Overnight International Flight

We will depart from Salt Lake City (or airport near you) to a connecting flight, then to Tel Aviv. 

Tel Aviv , Israel- Bethlehem

"NO ROOM AT THE INN"

When our flight arrives near Tel Aviv on Thursday, we will travel to Bethlehem and check in to the Casa Nova Hotel for two nights. This guesthouse, owned by the Catholic church, is attached to the Church of the Nativity, perhaps the most authenticated of all Christian sites. Here, the priests reside and the pope stays when visiting Bethlehem. After dinner, we will speak of Herod's deceitful conversation with wise men as described by Matthew. Following a star, they journeyed to Bethlehem bearing gifts, coming to see the newborn King of the Jews; we will also discuss shepherds watching their flocks by night. Viewing the starts, we will reflect on the heavenly testimonies of the Savior's birth. The crowded streets and busy shops of Bethlehem remind us of the difficult journey long ago of Joseph and Mary, only to find "no room at the inn."     

 Masada• Qumran-Water Falls at Ein Gedi • Dead Sea

"FUTILITY OF WORLDLY WALLS"

King Herod lived in constant fear of being overthrown and the loss of his crown. At his palace in Jerusalem, he asked, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" His advisors reminded him of an ancient prophecy of a future messiah. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little...out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel" (Micah 5:2). This so enraged him that he immediately dispatched soldiers to slay all the infants in Bethlehem. He had also built fortress retreats in the desert should he need to flee for protection. One was located at Bethlehem called Herodium, another at the Dead Sea called Masada, meaning fortress.

Masada, our first stop, we take a cable car atop the high plateau to see his magnificent winter palace. Seventy years later when Romans destroyed Jerusalem, it was used by the Zealots for protection. A thousand years earlier, young David hid near here when being pursued by King Saul. Prophecy said of a future king, "(David) Thy seed will I establish forever, and build up thy throne to all generations." We will explore a nearby hideout at Ein Gedi waterfalls to tell the story of David's encounter there with King Saul. Next, we visit Qumran, home of the Essenes who hid their scripture scrolls as they fled to the safety of Masada. Many feel Qumran was also a place where John the Baptist lived and prepared for his mission to testify of Christ. As we view these failed fortresses, we reflect on the futility of worldly fortifications. "Where is safety found? Dead Sea or the Living Water?"

We will also discuss Lehi's flight into this wilderness where Nephi received a vision of the birth and ministry of Jesus. Next, we will float in the Dead Sea. Others will photograph or ride a camel. Then, we will visit Jimmy's Bazaar to view or purchase olive wood sculptures. Then we will experience life in the desert by eating dinner in an authentic Bedouin tent before returning to Bethlehem for a second night near the Church of the Nativity--at the Casa Nova hotel. 

Bethlehem • Church of the Nativity• BYU Jerusalem Center • Tel Aviv • Valley  of Elah• Jaffa 

"BIRTH OF JESUS” 

At the Church of the Nativity we see where Jesus is believed to have been born. Below the chapel is Jerome's cave, an undisturbed area of what may have been part of a stable. President Harold B. Lee felt the Savior was born here. As we leave Bethlehem, we will pass by Herod's winter palace at Herodian. 

"A TIME FOR WORSHIP"

Our travels today take us to the BYU Jerusalem Center for Sacrament meeting with the students. There atop Mount Scopus, a part of the Mount of Olives, we have a breathtaking view of Old Jerusalem (to be visited later in the week). We will descend the Mount of Olives through the Orson Hyde Memorial Garden, reflecting on Jesus' triumphal entry. We will rejoin our bus a the bottom of the hill.  

"DAVID THE SHEPHERD KING AND HEIR, JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD"

As we journey toward Tel Aviv, we discuss Jesus ancestral link to the great King David. Jesus' love for David is reflected in HIs many recitations of the psalms of David, many of which are prophetic references to Jesus. As we pass through the valley of Elah, we remember David's fight with Goliath which led to his becoming kind. in the nearby hills of Lehi (Hebrew for "jawbone"), we remember Samson's encounters with the Philistines. In the Book of Mormon, "jawbone" (Lehi) was the name given to the Lord's prophet (or mouthpiece). Here we remember Lehi's sons being pursued by Laban in the wilderness. At Beit Lehi, an inscription calls on Jehovah (written in 600 B.C. script) to rescue them from destruction. Also inscribed on the wall of the cave are two boats perhaps linked to Nephi's vision of their escape. Local Bedouins have a legend of a great prophet Lehee coming there to bless his people.   

"THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS'

We will check in to the Metropolitan Hotel in Tel Aviv to enjoy a restful afternoon there or a quiet stroll or swim at the nearby beach. After dinner, we will bus to old Jaffa. Here we will discuss Peter's lunchtime vision at the home of Simon the tanner. He was instructed by an angel that the time had come for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles.                          

Tel Aviv • Natanya Academic College • Caesarea • Haifa • Jezreel Valley • Mount Tabor • Sea of Galilee

"ELIJAH'S PROPHETIC ROLE: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE" 

At Natanya Academic College we are reminded of Orson Hyde and others who came in the spirit of Elijah to bless the land. A plaque has been placed on various trees honoring each visiting restoration apostle and Church President. At Caesarea Peter explained his vision to the Roman centurion Cornelius that the gospel was now to go forth to all nations. We will see the amphitheater where the Tabernacle Choir has performed. Nearby is the Roman aqueduct. At Haifa we will discuss early LDS missionary activity. Orson Hyde was sent by Joseph Smith to dedicate this land for the return of Abraham’s children in preparation for the coming of the Lord. Mormon missionaries died while serving here in the 1890s and are buried nearby.  From Haifa we see Mount Carmel and are reminded of Elijah’s impact on history—as a mighty Old Testament prophet, a forerunner to the Messiah, and a key figure in the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. As we cross the fertile green valley of Jezreel, we will discuss Elijah’s role as well as the prophecy of the great Second Coming and last battle of Armageddon. 

 "ELIJAH BESTOWS SEALING KEYS TO APOTLES ANCIENT AND MODERN"

Jesus took Peter, James, and John to Mount Tabor, where they were visited on the holy mount by Elijah. According to President Spencer W. Kimball, this is where Jesus was transfigured and holy angels gave gospel keys to Peter, James, and John. Elijah bestowed upon them the sealing powers. In more recent times this same Elijah appeared with these same keys to be given to Joseph Smith in 1836, thus fulfilling the promise that Elijah would precede the great second coming of the Messiah.  We will check in to the lakeside Kibbutz Ma’agan Holiday Village on the Sea of Galilee for two nights. Members of the Kibbutz work and reside here. You may want to swim in the pool or lake.

Nazareth Village • Yardenit • Magdala • Capernaum • Chorazin • Nof Ginosar Boat Ride

"JESUS EARLY LIFE IN THE VILLAGE OF NAZARETH"

Our morning drive brings us to Nazareth Village. Here we observe how Jesus may have lived, worked, and worshipped until age 30. Located here are an authentic ancient well and winepress from Jesus’ time.  He would have known this place. Also here are a reconstructed village olive press and a synagogue similar to one in which Jesus would have taught. We remember His statement of “treading the winepress alone.” Finally, we will see what a first-century family home may have been like, complete with a carpenter’s shop.

"JESUS' MINISTRY IN GALILEE"

Jesus’ ministry began shortly after His baptism by John in the river Jordan.  We visit Yardenit to visually recall this sacred event. Each day large groups of Christians are baptized. Next we follow the shoreline to Magdala, where there is a recently excavated synagogue where Jesus may have taught. Nearby on the Mount of Beatitudes Jesus called His twelve apostles and delivered His memorable Sermon on the Mount.  Here we will have a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee and the countryside Jesus loved. At Chorizin we remember Jesus’ harsh words for those who received God’s blessings then are slow to heed His counsel. At Nof Ginosar we see the remains of a fishing boat dating to the time of Jesus, then enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee before returning to Ma’agan Kibbutz.  After dinner we will gather at the seashore to discuss scriptures regarding Jesus and His experiences around the Sea of Galilee.

"LOAVES AND FISHES"

We remember the miracle of loaves and fishes. At Capernaum we will visit the place called in scripture “Jesus’ own town.”  He lived here in the house of Peter for 19 months of His three-year ministry.  We will visit the seaside cove where He told Peter to cast his net on the other side of the boat.  After a miraculous catch, Jesus invited Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their nets and become fishers of men.  At the synagogue He preached His mighty sermons, including the “Bread of Life.” At the nearby home of Peter, He healed the mother-in-law and the man lowered through the roof by forgiving his sins, and performed many miracles.  At Nof Ginosar we see the remains of a fishing boat dating to the time of Jesus, then enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee before returning to Ma’agan Kibbutz.  After dinner we will gather at the seashore to discuss scriptures regarding Jesus and His experiences around the Sea of Galilee.

Mount Tabor • Beit Shean • Gan Ha Shelosha • Jordan River

ELIJAH BESTOWS SEALING KEYS TO APOSTLES ANCIENT AND MODERN

Our first stop is at Mount Tabor. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to Mount Tabor, where they were visited on the holy mount by Elijah. According to President Spencer W. Kimball, this is where Jesus was transfigured and holy angels gave gospel keys to Peter, James, and John. Elijah bestowed upon them the sealing powers. In more recent times this same Elijah appeared with these same keys to be given to Joseph Smith in 1836, thus fulfilling the promise that Elijah would precede the great second coming of the Messiah. 

Traveling down the Jordan River valley we stop at Beit Shean, perhaps the most spectacular site in Israel. Twenty civilizations have risen and fallen here. In Jesus’ time it was being renovated by the occupying Romans who employed highly skilled craftsmen. Is it possible they included Joseph of Nazareth and his sons? After a leisurely stroll along the pillar-lined streets, ornate baths, massive theatres, and arenas, we will go to Gan Ha Shelosha. Here is lush vegetation (described by a Rabbi as “God’s Paradise—the Garden of Eden in Israel”). We will relax and enjoy the national park, warm springs and waterfalls. Some may wish to wade or swim in the natural ponds. We continue southward along the Jordan River, passing several security checkpoints before arriving at Jericho. We will check in to the luxurious Oasis Hotel.

Jordan River Valley • Beit Shean• Gan Ha Shelosha • Bethany • Jerusalem

Traveling down the Jordan River Valley, we stop at Beit Shean, perhaps the most spectacular site in Israel. Twenty civilizations have risen and fallen here. In Jesus’ time it was being renovated by the occupying Romans who employed highly skilled craftsmen. Is it possible they included Joseph of Nazareth and his sons? After a leisurely stroll along the pillar-lined streets, ornate baths, massive theatres, and arenas, we will go to the adjacent Gan Ha Shelosha. Here is lush vegetation (described by a rabbi as “God’s Paradise—the Garden of Eden in Israel”). We will relax and enjoy the national park, warm spring, and waterfalls. Some may wish to wade or swim in the natural ponds. Afterward we board the bus.  We pass southward beside the controversial “West Bank,” passing through several check-points until passing nearby Jericho. Here is where the walls came down as the entering Israelites chanted to sounding trumpets. We then turn eastward, passing several Bedouin camps along the way to Bethany, the home of His friends Mary, Martha, and their brother. Here Jesus called Lazarus from the grave to the astonishment of scores of witnesses. From here Jesus walked over the Mount of Olives then back each day of His final week of atonement (1½ mile, Sabbath journey). We then arrive at the Joppa Gate, then walk inside to our Gloria Hotel. We spend the remainder of our nights here inside the Old City of Jerusalem.

Mount Moriah • Western (Wailing) Wall • Ophel (Temple Gates and Steps) • City of David • Hezekiah's Tunnel • Pool of Shiloam  • Gethsemane 

"FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS: FROM TRIUMPHAL ENTRY TO GETHSEMANE"

We begin our day at the Dome of the Rock mosque on Mount Moriah, where Herod’s temple once stood. At an altar near the Dome of the Rock, a sacrifice was made for Jesus when He was 40 days old. Solomon’s Porch in the Temple Courtyard is where Jesus and His apostles taught and blessed the people. Next, we will walk to the Western (Wailing) Wall to observe Jewish worshippers, some celebrating their bar mitzvahs. Here we will talk about Jesus’ similar experience at age 12 when He was found teaching the priests. We will discuss other wonderful things Jesus said and did at various times throughout His life and the mixed response He received by those in attendance. Next we will enter the Ophel to see excavations showing where people prepared for temple worship (immersion pools, money changers, dove and lamb merchants). Here we will tell of Jesus’ cleansing the temple.  Then while seated on the 2,000-year-old steps to Herod’s temple, we will recount the stories of Jesus’ encounter with the priests inside the temple.   Those who wish to return to the hotel will depart while others will walk down to the City of David, where we’ll take an exciting walk through the waters of Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam. There we will discuss the healing of the man born blind. We will reflect on scriptures about the last supper Jesus had with His disciples.  To end the day, we will bus across the Kidron Valley to Gethsemane (at the base of the Mount of Olives) to hear the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ prayers, suffering, betrayal, and arrest. After dinner we all gather in an upper-room setting to learn more about Passover and the last supper.

St. Peter’s in Gallicantu (Caiaphas’ Palace) • Model City and Israel Museum • Citadel (Herod’s Palace) • Church of the Holy Sepulcher • Golgotha • Garden Tomb

"FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS: TRIALS TO THE CROSS TO RESURRECTION"

First, we will visit St. Peter’s in Gallicantu (Caiaphas’ Palace), where Jesus was tried after His arrest in Gethsemane. On the ancient steps leading to the palace, Peter denied Jesus three times as the cock crowed.  We will then bus to the Model City at the Israel Museum. This large replica of Jerusalem gives a strong visual of the city as Jesus knew it. Next is the Citadel (Herod’s Palace) where we will read of Herod’s interrogation of Jesus, and His Roman trial before Pilate where he attempted to “wash his hands” of the blood of Christ. After the Citadel, we follow the original Via Dolorosa through the Christian Quarter bazaar to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, then continue walking through the Old City to the Ecce Homo Convent to see the Lithostrotos, said to be where Jesus was flogged and robed before going through the Damascus Gate to Calvary. Near the skull-shaped rock at Golgotha, where crucifixions occurred, we’ll discuss Jesus’ final hours.  We will walk a short distance along a pathway lined with beautiful foliage to the peaceful Garden Tomb, which our prophets have identified as the place of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. We will take time for hymns and reflection on the atoning love of the Savior. We return to the hotel by bus for dinner.

Garden Tomb • BYU Jerusalem Center • Free time (Old City) • Evening drive to airport

"WORSHIP SERVICE ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES"

We begin our day by revisiting the lovely Garden Tomb for some quiet spiritual reflection on His glorious resurrection. In 1972 President Harold B. Lee met here with the BYU Study Abroad students and local Saints to organize the Jerusalem Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  From his visit, the Brethren later designated Saturday as the LDS day of worship in Israel.  Nearby we will worship again at a sacrament meeting with students at the BYU Jerusalem Center . Free time will follow for resting, shopping, or visiting additional sites.  There will be time to rest and pack for our flight, which will be sometime around midnight. 

Flight Home

Our flight will be around midnight on Saturday. We should arrive home by midday Sunday.