Friday, March 13, 2009: Jerusalem, Day 2

This morning, we had a welcomed surprise…sleeping in and a late departure. At 8:30 AM, we left in search of King David’s Tomb. Our search led us to Mount Zion. Mount Zion is the traditional site of the tomb of King David, holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. On the ground level of the site are several Jewish synagogues, and the site is one of the Most Holiest Jewish places. On the second level is a holy place for Christians, the location of the Last Supper.

From the Tomb of King David, we headed upstairs to the Upper Room. The Upper Room (the room of the Last Supper), as described before, is located directly above the Tomb of David and near the Dormition Addey on Mount Zion. This room is a second-story room in Jerusalem that commemorates the Upper Room in which Jesus shared the Last Supper with the disciples.

Next we walked to The Western Wall (Wailing Wall). The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the holiest of Jewish sites, sacred because it is a remnant of the Herodian retaining wall that once enclosed and supported the Second Temple. It has also been called the Wailing Wall by observers because for centuries Jews have gathered here to mourn the loss of their temple. The Western Wall Plaza, the large open area that faces the Western Wall, functions as an open-air synagogue that can accommodate tens of thousands of worshipers. Prayers take place here day and night, and special services are held here as well.

After the Western Wall, we walked down to the excavations around the Western Wall. The streets at these excavations are from the time of Herod’s temple, over 2000 years ago. It is just amazing to be able to walk on these same roads that were used so long ago.

Our final stop of the day was Machaneh Yehuda produce market. Shoppers line the streets to buy produce from stalls at the market. This market is an open market with vegetables, meat, fish and other products in the heart of downtown Jerusalem. We happened to be there on the busy day of the week Friday, Shabbot.

As they say here on Friday’s…Shabbot Shalom- IAN

Tracy- I was able to pick up the glass today! I can’t wait to create a wonderful light for your kitchen. Do you want some sesame treats?
Judy- Karlheinz says hello. And I ate more than two falafels for you!