JonDent - Exploring Electronic Music: Israel

Showing posts with label Israel. Show all posts

Friday, 14 July 2023

The Church of the Annunciation - Israel

The Church of the Annunciation, also known as the Basilica of the Annunciation, is a significant Christian religious site located in the city of Nazareth in northern Israel. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world and holds great religious and historical significance.

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Key features and information about the Church of the Annunciation include:

Biblical Significance: The Church of the Annunciation is traditionally believed to be the site where the Angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, an event known as the Annunciation. This event is described in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke.

Architectural Beauty: The church is renowned for its striking architecture. It is a modern basilica, built in the mid-20th century.

The architect was Giovanni Muzio from Italy.

The lower level of the church contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, which is traditionally believed to be the very spot where the Annunciation occurred.

Mosaics: The interior of the church is adorned with numerous beautiful mosaics donated by different Christian communities from around the world. These mosaics depict scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary.

This was donated from Japan.

There are also many ancient mosaics from the older churches that this basicilla was built upon.

The first church on this site was built by the Emperor Constantine around 570AD.

A second was built during the Crusades around 1102AD but this was destroyed in 1260.

A few Franciscans managed to remain till the fall of Acre in 1291.

Visitor Experience: The Church of the Annunciation is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists. Visitors can explore the church and its serene surroundings. The lower level, where the Grotto is located, is especially significant for those seeking a spiritual experience.

International Relations: The church is administered by the Franciscan order and is an important symbol of Christian heritage in Israel. Over the years, it has received numerous visitors, including dignitaries and popes, making it a site of international significance.

Nazareth: The city of Nazareth, where the Church of the Annunciation is located, is a major center for Christian pilgrimage due to its association with the life of Jesus and Mary. In addition to the Church of the Annunciation, visitors can explore other Christian and historical sites in the area.

The Church of the Annunciation serves as a focal point for the Christian faith and is a testament to the historical and religious importance of Nazareth in the Christian tradition. It is a place of reverence and reflection for Christians from around the world who come to commemorate the Annunciation and the beginning of the story of Jesus.

Bronze doors depicting scenes from Christ's life.

Monday, 12 June 2023

Mount Precipice - Israel

Mount Precipice, also known as Mount of Precipitation or Mount Kedumim, is a prominent hill located just outside the city of Nazareth in northern Israel. It is a significant site in Christian tradition, particularly associated with an event described in the New Testament.

According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus returned to Nazareth, his hometown, and visited the synagogue. He read from the scriptures and delivered a sermon that initially impressed the people.

However, as he continued to speak, the crowd became increasingly hostile and attempted to drive him off a nearby hill, which is now identified as Mount Precipice. It is believed that they intended to throw him down the hill, but the Gospel narrative states that Jesus miraculously escaped their grasp.

Today, Mount Precipice is a site of religious and historical significance, attracting pilgrims and tourists. The hill provides a panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley, which is often referred to as the "Valley of Armageddon" and is steeped in biblical history.

The site also features a modern amphitheater and walking paths for visitors to explore. It is a popular location for taking in the views and for commemorating the events described in the New Testament.

While Mount Precipice has a significant place in Christian tradition, it is also a place of natural beauty and archaeological interest in the region.

Monday, 8 May 2023

Kibbutz - Israel

Some old pics of the restaurant of a Kibbutz I visited while in Israel back in 2015.

I can't remember the name of this Kibbutz, but the food was great. If anyone can help me identify the place I'd be most greatful. I think it's in northern Israel near the sea of Galliee.

The 1st Kibbutz was established more than 90 years ago.

The name comes from the Hebrew word kvutza, meaning “group”

It's a voluntary society.

People live on egalitarian and communal principles.

in a social and economic framework.

It is based on the principle of collectivism.

All income generated by the Kibbutz and its members goes into a common pool. This income is used to run the Kibbutz, make investments, etc.

Though this sounds a bit like communism, its governed by a system of "direct participatory democracy".

Here, the individual can directly influence issues and events in the community.

Today there are approximately 250 Kibbutzim in the country, where about 125 000 people live. The majority of Kibbutzim are secular, but there are about twenty religious Kibbutzim, as well as Kibbutzim connected to both the Conservative and Reform streams.

This Kibbutz was founded in 1928.

I think the hebrew translates as "Aware"

And "70 years".

Founded 1928.

Kibbutz members receive the same budget (according to family size), regardless of their job or position. In terms of education, all children start equally and are given equal opportunity.