An Experience in Jerusalem; a Recommendation to Visit
June 27, 2017

An Experience in Jerusalem; a Recommendation to Visit

Recently, our family travelled to Israel as we try to do each year (for both business and pleasure). We usually spend most of our time in Tel Aviv and this time was no different. We alternate between sourcing new jewelry designs, eating, drinking coffee, seeing the sites, and sitting on the beach. Frankly, it’s not a bad way to spend a work vacation.

But what trip to Israel is complete without a visit to the holy city of Jerusalem? Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish People for 3,000 years and worth the time to visit, even for an afternoon. So we did just that. We drove to Jerusalem and ate lunch in the Mahane Yehuda Shuk before making our way to the Old City.

The Kotel was fairly empty so finding a place directly at the wall was easy. I had prayers I wanted to deliver directly to God. But as I placed my hands and forehead upon the ancient, smooth stones, my prayers did not easily come out. The air became thick and heavy and my mind was weighed down and clouded, as if by a presence. Was this the Shechinah, the divine presence of God? I don’t know but it was a powerful spiritual experience. I left Jerusalem feeling more tranquil and at peace.

Har Habayit, or the Temple Mount, is traditionally regarded by Jews as the spot from which the world was created and where God’s permanent place of dwelling and worship was built. Regardless of what you believe, it is a holy place to over half the people on Earth. If you haven’t made it to Jerusalem yet, I recommend you do so at least once in your life. And I wish you a moving experience when you do…

 

"Jerusalem of Gold"