Trip Itinerary: Israel-Palestine

This unique opportunity to join other clergy and spiritual directors on a pilgrimage to Israel-Palestine October 27 – November 5, 2010 is sponsored by Spiritual Directors International.  The pilgrimage will be led by a Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Sheikh Jamal Rahman (The Interfaith Amigos), who have led this trip for many years. 

Here is our itinerary for each day.

Wednesday, October 27: Arrival and Grounding

We will meet our host, Iyad Qumri, at the Tel Aviv airport, and travel together to St. George’s College in Jerusalem, where we will spend the first seven nights of our journey. Our pilgrimage will begin with a brief walking tour to the nearby Damascus Gate and opening meditation.

Thursday, October 28: Overview, Introductions, and Intentions

Travel to Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Friday, October 29: Releasing Expectations

Travel to Mount Zion, the Room of the Last Supper, and the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu.  Noontime Muslim prayer. Evening honoring of Shabbat.

Saturday, October 30: Energies of Birthing

Travel to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. Meet with a Palestinian peace worker. Evening celebration of Muslim spirituality.

Sunday, October 31: Meeting the Dark Places

Travel to Yad Vashem and the Holocaust Museum. Gather for sharing following lunch, with the rest of the afternoon free. Evening celebration of the Christian Sabbath.

Monday, November 1: Into the Light

Journey to the Dead Sea where you will have the option to swim – or really float – and benefit from the healing properties of Dead Sea mud.

Tuesday, November 2: Places of Transformation

Travel to the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. Meditation at the Western Wall.

Wednesday, November 3: Realities Behind Reality

Travel to Nazareth, where we will spend the final two nights of our pilgrimage. Visit Safed, the city of Jewish mystics.

Thursday, November 4: Core Teachings on the Spiritual Path

Travel to Mount of Beatitudes and Korazim. Final sharing and meditation.

Friday, November 5: Sharing Blessings with the World

Farewells, departures, journey onward.