Jerusalem Days

View of Jerusalem from the Tayelet Promenade.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself into the study of Torah is to actually go to the places that the Torah refers to. During the summer session of HUC, every Thursday is devoted to travelling throughout Jerusalem to explore the world of Abraham to the Davidic-Solomic Empire, study the reign of King Hezekiah, and learn about the outside influences that helped shape Jerusalem today.

Last week, we began our tiyul (trip) at the Tayelet, a promenade overlooking the walls of the Old City. To the left, one can view the mountains and desert of Jordan where Moses looked out into the Promised Land. Straight ahead, one can see the Dome of the Rock and Mount Moriah, where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Issac.

We continued our journey to the City of David, the early Jerusalem. Near the city, we walked in Hezekiah's Tunnel, a water tunnel that ends at the location of a pool, the Shiloach, where many individuals wash their sins away on Yom Kippur.

This week, we travelled to the First Temple Period of Jerusalem and viewed early burial and sacrificial sites. We studied in the Hinnom Valley that was practically an international highway system to the Dead Sea. We climbed up Mount Zion to the Old City to learn more about the lasting survival of Jerusalem despite its many destructions.

Next week, we'll head to Israel Museum where we will view artificats and early recordings of the history of this spiritual city. More to come!