church, and counting the seconds until it reached the bottom! This well was remarkably deep. From the church we drove to Sebastia, which has heavy Hellenistic (Greek) influences within its structure and design. The remains of Sebastia date back to Third Century B.C.. At the site of Sebastia we were able to see the remains of a basilica (large oblong hall or building with double colonnades- rows of columns), a theater, the temple that Herod the Great built in honor of Caesar Augustus, the palace of the Kings of Isreal, and the tombs of the relatives of the one Christian family while helps run and upkeep the site. We were able to take in some truly amazing views today! Some other highlights from my day would be seeing a man cutting down wheat with a sickle in hand , as well as our experience of seeing two herds of sheep with their shepherds. As Professor Shultz has pointed out, we are still able to see the strong culture and customs of this beautiful land that have remained from Biblical times to the twenty-first century! Tomorrow is our day off and I am excited to explore Jerusalem! I hope to visit a museum or two while I am here. Preferably, the Israel Museum and the Holocaust Museum. Few things will beat the magnificent views that I was able to see today! I am truly blessed to have been given the opportunity of experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

By Reilly Reis Today we had the amazing opportunity of hiking through the Wadi-kelt, which is located near the Wilderness of Israel. On our way to our our hike we took a historical route for part of the way. As we journeyed up the Ascent of Adumim (the historical route) it was neat ti imagine the Israelites of Biblical times traveling these same routs. The hike went through a very steep, yet beautiful canyon. On our hike we were able to see the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George, which happens to be one of the few monasteries that allows women to enter into it. We did not go in, but we were able to admire it from afar. It was also fascinating to see the lara cells (the caves) sporadically throughout the canyon. We learned that monks would and still do live in these cells for thirty to forty days with only the necessities. We also learned that the wilderness was used by God to bring his people closer to him. There is truly something beautiful about removing one's self from the busyness and distractions of our fast-paced lives and solely depending on God to meet out every need. From the Wadi-kelt we took our bus to Jericho, where we looked around the ruins of Biblical Jericho and ate lunch. From Jericho we traveled to Mitzpe Danny, known as the Lookout during Biblical times. Mitzpe Danny has a stunning view of the various cities and geographical features of the land of Israel. It was exciting to look out and fund various cities both on and off our maps! We simply stood there, took it all in, and listened to stories from the Bible that took place in the cities that we had located. Physically seeing the layout and design of Israel is significantly changing the way that I read and comprehend Scripture. From Mitzpe Danny we drove to the Tel of Gezer (a Tel is a city that has been built upon layers of previously built cities). At the Tel of Gezer we were able to see remains of Canaanite and Solomonic gates. Our last stop of the day was at Nebi Samuel, which commemorates the death and burial of Samuel. The building is shared between two different religious groups. Our professor seemed to think that the Muslim mosque was located at the front of the structure and that the Jewish synagogue was toward the back of the structure. Unfortunately, we were not able to enter due to timing conflicts, but we were able to walk around and get a gorgeous view of the land! I have been continually amazed by the hospitality of many within the Israeli population. We ended our day with a lovely time of sharing, eating, and singing at the President of JUC's apartment. The President and his wife welcome each new group with a sweet time of fellowship, which is accompanied by a plethora of delicious desserts! Their hospitality and love for Christ is inspiring! Tomorrow is Sunday and I am excited to see what these next two and a half weeks have in store for me. I have enjoyed being surrounded by Biblical scholars (professors and students); I am trying to soak up every ounce of knowledge that I can!

Derek Kliewer The rich history of Jerusalem is apparent on every single side of the city, the outskirts, and within the city itself.  Our group spent a large portion of the day traveling around different outlying areas of Jerusalem, taking in breathtaking views, sacred sites, and archaeological remains.  The history of every site was detailed exquisitely by Dr. Schultz, whose knowledge of the ancient world and how it has led to today astonished me at every turn.  We began the day in Bethlehem at the Church of the Nativity, the site that is believed to be the exact location that Jesus was born (the picture of me by the small door is the entrance to the church).  To get to this site, we had to cross from Israel to the West Bank, through the wall and layers of security.  In a way, it is sad to see the beauty and history of this land mired by politics and torn by division. From here, we traveled to the Shepherd's Field, a site currently under excavation that commemorates the shepherds who were called by the angels to find the newborn child.  Then, we traveled back to the outskirts of Jerusalem to the Herodian, a fortress built by King Herod the Great to protect himself and to demonstrate his magnificence (picture of ruins).  Based on the appearance and height of the man-made mount, Herod's magnificence would have been apparent to all of his subjects.  The ruins of Herod's fortress were amazing to see and touch, and demonstrated his opulence, influence, and paranoia.  We also were able to visit the remains of his tomb, just outside his fortress.  Finally, in what had to be the most meaningful place of the day in my own personal faith, we visited the Mount of Olives, where Jesus spent his final hours.  Here, we were able to see a great view of the Old City (landscape of Jerusalem), and personally reflect at the Garden of Gethsemane, where several beautiful churches by different denominations have been constructed.  Hearing Dr. Schultz retell the story of Jesus' betrayal, his conviction and crucifixion while actually being in the very place that it happened was transforming.  I feel that in this trip, I am not just learning about the backgrounds and geography of the land (of which my pages of furious note-taking proves that I am), I am also enriching my own faith, bringing it to life in the Land Between.  

By Reilly Reis It is only our second day in Israel, but I am quickly falling in love with the rich culture and history of God's Holy Land. It seems that everywhere you turn there is something of religious or historical significance. Today we walked into Old City Jerusalem, which was truly a remarkable experience. The city of Jerusalem is divided into four quarters. The Christian Quarter is the Northwest Quarter, the Muslim Quarter is located in the Northeast corner, the Armenian Quarter is the Southwest portion of the Old City Jerusalem, and the Jewish Quarter is located in the Southeast corner. We had the privilege of walking through all four quarters and it was truly fascinating to see the distinct cultures and religions that characterize each unique quarter! Buildings, road signs, and religious places of worship vary from quarter to quarter. It was quite neat to see these very distinct cultural and religious groups living so close to one another. Throughout our walk we learned about the design of the city and the large amount of development and construction that has happened within the city since Biblical times. Some highlights from our day would be visiting the Pools of Bethesda, listening to groups sing in the majestic Church of St. Anne (The mother of Mary), walking a part of the Via Dolorosa, and experiencing the lively bazaars of Old City Jerusalem. Walking the Via Dolorosa, which is the path that Jesus was said to have taken when he carried the cross to Cavalry, was kind of surreal. The experience became much more real when we saw a group of people carrying a cross and chanting prayers together. I could not help but watch and listen as they passed by. Another phenomenal experience was viewing and exploring the remains of the Pools of Bethesda. Being able to climb down and surround yourself with ruins that are thousands of years old is such an eye-opening experience. The Pools of Bethesda are mentioned in the book of John, chapter 5, when Jesus heals a paralytic. Physically viewing and experiencing the empty pools, along with the keen insight of Professor Shultz, allowed me to gain a better understanding of the passage and its historical context. Old City Jerusalem may be full of history, but it is also overflowing with life. The busy streets, the endless shops, and the constant movement that fills the city is like nothing that I have ever experienced before! I can not wait to see what God has in store for me during these next three weeks!

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