During the years of the conquest of Canaan by the Jewish tribes (13-12 centuries BC) and in the subsequent period of intertribal fragmentation, the God of the Jews did not have a permanent cult center. The main shrine of the Jews - the Ark of the Covenant, in which were the tablets with the Decalogue, that is, the ten commandments, was constantly in a portable temple tabernacle. Devotion to the Almighty found its expression in sacrifices, observance of sacred vows, prayer, and obligatory circumcision of male infants. With the formation of the united Kingdom of Israel and Judah under David in 1004 BC. The Ark of the Covenant was moved to Jerusalem in 905 BC. King Solomon, the son of David, built a royal palace and a temple in honor of God in the holy city. The construction of the Temple of Solomon lasted seven years. After its completion, the sacred relic of the Jewish people, the Ark of the Covenant, was transferred to the Holy of Holies, many elders and heads of the tribes of Israel were invited. The two-week celebration of the opening of the Temple began with the solemn prayer of King Solomon. Subsequently, many events of sacred history took place here. The temple was served by a class of priests and their assistants. At the same time, the idea of ​​the eternal indestructible connection between the God of Israel, the dynasty of David and the divine choice of holy Jerusalem was born. The Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem was fundamentally different from everything that preceded it in Jewish history. For the first time, the Temple was erected as a permanent and solid stone building in a very specific and special place. The magnificent building of the Temple made it from the very beginning the central sanctuary for all of Israel, although local sanctuaries - bamot - continued to exist along with it. It became a custom to ascend three times a year to the Temple in Jerusalem. Meanwhile, in Judea, the Temple of Jerusalem rose more and more in the eyes of the people and took first place in the worship of the One God. Mount Moriah, on which the Temple stood, began to be considered the mountain of God, and the Temple - the habitation of the Lord. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem and with it all of Judea from the invasion of Sennacherib in 701 BC. e. surrounded the Jerusalem temple even more with an aura of Divine holiness and miraculous power. However, the existence of local bamoths near the permanent Temple was considered normal in view of the importance that the people attached to sacrifices.

However, the deterioration of the political situation at the end of the reign of Solomon and in the days of his successors was reflected in the fate of the Temple. To undermine the status of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center of all Israeli tribes, the founder of the Israeli (Northern) kingdom, Jeroboam I (930 BC), restored the sanctuaries in Beit El and Dan, and turned them into a kind of Jerusalem temple. In both temples, Jeroboam set up golden calves. But already in the reign of Hezekiah, the Temple again became a shrine for all the inhabitants of Judea, the only place where they served God. In the future, the greatness of this Temple was given increasing importance. People came here from all over the kingdom of Israel. The coming to power of Menashe led to the restoration of pagan temples, idolatry penetrated into the Temple. During the reign of Josiah, pagan cults were destroyed, and the Temple again became the cultural and political center of the entire state. A few decades later, Nabuzardan, one of the leaders of the Babylonian army, invaded the kingdom of Israel. He destroyed all the houses and walls of the city, expelled the local residents and close associates of the deposed king, and turned the Temple of Jerusalem into ruins. So far, direct archaeological evidence from the Temple of Solomon has not been found, since archaeological excavations have never been carried out directly on the Temple Mount. When sifting the earth from the Temple Mount, some circumstantial evidence was found, including a stone with the name of a priest, as well as an arrowhead, similar to which was used in the armies of Nebuchadnezzar.

Of the millions of tourists who annually visit Israel, a significant part are pilgrims to religious shrines. And all because it was in this land that the three most common world religions today were born: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Speaking about the religious centers of Israel, it is necessary to say about the five holy cities for Jews. These are Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Safed and Tiberias. It was in these settlements that Jews remained to live during the “dispersion”, and the Jewish faith did not fade away.

At present, the main objects of pilgrimage for believers are concentrated in these cities or in their vicinity.

Jerusalem

The oldest city in the Middle East, its origin dates back to the 4th millennium BC. Located on the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.

Since 1949, it has been proclaimed the capital of the State of Israel, and in 1967 it completely came under its control.

The current population is 828,500.

For Christianity, this is, of course, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. In the 4th century AD. the mother of the Byzantine emperor Constantine, Elena, allegedly found traces of the crucifixion of Christ in this very place. At her command, a church was built here. In the future, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and restored. The building that has survived to this day dates back to the time of the Crusades of the 12th century AD. Today, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a whole gallery of buildings belonging to representatives of various Christian denominations and congregations. Inside, among others, there is the Chapel of the Ascension of the Lord with a cave where Jesus was buried. This is the very place where the “Holy Fire” descends on Easter, which thousands of believers strive to witness.

Shrines of Judaism: Wailing Wall, Temple Mount. Half a millennium before the advent of our era, the Second Jewish Temple was built on one of the mountains of Jerusalem, then reconstructed by King Herod to splendor. But in 70 AD it was destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish revolt, after which the Jews were expelled from their land. The western and southern walls remained of the temple. Part of the West was called the Wailing Wall - this is the place where the Jews lament the fate that has befallen them and pray for the restoration of the Temple. But not only representatives of the Jewish nation aspire to the Wailing Wall. It is believed that God is especially open to people's prayers in this place, so pilgrims of all nationalities can be seen here. They bring notes with their requests to the Almighty, leaving them in the crevices of the Wall.

In the centuries following the expulsions of the Jews, Jerusalem came under the rule of various peoples and rulers. There was also a Muslim period of dominion in its history, during which the Arabs built their mosques on the site of the former Jewish temple. And now, on the Temple Mount, two Muslim buildings are adjacent to the Wailing Wall: the Al-Aqsa Mosque - the third most important shrine of Islam and the Dome of the Rock (Dome over the Rock) - a monument in honor of the events described in the Koran.

It can be added that in Jerusalem, according to legend, there are also the tomb of King David, the cave where the members of the Sanhedrin are buried, and the tomb of the Jewish sage Simon the Righteous.

A few tips for travelers. If you want to take a photo at the Wailing Wall, choose a weekday for the tour. The second half of Friday and Saturday in Israel is Shabbat, a sacred day. This is a day off, according to the fourth commandment of the Torah, to keep the Sabbath day holy. During this time, photography is prohibited on the Temple Mount. These days are generally not favorable for excursions, since most establishments and shops are closed, and public transport does not run.

There are a lot of hotels in Jerusalem. Both in the Old City and beyond its walls. You can (and even need to) pre-book a place in them on the websites. The average price is 400 shekels (approximately $115) for a double room for one night, including breakfast. It's a 10 minute drive from the Old City. In the Old Town, hotels are found at every step: Arabic, Catholic, etc. Not far from the entrance there is a very nice Catholic hotel, where in the winter of 2013 you could stay for 500 shekels per night.

Bethlehem

This is another religious center of Israel. Modern Bethlehem is a city of 42,000 people, including the suburbs. Located 8 km south of Jerusalem.

Represents significance for Christianity and Judaism. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ was born in this place. King David was also from here, and here he was anointed to the kingdom. Bethlehem has Catholic churches, Bethlehem Catholic University and one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

Bethlehem is not a tourist-friendly city, as it is located in the disputed territories between Israel and the PNA, and unrest is not uncommon in it. It is separated from Israel by a concrete wall and a checkpoint. To pass through it, a citizen of the Russian Federation will need to present an international passport of the established form and pass a simple check. But getting back is much more difficult - there will be an inspection no less thorough than, and there is also a chance that the checkpoint will be closed for several days.

Hebron

Located even South of Bethlehem, if you look at the map - directly opposite the middle part. The city of Hebron is mentioned many times in the Bible. Until the 13th century BC he was the center of Canaanite culture, in the 8th century BC. - King David proclaimed it his capital, and later his son Absalom revolted here.

Modern Hebron is a large settlement with almost 160,000 inhabitants, of which the vast majority are Arabs, only 800 Jews. The city is partly under the control of the Palestinian Authority, partly under the control of the Israeli army, it is separated by a checkpoint, and clashes are not uncommon among the population.

However, Hebron attracts pilgrims. Here is the cave of Machpelah (or the cave of the Patriarchs), where, according to legend, the ashes of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Leah, as well as the first people of Adam and Eve, rest.

Here, at the beginning of the 20th century, an Orthodox church was built in honor of the Holy Forefathers and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity.

Safed

A city in the Upper Galilee, that is, in the northern part of the country. This religious center of Israel in the Middle Ages was the center of the distribution of Kaballah - a teaching that was born from Judaism.

Safed is interesting for its relief: it is located on the top of a mountain, and its streets are more or less serpentine, offering a view of the Sea of ​​Galilee, the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Hermon at the same time.

Safed is considered a city of artists whose works are exhibited in numerous galleries and workshops.

For Orthodox Jews, functioning synagogues and yeshivas are of value. And for Kabbalists - the graves of their famous teachers.

Tiberias, Galilee

Tiberias (in the Bible Tiberias) is a small beautiful city on the western shore of Lake Genissaret. Built about 2000 years ago by King Herod Antipas as a gift to the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

More than 40,000 residents currently live in the city, a significant part of them adhere to the orthodox traditions of Judaism.

Representatives of this religion venerate the tombs of Rabban Johanan ben Zakkai, Rabbi Akiva, Rabbi Meir Baal-ha-Nes, and Maimonides, located in Tiberias.

For Christian pilgrims, the temples located within the city and, of course, the surroundings of Tiberias are of interest. After all, Galilee is the place where Jesus Christ spent a significant time of his ministry. A 15-minute drive from the city is the Mount of Beatitudes - the place where the Teacher said the well-known "Blessed are the poor in spirit ...". Now a park has been laid out on its top and a Catholic monastery has been built.

You can visit a place called Kfar Nachum - this is the same fishing village of Capernaum, where Jesus once called some of the apostles, here he performed miracles and preached in the synagogue. Now it is divided into Orthodox and Catholic parts. On the territory of each there is a corresponding monastery, garden and historical monuments. So, in the Catholic part, you can see the remains of the synagogue of the 1st century AD.

At the exit from Tiberias in a northern direction is the village of Migdal - from where, according to legend, Mary Magdalene was born.

If you head south, then after 10 minutes you will find yourself in a place of mass baptism of pilgrims, called Yardanit. According to one version, John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ here.

From the outskirts of Tiberias, Mount Tabor (Tavor) or Mount of Transfiguration is visible - it is assumed that it was there that Jesus appeared before the apostles in white robes. From the city to the top of the mountain you can get by car in half an hour. Another option is to take the 30th bus from the central bus station to the Arab village of the same name at the foot of the mountain, and then you can feel like the disciples who climbed up with Jesus. From the top you can admire the view of the Israeli lands to the sound of coniferous forests, walk along the trails for tourists or visit the Orthodox and Catholic monasteries built here. You can also find a campsite and spend the night there.

Of course, the above holy places and sights are far from all that is in Israel. After all, if everything is taken into account, then we need to talk not about the religious centers of Israel, but about Israel as a single religious center.

Israel is a country of three religions

Israel is the cradle of the three great religions of the world. For the believing population, Israel is a holy land, because it is here that buildings, monuments and entire areas are concentrated, which are considered by supporters of world religions as places not ordinary, but holy. This land became holy for Christians, and for Muslims, and for Jews, because all the most significant historical events of these peoples took place here.

The sacred places of Israel are known to people both believers and unbelievers. These places are connected primarily with the earthly life of Christ. The Annunciation and Nativity of Christ, the Baptism of Jesus Christ, the Presentation of the Lord, His appearance in the Light of Tabor and the Transfiguration - everything happened here. The path of the Savior ran through this land, it was here that they preached sermons, performed great miracles. Here the Last Supper took place and Jesus was betrayed by Judas. Here he endured great suffering, went to Golgotha ​​by the way of the Cross and was crucified on the Cross. The Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ took place on the same earth.

Each major Christian shrine is a monument to one of the periods of the life of Jesus Christ. Churches, monasteries and other religious buildings have been built in almost every city in the country, where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists constantly flock.

Pilgrimage to the holy places of Israel

Pilgrimage to the holy places of Israel means visiting holy places, various temples and monasteries. This concept arose in Orthodoxy when travel began to places associated with the name of Christ.

On the eve of the most important holidays for Christians - Christmas and Easter - Israel becomes especially attractive for pilgrims, believers, as well as people who, in principle, are interested in history.

The most popular option for pilgrimage tours is 8 days. Often the pilgrimage is complemented by treatment or relaxation in the Dead or Red Seas. A visit to the Holy Land is also often combined with Egypt and Jordan, which are also interesting as places of pilgrimage.

A pilgrimage tour to holy places includes visiting the most important Christian shrines. Programs may change depending on the church calendar or the composition of the group, but they certainly retain their basic elements.

For Russian pilgrims, the pilgrimage begins with the Russian Spiritual Mission - this is the official representation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Israel. Pilgrims receive a blessing here to make their pilgrimage, and from here begins the path in the footsteps of Jesus.

The pilgrimage tour includes visits to holy places in Jerusalem, Tiberias, Nazareth, Netanya, Haifa, Jaffa and Lydda.

The Holy Sites Tour in Jerusalem includes places that are associated with the last days of Jesus' life on earth. First of all, it is, of course, the Mount of Olives. It houses the Place of the Ascension of Jesus Christ, the Temple of the Ascension, the Gethsemane Convent, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, the Olivet Convent, the Tomb of the Mother of God, Mount Zion, the Temple of the Assumption of the Mother of God, the tomb of King David.

The holy places of Tiberias include the ancient city of Jericho and the monastery of St. George Chozevit, the Forty Days Monastery and the Mount of Temptation. According to legend, 40 days after baptism, Jesus fasted in the desert near Jericho, in a cave on top of a mountain, and Satan tempted him. In memory of this event, the Greek Forty Day Monastery was built.

In Tiberias, pilgrims will definitely visit Mount Tabor, the monastery of St. Zacchaeus, the Jordan River, in which Jesus was baptized, the monastery in Magdala - here the pilgrims bathe in the source. It was here that Christ healed Mary Magdalene - cast out demons from her.

Almost the entire gospel story unfolded within the Sea of ​​Galilee. Here are the Church of the Twelve Apostles, Capernaum, the Church of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes and the Church of the Sermon on the Mount. From the shore of the Sea of ​​Galilee, Jesus preached about peace and love, on the local mountains he had conversations with the Father, in these places he healed the sick, performed miracles.


In Nazareth, the Virgin Mary learned from the Archangel Gabriel that she would give birth to the Savior of the world. Christ lived here until his youth. At the top of Mount Carmel there is a cave where the holy Prophet Elijah lived, and according to legend, Mary and her baby visited this cave. Church of the Archangel Gabriel, Church of the Annunciation, Cave of St. Prophet Elijah, Russian Church of St. Prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel - the memory of these events.

According to legend, the city of Jaffa is the oldest city in the world: Noah built his ark here on the seashore, and his son, Japheth, founded the city. The Apostle Peter lived in Jaffa for a long time and it was here that, according to legend, he resurrected the righteous Tabitha. In Jaffa, pilgrims visit the Russian Church of St. Peter the Apostle and the Chapel of the Holy Righteous Tabitha.

St. George the Victorious was born in Lydda, there is also a church named after him. The city keeps the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which appeared (according to legend) during her lifetime.

Holy places of Jerusalem

On ancient maps of the world, Jerusalem is depicted in the very center, and today it is also a common shrine for Christians, Jews and Muslims. The city has been the subject of endless long-term disputes and cruel bloody wars for centuries. And yet, every year hundreds of thousands of people of various faiths come here.

Jerusalem can truly be safely called a city of peace, because such an amazing mixture of peoples, historical monuments, traditions and cultures, where churches, mosques and synagogues equally dominate, you will not find anywhere else.

Biblical sites of Israel in Jerusalem:

1. Temple Mount. It is located on the territory of the Old City, in its southeastern part. It is a rectangular area with high stone walls. The Temple Mount occupies a central place in Jerusalem not by chance, it is sacred to Judaism - Jews turn to face it during prayer. This is explained by the fact that earlier on the site of the mountain there was a Temple, which was destroyed twice. Today, only part of the Western Wall, or the Wailing Wall, remains of the Temple - a symbol of the faith of the Jewish people, as well as a traditional place of prayer.

In Judaism and Christianity, there are prophecies about the coming of the Messiah for the deliverance of all mankind. Then the Third Temple will be erected - the spiritual center for all the peoples of the world.


The Temple Mount is also a sacred place for Muslims. The most important shrines after Medina and Mecca are located on Temple Square. In the very center, where the Jewish Temple stood, the Kubbat as-Sakhra mosque (otherwise - the Dome of the Rock) was erected. Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the southern part. Mosques were also destroyed and were even converted into Christian churches during the time of the Crusaders.

The Temple used to house the Ark of the Covenant, the holy place of the Jews. It was here that God appeared to proclaim his will, and the Tablets of the Covenant for the Jewish people were kept in the ark itself. Mysteriously, the Ark disappeared before the destruction of the First Temple, and famous archaeologists are still searching for it.

2. Wailing Wall. As I said above, only the western part of the wall has survived today. The Wailing Wall is an incredibly revered holy place. From the end of the sixteenth century, for believing Jews, it acquired an exceptional religious significance.

Believers around the world are sure that sincere prayer at the Wailing Wall can be truly miraculous. And there is a lot of evidence that when people who prayed at the Wailing Wall were healed of terrible ailments, and women got rid of infertility.


One of the traditions is writing notes asking for help. Believers from all over the world come to the Wall with a large number of such notes, handed down from friends and acquaintances who cannot come. It is believed that if these messages are inserted into the slots of the Wailing Wall, God will read them and help those who suffer.

3. Calvary. This is the mountain famous for where Jesus was crucified.

According to biblical legends, there was a deep pit under this mountain, where, after the execution, the bodies of criminals and the crosses on which they were crucified were dumped. The Cross of Christ was also thrown into this pit and covered over. And only centuries later, the cross was found during excavations by Empress Helen, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I. According to legend, even the nails with which Christ was crucified were preserved.

Today, Golgotha ​​is illuminated with lamps and candles, and Catholic and Greek thrones are placed on it (on the site of the crucifixion of Christ).

4. Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This is an architectural complex that combines several structures under its roof. The temple includes two of the most important Christian shrines: Mount Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the Holy Sepulcher, where he was buried and resurrected. Here are also the temple of St. Helena, the temple of the Finding of the Life-Giving Cross, the cathedral church of the Jerusalem Church and several monasteries.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is also called the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, for, according to the Holy Scriptures, it was built where Christ was resurrected. The temple is located geographically in the Old City. Excursions are thought out in such a way as to pass the Way of the Cross completely.

The Holy Sepulcher is the main altar of the church. Christian services have been held here since the fourth century. Pilgrims and tourists bring with them icons, candles, medallions, crosses and so on for illumination. Access to the Holy Sepulcher is completely free, except for the time of services, especially on such Christian holidays as Easter. Every year on this night, the ascent of the Holy Fire is held. This fire symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus, appearing miraculously. Thousands of believers come to the temple to see this miracle with their own eyes. Pilgrims want to get a piece of the Holy Fire and rush to light their candles from it.

5. Garden of Gethsemane. Here Christ liked to retire with his disciples for rest and prayers, but here he was seized by the guards during prayer after the Last Supper. In the garden, the disciples of Jesus mourned the death of their Master, and it was here that the news of the Resurrection of Christ was brought.

The Garden of Gethsemane is a place associated with the Passion of Christ, and pilgrims from all over the world certainly visit it.

Holy places of Bethlehem

Bethlehem. The city where Jesus Christ was born. This city can only be treated with admiration and awe. Shrines of various religions and times are concentrated here. It is simply impossible not to visit Bethlehem and not see them.

Sacred sites of Israel in Bethlehem:

1. The main holy place for more than a thousand years is the Church of the Nativity. Pilgrims do not stop coming and coming here in order to see the Star of Bethlehem, to walk along the very road along which the Magi walked, to touch the sacred temple erected by Empress Helen of Byzantium in honor of Christ. It is believed that Helena erected a temple on the very spot where Jesus was placed in the manger.

In the temple there is an unusual icon on which the Mother of God smiles.


The architecture of the Temple is striking in its grandeur: Byzantine mosaics, columns with unique paintings, frescoes depicting Christ ... Even the Muslims who captured the temple did not destroy it, but converted part of it into a prayer place.


The church was repeatedly robbed and rebuilt. For example, the main entrance was deliberately made low so that a person would bow before entering.

2. Bethlehem in Hebrew means “house of bread.” On the outskirts of the city is the tomb of the foremother of all Jews - Rachel. This place is also revered by Muslims.

3. Next to the Church of the Nativity is the most important Catholic church - the Church of St. Catherine. Every year the Christmas service from this church is broadcast in many countries of the globe.

4. Milk Grotto - the place where the family of Christ fearfully awaited the end of the massacre, arranged by King Herod.

Holy places of Nazareth

Nazareth is the city where the Holy Virgin Mary lived and where Christ spent his childhood. Nazareth is located in northern Israel, in the region of Galilee. The city is extremely multinational: Jews, Arabs and representatives of other nations live here side by side. Nazareth, like Bethlehem, has a thousand-year history, but a small population.

Holy places of Israel in Nazareth:

1. Cathedral of the Annunciation. The most significant building. The building was built over the grotto in which Mary learned from the Archangel Gabriel the news of her imminent motherhood. The cathedral has been erected for the fifth time on the ruins of churches that stood on this site earlier and were destroyed during Muslim raids. That is, the temple is located on two levels: on the lower level - relics, on the upper - a hall for worship under a dome, which is visible from anywhere in Nazareth.


2. Church of St. Joseph. Located next to the Church of the Annunciation. This is the only church in the country built in honor of the carpenter Joseph. It is built above his workshop.

3. Church of the Archangel Gabriel. Church built in honor of St. Archangel Gabriel.

4. Lake Kinneret (Sea of ​​Galilee) witnessed many acts of Jesus Christ. Between Nazareth and the sea is Mount Tabor (Tavor) - this is the place of the Divine Transfiguration of Christ. On the mountain, at 588 meters above sea level, the Franciscan Church of the Transfiguration is now built.

5. Jordan River - the river in which Christ was baptized. Until now, Christians are baptized here.

6. The city of Capernaum on Lake Kinneret is the city where Christ preached. It is extremely unusual to see the Orthodox Church of the 12 Apostles among the Arab settlements.

7. Not far from Capernaum is the fishing village of Tabgha, where Jesus fed two fish and five loaves of bread to everyone present, followed the boat through the water, miraculously calmed the storm and appeared before the disciples here after his resurrection. The Monastery of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes was built as a memory of these miracles.

Excursions to the holy places of Israel

Traveling to Israel is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The vast majority of tourists go to Jerusalem, but many of them travel to Christian shrines. You can go on a tour of the holy places of Jerusalem from almost any city in Israel, you just need to book a trip in advance at the country's tour desk. There are also organized trips from Egypt to Jerusalem and vice versa - tourists vacationing in Israel can visit the sights of neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.

Trips to Israel at Christmas or Easter are very popular. You need to book such a trip to holy places in advance: you should take into account the popularity of holidays among Christians and the workload of flights. It is also worth remembering the number of tourists and pilgrims visiting the country on such big Christian holidays.

Israel is a country that everyone should visit. I really hope that the information I have collected will be useful to you, your relatives and friends. Do not be ill!

Jerusalem is not just an ancient Middle Eastern settlement with a rich history, not just the capital of the State of Israel, which is glorified in songs, stories and legends. This city has received a special status for a very long time. Here is the very piece of rock, the center of the universe, from which God began the Creation of the world: dividing land and water, the Lord had to rest his foot on a solid area in order to continue his deeds, and the Foundation Stone served as such a support. And Jerusalem is also considered the center of the earth, because its "navel" is located right here, in. Finally, this one of the oldest cities on the planet is defined as a sacred place by three religions of revelation: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Indeed, the shrines of Jerusalem are revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians around the world. In this article, we will talk about some of the sacred objects.

Relics of Judaism

The holiest place, of course, is for adherents of Jewish traditions: Jewish sages are convinced that the presence of God is still fully manifested on earth only here.

Mountain Houses

The main place of veneration is among the Jews, which rises outside the fortress walls within the Old City. The Jews call the whole mountain sacred, every centimeter of its territory. On this mountain:

For four centuries the First Temple stood;

There were daily services with sacrifices;

Men of all the tribes of Israel came here for the holidays;

After the return of the Jews from captivity in Babylonia, a magnificent Second Temple was erected on Moria, which also served the 4th century.

The third Temple, the Jewish prophets believe, will also appear on the Temple Mount.

Western wall

One of the most interesting cities and the largest historical monument is Kotel Maaravi in ​​the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem - the remnant of the Herodian fortification built to expand the Temple Mount, preserved after the destruction of the Second Temple at the hands of the Roman soldiers of Emperor Titus Flavius.

For the Jews, to this day it has remained the greatest shrine, where they mourn the destruction of both Temples, ask for the fulfillment of desires, pray for the secret, and some simply stand silently, absorbing the aura of antiquity. Everyone can approach the A-Kotel, whether it be during the day or at night, on any day of the year, they do not require money for entry, you just need to follow certain rules:

Men should wear special caps (kippas);

Women's shoulders and knees must be covered;

The place for prayers of men is on the left, and women can address God from the right side of the territory;

Appearing at the Wall with pets is strictly prohibited;

You can not use mobile phones, take pictures and smoke at the Wall on Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Prayers, sometimes weeping, sometimes revival and fun - are heard at the Wailing Wall constantly, regardless of time, today this place resembles a giant open-air synagogue. Ever since the reign of the Ottoman Empire, when in the 16th century its ruler Suleiman the Magnificent allowed Jews to pray here, the Western Wall has become an object of pilgrimage for Jews to Jerusalem, where, according to a long tradition, three times a year, on holidays, they had to visit the Temple.

Islamic shrines

After Medina and Mecca, Jerusalem occupies the third place in terms of holiness among Muslims. In this city, according to the ideas of the supporters of Islam, 40 righteous people live, saving the world from diseases, misfortunes and hunger with their piety. Mount Moriah in Arabic is called the "Noble Sanctuary", Islam associates it with the nightly ascension of Muhammad to the Divine Throne, when on a magical creature burak (a horse with a human head), the prophet first traveled from Mecca to the Jerusalem Temple Mount, and then the heavens above the place where the Temple used to stand before, dispersed, opening the way to the Almighty.

In Jerusalem, the holy sites of the three monotheistic religions are in close contact, demanding mutual respect. So, for example, sacred Islamic relics are still placed on the Temple Mount.

Dome over the rock

This Muslim sanctuary (Kubbat as-Sakhra) was built from 687 to 691 by order of Abd al-Malik, the Umayyad caliph, over a rock ledge (the Cornerstone, considered the starting point of the universe long before the birth of Islam), from which, in accordance with 17- oh sura of the Koran, the prophet Muhammad made his journey at night to Allah, who then received the precepts of the Muslim religion from God.

Today, the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem is not an active masjid, it is an Islamic architectural monument, the golden dome of which is 20 meters in diameter and is visible from any area of ​​the Old City. The Dome of the Rock contains 3 hairs from Muhammad's beard and an imprint of his foot. Only Muslims have the right to enter the Kubbat as-Sahra. But tourists, having passed through the Maghreb Gate, can visit the Temple Mount itself during the established summer and winter hours.

Al-Aqsa Mosque

From a small prayer house founded by the caliph Umar (or Omar the First) in the 7th century (636), this mosque in Jerusalem turned into the 3rd Islamic shrine in the world, into a huge building that simultaneously accommodates approximately 5,000 believers during worship.

Every time, uttering the words of prayer, Muslims turn their faces in a certain direction (qibla). Now this qibla is Mecca, and earlier it was the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

In the center of the building rises a dome, the outer part of which is covered with lead plates, and the inside of the hemisphere is decorated with amazing mosaics. The walls of the mosque are also decorated with mosaics in the upper half, while the lower half is clad in white marble. Magnificent arches, stone pillars and marble columns fill the 7 galleries of the mosque, which in another way, in memory of Caliph Omar, is called the “Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem”.

Shrines of Christianity

Every year, the Holy City receives thousands of secular visitors, and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem of supporters of various religious movements has long since become an important ritual trip.

For Christians, Jerusalem is also considered the main sacred place, because Jesus Christ died and rose here, on whose teaching and life the world religion, Christianity, is based. During the era of Byzantine rule (4th - 7th centuries), many cathedrals were built in the Holy City and its surroundings.

Mount of Olives (Oleon)

This upland stretches along the Kidron Valley, along its eastern side, and has three distinct peaks. Many holy places for Christians are located on the slopes of the Mount of Olives: the Basilica of the Agony of the Lord, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Russian Church of Mary Magdalene, the Orthodox Church of the Ascension and others. It is the Mount of Olives that is considered in the Christian tradition to be the place where Jesus delivered the Olivet sermon, his last prayer before his arrest (in the Garden of Gethsemane), the place where Judas found him to betray him, and the point from which Christ ascended.

Tomb of the Virgin

According to legend, at the foot of the western slope of the Mount of Olives, in Gethsemane, the Holy Virgin Mary was buried by the apostles. A church-grotto of the Assumption of the Virgin was erected above the tomb. The cruciform temple is located underground, 48 steps of a stone staircase lead down from the entrance. In a small (approximately 2x2 meters) chapel (kuvuklia) there is a coffin with the remains of the Virgin.

It is believed that the mother of Jesus, having lived to the age of 72, died in the City of David and was buried in the family tomb, where her parents Joachim and Anna and her husband Joseph the Betrothed were buried.

Church of the Resurrection

The founder of this shrine, according to the records of Christian chroniclers, is the mother of Emperor Constantine the First, Helena Equal-to-the-Apostles, who became famous for her labors aimed at spreading the Christian religion.

In the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the annual miraculous descent of the Holy Light is still taking place, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ. The sacrament of the appearance of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem takes place on the eve of the Orthodox holiday of Easter, on Saturday, called the Great.

Most believers do not doubt the supernatural nature of the Holy Fire, the first written mention of which dates back to the 9th century. The Light Not Made by Hands, indeed, has wonderful properties, for example, it does not burn the skin in the first minutes after the descent. The ceremony of prayers, waiting, receiving and distributing the Sacred Fire in Jerusalem on video has been recorded more than once, but neither films, nor photographs, nor stories can convey the reverent feeling of repentance and delight that this magic causes in the souls of a huge number of those present in the church of people.

From ancient times to this day, believers strive to bow to holy places, touch relics, get closer to the life-giving divine energy, and be cleansed of sins. Nowadays, with a group of like-minded people or on your own, you can make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Prices for tours of the Holy Land usually do not include border fees, medical insurance, additional visits, for example, or other cultural sites and airfare. This must be taken into account when choosing a trip and paying for the trip.

The Holy City is Jerusalem, where the Temple was located. The Temple Mount, on which the Temple towered, is considered the most holy place in Judaism. Other holy places of Judaism are the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, where the biblical forefathers are buried, Bethlehem (Beit Lehem) - the city on the way to which the foremother Rachel is buried, Nablus (Shechem), where Joseph is buried, Safed, in which the mystical teachings of Kabbalah developed and Tiberias, where the Sanhedrin met for a long time.

Status of Judaism in Israel

Among the Jewish population of Israel (5.3 million), about 25% are fully observant supporters of Orthodox Judaism (of which about half are supporters of the Lithuanian direction and Hasidism, the other half are supporters of religious Zionism), about 35% are partially observant, but also consider themselves adherents of Orthodox Judaism. Supporters of the conservative and reformist directions - less than 1%. In the State of Israel, religion is not a state religion (that is, compulsory for citizens), but it is not separated from the state either. There are issues (marriage, divorce, death, conversion to Judaism) that are under the exclusive jurisdiction of religious institutions. There are also other issues that can be considered in the "Beit Din" (religious court) by mutual agreement of the parties. In any case, an appeal to the Supreme Court is possible. Some laws of Israel are adopted on the basis of Halacha.

Relationships with other religions

Judaism and paganism

The general attitude of Judaism towards pagan religions is illustrated by a prayer Aleynu Leshabe ah(the modern text was written by the Babylonian Talmudist Rav Aba Arika, III century), which completes the prayers of all services of the Jewish daily circle:

It is our duty to glorify the Lord of the whole world, to proclaim the greatness of the Creator of the universe. For he did not make us like the nations of the world, did not let us be like the tribes of the earth. He gave us not their inheritance, and not the same fate as all their hordes. For they worship emptiness and vanity, and pray to deities that do not save<…>.

The conflict between Judaism and the beliefs of the Hellenic world found expression in the Maccabean War.

Judaism and Christianity

In general, Judaism treats Christianity as its "derivative" - ​​that is, as a "daughter religion" designed to carry the basic elements of Judaism to the peoples of the world:

«<…>and everything that happened with Yeshua Ganotsri and with the prophet of the Ismailans who came after him was the preparation of the way for King Messiah, the preparation for the whole world to begin to serve the Almighty, as it is written: “ Then I will put clear words into the mouths of all peoples, and people will be drawn together to call on the name of the Lord and serve Him all together.» (Zoph.3:9). How did [those two contribute to this]? Thanks to them, the whole world was filled with the news of the Messiah, the Torah and the commandments. And these messages reached the distant islands, and among many peoples with uncircumcised hearts began to talk about the Messiah, and about the commandments of the Torah. Some of these people say that these commandments were true, but in our time they have lost their force, because they were given only for a while. Others - that the commandments should be understood allegorically, and not literally, and the Messiah has already come and explained their secret meaning. But when the true Messiah comes, and succeeds, and achieves greatness, they will all immediately understand that their fathers taught them false things and that their prophets and ancestors misled them. »

- Rambam. Mishneh Torah , Laws on Tsars, ch. 11:4

There is no consensus in the authoritative rabbinical literature whether Christianity, with its trinitarian and Christological dogma, developed in the 4th century, is considered idolatry (paganism) or an acceptable (for non-Jews) form of monotheism, known in the Tosefta as shituf(the term implies the worship of the true God along with "extra"). Although in modern Israel they tend to the first option.

Christianity historically arose in the religious context of Judaism: Jesus himself (Hebrew ‎יֵשׁוּעַ‎) and his immediate followers (the apostles) were Jews by birth and upbringing; many Jews perceived them as one of the many Jewish sects. So, according to the 24th chapter of the Book of Acts, at the trial of the Apostle Paul, Paul himself declares himself as a Pharisee, and at the same time he is named on behalf of the high priest and the Jewish elders " Nazirite heresy» (Acts 24:5).

From the point of view of Judaism, the identity of Jesus of Nazareth has no religious significance, and the recognition of his messianic status (and, accordingly, the use of the title "Christ" in relation to him) is unacceptable. In the Jewish religious texts of that era, there is no mention of a person who could be reliably identified with Jesus.

Judaism and Islam

The interaction of Islam and Judaism began in the 7th century with the emergence and spread of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. Islam and Judaism are both Abrahamic religions, stemming from a common ancient tradition going back to Abraham. Therefore, there are many common aspects between these religions. Muhammad claimed that the faith he proclaimed was nothing but the purest religion of Abraham, subsequently distorted by both Jews and Christians.

The Jews recognize Islam, unlike Christianity, as consistent monotheism. Jews are even allowed to pray in the mosque. In the Middle Ages, Islamic theology and Islamic culture had a fairly strong influence on Judaism.

Traditionally, Jews living in Muslim countries were allowed to practice their religion and manage their internal affairs. They were free to choose their place of residence and profession. Rarely have Jews lived in such freedom. The period from 712 to 1066 has been called the golden age of Jewish culture in Islamic Andalusia (Spain). Lev Polyakov writes that Jews in Muslim countries enjoyed great privileges, their communities prospered. There were no laws or social barriers preventing them from doing business. Many Jews migrated to areas conquered by Muslims and formed their own communities there. The Ottoman Empire became a refuge for Jews who were expelled from Spain by the Catholic Church. Today's Islam positions Judaism as a hostile religion (associating it with Zionism), which is dictated by purely political motives - the confrontation between Israel and the Arab-Muslim world.