The Kehilla of Jerusalem and Kehillat Sion visit together the Old City

On Friday, February 9, 2018, a few members of the Kehilla of Jerusalem, together with members of Kehillat Sion, visited the Old City. For the past three years, the two communities have been learning, once in a month, texts from Jewish tradition and Christian tradition, and organizing interreligious charity. This time Ilana, who is in charge of these activities, asked three members of our Kehilla to organize a visit in places that are important for them. First, Fr Rafic took the group to Mar Maroun house, which serves as a parish for the Maronites living in Jerusalem and as a hostel for pilgrims, and he explained to them the origins of the Maronite Church and its specificities. St. Maron – whose name was given to this Church - is celebrated on February 9, and it was impressing to visit the Maronites on that same day. Then Fr Alberto, Franciscan, took the group to the Custody of the Holy Land, showed us the Church of the Saint Savior, the Sacristy, the museum and the dining room, and he answered to several questions. We also enjoyed the roof of the Monastery, which offers to its visitors a spectacular view on the city of Jerusalem. Towards the end of the morning we went to the Coptic Orthodox Monastery near the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. Brother Marcus greeted us, showed us the Coptic Church, the beautiful parlor, informed us about the life of the local Coptic community and gave us explanations about their religious and liturgical tradition.

It was an exceptional morning for all the participants, and we’re already looking forward to the next visit in other such places, important for us, in order to strengthen our friendship.