2019 Living Education Archaeological Dig and Study Tour

Dig and Study Tour 2019 | LivingEd Travels

Why Israel?

On replica of first century fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee

This summer, a group of 14 adventurous students of LivingEd-Charlotte and members of LCG embarked on an incredible journey to the Holy Land. This experience would prove to be the trip of a lifetime as the trip participants had the chance to explore the land of the Bible from a close-up, hands-on perspective. They were able to view the ancient cities, important artifacts, and the unique landscape that connects the stories and characters in the Bible, and were given the opportunity to dig deep into the history of this sanctified land.

Want to read more about their experiences? Check out these two brand new articles on the trip from the LCN, Nov-Dec 2019 Issue.

“Living Education’s Adventure in Israel” by Mr. Wallace Smith

“Really Good Shawarma: Student Thoughts on the Holy Land” by Thomas. White

Highlights

Trip Itinerary

Israel 2019

Dig and Tour Itinerary

. . .

Wednesday, Jun 12, 2019

Depart Toronto (Pearson Airport) 1 pm.

Thursday, Jun 13, 2019

Day 1

Arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport– Pick Up Rental Cars 10:30 am

Travel north to visit Caesarea – the site of Herod’s magnificent and famous port city – lunch near Caesarea. A quick visit to Muhraka (the place where Elijah staged his dramatic contest with the prophets of Baal) with a lovely view of the Jezreel Valley. Drive north through the Galilee to our apartments in Tiberius.

Friday, Jun 14, 2019

Day 2

After breakfast, board the vans to drive north through the Hula Valley to Hazor to visit the famous Caananite and Israelite center which is the largest archaeological site from the biblical period. After viewing the Tel we are given a personal tour of the Yaguel Yadin Hazor Museum at the Kibbutz near the Tel. We then proceed on to Tel Dan for a visit – the site of Jeroboam’s northern temple sanctuary. Visit the site of Caesarea Phillipi and the Banias waterfall one of the main sources of the Jordan River. We are hoping to go for a swim in the refreshing waters of Banias, unfortunately, signs have been added with no swimming allowed. Drive back down to Tiberias down the east side of the Hula Valley cross through the edge of Golan Heights and stop for a swim in the Sea of Galilee. Prepare for the Sabbath and dinner. Bible Study in the evening. (Sunset in Tiberias – 7:46 pm)

Saturday, Jun 15, 2019

Day 3

Sabbath – After brunch, drive to Tabga German Hotel for Church services at a small amphitheater by the Sea of Galilee. In the late afternoon stroll through Capernaum and see the location of the famous synagogue where Christ preached. Also, see the possible location of Peter’s house and the location of the early Sabbath-keeping Church. Evening meal and free evening in Tiberias.

Sunday, Jun 16, 2019

Day 4

After breakfast, check out of our accommodation and drive to the 1^st century Village of Magdala to view a 1^st Century synagogue where Jesus likely preached. Back to Tiberius to board a 1^st Century style boat for a short cruise on the Sea of Galilee. Drive from Tiberius down the west side of the Sea of Galilee toward the Lower Jordan River for a short canoe trip on the Jordan. After the trip, drive south through Bethshan. From Bethshan Drive west along Mount Gilboa where Saul was defeated by the Philistines and to Ein Harod where Gideon chose 300 men to fight the Midianites. Drive past the Tel of Jezreel on to Megiddo archaeological park (This was one of Solomon’s chariot cities guarding one of the most important trade routes in the ancient world). Then on down the Via Maris through the Aruna Pass (where Josiah fought Pharoah Necho). Finally, drive south onto the Elah Valley to our accommodation for the next five days at Kibbutz Nativ Halemd Hay. Check-in and eat dinner.

Click here to read full trip itinerary 2019

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Media

Reflections from Israel 2019

Read about the adventurers’ experience in their own words!

“The most memorable part of the trip was seeing all the biblical sites. When you go to Israel, the Bible basically comes alive. You get to see where a lot of the stuff in the Bible happened, and you get to see firsthand. It’s basically proof that the Bible is real.”

Geoffrey RuddlesdenStudent | LivingEd-Charlotte 2019

“It may seem silly, but it was surprising how many thorns there were in Israel. This first came to my attention on our first day of the dig. Amidst the winter wash, there were weeds that had grown in the year since the site was last active. Many golden thorns had grown within these weeds, but biblical Libnah was not the only place affected. Visiting other sites such as Azekah and Gezer proved just as sharp. Now, the terrain and flora may have been different 3000 years ago, but I tried to imagine David or Elijah running long distances through this landscape and being scraped by thorns. In some ways, it adds to it all.”

Christopher PringleLCG Member | Charlotte, NC

“It was exciting to be in a place where one of God’s people was so strong and courageous because God was working through him. It was amazing to me, because no matter where we are, God’s people have always been courageous and faithful to Him. Anywhere we are, God can work through us.”

Tressie McNairStudent | LivingEd-Charlotte, 2019

“A lot of times, you hear about Bible characters from a skeptical point of view: ‘Oh, yeah, maybe these people lived, maybe they were around.’ But when you go to Israel and start talking to the archaeologists, there’s no doubt in their minds. ‘One hundred percent, this guy was here, and this is what we know he’s done.'”

Andy CaseyStudent | LivingEd-Charlotte, 2019