Jerusalem: Exploring the Land, Crossroads of Our Faith

The Israel Center at the Jewish Federation is offering a four-part virtual tour, “Exploring the Land: Crossroads of Our Faith.” Guide Gadi Ben-Dov takes participants on a virtual tour through Israel from the perspective of three monotheistic faiths–Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Join to see why this country is important to so many.

The first session of the tour, scheduled for Dec. 13th, will explore Jerusalem. Jerusalem, a microcosm of Israel, will give us a window into the Land of Israel and its three monotheistic religions. Beginning with an overlook on the city, we will explore the Jewish connection from the foundation stone at the Temple Mount, the Western Wall, and Jewish Quarter. The Second Temple Period saw Jerusalem develop from a small town into a large Jewish city. Planned by King Herod, and extending the city limits, the area eventually became a center for Christianity as the site of the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. We will walk along the Via Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross as we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We will continue to understand the Islamic connection to Jerusalem, with the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and its changing relationship over time. Finally, we will end our tour at Mt. Zion, the site of the Room of the Last Supper and the Tomb of King David, as well as housing a mosque, again reminding us of the microcosm of Jerusalem as central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Each 75-minute session starts at 11:30am on the scheduled day. The cost for all four sessions is $18. To register for the series, visit JFedSTL.org/Crossroads.