Taking to the Hills

Today we moved out of the Jordan Valley and into the Central Hill Country of ancient Judah. We began at the Israelite fortress of Arad, home of an ancient temple to YHWH that was designed like its sister temple at Jerusalem..

Courtyard and altar, Arad

Arad "Holy of Holies."

Beit Guvrin

Beit Guvrin dovecots

The Tombs of the Sidonian Kings

After a wonderful lunch at the Grotto Restaurant in Bethlehem that followed a visit to the church at traditional Shepherds' Field, we enjoyed the under-restoration Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

A night at the gorgeous Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem will be followed tomorrow with a day dedicated to the ministry of Jesus, his passion, and resurrection