by Karen Schroeder

NOTE: “Hill of Spring” is the most direct translation for Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv-Yafo), a city formed from by incorporating the city of Jaffa, which can be translated as beautiful

The moment my feet touched the ground in Tel Aviv, something unique, spiritual and electrifying coursed through my body. How exciting to be in this ancient Land of the Bible with its rich history and modern day struggles.

As our tour began in Tel Aviv, I was immediately struck by the European architecture and feel of the city. I’m not sure what I’d been expecting, but it took me a little by surprise—yet, it makes perfect sense considering the Jewish founders and developers of Tel Aviv were European and Russian.

Walking in modern day Tel Aviv, seeing the designer, local, and ethnic shops lining the streets, transported me back to my childhood and youth in Chicago with its ethnic neighborhoods and strong European influences. Later that day as we strolled the promenade along the Mediterranean Sea, I sensed that Israel was just like home.

However, my perspective quickly changed as I became acclimated to the rich environment in this Land that possesses a dichotomy of antiquity and modernity. My senses were awakened to new sounds, smells and sights at almost every turn.

A tapestry of life was unfurled before me with each new place and each new face I saw. And what a tapestry it was! I expected to see historical sites, to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah, and to experience local culture through the food. But to be so captivated by the people of the Land was an unexpected blessing and education.

What an impact the people and the Land had on me. Walking among archeological ruins that are mentioned in the ancient scriptures defies expression. Not just that the ruins are still there, but the tangible reality they brought to my faith. Reading my Bible now has an even greater impact than seeing a movie! No longer is it my imagination seeing things, but now my mind’s eye recalls the places I visited complete with the people, the sounds, and the aromas of each location we visited. Everywhere I went, everything I saw revealed to me God’s thumbprint throughout the centuries. Clearly, this is God’s beloved Israel, the apple of His eye!

Israel is a small country, yet distinct ethnicity is displayed in the personal appearance of the people—their style of dress, their language and the men’s facial hair or lack thereof. Surprisingly, secularism is alive and well in this Holy Land to the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian peoples. Just as within Christianity, there is the spectrum of the secular to the devout within each of the Abrahamic faiths. This, of course, causes much of the tension within Israel, but also creates the richness and depth of the country.

One group that feels this tension perhaps more than any other within Israel is the Messianic believers. Because these Jews believe the Messiah has already come, they are not fully embraced by mainstream Christians, or mainstream Jews.

Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place—in many instances, they are shunned by the Jewish community and endure even greater persecution. This persecution can be in the form of destroying property, both personal and business, as well as personal physical attacks. This is one of the instances I turn to the Lord and entrust these spiritual friends of mine to His care and pray for their safety.

Within the youthfulness and sophistication of Jerusalem is the walled Old City—a step back in time, peppered with the present. The cobblestone streets are very narrow (the width of a donkey carrying a full load) yet car and driver are seen confidently maneuvering the tight corners. I saw people carrying their goods on their heads, Orthodox Jewish men hurrying to some destination, Arab men leaving their shops to answer the call for prayer, and tourists everywhere mesmerized by the hustle and bustle of every day life in Jerusalem.

The revered Western Wall a remaining section of the Second Temple which was destroyed in 70 A.D. is the centerpiece for the Jewish people. Standing on the plaza in front of the Western Wall was breathtaking as this has become an outdoor synagogue. Every time I’ve been there, the numbers of men and women praying at the wall may vary, but they are faithfully praying, I am confident, for the peace of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.

It is not unusual to hear music, singing, and the sound of a ram’s horn as a jubilant processional snakes its way onto the plaza and then to the wall as a young man makes his bar mitzvah.

How the families celebrate! It is easy to be swept up with this joyous occasion, offering congratulations as proud mothers toss candies into the air.

Because every young man and woman is required to serve in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) upon high school graduation, they are virtually everywhere throughout Israel. I saw them on duty, sightseeing, enjoying lunch breaks, and traveling on furlough. Nowhere was the juxtaposition of this more evident than at one bar mitzvah on the plaza as an IDF soldier joined with friends and family members for the celebration.

And that is one of the indelible marks this ancient people living in the Land of the Bible comingling with cutting edge technology have left on my heart and soul: a true zest for life!

I join them in shouting
a joyous Lechayyim!

Karen Schroeder has honored Jehovah God with her life as she served him as her Lord for 30 years in various ministries. As a writer, she has recently included sharpening her communication skills through photography. Simultaneously, God has awakened a deep passion in her heart for the people and land of Israel—which are often the subject of her inspirational writing. To learn more about Karen and her writing, contact her at k-schroeder@cox.net .

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