Jerusalem: 7 Inspiring Things To See

Jerusalem is considered by many to be the holiest city in the world. Jerusalem is the epicenter of the world’s major religions and is both inspirational and controversial. Jerusalem holds a deep religious significance for Jews, Muslims and Christians, and the three religions have co-existed mostly peacefully out of respect for this sacred place. 

Jerusalem is seeping with history and staggeringly beautiful. Our visit to Jerusalem was peaceful, with no aggression, and was quite different from the images often portrayed in the media.

It’s extremely powerful and profound to see and feel the deep spirituality here from people of all faiths. Some may find the tight security unsettling (be prepared to see young people in uniform carrying semi-automatic weapons everywhere), but we didn’t feel in danger at any point of our trip. We felt extremely safe, even when four guards rushed past us baring their machine guns, and I saw Julian’s hand reach out.  I asked him, “Did you touch his gun?” and he sheepishly said… “yes… it was so close and I’ve never touched a gun.”

It’s important when interacting with security guards to be friendly and agreeable, follow directions without question, and respect those whose job it is to keep the peace in this difficult environment.

It was incredibly moving to personally experience a place that is the focus of so much global interest. Here are seven inspiring things to experience in Jerusalem in no particular order.

1. Wander around the Old City

The Old City is a square kilometer walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem divided into four very diverse quarters: The Christian Quarter,  The Jewish Quarter, The Muslim Quarter, and The Armenian Quarter

We meandered through alleys in each quarter, drank fresh pomegranate juice, ate the best falafels we’ve ever tasted, and soaked in the rich history of the Old City.

Many of Jerusalem’s well-known sites are found in the Old City, including the Western Wall, the Stations of the Cross, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Temple Mount.

2. Temple Mount and The Dome of the Rock

The Mosque and the Shrine are open only to Muslims, so we were unable to enter. The Dome of the Rock is easily seen towering  from most places, and is a recognized symbol of Jerusalem. This holy shrine signifies the spot where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into Heaven. Security is INCREDIBLY tight here, so be prepared for long lines and many questions.

3. Western Wall 

The Western Wall is the only remnant of the Jewish Temple that was destroyed centuries ago in 70 A.D. by the Romans.

We cleared strict security before entering the compound. Men and women have their own separate areas of the Wall, and a yarmulke or a head covering must be worn. You join a line behind a person who has a place on the Wall, until they are finished. Then it’s your turn to approach the Wall and offer prayer. It’s important to never turn your back on the Wall, and when finished you slowly walk away from the Wall backwards. This is symbolic for not turning your back on God. As I stood waiting, the sight and sound of people gently touching the Wall, wailing, and handing their problems over to God, was extremely personal and I almost felt like an intruder.

I suggest writing your prayer on a piece of paper to insert into the wall before you visit Jerusalem, if you choose. Modest dress is a requirement, and wear a scarf to cover your head as a sign of respect.

4. Via Dolorosa

Via Dolorosa is believed to be the path Jesus walked, carrying His cross on the way to His crucifixion. There are 14 stations leading to the crucifixion, each marked with a medallion indicating the station number in Roman numerals.

These 14 stations form a route ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pilgrims have walked this holy route for many years.

 

5. Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This church in the Old City of Jerusalem is the holiest Christian site in the world shared by five different Christian communities: Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Coptic, Syrian Orthodox and Armenian.

This is the site marking Jesus’ crucifixion and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried. We felt the deep religious significance as we gazed at the spot where Christ’s body was prepared for burial; the Stone of Unction. Many people were praying and sobbing in all languages, and some were gently cleaning the stone with a soft cloth. Observing and feeling the emotional gravity of this sacred place will sit with us forever.

We climbed the narrow steps to the Calvary and site of the crucifixion; the most lavishly decorated part of the Church.

6. Garden of Gethsemane

The garden is calm and peaceful, and has olive trees estimated at well over 1000 years old. This garden is where Jesus is said to have met his disciples, and said his final prayers before his arrest.

7. Yad Vashem – World Holocaust Remembrance Center

Yad Vashem has indoor museums, outdoor monuments, exhibitions, memorial sites, gardens, and sculptures. This center is devoted to preserving the memory of the Holocaust. The hollowed-out cavern with a single candle reflected by a series of mirrors commemorates the 1.5 million children killed.

Tips for Traveling in Jerusalem

• Be prepared to see police everywhere carrying semi-automatic weapons. There is high security around all holy sites – we felt very safe at all times. 
• There are many checkpoints at these sacred sites. You will have your bag and body searched many times. Get used to it.
• Dress appropriately i.e. covered up! Long trousers and long sleeves for men, and long skirts with hair covered for women. Dress must be conservative and no religious symbols are allowed.
• Men and Women cannot have physical contact on Temple Mount. You cannot hold hands, or even place a hand on a member of the opposite sex in conversation. If you do this you will be approached by security who could remove you from the property.
• Non-Muslims are not allowed into the Mosques located on Temple Mount.
• Double check when the time sites are open to non-Muslims. Sometimes if there are security concerns, entry can be denied at the last minute.
• Always remain respectful and friendly at all times, and follow directions without question when dealing with security personnel.
• It’s helpful to have a tour guide when visiting Jerusalem. Our guide in Jerusalem was very knowledgeable, and we even stopped at the Dead Sea on our way back to Tel Aviv.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Jerusalem is an incredibly humbling place filled with emotion, and we are forever changed since visiting this holy place.

** This post is sponsored however all opinions are my own**

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