FAITH – Holy Week 2012 – Jerusalem

Greek Orthodox Maundy Thursday at the Holy Sepulchre – Jerusalem

Thousands assemble at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Maundy Thursday services led by Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Thousands assemble at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Maundy Thursday services led by Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Barefooted priests await their turn in the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony, conducted by Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, at the Holy Sepulchre Church on Maundy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Theophilus III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, wearing a white robe, kneels before priests to wash their feet in the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony, at the Holy Sepulchre Church on Maundy Thursday. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

Thousands assemble at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Maundy Thursday services led by Theophilus III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the traditional Washing of the Feet ceremony. Jerusalem, Israel. 12-Apr-2012.

New Archaeological find reveals the birth of Christianity – Jerusalem

Together with Professor James Tabor of the university of North Carolina and Professor Rami Arav of the University of Nebraska, Jacobovici and his team commissioned a state-of-the-art robotic probe to explore deep beneath a Jerusalem apartment building, discovering never before seen 1st century artifacts. Among the discoveries are the earliest testimony of faith in the resurrection of Jesus, pre-dating any New Testament Gospels, the earliest Christian symbols ever discovered, the oldest 1st century Christian symbol found in Jerusalem, the earliest representation in Jewish art of a biblical story and the earliest record of a teaching, or saying, of Jesus passed on orally, perhaps by someone who heard him say it.

Simcha Jacobovici explains the ornamentation on painstakingly reproduced replicas of the still buried ossuaries and the significance of drawings of the biblical story of Jonah and the whale in regard to faith in the resurrection of Jesus. Jerusalem, Israel. 4-Apr-2012.

“The Resurrection Tomb” will be aired during Easter Week, across the United States and Canada on April 12th (Easter is celebrated on Sunday, April 8, 2012).

Matthew 16:4 – “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah. And he left them and went away.

Matthew 12:40 – “…For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of earth.”

Luke 11:30 – “For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevities, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.”

Prof. James D. Tabor explains the ornamentation on painstakingly reproduced replicas of the still buried ossuaries and the significance of Greek writings in regard to faith in the resurrection of Jesus. Jerusalem, Israel. 4-Apr-2012.

A Busy Jerusalem Day…

Christians celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Coptic Chapel. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal (C), joins priests carrying palm branches in a Palm Sunday procession at The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

A group of South Sudanese refugees protests opposite the Prime Minister’s Residence as collective protection from deportation for South Sudanese expires today. Jerusalem District Court has issued an injunction forbidding deportation before April 15th. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

A group of South Sudanese refugees protests opposite the Prime Minister’s Residence as collective protection from deportation for South Sudanese expires today. Jerusalem District Court has issued an injunction forbidding deportation before April 15th. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

Thousands take part in Palm Sunday procession ascending from Gethsemane to the Lions’ Gate, carrying palm branches, singing ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’ and accompanied by musical instruments. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

Two nuns descend from the Mount of Olives in Palm Sunday procession carrying palm branches in celebration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Israel. 1-Apr-2012.

 

And what did you do today?

 

Summing Up The Week…

Click on any of the images for more details and photos;

“Shalechet”, fallen leaves, a work in progress since 1997 by Menashe Kadishman on display at The Tel Aviv Museum of Art on ‘Art Weekend’, launching Tel Aviv’s ‘Art Year’ with major art projects artistically flourishing the city. Tel-Aviv, Israel. 22-Mar-2012.

Jezebel IV by Jonathan Hirschfeld on display at RAWart Gallery on ‘Art Weekend’, launching Tel Aviv’s ‘Art Year’ with major art projects artistically flourishing the city. Tel-Aviv, Israel. 22-Mar-2012.

The Ramatayim Men’s Choir, conducted by Richard Shavel Tzion, in Rainbow Of Music presented by the Jerusalem Performing Arts Festival and the Malki Foundation in memory of Malki Roth, murdered in August 2001. Jerusalem, Israel. 25-Mar-2012.

Tenor Guy Mannheim performs in Rainbow Of Music presented by the Jerusalem Performing Arts Festival and the Malki Foundation in memory of Malki Roth, murdered in August 2001. Jerusalem, Israel. 25-Mar-2012.

Ten years to the Park Hotel massacre OneFamily Organization leads a memorial ceremony for families of victims of deadliest terror attack in Second Intifada that claimed 30 lives and injured 140 on Passover Eve. Netanya, Israel. 27-Mar-2012.

Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger takes part in a memorial ceremony for families of victims of deadliest terror attack in Second Intifada that claimed 30 lives and injured 140 on Passover Eve 2002. Netanya, Israel. 27-Mar-2012.

South African born, Reverend David M. Neuhaus SJ, serves as the Latin Patriarchal Vicar of the Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel. Father Neuhaus, born Jewish to refugees of Nazi Germany, speaks of the Christian community in Israel. Jerusalem, Israel. 28-Mar-2012.

Father Juan Maria Solana LC, charge of the Holy See at Notre Dame in Jerusalem, pictured on the roof of Notre Dame overlooking the Old City, is the visionary behind an ambitious project erecting the Magdala Center in the Galilee. Jerusalem, Israel. 28-Mar-2012.

Women Sing “No!” to Discrimination

Infuriated activists protest with song in front of Rehavia neighborhood restaurant, Heimishe Esin, threatened by ultra-Orthodox Agudath Israel to invalidate its Kashrut certificate unless it stops employing female waitresses on Thursday evenings. Jerusalem, Israel. 15-Mar-2012.

Deaf and Hearing Impaired Hear the Book of Esther – Jerusalem

Mayor Nir Barkat addresses the audience in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman using special amplifiers, visual projection and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

 

Purim celebrators are viewed through the eyes of a mask as they assemble at Bet-Zusman for a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired with special amplifiers, visual projection sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat takes part in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman, as special amplifiers are used, visual projection on screen and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Mayor Nir Barkat shakes the hand of a boy in a race car driver costume in a special Purim reading of the Book of Esther for the deaf and hearing-impaired at Bet Zusman using special amplifiers, visual projection and simultaneous sign language translation. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Purim Celebrations in Jerusalem

Purim, which commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther, mainly the foiling of the plot by anti-Semitic Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews, is celebrated in carnivals and costumes.

A figure of Haman hangs ‘to death’ from an eighth story balcony, symbolizing Haman’s destiny as described in the Book of Esther, following his foiled attempt to massacre the Jews of Persia, as Purim is celebrated in the city. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Excerpt from Government Press Office press release, 5-Mar-2012:

Purim commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther. In Esther 3:8, the anti-Semitic Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, tells Persian King Ahasuerus that, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among all the peoples… in your kingdom. Their laws are different from those of every people, neither do they keep the king’s laws. Therefore, it does the king no profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed…” Thus, Haman coined one of the most infamous anti-Semitic canards: That the Jews are a clannish and alien people who do not obey the laws of the land. At Haman’s contrivance, a decree is then issued for all Jews in the Persian Empire to be massacred. But, as the Book of Esther subsequently relates, Haman’s plot was foiled and, “The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor…a feast and a good day.” (8:16-17)

Purim, which commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther, mainly the foiling of the plot by anti-Semitic Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews, is celebrated in carnivals and costumes. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Throughout the centuries, Purim – which celebrates the miraculous salvation of the Jews and the thwarting of Haman’s genocidal plot – has traditionally symbolized the victory of the Jewish people over anti-Semitic tyranny. As such, Purim is a happy, carnival-like holiday.

After sunset Wednesday evening, 7 March, festive prayers will take place in synagogues, where the Book of Esther will also be read aloud. It is customary for people, especially children, to come to synagogue dressed in costume. During the reading of the Book of Esther, whenever Haman’s name is mentioned, congregants traditionally make as much noise as possible in order to drown out his name – a reflection of God’s promise (Exodus 17:14) to, “blot out,” the Amalekite nation, of which Haman was a descendant; special Purim noisemakers may be used for this purpose. The Book of Esther will be read again during morning prayers on Thursday, 8 March. A special Purim prayer is inserted into the daily prayers and the blessing after meals.

A boy wears a Smurf costume on Purim, celebrated as a happy, carnival-like holiday, commemorating the events described in the Book of Esther and the foiled plot of Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

On Purim, Jews are enjoined by the Book of Esther (9:22) to send gifts of food to each other, make special contributions to the poor, and have a festive holiday meal in the afternoon. To this end, the day is also marked by collections for various charities, and by people visiting neighbors and friends to deliver baskets of food, prominent among which are small, three-cornered, fruit-filled pastries known as Oznei Haman in Hebrew (Haman’s ears) or Hamantaschen in Yiddish (Haman’s pockets).

A young boy wears an IDF paratroopers costume on Purim, celebrated as a happy, carnival-like holiday, commemorating the events described in the Book of Esther and the foiled plot of Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

In Jerusalem, Purim is ordinarily celebrated one day later than it is in the rest of the world; accordingly, all Purim-related observances are postponed by one day. This practice originates from the fact that an extra day was prescribed for the Jews of Shushan (the modern Susa, one of the Persian Empire’s four capitals) to defend themselves against their enemies. This second day is known as Shushan Purim. As mentioned in the Book of Esther itself (9:16-19), Jews living in walled cities (later defined by rabbinical authorities to mean walled cities at the time that Joshua entered the Land of Israel) celebrate Purim one day later than Jews living in unwalled cities. There are several such cities in Israel where Shushan Purim is celebrated. In some cities whose status is in doubt, the Book of Esther will actually be read on both days.

Two IDF soldiers look up to a clown on stilts on Purim, celebrated as a happy, carnival-like holiday, commemorating the events described in the Book of Esther and the foiled plot of Haman, Grand Vizier of the Persian Empire, to massacre the Jews. Jerusalem, Israel. 8-Mar-2012.

Christians Flock The Holy Sepulchre on Ash Wednesday – Jerusalem

Thousands of Christian pilgrims and believers flock the Church of The Holy Sepulchre on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, in Western Christianity, and occurs 46 days before Easter. The Church of The Holy Sepulchre was built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple. It is considered one of the world’s holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Nuns among the thousands of Christian pilgrims and believers flocking the Church of The Holy Sepulchre on Ash Wednesday. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Feb-2012.

A priest draws a cross on the forehead of a believer as thousands of Christian pilgrims flock the Church of The Holy Sepulchre on Ash Wednesday. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Feb-2012.

A woman worships in silence as thousands of Christian pilgrims and believers flock the Church of The Holy Sepulchre on Ash Wednesday. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Feb-2012.

A woman prays silently holding a candle by the Edicule as thousands of Christian pilgrims and believers flock the Church of The Holy Sepulchre on Ash Wednesday. Jerusalem, Israel. 22-Feb-2012.

More here: Images Of My Thoughts . com

Celebrating the Eighth Night of Chanukah – Jerusalem

A young lady lights a chanukkiah, an eight-branched menorah, on the eighth and last night of the holiday of Chanukah. Jerusalem, Israel. 27th December 2011.

A young lady lights a chanukkiah, an eight-branched menorah, on the eighth and last night of the holiday of Chanukah. Jerusalem, Israel. 27th December 2011.

President Shimon Peres visits St. Anthony’s Church – Jaffa

President Shimon Peres extends holiday greetings to Jaffa Christian representatives and Christian community leaders at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church on the Eve of Christmas. Jaffa, Israel. 22nd December 2011.

More HERE

Santa Claus distributes Christmas trees at Jaffa Gate – Jerusalem

Man dressed as Santa Claus stands on ancient old city walls beneath the King David Citadel tower near the Jaffa Gate overlooking the city. Jerusalem, Israel. 21st December 2011.

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The Gospel Trail

Tourists from Germany traveling along the Gospel Trail rest atop Tel Kinrot, a hilltop located above the fertile Gennesaret and Tabgha Valleys. Tel Kinrot was once a fortified city, mentioned in ancient Egyptian sources. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

Ein-Nun, the Spring of "Nun" ("fish" in Aramaic) along the Gospel Trail is a stone-lined pool bordered by huge eucalyptus trees, one of many springs along the western side of the Sea of Galilee. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

The 380-meter-high Mount Arbel cliffs on the Gospel Trail overlook the Sea of Galilee. In Jesus' time this was the main route from Nazareth to the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. The Gospels indicate that Jesus passed this way several times. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov prepares to lead a group of journalists horseback riding a section of the Gospel Trail on the day of its official inauguration. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov leads a group of journalists horseback riding a section of the Gospel Trail on the day of its official inauguration. The trail offers pilgrims and tourists the opportunity to discover the cradle of Christianity. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

Two priests take part in a sail from Capernaum to Ginosar on the Sea of Galilee in celebration of the inauguration of the Gospel Trail, offering pilgrims and tourists the opportunity to discover the cradle of Christianity. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

The sun sets on the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum, the destination of the Gospel Trail. The trail was officially inaugurated today for the benefit of pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy land. Lower Galilee, Israel. 29th November 2011.

Ministry of Tourism press release, 17th November 2011: The Gospel Trail offers pilgrims and tourists, individuals and groups, the opportunity to discover the cradle of Christianity by experiencing – both physically and spiritually – the same biblical landscapes and sites of the Galilee where Jesus and his disciples once walked. The Gospel Trail incorporates over 60 kilometers of specially-signposted footpaths and roads which can be traveled on foot, by bicycle, on horseback and/or car, culminating in the spiritual highlight of sailing on the Sea of Galilee.

The modular trail, which the Ministry of Tourism has developed and renovated together with KKL-JNF in a joint investment of NIS 3 million (NIS 2 million from the Ministry of Tourism’s budget), follows the paths that Jesus is believed to have taken when he left Nazareth, the home of his childhood, for Capernaum on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, which became the center of his ministry. Luke 4: 29 -31: “And they led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, he went his way. Then he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee…”
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Ethiopian Jews Celebrate The Sigd – Jerusalem

The Ethiopian Jewish community, called Beta-Israel, lived in seclusion for over 1,000 years, only reconnecting to the Jewish world in the late 20th century. According to Ethiopian tradition, their roots go back 3,000 years to the era of King Solomon. Like their brethren in many parts of the world, Ethiopian Jews suffered persecution for their beliefs and refusal to adopt Christianity. In the Middle Ages their lands were confiscated, villages plundered and many murdered. They were nicknamed Falash – intruders, homeless and without property. Despite the hardships, this community preserved their traditions with great devotion and generations were educated on the value of yearning for a return to Jerusalem, The Holy City, home of The Temple, pure and holy. The Sigd celebrations, Sigd meaning “to bow or prostate oneself”, convey their love and yearning for Jerusalem.

Traditionally the celebrations took place on a hilltop looking toward Jerusalem,signifying a renewal of the bond with God. Now, with a community of over 150,000 in Israel the main event takes place annually at the Sherover Promenade in Jerusalem, overlooking The Temple Mount.Thousands followed the Kessim, the religious leaders, and gathered in the late morning hours in colorful traditional garments or in whites signifying purity, to pray and give thanks. Guests of honor included Minister of Immigrant Absorption, Ms. Sofa Landver and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

The yearning for Jerusalem has become a reality. Israeli-born offspring to Ethiopian Jews are finding it more and more difficult to identify with the aspirations of their forefathers. First signs are evident that this ancient ethnic celebration of hope and faith might one day be forgotten.

All Night Dance Party at Bar Yochai’s Grave

Three year old boys are given their first haircut - Halaka - at the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Meron, Israel. 22/05/2011.

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High Alert at Bab El-Amud

With threats of a 3rd Intifada getting hundreds of thousands of "Likes" on Facebook and the Palestinian Yom Al-Naqba (Day of Catastrophe) coming up on May 15th, Jerusalem Police on high alert at Bab Al-Amud Damascus Gate. Jerusalem, Israel. 13/05/2011.

A young Palestinian boy among worshipers being screened by Israel Police for Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jerusalem, Israel. 13/05/2011.

Palestinian woman at Bab Al-Amud Damascus Gate. Jerusalem, Israel. 13/05/2011.

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Purim at The Kotel

Thousands celebrate Purim at the Western Wall. Jerusalem, Israel. 21/03/2011.

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Int’l Women’s Day

Women Of The Wall Welcome Month of Shevat

 

And one used in The Telegraph:

Even if it doesn’t help, it won’t hurt!

Hundreds gathered this afternoon, on the 22nd day of the Jewish month of Kislev in the year 5771, at the Wailing Wall for a mass prayer for rain, following a day of fast called upon by Chief Rabbis of Israel.

Services at the Kotel were lead by Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, HaRishon LeTzion, Chief Rabbi of Sephardi Jews and President of The Great Rabbinical Court and silver horns were sounded. Yesterday, Rabbi Amar sent a plea to the worldwide Jewish community to join the fast and prayer, writing “We must gather and shout out to the Creator of the universe to have mercy and compassion on his people Israel, and His mercies are abundant.”

According to statistical data provided by the Israel Meteorological Service to date there has only been 5mm of rainfall on a nationwide average, which is only about 7% of the rainfall last year at this time and only 1% of the multi-year seasonal average.

In spite of the prayers forecasters are predicting at least another ten dry days.