We left the beloved Galilee and headed south today, passing through the Jordan River Valley, running alongside Israel's border with Jordan. Passing Jericho, we continued south all the way to Herod's mountain fortress, Masada. A towering plateau, this was the sight of the Jews last stand, after the Romans drove them from Jerusalem in 70 …
Tag: Herod
Masada: Herod’s Mountain Palace and the Jews’ Last Fortress
It is impossible to capture the expanse of the sheer-walled cliffs of Masada, and even more difficult to wrap one's mind around exactly what happened there when, in the days leading up to the Roman rampage that ultimately destroyed Jerusalem, Jews fled there to escape. However, Masada is the subject of our newest study guide, …
Continue reading Masada: Herod’s Mountain Palace and the Jews’ Last Fortress
Reflections on Tisha B’Av
Sundown on August 10 marked the beginning of Tisha B'Av, the saddest day in Israel's history. Imagine all these things happening on the same Jewish calendar day (ninth of the month of Av): The decree that Israelites would wander in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt, until a new generation would enter the …
What Do You Know about Caesarea Maritima?
Caesarea by the Sea In Israel, there are two Caesareas. But before we discuss where the two are located, can you take a guess from where the name "Caesarea" may have come? If you believe it may have been named for Augustus Caesar, you are correct! Caesarea Philippi is located in the far north of …
