Haifa, Israel


In Israel, I saw people from all over the world and heard people speaking what seemed like every language under the sun.
Israel attracts people from all over the globe, as this sign seems to indicate!

I knew that Israel was an important center of three of the world's major religions, but was unaware of its significance to the Bahá’í Faith.
The temple pictured here is an important spiritual center of the Bahai faith.
According to Wikipedia, "the World Centre is the holiest site of pilgrimage for the members of the Bahá'í faith, 
as well as the faith's central administrative center".
All along the hill leading to the temple are beautiful gardens.

In Haifa, Israel's third largest city, we saw our first evidence of respectful coexistence between people of different faiths. We arrived in Israel just hours before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, began at sunset.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for Jews. Beginning at sundown, observant Jews in Israel fast completely until the sun sets the following day. They will not drive or perform any sort of work. Even the airport and other forms of public transportation shut down in Israel, as did the television stations. Muslims and Christians respect the holiness of this day and do not drive or conduct business in the Jewish quarters. Once the sun set and Yom Kippur began, we were virtually the only vehicle on the road.

I was struck for the first time by how much we've lost the sense of holiness in our country.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy - Ex. 20:8


47 comments:

  1. I've never been in Israel and so I thank you for this interesting little "reportage" about Haifa.

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  2. Seems, you have a famous trip. That I wish for Germany too, especially in this days: that we can accept each other in various religions, all the refugees and Christians.
    Enjoy your time

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  3. The holy Land is indeed holy for many major religions, and it is wonderful to see a peaceful co-existence and respect shown by the majority of the people for each other's religions.

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  4. Fantastic photos from your trip !!
    Greetings

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  5. Fascinating to learn and see more of this unique country!

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  6. Fascinating. That must have felt strange being the only car moving on the road.
    Love the sign photograph.
    Thanks,
    Maggie

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  7. I wished, I could there! It seems very interesting.
    Greetings from Augsburg

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  8. Absolutely fascinating seeing and learning about this part of the world that I haven't visited yet.
    Such an interesting post and photographs. Thank you for sharing and hosting once again.
    Have a great week :D

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  9. That's nice that the muslims and christians get on board to help them observe it...

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  10. You're right. We may have lost a sense of holiness with the busyness of our technological world. But I am grateful that I am learning so much about other cultures due to technology also. In moderation would be good. Fantastic street photo... It tells us so much about their community

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  11. Wow, what a wonderful thing to see. I am so happy that you are sharing this great trip. Thanks and safe journeys.

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  12. One of my favorite cities in Israel!

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  13. Wonderfully summery colorful pictures!
    Good week for you!

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  14. Hi Sue. The country of Israel sets a wo0nderful example of how people of all beleiefs should respect each other. Thanks for letting me join in the photos today.

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  15. What beautiful pictures. I loe the first photo, that is very welcoming!

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  16. You are so right about the lack of holiness in this country...a very, very sad thing. The church pews seem to get emptier and emptier as I age...:)JP

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  17. I imagine Israel to be a fascinating place. I'd love to visit.
    Many thanks for sharing. :)

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  18. You took some very nice pictures!!! Israel is such a beautiful country!!! Thanks for sharing it with us:)
    Dina

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  19. That's so interesting! Thanks for sharing and hosting the linky every week!

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  20. Indeed, holiness and faith seem so lost to our society...Israel looks to be so beautiful!

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  21. what a wonderful trip - thanks for sharing!

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  22. Well, it's good to hear that some people still exhibit tolerance. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Impressive! I would love to visit the country. I am sure it is full of surprises.

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  24. One thing I love about travel is learning about other cultures. So fascinating. Happy travels and have a wonderful week.

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  25. Oh wow, the hill leading up to that temple!

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  26. Fabulous photos and impressions of Haifa. Great !

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  27. Que bonitas fotos. Que curioso como viven su religión los judios de Isarel
    Saludos

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  28. Sue, liberalism destroyed the importance of Christianity in America. Removing prayer from the school system is one of the worse things to happen in our country. Unfortunately in the USA liberals put more emphasis on other religion's and infringe upon the rights of our Christian faith. I hope to see the tide change with the new President-elect & VP-elect. Thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures of such a holy place.

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  29. Very nice photos and tekst. Thanks you.

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  30. What a beautiful place and beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party. It's great having you.

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  31. That is so true..and I love your sharing this wonderful and historic place with us all. Thank you Sue.

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  32. Fascinating post. I agree, whatever happened to keeping the sabbath day holy. Americans just treat it like another work day or play day.

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  33. I would love to visit! And we do keep the Sabbath here - as best we can anyway. Hubby has to work due to his job being an essential service, but the kids and I are off to church each Sunday morning and then the rest of the day is for relaxing or family. I think it's a nice way to end the week and to focus on important things.

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  34. I don't know if there can be holiness without tolerance or respect. Thank you for the world view I love the photos. All those stairs!

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  35. So lovely journey! Beautiful images! Many thanks for sharing them with us!

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  36. Beautiful photos! We loved everything about our trip to Israel, especially Haifa. #wkendtravelinspiration

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  37. It is lovely to hear that the holy day is respected by both religions. Maybe there is hope! I would love to visit there one day. Thanks for linking with Travel Photo Thursday.

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  38. Enjoying your blog! Aren't the Bahai gardens wonderful?

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  39. A place rich in history and culture!
    Thank you for taking part in the Travel Tuesday meme, hope to see another of your entries there this week!

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  40. When I was in my teens I had a penpal from Haifa. Would love to visit someday.
    dropping by from WW

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