We are back in Jerusalem (have been for a week) and are rapidly settling back into a schedule.  Our flight over was great, standby worked out well; non stop to NYC and Business Class JFK to TelAviv!  Now THAT is the way to fly!

Today is Yom Kippur and all is quiet in West Jerusalem as Jews spend the day fasting, praying, forgiving and worshipping.  It is literally quiet as no cars, trucks or buses are moving across the street from where we life.  In East Jerusalem (where we are living) life is going on as usual.  The Garden is open, if you were in Jerusalem today, staying in a hotel in West Jerusalem, and wanted to come to the Garden... you WALKED here!  And some did...

 

We are off today and walked through the Old City to the Western Wall and and plan to go back near the close of the day to watch as thousands of Jews come to the wall to celebrate as Yom Kippur comes to a close.,

 

When we left in May of 2011 work was still going on to sand blast the Damascus gate.  That work has been completed and the gate is beautiful.  We are reminded of how beautiful this walled city must have been in the days of Jesus before the onslaught of pollution from so many buses.  It must have been absolutely amazing 2,000 years ago as people made their way "up to Jerusalem."

 

The Damascus Gate

 

Many of you have prayed for the construction on Skull Hill... it continues today.  Here you see Skull Hill with the new wall and elevation above the bus station next door.

 





 

The Garden has undergone an amazing transformation over the past sixteen months under the very capable hands of our two gardners.

 

 

 

The Wine Press has been restored.

 

 

Some things will never change... the Tomb is still empty!

 

Yesterday was Yom Kippur.  All traffic ceased... except in Arab neighborhoods... where life went on as usual.  Any visitors to the Garden walked here unless their hotel was in East Jerusalem... very quiet day for us!

 

 

Looking up into West Jerusalem on Yom Kippur.  It's OK to walk or ride a bike... just don't drive your car!  If you do, you can expect have it stoned!!!

 

 

Turn around, look into East Jerusalem (where the Garden Tomb is located) and it is just a normal day.