The third week begins

Last weekend we traveled again; Friday we went to Herodium followed by Jerusalem. We were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the City of David by none other than Eli Shukron, who excavated the site and made many significant finds throughout his long career. He found the gold bell that belonged to the robe of the High Priest. We walked through Hezekiah's Tunnel, one of my absolute favorite places to explore. We also walked through the old city again.

Saturday we visited the Israel Museum, which has the best exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls; I also enjoyed the section of the museum that has four reconstructed synagogues from around the world, as well as a whole Jewish exhibit with items from festivals (a TON of Menorahs from around the world, for instance), and a Jewish life exhibit. I saw some others as well.

Today began the last week of our dig at Tel Gezer (but I'm still in Israel for 2 weeks after this). It is going well, although the winch broke today so the tunnel had to end a little early on lifting bags out of the hole. Videos from the end of last week are being posted, so those will be included in the blog with all the archaeological details!

Happy Yom Yerushalayim!

 

Underground tunnels at Herodium.

 

 

 

Under the city of David with our tour guide, Eli.

 

 

Hezekiah's Tunnel

 

With Eli Shukron.

 

IDF Celebrations.

 

The Jewish Quarter in the Old City.

 

The Shrine of the Book.

 

Temple in the Jerusalem Model.

 

One of the synagogues in the exhibit.

 

A typical sighting at Tel Gezer!

 

The sifter for the tunnel.

Two (of three) Video Updates: