Passover or Pesach is a widely observed Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It also celebrates the story of the Exodus and the birth of the Jewish nation after being freed by God from captivity under the leadership of Moses. Passover commences on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for eight days: in 2019, from the evening of Friday, 19th April to the evening of Saturday, 27th April.
Spread over the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, the story of the Exodus tells of the enslavement of the children of Israel in Egypt, and how God helped the children of Israel escape from their slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians, before the Pharaoh released his Israelite slaves.
In the story, the Israelites were instructed to mark the door frames of their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb, so that the angel of death would know to pass over those Hebrew households, thus saving the firstborns in these homes. The tenth and worst of the plagues slain every Egyptian firstborn, and terrified of further punishment, the Egyptians convinced their leader to release the Israelites and Moses quickly led them out of Egypt. However, the pharaoh changed his mind soon after and sent his soldiers after them. As the Egyptian army caught up to the fleeing Hebrew people at the edge of the Red Sea, God performed a miracle by parting the Red Sea for Moses and his people to cross to safety, then closed the passage and drowned the Egyptians.
Jews observe this festive week with several important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal, the removal of leavened products from their home and substitution of matzo for bread, and the retelling of the Exodus story. When the Pharaoh released the Israelites, it was that they left in such haste that they could not wait for bread dough to rise or leaven. Thus, in commemoration of this, the Passover is also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Torah, where only Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is consumed during this celebration. As a tourist in Israel today, you can experience a traditional Passover meal at the Yad Hashmona Biblical Garden.
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As the weather warms up, there are plenty of orchards and flowers in bloom. See the variety of flowers scattered around the nation, colouring the fields and gardens in red, purple, yellow and white tiny dots.
The Via Dolorosa, or “Way of Suffering” in Latin, is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem. The route is established by tradition and widely recognised as the path that Jesus would have walked while on His way to the crucifixion. Over the centuries, the route has changed several times. The original street level where Jesus would have walked is about 6 metres below today’s street level. There are fourteen stations along the Via Dolorosa route, with five stations inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The route begins at the Praetorium where Jesus was tried and convicted, near the Lions’ Gate in the Muslim Quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter. It travels through busy streets lined with snack bars and tourist shops.
Some historical points of interest include the reconstructed Ecce Homo Arch of the Sisters of Our Lady of Zion, and underneath that convent are stone pavings of The Lithostratos or “The Pavement”, where Jesus was condemned by Pilate (John 19:13–15). The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a fascinating complex of structures of different medieval architectural history. The Church is always packed with noisy tourists and pilgrims, all drawn to pay homage to their Saviour, Jesus Christ.
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Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman, who was planning to kill all Jews. This event took place in the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire and was recorded in the Book of Esther. It is celebrated annually per the Hebrew calendar on the 14th day of the Hebrew month Adar. Purim 2019 will begin in the evening of Wednesday, 20th March and will conclude in the evening of Thursday, 21th March.
As recorded in the Book of Esther, after the destruction of Judah, the Jews were held in captivity by the Babylonian Empire. When the Persians conquered Babylonia, Haman, adviser to Persian King Ahasuerus, plotted to “destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, infants and women and children—on a single day” (Esther 3:13 NIV), but was ultimately defeated by Mordecai and Ahasuerus’ newly crowned queen, Esther. Purim, which directly translates to “lots”, refers to Haman selecting the massacre date of the Jews by throwing and drawing lots.
This Jewish holiday is observed and celebrated with the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther) in the synagogue; donating monetary gifts to the poor; exchanging reciprocal gifts of food and drink; and se’udat Purim, a festive celebratory meal with wine and alcoholic beverages. Other celebrations include street parades and carnivals, people dress up in costumes and wear masks symbolizing Esther’s concealed identity.
Celebrating Purim in Israel
Furthermore, at Purim, Jewish treat themselves with hamantaschen, which are triangle-shaped pocket pastries commonly filled with fruit jam, cheese or poppy seeds, and claimed to be named after Haman, as he wore a hat with three corners.
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Praise the Lord for a wonderful time in Israel over the past 2 weeks! About 1300 participants from all over the world came to Israel for Grace 2016 TBN Israel Tour with Pastor Joseph Prince.
There were 3 live events with Pastor Joseph Prince where he shared the gospel of grace.
24 February 2016 – 1st event at Southern Steps, Jerusalem
Southern Steps is the flight of stairs that led to the main entrances of the Temple Mount. It is certain that Jesus had to climb these steps to enter the Temple. This is also probably the place where the 3,000 were baptised when they were saved on Pentecost.
It was actually raining in Jerusalem a few days before the event, but look at the clear blue sky! How faithful is our Lord Jesus that He knows the desires of our hearts!
Pointing to the one that deserves all the praise and worship.
John 1:17 (NIV) – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
26 February 2016 – 2nd event at Tzemach Beach by the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias
Here, at the Sea of Galilee was where Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea, taught from Peter’s boat, and walked on water. It is also the lowest freshwater lake in the world!
Matt & Laurie Crouch welcoming the crowd! We are thankful for the both of them and the TBN team for organizing this event where we get to listen to the gospel of grace by the Sea of Galilee.
Here, Pastor Joseph Prince shared the secret of John and that is to lean on Jesus’s love for us and not to depend on our love for Him.
New Creation Worship led the people into praise & worship, singing songs about the Lord’s love and grace for us.
There is freedom in the house of God for He has turned our mourning into dancing!
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT)
28 February 2016 – 3rd event at Caesarea Maritima, Caesarea
Caesarea Maritima is where Peter preached the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to Cornelius’ household, placing them among the earliest Gentile believers of the New Covenant. This paved the way for Christianity to spread to all nations.
Welcoming the participants from all over the world!
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful sunset!
At the last session of Grace 2016 TBN Israel Tour, Pastor Joseph Prince shared about the high priest’s garment.
To catch these events, TBN will be broadcasting them at the following timings (Pacific Time):
Session 1 – Feb 28, 7 pm PT
Session 2 – Mar 13, 7 pm PT
Session 3 – Mar 20, 7 pm PT
For those who have missed session 1, you may catch the replay at iTBN archives – http://bit.ly/G16TBN1
Elevated over 350m above sea level, at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon, lies the ancient Greco-Roman city called Caesarea Philippi which became the religious centre for worship of the Greek god, Pan. The Greeks named the city Panias in his honour.
The region of Caesarea Philippi was the furthest north Jesus took His disciples. It is believed that near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus declared that He would establish a church, and gave authority over it to Simon whom He renamed Peter.
Just 6km west of Caesarea Philippi is Tel Dan, now a nature reserve with a remarkable archaeological site that is home to extraordinary remains of Canaanite and Israelite cities. During the Canaanite period, this city, known then as Laish, expanded and grew into a large Canaanite city – it was strategically located at the intersection of major ancient trade routes. Furthermore, during biblical times, many families from the tribe of Dan were forced out of their home by the Philistines, and thus relocated to the area near Laish, on the foothills of Mount Hermon, for its fertile valley and abundance of water.
This city was destroyed and rebuilt 20 times over 3,500 years, but underwent the most extensive damage during the defeat of the Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BCE, and was never fully reconstructed to its former size and prominence.
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Sitting in Northern Israel, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, is the Sea of Galilee. Known locally as Lake Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on earth, spanning approximately 21km long and 13km wide and resembling the shape of an ancient lyre. The Sea of Galilee is not only Israel’s main water source but it also boasts an amazing surroundings of mountains and beaches.
The area around the Kinneret is an important and relevant site in Jesus’ ministry – He walked on the water of the Sea of Galilee, He taught the crowds by the shore, He delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He healed the sick and He fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fishes.
Today, you can take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. But what you may find more historically significant are the remains of a small fishing boat, alike Peter’s boat. During a drought in 1986, two brothers from a kibbutz discovered this relic, and this Ancient Galilee Boat is now currently on display in the Yigal Alon Center. There, you can learn more about how the boat was moved from the wet land to dry land, or take the exit at the back of the museum and embark on a boat ride of a lifetime.
While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Capernaum, with its spectacular ruins of a first century synagogue (built over a pre-existing synagogue from the time of Jesus) and the home of Peter. Take a seat on stone benches or walk around the hometown of Jesus, where He performed many miracles, and don’t forget to take in the beauty of the sea whilst at the shoreline of Capernaum.
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Petra: A UNESCO World Heritage site & one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Hidden behind soaring cliffs is none other than Jordan’s most prized tourist attraction, the prehistoric Jordanian city of Petra. Commonly known as the Rose-Red City, for its impressive monuments carved into the sandstone-coloured mountain, or the Lost City of Stone, for it was an uninhabited ruin for centuries, this ancient city was declared UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, and in 2007, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This city’s architecture is the legacy of the Nabateans, who beyond their remarkable stone-carving abilities, proved great innovation in trade and irrigation systems in the middle of the desert. Thanks to the Nabateans, people today get to witness the magnificently carved Treasury, with a façade so impressive from its sheer scale, down to its intricate detail. This city was ultimately conquered by the Roman Empire in 106 AD and its significance in international trade declined due to the necessity of sea trade routes. Today, the city’s tombs (many of which have been looted by thieves), demonstrate a combination of Nabatean and Greco-Roman architectural styles.
Watch and admire the Nabateans remarkable stone-carving abilities:
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A city with its history dating back to 6000BC
As one of the best preserved and restored cities of the Ancient era, it’s no wonder the ancient city of Ephesus was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Located about 80km south of modern-day Izmir, Turkey, this city is home to one of the seven churches of Revelation mentioned in the Bible. Its rich history dates to 6000BC and comprises temples, theatres, libraries, statues and houses.
Considered to be strategically located in ancient standards, this monumental city centre was once an esteemed port city and an important cultural and commercial centre in the Mediterranean region. This site boasts the remarkable Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre that could seat about 24,000 people, the Temple of Hadrian and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Uncovered at the ancient city of Ephesus were also Terrace Houses of Roman nobles and the Cave of Seven Sleepers, aqueducts, commercial and state buildings, agora, and other significant monuments and embellishments, including even public toilets and a brothel.
Even though the region was destroyed by the Cimmerian invasion early 7th century BC, Ephesus was one of the wealthiest cities in the Mediterranean world while ruled by the Lydian kings. Furthermore, the city was regarded as a centre of learning, and women enjoyed equal rights and privileges to men. Throughout history, Ephesus survived numerous attacks and was conquered many times over, and its archaeological remains thus include Hellenistic and Roman settlements.
The ancient city played a crucial part in the spread of Christianity, from Saint Paul and Saint John visiting and reproving the cults of Artemis in 1st century AD and succeeded in converting many to Christianity. Additionally, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was believed to have spent her last here with Saint John – you can even visit her house and John’s tomb there.
Watch to see how beautiful this ancient city is:
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How did Hanukkah come about?
About 200 BCE, Israel was ruled by Seleucids (an empire ruled under the Greek law) and under the charge of King Antiochus Epiphanes. He wanted all the empire to follow Greek ways of life and the Greek religion. He took control of the Temple in Jerusalem and banned practising the Jewish faith and religion. Many Jews were killed for their faith. However, Judah Maccabee and a small ally of faithful Jews revolted against and defeated the Seleucid monarchy and its powerful armies. It is said that when Judah and his followers went into the Temple, there was only enough oil to burn for one night, but that it miraculously lasted for eight nights.
The dates of Hanukkah and Christmas might well be associated, because the rededication of the Temple to the Lord took place on the 25th day of the Hebrew month called Kislev.
Hanukkah Traditions
Hanukkah is traditionally a family celebration. It is customary to light the candles on a hanukkiyah, which is lit every night for eight nights. Children and households play the dreidel games. They eat fried and oily foods as a reminder of the miracle of the oil. Many Jews give gifts during the holiday.
Where to celebrate Christmas in Israel?
In Israel, Christmas is not considered a publicly celebrated holiday. But even so, celebrating Christmas in the Holy Land can be a meaningful and memorable experience for Christians if you know where to go. So, which places should you visit this holiday season? Word on the street is that the best places for Christmas include Bethlehem, Old City of Jerusalem, Jaffa (Tel Aviv) and Nazareth.
Bethlehem
At the birth place of Jesus, Bethlehem, an impressive and famous midnight mass is held every Christmas Eve. Here, the Church of the Nativity, which is one of the oldest surviving Christian churches, honours the place where Mary gave birth to Jesus. At the main square, Manger Square, people of all walks of life come together to celebrate.
Jerusalem
On Christmas Eve, join fellow Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem, walking the Via Dolorosa route. There is also a Christmas Eve mass at the magnificent chapel of the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center that was built by the Vatican in the 19th century.
Jaffa
Jaffa’s old-world vibe and its winding alleyways beautified by art galleries and historic stone buildings are even more spectacular during Christmas, when they’re adorned with Christmas trees, lights and Hanukkah menorahs. The Jaffa Flea Market, the Jaffa port that hosts a Christmas market and local church doors welcome people of all shapes and sizes.
Nazareth
Believed to be Jesus’ hometown, Nazareth, is home to Israel’s largest Christian population. Here, the festive seasons’ celebrations start early with the light of the Christmas tree in early December. Its city streets are decked out with decorated trees and outdoor street fairs commemorating both Christmas and Hanukkah. Come Christmas Eve, enjoy an elaborate and colourful Christmas Eve parade and fireworks that conclude at the Church of the Annunciation.
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April 22-29, 2016
Scripture references: Exodus 12:15-20
Exodus 12:17, NIV
“Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”
Today, Jewish families all over the world eat only unleavened bread during Passover and the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This feast commemorates the unleavened bread that the Israelites took with them when they were freed from bondage in Egypt. They had to flee so quickly that there was no time to let their bread rise.
During the days before Passover, their homes are cleaned to remove any trace of leaven so as not to cause defilement during the feast. Leaven is often used as a symbol for sin in the Scriptures, so its removal from the home is symbolic of purification from sin.
Matzah, the unleavened bread used during this feast, is pierced and striped — a perfect symbol of Jesus on the tree.
Today in Israel, there is a seven-day holiday for the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Deuteronomy 16:3, NIV
“Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste–so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.”