The final day trip of my first course took us to Samaria. I found the trip a great
insight to the dynamics of this different Jewish tradition. Mount of Gerizim was chosen to replace the Temple in Jerusalem after North and South split. The South still worshipped in Jerusalem but Kings of the North wanted to keep their people away from Jerusalem and that’s why they created a new holy site. Although the Northern Kingdom was the first to be conquered by Assyrians but they still practice the old sacrifices which are offered on the Passover Day every year compering to the lack of the sacrifices in Jerusalem.
insight to the dynamics of this different Jewish tradition. Mount of Gerizim was chosen to replace the Temple in Jerusalem after North and South split. The South still worshipped in Jerusalem but Kings of the North wanted to keep their people away from Jerusalem and that’s why they created a new holy site. Although the Northern Kingdom was the first to be conquered by Assyrians but they still practice the old sacrifices which are offered on the Passover Day every year compering to the lack of the sacrifices in Jerusalem.
Mt Gerizim
Ruins of the church built on Mt Gerizim by crusaders
A Jewish settlement in the Palestinian territory
The competing dynamic was clear in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman who picked out the differences in the conversation. Our visit to the church where the Jacob well is preserved was the highlight of the day. The Orthodox Church located there is full of beautiful icons but I was thrilled to discover that the well hasn’t been altered much and still looks like a well. It has got even water in it. I have always been captivated by the story from St John Gospel but now I can add a new dimension of being located in Judeans
resistance territory. I was just thinking about that woman listening to Jesus and looking at the Mount Gerizim clearly visible from the well. How much the memory of her own customs must have weight on her comprehension of what Jesus was telling her? It is a good place to reflect on what can obscure my perception of Jesus’ teaching, on what can draw my attention away from him like the Mount Gerizim could draw the woman’s attention away from Jesus.
resistance territory. I was just thinking about that woman listening to Jesus and looking at the Mount Gerizim clearly visible from the well. How much the memory of her own customs must have weight on her comprehension of what Jesus was telling her? It is a good place to reflect on what can obscure my perception of Jesus’ teaching, on what can draw my attention away from him like the Mount Gerizim could draw the woman’s attention away from Jesus.
Church of Jacob's well
Church of Jacob's well
Interior of the orthodox church built on the site of Jacob's well
Drinking from the well where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for a drink
At Jacob's well
Exploring the situation of Samaria we also visited the city Samaria that eventually gave name to this area. Today the place is called Sabaste as King Herod build here a temple for the Emperor after whom the whole site was named. What I found inspiring in the place is the story of a Christian family who wants to preserve the Christian presence in the area. They are the only Christian family in this Muslim place. I found it a very uplifting experience that the overwhelming majority of Muslims here didn’t draw the attention of these few Christian away from Jesus. They are still focused on Him. They look after the ruins of the church which was built on the place where John Baptist's disciples buried his head after he was beheaded at the demand of the spoilt girl as we read in the Gospel.
Former capital of the Northern Kingdom - Samaria
City of Samaria
The ancient church built at the side where the head of John the Baptist was burried
Church of John the Baptist
Graves of local Christians
The smashed cross on the grave. It is evident that the cross was the target
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