9/13 | The Old City of Jerusalem at Twilight

On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to go back to the Old City of Jerusalem, but this time for a tour at twilight.  I have been to the Old City many times, but this was my first chance to explore it in the dark.  Words cannot do it justice, so I have decided to do another picture/caption post again.  I would like to point out, though, that my camera initially died right as I entered the city; however, the same batteries ended up lasting almost until the end of the tour three hours later.  A Jerusalem miracle?

This is the reason Jerusalem is called Yerushalayim Shel Zahav, or "Jerusalem of Gold" in English.  At dusk, the stones glow a radiant shade of gold.

The flags, or degelim in Hebrew, of Jerusalem, Israel, and the Tower of David.  It was nice and breezy when we were there.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher at sunset.

The minaret of the Mosque of Omar next to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  One might think this is a great example of coexistence, but on the mosque there was a sign that quoted Jesus saying, "I am indeed a slave of Allah.  Allah is my Lord and your Lord so worship him alone."  Not exactly the kind of respect you would hope for in the Holy City.

The streets of Jerusalem are hauntingly beautiful at night.  This was taken in the Armenian quarter as we headed into the Jewish quarter.

The rebuilt Churva Synagogue glowing with light.  The word churva means ruin in English.  It has been destroyed many times over the course of its history, most recently by the Arab Legion in the 1948 War of Independence.  Its most recent incarnation was completed two years ago, true to its historic design.

This picture is blurry because it is a screenshot of a video I took.  In front of the Churva Synagogue, there is a large square that was full of small religious children running around and playing games.  They were a lot of fun to watch!

We climbed up to the rooftop of one of the buildings to do some reflecting.  It was nice to hear everyones thoughts on Jerusalem and what the concept of holiness meant to them.  While we were sitting here, a little boy started to sing in Hebrew from one of the houses below.

The Western Wall from an incredible lookout spot.  There is perhaps nothing in the world more beautiful than the Kotel at night.

In front of the Western Wall plaza, there is an active archeological dig.  It seems as if they have started to dig up an ancient road.

It is always enjoyable to make a trip to the Old City of Jerusalem.  Darkness seems to add a whole new dimension to the narrow, empty streets that teem with life just a few hours prior.  Not only is the city beautiful, but it allows for deep thought, too.  I look forward to returning to the Old City at night, but next time without a group.