David Less Tours, Ltd

Into the Mystic Heart of Israel

Center for Soulful Living Tour

October 23 - November 1 2012

Have you ever wanted to leave handwritten prayers at the Wailing Wall in Old Jerusalem, visit Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem, or stand on the Temple Mount where Mohammed ascended into heaven? This unique ten-day journey, led by Annette Norris and assisted by Cynthia Lane, includes visiting sites revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims; opportunities to learn from local mystics of all three faiths; and intimate visits with peace-making groups dedicated to enlivening love, compassion and mutual respect among all those who reside in the area.

While in Jerusalem, we visit The Mount of Olives. It is named after the olive trees that used to cover its slopes and offers a magnificent view of the Old City in Jerusalem. From the 3rd millennium B.C. until the present, this 2900-foot hill has served as one of the main burial sites for the city. Early Christian pilgrims located the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom of the slope of the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple Mount. Like many sites in Jerusalem, the Temple Mount is sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians. Originally, it was the site of the great Temple of Jerusalem, the holiest place in Judaism. For Muslims, it is the site of the Prophet Muhammad's journey to heaven described in the Qur'an. Finally, Christians revere it as a place frequently visited by Jesus. Here, Jesus ascended to Heaven, foretold the destruction of Jerusalem, taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer and wept over Jerusalem on his way to the Holy City on Palm Sunday.

While at the Mount of Olives, we visit The Chapel/Mosque of the Ascension. It was rebuilt by the Crusaders as an octagonal chapel and transformed into a mosque after 1187. Since it was popular with the Christians, it was made into a chapel and a mosque was built next door. A square on the floor is said to mark the spot at which Jesus ascended to heaven. A small burial crypt next to the chapel is revered by all three religions, but based on different beliefs about its occupant. Jews believe it contains the 7th- century BC prophet Huldah, one of seven female prophets mentioned in the Bible; Christians hold it to be the tomb of the 5th-century saint Pelagia; while Muslims maintain that the 8th-century holy woman Rabi'a al-Adawiya is buried here.

"This trip will focus on meeting mystical people behind the scenes, including important peace workers from all sides. It will focus on having a truly authentic experience, a real and balanced education, and will give a deeper understanding of this place called Israel and why this place is so important to so many. - Eliyahu McLean

From Jerusalem, we drive to the Village of Fureidis (Faradis) and have lunch with Ibtisam Mahameed in the Tent of Sarah and Hagar. Ibtisam Mahameed is a Palestinian peace worker living in a small Arab- Palestinian community in Fureidis, northern Israel. Mahameed has worked for many years counseling Arab and Jewish women regarding the status of females in Middle Eastern society. As a religious Muslim woman, she promotes inter-faith respect and understanding by encouraging Palestinian, Jewish, Druze, and Christian women to learn about each other's religions and cultures. Ibtisam has been named by the Dalai Lama as a 2009 "Unsung Hero of Compassion."

In Hebron, we visit the Tomb of Abraham, also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs. The Tomb of Abraham is divided in half with Muslims on one side and Jews on the other. Christians can visit both sides. Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths are all derived from Abraham's realization of one God. Isaac, the son of Abraham, was born of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Ishmael, the son of Abraham, was born of Hagar, an Egyptian handmaiden of Sarah. King David is descended from Isaac, and Mohammed is descended from Ishmael. Jesus is descended from King David. All three are descendents of Abraham and worshipped the one God of Abraham.

This photo was taken in The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. It is one of the oldest continuously operation churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, and thus it is considered sacred by Christians. Followers of Islam also revere the site. In Islam, Jesus is considered to be a Messenger of God and the Messiah who was sent to guide the Children of Israel with the Gospel.

On our way to swim at Mineral Beach at the Dead Sea, we stop in Qumran and gather to meditate at the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls Cave. The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between the years 1947 and 1956. The area is 13 miles east of Jerusalem and is 1300 feet below sea level. The mostly fragmented texts are numbered according to the cave that they came out of. They have been called the greatest manuscript discovery of modern times.

"Having people of many backgrounds eat together, pray together, sing together and just be together will change the world." - David Less

Price: $2800 if registered before May 1, 2012

$3000 for those registering later. The tour price of $2800 includes all entry fees, accommodations in 4-star hotels for all 8 nights, ground transportation, transfer to and from the airport in Israel, breakfasts, and guides. It does not include airfare between US and Israel, lunches and dinners, gratuities for driver and guides, single-room supplement or optional personal insurance. Participation in this tour is limited. A deposit of $300 will hold your place (deposit refundable until May 1, 2012). To register for this tour, a deposit total of $1000 is due by May 1, 2012 (an additional $700 if you have made a placeholder deposit of $300). Full payment is due by July 23, 2012.

Register (see button below) by sending a signed registration form and deposit check made out to DLT. Payment can also be made with a credit card by calling David Less Tours.

Contact: Annette Norris for more details

For more information please visit www.callingallmystics.com.
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Phone: 214-328-2501
Email: anorris@flash.net