Cleansing in the Sacred Fires
May 18th - 30th 2008
Join us on this special tour and become an ambassador of peace.
Visit with the living masters of peace who are working to build a just and equal socieiy for all, regardless of
religion, creed or color.
..
May 18th - 30th 2008
Join us on this special tour and become an ambassador of peace.
Visit with the living masters of peace who are working to build a just and equal socieiy for all, regardless of
religion, creed or color.
..
Do you care greatly about nature and it's preservation?
Do you place a great deal of importance on developing and maintaining your relationships?
Do you see spirituality and religion as important in life, yet know that there are many ways to express it?
Are you optimistic about the future, distrusting the cynical and pessimistic view generally portrayed by the media?
Do you like people and places that are exotic and foreign, and like experiencing and learning about other ways of life.
If so... Imagine yourself:..
• Sitting in an ancient cave listening to the sounds of Miriam's Drum
as it was used by the biblical prophetesses.
• Visiting the Mystic Center of Kabbalah…the ancient city of Tsfat (Safed),
center of Jewish Mysticism, based on the Divine Energy
of the Shechina.
•Partake in the mystical fire celebration of Lag B'Omer - unavailable to tourist groups
• Walking where Mary and Jesus walked!
• Standing on the hill that overlooks the Sea of Galilee, heart chakra of Israel
•Experience a silent meditation in the Judean desert that will revitalize you heart and soul.
• Visiting Migdal, the sacred birthplace of Mary Magdalene.
• Visit Pek'in the ancient town where Jews, Christians and Muslims have continuously
lived in peace for centuries.
• Float on the Dead Sea.
Price Per Person: Single Supplement:
$3795 $650
This land package tour includes:
• 12 Days, 11 Nights hotel
• All Meals (except lunch on free days in Jerusalem and Dead Sea)
• Licensed Tour Guide
• Deluxe Bus and Driver
• Occupancy based upon two people per room
• Airport Transfers
• All programming and service providers are multi-faith. Exact mix will depend upon availability (time of year).
Flights: The program begins in Ben Gurion Airport – Tel Aviv on Day 0. Your transfer from the airport to your Jerusalem hotel is included in the
costs. Please notify us of your flight arrival time if you are making your own flight arrangements. We are happy to help you arrange your travel to
Israel through our ticket department.
ITINERARY
Day 0 – May 18th ARRIVAL Ben Gurion Airport in TEL AVIV.
You will be greeted by our representative who will assist you to board the shuttle to your hotel in Jerusalem. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the
realization that you have actually arrived! You are in the ancient city of Jerusalem, home of King David and a host of ancient prophets and
prophetesses. Enjoy a stroll on the city streets, distinct local aromas and delicious tastes of Jerusalem treats. After dinner on your own, the
group will be met by our local tour guide for a personal welcome and briefing session.
Overnight in Jerusalem.
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Day 1 –May 19th Jerusalem – Eternal Hope for Peace
After enjoying an exotic and fulfilling Middle Eastern breakfast, we will journey to the Mount of Olives, Eastern gateway through the Judean desert
to the spectacular ancient city for our Sacred Opening Ceremony guided by Eliana Gilad, peace leader and founder of Voices of Eden. We will
ask for guidance from the mystics of all religions to show us the way of contributing to peace. We will continue our pilgrimage by foot , visiting the
ancient spots sacred to the three monotheistic religions, beginning with the gardens of Gethsemane, the Lions Gate, Via Dela Rosa, the Church
of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, and Dome of the Rock. We will enjoy a delicious lunch in the colorful and aromatic Old City
Marketplace.
In the late afternoon, we will return to our hotel for rest, relaxation and contemplation on our morning's journey. After enjoying dinner at the hotel,
we will return to the Old City guided by the Jerusalem stars twinkling overhead to meet with a Sufi Sheikh with his beautiful ceremony of living
peace.
Overnight in Jerusalem
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Day 2 – May 20th Jerusalem – Resonances of Ancient Past, Present and Future
After breakfast we will visit Yad V'Shem Holocaust Memorial. This unique, world famous museum will provide us with a background to consider
how our personal behavior in life contributes to either destruction or resurrection. Where have you been destructive in your life? Here we will
discover how to take the worst from life and turn it alchemically from dross into gold. You will discover the many righteous individuals, who even
during one of humanities most darkest period s, found the strength and courage to give their all in love.
From here, we will continue to visit the House of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are kept. The Dead Sea scrolls include texts from the
Hebrew Bible, discovered between 1947 and 1956 in eleven caves in and around the Wadi Qumran (near the ruins of the ancient settlement of
Khirbet Qumran, on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea) in the West Bank. The texts are of great religious and historical significance, as they are
practically the only known surviving Biblical documents written before AD 100.
From these ancient scrolls we will return to the m day modern day marketplace of Mahane Yehuda where you will be free to choose your lunch
from amongst the colorful stands of vegetables, fruits, bakery goods, sweets, herbs and spices.
In the afternoon we will visit the biblical City of David. The city of David was situated on the southern slope of Mount Moriah, outside today's Old
City wall. Under King Solomon the city was extended northward and included Mount Moriah. The bringing of the Ark of the Covenant to the city
made it the Israelites' national, religious, and administrative center. Solomon had the lateral valley separating the city from Mount Moriah filled in.
This "miloh" (infill) area, as it was known, became the site of many new palaces, while the Temple was built on the summit of Mount Moriah.
We will take a journey through the underground water system carved through ancient rock dating 3000 years ago or more. We will leave the water
system to discover the pearly sounds of David's harp, Miriam's drum and her mystical way of healing.
After dinner back at your hotel, you will be free to enjoy the evening wandering on your own through the lively streets of Jerusalem.
Overnight In Jerusalem
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Day 3 – May 21st - Path of the Ancient Prophets and Prophetesses
Via the Jordan Valley – Jezreel Valley through to the Sea Of Galilee
We check out of the hotel after breakfast to travel from Jerusalem to the ancient Roman ruins of Beit Shean. Here we will visit the ancient
amphitheatre and discover the remnants of the power prophetesses who ruled in the minds, hearts and souls of mankind. From here we will
continue to the ancient synagogue at Bet Alfa where we find one of the original astrological map of the zodiac. The central panel of the mosaic is
dominated by a cosmological theme. In the middle, presented frontally, is the sun god Helios in a chariot drawn by four horses; round him are the
twelve signs of the Zodiac, and in the corners are the four Seasons. The panel at the far end shows the Torah shrine in the center, flanked by
seven-branched candlesticks, incense scoops, two birds and two lions and framed by curtains on either side.
We will visit a kibbutz in the area and learn about their ideological way of life. We will enjoy lunch in this unique setting.
Kibbutz Shaar HaGolan - Yarmukian museum. Because so little is known yet about the cultures of the Stone Age, of which the Yarmukians are
one example, their carved figurines are even more mysterious. Where did the maker(s) in Sha'ar Hagolan get the idea to make these? Even
though Sha'ar Hagolan seemed not involved in trade with other places it is thought that the figurines do not form an isolated example of original
artistic inspiration. One of the figurines is of a seated woman with exaggerated hips, holding her breasts. It is thought that she is a fertility
goddess. Maybe the Yarmukian goddesses do not so much symbolize fertility as much as a longing for abundance in general. We will explore
how our forgotten ancient roots may affect us in our modern day life and how reconnecting with them can help bring us back to balance. Check in
at our hotel in Kibbutz Nof Ginosar nestled upon the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy a fresh fish banquet for dinner.
Overnight – Kibbutz Gennosar Guest house
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Day 4- May 22nd Mysticism, Nature and Healing – Golan Heights – Berekhat Ram - Lag Baomer – Meron - Safed
Today we travel to the Biblical Lake Merom (Lake Hula) whose surrounding swamps were drained in the 1950s as an attempt to alter the
environment to suit agricultural needs. Though initially perceived as a great national achievement for Israel, with time it became evident that the
benefits from transforming the "wasteland" of Lake Hula and its swamps were limited. After nearly 50 years of an unsuccessful struggle to utilize
the drained valley's resources, the Israeli government finally recognized that they made a mistake and that a successful development can endure
only if a balanced compromise between nature and development is reached. Thus, a small section of the former lake and swamp region was
recently reflooded in an attempt to prevent further soil deterioration and to revive the nearly extinct ecosystem.
Virtually in the middle of nowhere, on the windswept plain (that had been used by the Israeli army for artillery practice), piles of stones arranged in
circles turned out - when viewed from the air - to be a Near Eastern "Stonehenge." We will visit this ancient place "Engineers who have studied
the site estimated that, even in its present condition, it contains more than 125,000 cubic feet of stones weighing an aggregate of close to 45,000
tons. They estimated that it would have taken one hundred workmen at least six years to create this monument - collect the basalt stones,
transport them to the site, place them according to a preconceived architectural plan, and raise the walls (undoubtedly taller than the now-visible
remains) to form the cohesive complex structure.
We will lunch by the little known ancient volcanic lake where the oldest goddess dated between 200-800,000 was discovered just twenty years
ago. A nomadic hominid tribe who predated even the Neanderthal era has been recently carbon dated as camping at Berekhat Ram (in the
modern-day Golan Heights region) between 232,000 and 800,000 years ago.
In the afternoon we continue to the Lag Baomer Celebrations in the center of Jewish Mysticism - Safed and Meron.
Lag BaOmer, is a festive day in the mystical Jewish calendar, celebrated with bonfires, and other joyous events. Many visit the resting place of the
mystic Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, whose anniversary of his passing, this holiday marks.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, who lived in the 2nd century of the Common Era, was the first to publicly teach the mystical dimension of the Torah He
is the author of the main teaching of Kabbalah, the Zohar. On the day of his passing, Rabbi Shimon instructed his disciples to mark the date as
"the day of my joy." Chassidic masters explain that the final day of a righteous person's earthly life marks the point at which "all his deeds,
teachings and work" achieve their culminating perfection and the zenith of their impact upon our lives.
Lag BaOmer also commemorates another joyous event. The ancient books relate that between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot a plague
raged amongst the disciples of the great sage Rabbi Akiva "because they did not act respectfully towards each other"; these weeks are therefore
observed as a period of mourning. On Lag BaOmer the mourning ceased. Therefore Lag BaOmer also carries the imperative to love and respect
one's fellow.
In the evening we will visit the center of ancient Jewish Mysticism – Safed. We will tour the ancient alley ways and synagogues, as well as the
artists quarters where we will enjoy a gourmet dinner in an ancient stone building.
Overnight – Kibbutz Genosar – Sea of Galilee
Day 5 – May 23rd - The Galilean Masters of Living Peace
After breakfast, we will have a morning meditation at the shores of Galilee. Then it is off to the Druze village of Maghrar where we will meet with
Ramzi Aweda in a mountainside cave to hear his amazing story of spiritual adventure. The Druze are a creed of people who broke off from
Mohammadism, and whose roots go back to ancient Egypt. We continue to Pek'in ancient community of peace where Jews, Christians,
Muslims and Druze have lived side by side for many millennia. We will meet with Jamila, peace leader and maker of medicinal soaps and herbal
oils according to the Druze tradition. Lunch in Beit Jan in a Druze Village and afterwards enjoy a nature walk – through the beautiful and easy
trails of Meron Mountain.
We will enjoy dinner amongst the biblical olive groves – at Ein Ha Ari, hosted by ancient Arab Christian Galilee family.
Overnight – Kibbutz Ginnosar – Sea of Galilee
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Day 6 – May 24th - Mary, Magdalena and the Footprints of Miracles
We begin our day at Mary Magdalena's well, where Magdalena meet Jesus. Just as modern religions have underplayed the importance of
Magdalene's powerful role to humanity, so we will witness how this well is very much underplayed. While nature surrounding it is scattered with
trash, the waters of the spring remain crystal clear. We will have a special meditation at the well with the energy of the pure water providing
inspiration for the earths healing. From the Magdalena's spring, we continue on to Tabgha, the site of the feeding of the 5000 with fishes and
the loaves. We will explore how to take that which seems impossible in our life and turn it around to produce untold miracles. From here we
continue to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave his sermon on the mount and to Capernaum, location of the ancient synagogue from
where he led his congregation.
Lunch is in the ancient port city of Acre, nestled on the Mediterranean coast. After visiting the ancient city, we will continue to Shfar Am have a
specially arranged visit with one of the last surviving women who is keeper of the ancient beauty secrets of kohl manufacture. Kohl is the ancient
stone used by women and men in ancient Egypt, India and the Middle East , not only for beauty purposes, but for it's medicinal and spiritual
properties as well.
In the evening, we will meet with Sara Hatan a Kurdish Jew who fled her native village in Iraqi Kurdistan some sixty years ago. Recently, she
returned, walking through Turkey and Iraq back to her village to reclaim the ancient prayer books which she had left in safe keeping with her
Muslim neighbors. We will enjoy an authentic Kurdish meal. Watch a video of Sarah making the special honey bread here while she describes
her recent trip by foot through Iraq to her Kurdish village of birth.
Overnight – Kibbutz Ginnosar – Sea of Galilee
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Day 7 May 25th Nazareth, the City of Peace, Ecological Renewal and Roman Hot Springs
Today, we continue our historical and spiritual visit to Nazareth, which today, is housed with Jewish, Christian and Muslim population. We will
visit the Church of Annunciation, the old city and the White Mosque. Only four miles away lies the ancient city of Zippori. This was the
administrative and intellectual capital of Galilee, known as the "city of peace'". Zippori features beautiful mosaics and an elaborate ancient
reservoir. It was described as "the ornament of all of Galilee". While known primarily as a Jewish city, it became the seat of a Christian bishopric
in the 5th century CE. And here, on a hilltop there is a church and a watchtower in memory of Anne and Joachim, the parents of Mary, Mother of
Jesus. From here we continue to Bustan HaGalil to the beautiful Healing and Medicinal Herb Farm famous for it's cultivation of ecological renewal.
In the late afternoon we will journey to the ancient Roman Hot Springs nestled in the triangular region bordering Israel, Jordan and Syria. The
natural hot mineral baths soothe both body, mind and soul. While you enjoy a soak in the ancient pools, contemplate the powerful energy of
healing. We will enjoy a delicious dinner at the Hot Springs.
Overnight – Kibbutz Ginnosar – Sea of Galilee
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Day 8 – May 26th - Judean Desert – Birth of the Monastic Refuge – Spiritual, Political and Personal
After breakfast we leave check out of our hotel and drive south to Beth Guvrin Depart with it's sacred caves and excavations. Bet Guvrin, south of
Beth Shemesh, is just one of these amazing places in Israel. Recently a 1700-year-old menorah was found in the vicinity. The other caves lie
around tel Maresha. We will visit the "Columbarium cave" one of the most spectacular and also one of the oddest. Its form is that of a double
cross. A few meters above eye level there are hundreds of small alcoves in the walls. They were for pigeons which were held in ancient times for
their milk, meat, and dung, which was used as fertilizer. Because pigeons were cheap, they were widely popular among Jews and pagans as
sacrificial animals. After the Greek era these odd dove cots went out of use.
From there we will continue to Tel Arad the ancient shrine of time of the Biblical Kings which marked the borderline between the Promised Land
and that of the Desert. From here we continue to Lakiyya to learn about the Bedouin women's weaving cooperative. The Bedouin are an ancient
tribe of nomads who have lived a rich desert life. From here we continue to the Judean desert for a spiritual encounter in a sacred spot where
some of history's greatest leaders: Abraham, Moses and Jesus of Nazareth. In the place where the silence is complete and the vistas never-
ending, where prayer to God is natural and spontaneous, journey to your true essence in a barren and unspoilt land. Sense the force of the desert
as it awakens your inner self, and the power of creation that demands to be revived.
Our Desert Dwelling Experience is an ecological and spiritual center where the visitor is enabled to have a different kind of recreation. In ’’our
dwelling of peace’’ you will experience relaxation and a unique tranquility. The place is generated by the use of solar and wind power, we recycle
the water we use, we care for mother earth, and we honor the desert. We will sleep in a unique structure, made from compressed earth, the first
of its kind in Israel. The building has 18 sides and a round opening to the sky. Every side has a window with a desert view. The building’s
structure and isolation enable deep work to be done.
Overnight – Judean Desert Traditional Hospitality
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Day 9- May 27th A Spiritual Journey in the Judean Desert
In the place where the silence is complete and the vistas never-ending, where prayer to God is natural and spontaneous, journey to your true
essence in a barren and unspoilt land. Sense the force of the desert as it awakens your inner self, and the power of creation that demands to be
revived.
The Journey includes walking in the desert, solitude, prayers, Yoga, meditation.
Walk in Nahal Rahaf, Nahal Kidod, along the Kidod Cliffs, the Heatekim Cliff near the Dead Sea, the Moab mountains and Bikaat Kanaaim.
The object of this journey is to take "time out" from regular life – to reflect, to revitalize, to touch the spirit and to soar to the heights within, and to
return home with renewed understanding and a fresh approach.
We sleep and eat under the stars and in the tent of our Bedouin friends.
Overnight in the Judean Desert
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Day 10 -May 28th - Chalice of Monotheism - Judean Desert - Floating Faith - Dead Sea
We deepen our sacred desert encounter to anchor and ground this sacred peace tour and intend for continuing our life changing transformational
experience back home. After enjoying our desert lunch we take off again towards the twenty first century pampering spa facilities at the Dead Sea.
After checking into our Dead Sea Hotel, enjoy the Spa Facilities and relaxation that will grow deeper from the mystical experience which we had in
the desert.
After dinner at the hotel we will take an extraordinary journey on a starlight jeep tour by the light of the moon at the lowest place on earth. Wadi
Sodom with it's salt rock walls is our destination overlooking the Dead Sea and the entire Moab Mountains.
Overnight - Dead Sea Spa Resort
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DAY 11 – May 29th - From Slavery to Freedom – Dead Sea – Masada – Qumran - Jerusalem
After breakfast we take off for Masada, UNESCO World Heritage Site representing the human dilemma of becoming slave or taking one's own life
to remain free. We continue to the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were found and where the Essene community lead an austere,
natural and deeply mystical life. Lunch at the Qumran Caves.
Continue on to Jerusalem. After checking into our hotel, you have a free afternoon to wander and contemplate the life changing experiences
encountered along the way over the last week and a half.
The Last Supper. This evening we will conclude our life changing experience with a sacred closing ceremony lead by peace maker Eliana Gilad
to anchor our intentions for continuing to make peace in our daily lives back home.
Overnight in Jerusalem
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DAY 12- May 30th - Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and check out of our hotel before being met by our group representative who will help to arrange for your Transfer
back to Ben Gurion airport according to your flight schedule.
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