Outside Jerusalem

Today was a bus trip outside the city of Jerusalem. First stop was the Tantur Ecumenical Institute which is a study/retreat type center promoting inter-faith dialog. The Russian Orthodox priest who runs the place spoke with us--very informative. He's actually an American from Nebraska--go figure! The Palestinian/Israeli conflict is so complicated! I have a lot of processing to do after I get home to try & organize my thoughts on the subject. Trisha has done a wonderful job of arranging speakers on the subject for us.

Lunch and the afternoon was spent at Neot Kedumin which is a "Biblical Landscape Park" located on 650 acres. Lunch was food that was only available during Biblcal times--pita bread, vegetables, rice, beans, yogurt, etc. The park has been constructed to replicate the landscape of Biblical times. Our guide acquainted us with various plants in the area as well as the olive presses, wine presses, chaffing floors, cisterns, etc. that they found as they were excavating the site. We also had great views of Tel Aviv and the surrounding area.