Invitation From The Consul General Of Israel In Miami To Go On A Mission To Israel With European And North American Mayors - Part IV

What was great about this trip, it was not focused on a particular religion but the religious significance and history of Jews and Jerusalem being the indigenous people.

Our first part of the walking tour was in what is known as the Christian Quarter. Here is the location of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It is also known as the Church of the Resurrection and built encompassing the location of where Jesus was crucified and buried.

Known as Calvary and the location of Jesus’s empty tomb. This church actually houses the last 5 stations of the Way of Sorrow. There are 14 stations where Jesus stopped and Roman soldiers forced him as a form of mockery.

The church actually houses many religions. The three religions that control the site are Armenian, Greek Orthodox, and Catholic. There is always ongoing controversy due to who controls the maintenance and the actual security. I should mention at no time did we ever feel unsafe.

It is a custom to secure its borders, its state as well as its municipalities. As I mentioned in the first article, every city is tied into the state of Israel’s security systems and operations.

Not only will you see the stations of the cross you will actually look below and actually see the rock of Calvary. You can visit stations 10 – 14 and can actually see where Mother Mary, Jesus’s mother, comforted him and he was taken down and the tomb where Jesus was laid after being taken down.

Interestingly enough another place that is housed within the church is actually a Tabernacle where you can actually enter and look down to the old ancient ruins.

This particular Tabernacle on my last visit we were unable to access as it was in disrepair, and they were actually fixing it.

While we were there, they were still finishing and cleaning the oriental exterior of the Tabernacle. The entire building is awe inspiring. It was not a holiday, so it was quiet, but many visitors were coming to see this historic site. We continued through the ancient city to see some of the old ruins of King David and the original city underground.

The final stop was the Western Wall of the second Temple. Beneath this is the actual first temple and proof Jews lived in Judea and Samaria as Indigenous people. Jews do not like to use that term as it is actually a prayer wall. People go to pray for help but also to give thanks. There has always been controversy surrounding this wall as it is divided between men and women in the tradition of Original Jewish law.

Just like in Christianity there are multiple sects of Judaism. The traditional Hasidic, conservative, and most liberal reformed Judaism. Men and women actually are to be separated within the temple. The temple was preserved for men to study Torah. During holidays women are separated and typically with the children. Reformed men and women join in the congregation at temple together during services and festivities.

The wall is the biggest gathering spot globally for Jews to come. There is limited space for access. When we were there the woman's side was quite full. When Jews visit this site, they actually go to touch the wall and say a prayer to God. They also leave a note and tuck it into the stones. It was amazing to see so many young women praying together and even just sitting and reflecting.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!