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One of the most ancient cities in the world is Jerusalem. People who finally have the opportunity for some world travel often choose the land of Israel and Jerusalem in particular, as their dream vacation. While some people come because of educational reasons or location, most people choose this area because of religious reasons. All three of the world's prominent monotheistic religions - Judaism, Islam and Christianity - consider Jerusalem to be their place of origin and worship. Called the Holy City by all three of these religions, the spiritual, historical and cultural associations make it a city of great intrigue, wonder and significance.
1. Jerusalem remains one of the most diverse cities in the world. Even though the city has gone through some very difficult seasons, people continue to flock to her gates. Ancient Jerusalem is surrounded by four walls and is bordered by the modern Jerusalem.
2. The Temple Mount is one of the holy sites of the region as well as the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site for Islam. Tours to the region also focus on important Jewish landmarks such as the Western Wall and Old Jerusalem. Tourists of all ages will find interesting places that will provide hours of entertainment as well as spiritual enlightenment.
3. The Hebrew Bible mentions Jerusalem 669 times. In the Pentateuch, however, which is the first five books of the Bible, it is never mentioned. While there has never been a clear reason as to why it was not mentioned, it is probably because much of the Bible is written in chronological order. Jerusalem had not yet been taken captive from enemy countries and therefore, it was not mentioned. Some believe that it was not mentioned in order to protect their beloved city of worship from enemy invasion. Even during times of captivity by their enemies, the Jewish people have loved and shown allegiance to their mother land.
4. The central point of Judaism is the temple that in is Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin governed the city and the offices of these officials were inside the temple. Religion and politics were not separate entities, as they were considered one and same in most instances. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover and Sukkot, important Jewish festivals and holy days, were centered around the Jerusalem temple.
5. In the midst of the Old City of Jerusalem is the Western Wall. The Jews consider it one of the holiest places even today. Although it can't be definitely proven, this area is thought to have been built in 19 BC by Herod the Great as an extension of the Second Temple. It's location is close to the Holy of Holies that is inside the temple. Also called the Wailing Wall, the people of Israel often used this wall as a place to cry and pray over their needs. Today, it is a memorial to the Jewish people and people of all races and cultures will still gather there to pray upon visiting the wall, often repeating Psalm 79.
One would never regret taking the time to visit the beautiful city of Jerusalem. The atmosphere is one of days gone by - a time and place that "once were." The inspiration, excitement and culture experienced in Jerusalem are ones that will last a lifetime.
