Jerusalem in miniature

No classes today, Friday. We did have a little bus trip to the Israel Museum, however, to view the model of the city of Jerusalem from Temple times. We were guided by Dr. Rosenbaum.

This model was moved to the museum from it's original location at the Holy Land Hotel. In it's recreated setting it is much easier to view.

It was pointed out that it is probably very inaccurate. There is considerable disagreement about even such major items as the location and size of the Temple. For certain, the locations and nature of the houses is pure speculation. This is a very worthwhile experience as it is, but going with a scholar as we did adds greatly to it all.

Here are a few pictures:

This is roughly where today's Jaffa Gate is. To the right is the so-called Tower of David. It was at one time a monastary and at another a prison but never a home for King David.

If you recall on Wednesday, we had shacharit services at the southern end of the Western Wall which is in the Davidson Archeological Park. At that end of the wall is evidence of what is called Robinson's Arch. in this view of the southern wall around the Temple mount, the recreated arch can be seen extending from the corner with the west wall at the left.

For those of you who have been wondering if I am really in Israel, here are two pictures that include me. In the first one, I am in front of the Dome of the book. The building, which houses Dead Sea Scrolls, is designed to resemble the cover over the jars in which they were found.

Although the museum is closed for major renovations to provide handicapped access, this building remains open.

TheTemple Mount is at my left, viewed from the north.

Shabbat Shalom.