A Spiritual Adventure in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan

Traveling through Israel, Palestine, and Jordan can be a journey that focuses on historical sites, natural wonders, or modern attractions. But you can also make it a spiritual adventure. Religion is an integral part of life in the Middle East, and these countries are home to some of the most important religious sites in the world but there is also a spirituality that can’t really be defined. You don’t need to be in a church, mosque, or synagogue to sense the connection with your fellowman and their forebears, a higher power, or oneness with the universe. A visit to these special countries will open up your heart and lift your spirits.

Highlights of Israel

Western Wall

Found in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall is the most sacred Jewish site in the world and one of the most famous walls in the world. The Western Wall (Kotel or Wailing Wall) is all that remains of the Jewish temple that stood on Temple Mount. The wall opens up to the Western Wall Plaza where tourists and worshipers come and go at all hours of the day and night. The wall functions like a synagogue and you can see the devotees with their faces up against the ancient stones whispering their deepest confessions, desires, and prayers. Add to the experience by placing a prayer note between the wall’s massive stones.

Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock

Just behind the Western Wall is Temple Mount, a raised plateau, home to the beautiful Dome of the Rock. It is also where you can see Al-Aqsa Mosque. The mosque is believed to be where Muhammad was transported from Mecca on his “night journey” as described in the Quran. The 8th century AD structure is the third holiest Muslim site after Mecca and Medina. Tourists can visit Temple Mount via a wooden walkway that leads to the Mughrabi Gate near the Western Wall. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome Sunday through Thursday, 7:00-11:00 and 13:30-14:30 in summer, and 7:00-10:30 and 12:30-13:30 in winter.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

It was on the site of this 4th-century church that Jesus was crucified and placed in his tomb. The enormous church is rich in decoration and art. But the true spirituality of the place can be felt during the religious services when the smoke from incense fills the air, and when pilgrims from around the world gather. It is extremely moving (even if you are not a Christian) to see the faith and devotion of pilgrims who are fulfilling a lifetime dream. The Sepulchre Church is in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, where there are many more sites to see and experiences to have.

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The Baha’i Gardens

One more religious site in Israel that will lift your spirits is the Baha’i Gardens. You might not have heard of this religion, and you don’t need to know much about it in order to appreciate the jaw-dropping terraced gardens that cascade down Mount Carmel in the center of Haifa. There is a balcony at the top of the garden and a staircase that takes you down through the symmetrically perfect, and manicured gardens. At the heart of the garden is a small domed white shrine. The Shrine of the Bab holds the sacred remains of the Baha’i faith’s prophet.

Dead Sea

Dead Sea is so big that it straddles across the border of Israel and Jordan and can be visited from both countries. To feel the impact of this surreal site, avoid the heavily touristed areas where five-star hotels line the shore, and head for one of the quieter, natural beaches. You can have the Dead Sea all to yourself at many points along the shore where salt forms a white crust along the edge of the water. And if you want to feel one with nature, visit at night and take a midnight swim in the heavy salt water.

Best Places to Visit in Palestine

West Bank

The West Bank is separated from Israel by a network of checkpoints and barriers. Regardless of your political views, there are different cultures, and spiritual experiences to have across the complex landscape of Israel/Palestine. Most people choose to cross over at the Qalandia Checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah, or the Allenby Bridge Checkpoint. If you are heading to Bethlehem then the closest crossing point is at Checkpoint 300.

Bethlehem

For Christians, Bethlehem is perhaps the most sacred place on Earth (second only to Jerusalem). It was here that Jesus is believed to have been born in a manger. And today visitors can see what remains of the manger (actually a grotto) in the Church of the Nativity. It is an impressive structure with many points of interest. The Nativity Church stands on Manger Square where you can also see St. Catherine’s Church. For a special visit to Bethlehem come on Christmas Eve when a midnight mass is held in Manger Square. If you’re nervous about visiting Bethlehem by yourself, or you’d just like someone else to deal with the logistics, then join one of the many Bethlehem tours from Israel.

Qasr al-Yahud

Also known as Al Maghatas this is believed to be where Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Located on the west bank of the Jordan River, east of Jericho the site has a serene natural feel although facilities have been added for people who want to be baptized here. Nearby you can see the remains of ancient monasteries. Across the water from Qasr al-Yahud is the Jordanian baptismal site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan.

There is another baptismal site on the Jordan River, closer to the Sea of Galilee in Israel, called Yardenit. But Qasr al-Yahud is more likely to have been the actual place of Christ’s baptism according to the geographical descriptions in the Bible.

Meet the People

The best way to get a feel for the spiritual side of Palestine is to spend time with the locals. I don’t mean go around knocking on doors, but perhaps join a private tour with a local guide, or volunteer with one of the many organizations in East Jerusalem. Share a meal, see the art on the West Bank wall, and talk to the people about life in Palestine. You should proceed with caution but still find a way to get to know how the average Palestinian lives. The safest cities to visit in Palestine are Bethlehem and Jericho as these places get tourist traffic. For any trip to Palestine, it is best (and safest) to go with a guide.

Battir Village

This picturesque village is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its terrace farming and irrigation system. But not only that, the people hold a unique spirit of hope and a positive outlook. Battir is located 6km from Bethlehem and is home to a Roman spring, an ecomuseum, an Old Town, and walking trails. The lush countryside and farmlands with an abundance of fresh produce are spectacular and uplifting to see.

Best Things to Do in Jordan

Petra 

There are three land borders between Israel/Palestine and Jordan. The best, and most recommended way to cross from Israel to Jordan is at the Yitzhak Rabin Crossing/crossing of Wadi Araba located in southern Israel near the Israeli city of Eilat. This is also the closest crossing to Petra, Jordan’s top attraction. The easiest way to cross from Israel into Jordan is with one of the Petra tours from neighboring Israel.

Petra is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture. Petra is also known as the rose-red city, a name it gets from the wonderful color of the rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches. 

Wadi Rum

Another highlight of Jordan, the Wadi Rum Desert is out of this world. The rock formations soar to great heights, and the stone is colored in every shade of red, gold, and brown. If you want a spiritual experience and to connect with a higher power, then stay the night in a desert Bedouin camps, where you can gaze up at the endless clear night sky.

Mount Nebo

Stand on Mount Nebo as Moses did, looking out at the Promised Land. He never reached the Promised Land. It was here that he died, and according to tradition ascended to heaven. This elevated ridge is steeped in religious significance, but the sacred mount is also a great place for sweeping views across the Dead Sea and beyond. At the site, you’ll find a viewing platform, the Moses Memorial Church, and the Serpent Statue. The tall statue represents Moses’ staff which turned into a serpent but it also twists and turns into the shape of a crucifix.

Abu Darwish Mosque, Amman

The stunningly beautiful Abu Darwish Mosque was built in 1961 and features striking exterior walls decorated with black and white stone. Inside there is a hushed sense of reverence, and beneath your feet are plush Persian carpets. The mosque can accommodate up to about 7000 worshippers, but unfortunately, non-Muslims may not enter.

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