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Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Jerusalem


Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


Why is a Nice Jewish Girl writing a post about one of Christianity's most holy sites?

When we went to Israel in December 2012 for my son's Bar Mitzvah, one of the highlights of our tour was visiting  
The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre 
in the Old City of Jerusalem, which is said to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. 

Although I should be baking an unleavened cake for Passover right now, I figured this may be my one and only opportunity to write a post that is relevant to Easter. 

One of the things that fascinated me about the Old City 
is that within less than a square mile, 
the three major religions of the world co-exist. 

The history is daunting... 
It is  where the Jewish people built their temple,
Mohammed rose to heaven, and Jesus was resurrected. 
It houses the holiest places for the three religions... 
for Jews --The Western Wall; 
for Muslims -- The Shrine of the Rock; 
and for Christians -- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Our tour started with a walk down Via Dolorosa
the street where Jesus took his final walk. 
The first nine Stations of the Cross are along this street.

Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

It was difficult to get good pictures, as the area was crowded.

Church of the Flagellation,  Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem

It is said that the Church of the Flagellation,
 on the Via Dolorosa, 
is where Jesus was flogged by Roman soldiers 
and condemned to death. 

Church of the Flagellation, Jerusalem

Church of the Flagellation,  Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Flagellation, Jerusalem

Church of the Flagellation,  Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Flagellation, Jerusalem

The stained glass mural above the altar depicts the flogging.

Church of the Flagellation,  Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Flagellation, Jerusalem


The last five Stations of the Cross occurred
within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Jesus was stripped of his garments; nailed to the cross; died on the cross, taken down from the cross, and laid in the tomb. 
 
Tradition says that the Stone of the Annointing 
is where Jesus' body was prepared for burial. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
It's considered a holy place to pray.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

The tomb of Jesus is located in the Aedicule inside the church. 
This is not a good photo, but it shows that the Aedicule is a 
structure built right in the center of the main rotunda. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
The Jacobite chapel, below, was damaged by fire. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

It is said to house tombs of those who took Jesus off the cross, 
and buried him. 

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
These are not my best photos... or maybe they are (!), but I hope they give you a sense of where Jesus spent the final days of his life. If you want to learn more, and see better pictures, click here.  

I'm clearly no expert on this subject, 
so if I got anything wrong, please, by all means, let me know. 

And now, I must go buy some matzoh, 
and start making some Passover preparations. 

To all of you who celebrate, I wish you a very Happy Easter!



Linking with:

Home and Garden Thursday
Simple and Sweet Friday
Home Sweet Home Friday
Be Inspired 
Fabulously Creative Friday  
Bouquet of Talent

20 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing, Amy. That history is daunting and I got goose bumps. I've never been to Israel and would love, love to go. I hope you will share some of your Passover recipes.

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    1. Israel is SO amazing, Katie. I hope you get there someday. I had goosebumps for most of the trip!

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  2. Replies
    1. It's one of those place that I don't think ever changes, so I'm sure it is just as it was back then.

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  3. What a phenomenal tour, Amy. That must have been amazing to experience it in person. Beautiful pictures and I am so glad you were able to make a trip like that. xo Diana

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the tour, Diana. The whole trip was filled with Amazing places like this one.

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  4. Oh, thank you so much for sharing your photos and experience there!!! I've always dreamed of visiting one day, and have never seen pics of the church before and what a blessing to see yours. Amazing that 3 religions share this space.........so glad everyone has access. And I'm surprised that people are actually allowed to touch the stone slab, usually these relics are safe guarded. Wishing you a blessed holiday!!

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    1. I hope you do get there some day. It's probably the best trip we've ever taken. Thank you so much for stopping by!

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  5. How amazing to see all that! Thank you for sharing the history! I loved looking through your pictures!

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  6. I loved seeing all of this! You have had the good fortune to travel to some fascinating places.

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    1. So glad you enjoyed, Kelly! I do feel fortunate to have been able to go. Travel is my passion!

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  7. Thank you dear Amy for sharing these photo's of your trip. It is fascinating and I appreciate it. What a thrill to visit Israel.
    Have a very Happy Passover. Enjoy this beautiful season of Easter and Passover.
    I look forward to your recipes of the holiday.
    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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    1. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, too, Catherine! Glad you enjoyed the photos.

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  8. Amy, I just loved Jerusalem. I was there last April, and like you found it so stimulating and interesting to see all the different religions in one place. Love your photos!

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    1. I think that Israel was probably the best trip we've ever taken, and Jerusalem was so spectacular.

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  9. The pictures are wonderful and enjoy your Passover celebration! :)

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  10. Thank you for the tour, Amy, and warm wishes for a blessed Passover.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Diane! Glad you enjoyed the tour. Have a great holiday!

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