Images found here are not to be reproduced without my express written permission.

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.

    ReplyDelete
  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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fantastic photos from your trip !!
    Greetings

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

    ReplyDelete
  12. One of my favorite cities in Israel!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. what a wonderful trip - thanks for sharing!

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. Fabulous photos and impressions of Haifa. Great !

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Very nice photos and tekst. Thanks you.

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  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!

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

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your visit. I apologize for comment verification, but have found it the most reliable way to prevent spammers from posting content on this site. But I do read every comment and value both your visit and your thoughts.

Please stop by every Tuesday and share your favorite photos! The link stays open all week.