I've often wondered if I would ever see the Holy Land again.
I can't wait.
I want to compile a list of good books and movies to start studying.
The Mylroies discovered that if you read about 7 pages a day you can finish the Old Testament and New Testament before the trip. These really were our textbooks while we lived there, so bring a good set that you can mark up (and a small hymnbook).
Also, the LDS church's Old Testament Manual and New Testament Manuals are full of clear insightful explanations to clarify anything confusing. They are too heavy to bring, but studying them would get you in the mood.
Surprisingly The Bible Dictionary contains helpful brief explanations. I really 'discovered' my Bible Dictionary in Israel.
2 Nephi 25...Lots of reasons why understanding the history of the Jews and the geography of Israel can contribute to your testimony of Jesus Christ.
Do you have any suggestions on the studies of Judaism and Mormonism or Islam and Mormonism? Please share.
Meanwhile, this is a quote from Rabbi David Rosen, a Jewish professor we all knew at The BYU Jerusalem Center.
"Bishop Krister Stendahl (former presiding Lutheran bishop of Sweden and formerly of Harvard Divinity School) proposes certain ground rules for interfaith dialogue. One of them is, "Leave room for holy envy." That is a beautiful idea. The fact that I can see something beautiful in another's religious tradition should not make me feel disloyal in any way to my own tradition. On the contrary, as I suggested above, it seems obvious to me that no one tradition can encapsulate the Divine totality. At the BYU Jerusalem Center, I saw some very special, beautiful things in LDS religious life that testify to God's presence, which it has been a privilege and pleasure for me to witness."
One of the amazing things about Israel is the diversity there. There are many strong faiths coexisting in this small land. There is a very ancient civilization, living alongside a completely modern world. It is overwhelming to witness, and like Rabbi Rosen suggested, you will find beauty and strength in their traditions and faith, in addition to your own.
Here is the link to Our Israel tour if you want to check it out: http://www.funforlesstours.com/israelEgyptjordan102310.html
I will try a do a few posts about this upcoming trips so if you have ideas, let me know. For example, what to bring, what were your favorite places (if you've been), any good books or thoughts you have.
**If you are listening to the music bar, the first piece is "The Call To Prayer" that you will hear five times a day in Israel. The Muslims play it from their mosques, calling their people to stop whatever they are doing, lay down their prayer mats towards Mecca, and bow down to pray. I love the sound of it. I loved waking up to it, and seeing these dedicated people kneel down to pray. It is a beautiful ritual. (Incidently Roy and Jack must have been professional prayer callers in another life--they replicate this exactly.)**
REMINDER: Call me SOON with your passport info!
4 comments:
Shalom! Thanks for such a great post, just what I need to get myself even MORE excited about our trip. I kind of want to spend the night at the center, don't you? Maybe we should kick out a few co-eds.
Oh I loved this post! I am so excited to go to the Holy Land! The music reminded me so much of when mom and dad came home from the first trip to Israel. Mom brought home a tape of this type of music and I loved it.
Do you know something else that oddly reminds me Israel are yellow canaries. Right around the time and mom and dad took their trip to the Holy Land we got a yellow canary and named her Israel. I remember listening to that music and watching our new little pet. I have loved yellow canaries ever since then. I've thought of getting one for the kids before...I wonder if I should continue the tradition and get another little Israel?...But will Leslie ever feel comfortable in my house again if there is a little bird there too?
Thanks so much for the post. I can't wait to be around my favorite people in such an amazing place!
I like the prayer call . the only reason i know about it is westy's history.s
if i send you my passport info, can i come, too? trying not to covet your fabulous family trips-- and failing:)couldn't be happening to better people. see hello to one of my favorite cities in the world for me.
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