If you’re looking for the best destination to visit in 2020, we suggest Israel.

Israel is a country of immense natural beauty, amazing culture, countless historic and religious sites and unbeatable history. Israel is probably the only country in which you can visit tip to tip in less than a day. Driving from the Red Sea resort town of Eilat on the southernmost tip to Metula in the mountainous snow-capped Golan Heights in the north will only take you six hours. So even if you only have a day, come to Israel!

It is every believer’s dream to visit the Land of the Bible. For those who have visited Israel they would say that their trip was incredible in every sense of the word. There was something throughout the trip that touched them, personally and spiritually. Many would even say that they left a piece of themselves over there and they have full intentions of going back to Israel.

Here are the three main reasons why you should visit Israel.

1. The Bible will vividly come to life

You’ll never read the Bible the same after walking the paths of Jesus and trekking the land where Joshua battled, Elijah called down fire and David reigned. The land and people, sights, sounds and smells will forever influence you. These encounters will shape the way you understand and read the Bible.

2. Israel has a diverse landscape

The north is green and lush with mountains overlooking vistas of valleys and fields and rivers and lakes. In the centre of the country, you have the modern high-rise buildings of Tel Aviv, contrasting with the ancient alleyways of the Old City in Jerusalem. The south offers the Negev’s natural resorts and parks. Right at Israel’s southernmost tip, there is Eilat, with its Red Sea oasis. From swamps to lakes, craters to mountains, Israel has literally got it all.

3. Because it has the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth

No trip to Israel is complete without covering yourself in mud and floating in the buoyant Dead Sea. The mud baths are also supposed to do wonders for your skin and are said to having healing powers.

So join us on an awesome trip to Israel at least once in your lifetime!

Click here for more information on our available tours.

Everyone has their own style when it comes to travelling. Whether you’re travelling with friends and family or if you choose to go solo, there is never a right or wrong way to do things. However, there are some differences if you choose to participate in either a private or a group tour

Group Tour

A group tour with a fixed departure date offers you the opportunity to meet new people along the way and mix with like-minded travellers, in some cases, from all over the globe. If guests were attracted to the same itinerary, chances are you will have something in common. You will share a tour guide and a bus driver, but their special treatment makes you feel like part of a friendly family. With a group of any size, there is bound to be time spent on waiting and herding participants of the tour. The itinerary is set well in advance and is not available to be altered by participants. Typically, a group tour helps keep the tour price manageable when compared to a small, private tour.

Private Tour

It allows you to choose your own departure date and duration and tweak the itinerary according to your desires. It is exclusively for you and your travel party. You will have your own personal tour guide, with a private vehicle and driver. No other guests will join this tour so you can enjoy your privacy. It is also useful for those who need special care, including older relatives, young children or disabled travellers. This simply translates into greater flexibility, better comfort and personalised service. A private tour is usually costlier than a group tour. However, a private tour doesn’t just have to be for two. With sufficient numbers, this private tour can be arranged for a similar price to a group tour.

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Click here for more information on our available tours or here to organize a private tour.

Oberammergau is a small village nestled into one of the most stunning, unspoilt regions in Germany – Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria. This charming village is known not only for its once-in-a-decade Passion Play, but also for its beautiful façade painting (Lüftlmalerei) at the house walls and for the art handicraft of the professional woodcarver (Herrgottschnitzer).

Nearly 400 years ago, the history of the Passion Play began. Back in 1634, the town of Oberammergau was hit by a devastating plague. The townsfolk vowed that they would perform the Passion of Christ once every ten years if that plague spared them. Believing themselves to have been spared by the grace of God Himself, the villagers kept up their end of the bargain, and in 1634 the people of Oberammergau produced the first ever Passionsspiele. The promise has been kept until today.

The Passion Play is an important event in the life of Oberammergau residents and one which they embrace with enthusiasm. Hundreds of locals put up an unforgettable show that is attended by over 500,000 people from all over the world. The show is complete with impeccable costumes and makeup, haunting music, brilliant scripts, and gorgeous settings. Each performance is held in two sittings – each lasting for two and a half hours – with a three hour break in between. The play is performed in German but booklets with translations in other languages are available. In 2020, it will be performed for the 42^nd time by the inhabitants of the village from 16^th May 2020 to 4^th October 2020 at the Passion Play Theater.

Besides enjoying the once-in-a-decade Passion Play at Oberammergau, you will also get to visit many fabulous landscapes of Germany. Read here for more information.

Interested in our tour to Germany in July 2020, click here for more information.

Germany is a country full of interesting sites, rich culture, vibrant cities, stunning historical architecture, sprawling alps, winding rivers, lush valleys and elegant castles. Here are some attractions that you get to visit when you join our July 2020 tour.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen

Neuschwanstein is an impressive fairytale-like castle that inspired Walt Disney to create his most famous park, Magic Kingdom. Surrounded by sweeping valleys, towering mountains and beautiful lakes, Neuschwanstein is best viewed from Marienbrücke, or Mary’s Bridge — a bridge over the Pöllat Gorge that offers stunning views of the castle and the scenery around it. The name Neuschwanstein means ‘New Swan Castle’ and was inspired by a famous 19th-century opera, Lohengrin.

Berchtesgaden

A village of 7,000, tucked against the sheer walls of the Bavarian Alps.

Heidelberg Schloss, Heidelberg

Though now in ruins, Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) remains an impressive structure that can be seen from nearly anywhere in Heidelberg. Nestled in the rich green forest of the Königstuhl hillside, some 80 metres from the rest of the city, the castle can be reached by funicular railway or by stairs. Once at the top, soak in the views of the city below (including the Neckar River and the Old Bridge), take in the impressive Renaissance architecture, and roam the castle’s gardens.

Zugspitze

The highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains as well as the highest mountain in Germany at 2,962 m above sea level.

Insel Mainau, Lake Constance

Floating in Lake Constance, near the city of Konstanz, you will find a small garden island named Mainau. Covering about 110 acres of land, the island is nicknamed ‘Flower Island’ as it is covered in parks and gardens teeming with vibrant, colourful flowers and about 500 species of trees, along with beautiful sculptures and fountains.

Schaffhausen (Rhine Falls)

The Rhine Falls remains Europe’s largest and most powerful waterfall.

Cable Car Ride over River Rhine

Enjoy the spectacular views where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.

Drosselgasse, Rudesheim

At the heart of Rüdesheim’s old town, you will find the charming Drosselgasse, a cobbled street filled with historic buildings, restaurants, bars and shops. At 144 meters in length, the street is lined with some of the city’s best entertainment venues where you can enjoy regional dishes and wines as well as energetic live bands.

Besides the beautiful landscapes Germany has to offer, what makes year 2020 special is the once-in-a-decade Passion Play at Oberammergau. Read here for more information.

Interested in our tour to Germany in July 2020, click here for more information.

Paul and his companions set out from Troas and sailed across to the island of Samothrace, and on to Neapolis the next day. Paul landed on the European mainland for the first time in 51AD. Paul travelled inland along the Via Egnatia to Philippi where he first preached the Gospel. Paul and Silas continued their preaching in Thessalonica and Berea. Paul alone left for Athens where he preached in the synagogue and discussed with the Greek philosophers in the ancient agora. Paul moved on to Corinth where he lived and worked with Aquila and his wife Priscilla. During the 3^rd Missionary Journey, Paul and Timothy made Ephesus their base for three years. The places that Paul visited are still existing as well as his message.

Kavala (Ancient Neapolis)

During Paul’s day, Neapolis (meaning ‘the new city’) was a prosperous port serving the city of Philippi. Today, Kavala is a beautiful and historic town built amphitheatrically along the length of the sea. It boasts a unique character combining the modern contemporary buildings on the west side of the city to the traditional old houses of the eastern side. You can still stroll along the busy harbourfront with its countless fishing caciques moored along the waterfront or relax at nearby bustling harbourfront eateries.

Philippi

Philippi was valued in antiquity for its nearby gold mines. The city prospered in the Roman imperial era and after a visit from Paul, became an important centre of early Christianity. Philippi continued to flourish as a major Byzantine city.

Today, you can still walk on the original route of the stone-paved Via Egnatia, stroll across the remains of the Roman forum, see the remains of the two Basilicas and sit in the Roman theatre. You can see the traditional site of Paul’s prison which is an old water cistern that was transformed into a small church. Neaby is the unique octagonal Baptistery of St Lydia, built beside the River Zygaktis. In the book of Acts, Paul and Silas went to the riverbank just outside the city and began to speak to the women gathered there.

Thessalonica

On reaching Thessalonica, Paul and Silas preached in the Jewish synagogue on three consecutive Sabbaths. Not surprisingly, this caused a turmoil among some of the Jews. Once again, Paul and Silas were forced to escape from Thessalonica in the night.

Thessaloniki is now the second largest city in Greece full of life and vibrancy. When you climb up to the Byzantine walls, you see a sprawling city with the old and new coexisting wonderfully. You cannot miss the White Tower, the former prison, standing along the beach promenade. You can see several monuments including the impressive circular Rotunda, the famous Arch of Galerius, and the restored ancient amphitheatre, an arched street and a marketplace at the Roman Forum.

Veria (Ancient Berea)

In Paul’s day, Berea was a prosperous Roman city with a large Jewish community. Today, the modern Saint Paul’s Tribune (“Bema”) features two modern mosaics – one depicting the vision of a man from Macedonia and the other showing Paul preaching to the citizens of Berea. The mosaics are located at the top of Paul’s steps where it is believed that Paul addressed the crowd.

Athens

Athens, capital and largest city of Greece, is a city full of colours and surprises with elements of ancient glory. Monuments of all historical periods are spread around the town, from ancient times to modern era. Do not miss the Acropolis standing on the highest spot of the city. Just below the Acropolis is the Areopagus where Paul delivered his famous speech about the identity of “the Unknown God” as recorded in Acts 17. Other city highlights include the impressive Hadrian Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium and the imposing Hellenic Parliament House at the east side of Syntagma Square. Admire the neoclassical architecture as you walk through Plaka and the multicoloured Monastiraki with its flea market.

Corinth

Stop by the famous Isthmus that connects the mainland of Greece with the Peloponnese Peninsula. The Isthmus is 6.5km wide and the Corinth Canal is constructed at the narrow point of the Isthmus. Here is where the Aegean meets the Ionian Sea.

The ancient town of Corinth was one of the richest towns in Ancient Greece where Paul lived and preached for two years. You can see the ruins of various buildings including the Agora, the 6th century Temple of Apollo, baths and a basilica. The Corinth Archaeological Museum provides a comprehensive view of finds from the archaeological site.

Ephesus

Kusadasi (which means “bird island”) is a lively resort town in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is the coastal gateway to Ephesus.

Paul and Timothy lived in Ephesus for three years. They stayed in the home of Aquila and Priscilla. Paul preached in the Jewish synagogue in Ephesus but when some of the Jews began to criticise, Paul abandoned the synagogue and moved to the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus. Ephesus had many pagan temples, the most important of which was the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Ephesus. See the marble latrines of the ancient public toilets. Sit in the Great Theater that could 25,000 spectators, possibly the largest outdoor theatre in the ancient world. Follow the Priest’s Way to the celebrated façade of the Library of Celsus.

The House of the Virgin in Selcuk

Tradition says that the House of the Virgin Mary is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final days of her life. The small stone building consisted of a bedroom and a kitchen. Currently, the restored house serves as a chapel.

The Basilica of Saint John in Selcuk

It is believed that John spent his last years in the area and he was buried on Ayasuluk Hill. The once-great basilica was built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6^th century. It stands over the traditional burial site of John. It is an atmospheric site with excellent hilltop view.

Greece should be in every traveller’s wish list. The country is the perfect place for an enjoyable holiday. Greece is famous for its beautiful landscape, long coastline with amazing beaches, sunny weather and rich history. Plus, Greece is also a significant biblical place that traces the footsteps of Paul on his journey to spread the word of God.

Paul’s missionary journeys changed the world, and when you, too, follow In the Footsteps of Paul, you will see the New Testament coming alive in a whole new way!

See the ancient marketplaces of Thessaloniki and Philippi, explore the archaeological ruins at Delphi, stand on the spot in Berea where Paul preached, take in the awe-inspiring views of Meteora, enjoy an exciting four-day Greek Isle cruise to Mykonos, Patmos where John wrote the Book of Revelation, Rhodes with its Crusader-era Masters Palace, Heraklion, beautiful Santorini, a stop in Kusadasi with a chance to see fascinating Ephesus, view the ruins of Corinth where Paul lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila, and see the Acropolis and Mars Hill where Paul stood to deliver his famous Areopagus sermon about the ‘Unknown God’.

Sign up with us today for an exciting journey in the Bible lands!

Click here for our available tours.

Greece has history at every turn. All around the country and the islands, there are ancient sites of various historical periods: from remains of ancient Greek temples to Byzantine monasteries and Neoclassical mansions. Some of the most interesting archaeological sites include the Acropolis of Athens, the Sanctuary of Delphi, the Palace of Knossos in Crete, Ancient Olympia and Mycenae. Greece also boasts of many World Heritage UNESCO Sites such as Rhodes medieval town, Meteora, Delos Island and Saint John monastery in Patmos Island.

Cruises in Greece is the best way to see the Greek islands. The four-day cruise aboard Celestyal Olympia from Piraeus would take in the majestic and picturesque Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini. It is a hectic and busy cruise, but it will be rewarding! It is perfect for sampling the various islands, cultures and history!

Delphi

Sitting on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi is a famous sanctuary, dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and home to the Oracle of Delphi. In the ancient times, it was believed that Delphi was the centre of the world (the navel of the Earth). When asking for a prophecy, people would come with valuable offerings to the Oracle of Delphi. Delphi had many treasuries to guard these gifts such as the Treasury of Athenians. Before entering the temple, pilgrims had to wash in the Castalian Spring. When Christianity became the dominant religion of the Byzantine Empire, the oracle of Delphi was closed as a pagan place. The Archaeological Museum of Delphi hosts findings from the site and the region. The most famous exhibits are the Charioteer and the Sphinx.

Meteora

Meteora is truly one of the most impressive rock formations in the world with its ‘hanging monasteries’. Monks and hermits have been finding refuge in this unique rock formation for more than a thousand years. The word Meteora means literally “hovering in the air”. Of the 24 monasteries that were built between the 13^th and 16^th century, only six eastern Orthodox monasteries remain in place on these ancient structures atop its massive rock pillars and the village and countryside below.

Heraklion, Crete

Crete is an island blessed with a diversity of the landscape: the rugged mountains, the endless beaches and the turquoise seas, the many cities and villages, and stunning countryside. The island is the birthplace of the first advanced society on European soil, the Minoans. Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and famous for the Palace of Knossos, a well-restored and sprawling work of Arthur Evans who spent much of his life and his inherited fortune to make Knossos what it is today.

Rhodes

Rhodes, the largest and most popular island of the Dodecanese island group, is known as the “Knights Island” with a rich historical past. The ancient city of Rhodes was designed by the greatest city planner of antiquity, Hippodamus of Miletus. Stone walls, stone-paved alleys, elegant mansions, and a medieval castle – all things of a medieval fairy tale! The Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights are certainly the highlights.

The Palace of the Grand Master was originally a Byzantine fortress built at the end of the 7^thcentury AD. It was converted by the Knights of the Order of Saint John into the residence of the Grand Master of the order and the administrative headquarters of their state. It had 158 rooms with only 24 open to visitors. The rooms have antique furniture, exquisite marbles, sculptures, carpets and fine Oriental vases. The floors are paved with a mosaic of ancient Roman and Byzantine art. Today, this magnificent building is a museum.

Mykonos

Mykonos, the famous island in the Aegean! Everywhere you look, there is a maze of white-washed alleyways. Give yourself some tome to wander, getting lost in the narrow streets is half the fun. Little Venice is made up of homes that were built in the 18^th century and have their foundations in the sea. The Windmills is another attraction. Powered by the north wind, these windmills used to ground grain into flour until the early 20^th century. There is time before the cruise departs to check out some of the best restaurants in the Mediterranean.

Santorini

Santorini – the precious gem of the Aegean! It is famous for its stunning caldera, the volcano, and the romantic sunset. Perched on the edge of steep cliffs, the villages of Santorini offer an amazing view of the Aegean Sea and the submerged volcano. Spend some time exploring Oia and Fira with the traditional Cycladic architecture.

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Greece should be in every traveller’s wish list. The country is the perfect place for an enjoyable holiday. Greece is famous for its beautiful landscape, long coastline with amazing beaches, sunny weather and rich history. Plus, Greece is also a significant biblical place that traces the footsteps of Paul on his journey to spread the word of God.

Paul’s missionary journeys changed the world, and when you, too, follow In the Footsteps of Paul, you will see the New Testament coming alive in a whole new way!

See the ancient marketplaces of Thessaloniki and Philippi, explore the archaeological ruins at Delphi, stand on the spot in Berea where Paul preached, take in the awe-inspiring views of Meteora, enjoy an exciting four-day Greek Isle cruise to Mykonos, Patmos where John wrote the Book of Revelation, Rhodes with its Crusader-era Masters Palace, Heraklion, beautiful Santorini, a stop in Kusadasi with a chance to see fascinating Ephesus, view the ruins of Corinth where Paul lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila, and see the Acropolis and Mars Hill where Paul stood to deliver his famous Areopagus sermon about the ‘Unknown God’.

Sign up with us today for an exciting journey in the Bible lands!

Click here for our available tours.

Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world today, with more than 200 inhabited islands, a plethora of rich historic sites, picturesque beaches and monumental mountain ranges. Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece sits on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, sharing land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.

Boasting the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin and the 11^th longest coastline in the world at 13,676km, mainland Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Cretan Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea – the last of which can be explored via an Aegean cruise to some impressive destinations in Greece, including Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini, among others.

Aboard the Aegean cruise, you can experience the beauty of Greece on a journey like no other. Exploring Greece via the Aegean Sea is a classic experience of discovery for those encountering Greece’s beauty for the first time: cruise along endless blue waters seeing swaying windmills and striking cliffs and greet legendary ancient cities at every port.

One noteworthy journey is the one to Santorini, so don’t forget to take in the picturesque landscapes, sunsets and crystal blue waters in between photographs while you’re there. While in the capital of Santorini, Fira, bask in the panoramic views of the island’s dormant volcano and soak up the magnificent sunsets as you go on an adventurous hunt for the mythical lost city of Atlantis. Furthermore, in just a mere 11km away, find an oasis of beauty and calm amidst the traditional whitewashed houses and history-rich blue-domed churches in the village of Oia.

Join us on the biblical Greece and Aegean Cruise in March 2020. This tour offers you a great combination of pilgrimage and sightseeing in some of the most spectacular places in Greece.

Sign up with us today for an exciting journey in the Bible lands!

Click here for our available tours.

Greece, also known as the cradle of Western civilisation (where democracy, Western philosophy and literature, major scientific and mathematic principles, among others were birthed), is more than just a beautiful scenic country often portrayed in shades of pristine white and blue.

Greece is also home to the noteworthy route that Apostle Paul took to spread the message of Christ in a time when polytheism (worship of multiple deities) was practised. During his missionary journey in Greece, Paul preached the news of Jesus in many coastal cities and trade route towns, including Samothrace, Kavala (Neapoli), Philippi, Amphipolis-Apollonia, Thessaloniki, Veria, Athens, and Corinth.

Paul’s missionary journeys and experiences are recorded in the New Testament through the books of Acts and his letters to the churches. The purpose of all Paul’s missionary journeys was the same: proclaiming God’s grace in forgiving sin through Christ.

Join us on the biblical Greece and Aegean Cruise in March 2020. This tour offers you a great combination of pilgrimage and sightseeing in some of the most spectacular places in Greece.

Philippi

Philippi was the first European city in which Paul preached. Lydia, a merchant from Thyatira, became the first convert in Europe (Acts 16:13-15).

Thessalonica

On reaching Thessalonica, Paul and Silas went about preaching in the Jewish synagogue on three consecutive Sabbaths but some of the Jews became jealous. They gathered scoundrels from the agora and caused a riot. Paul and Silas were forced to escape from Thessalonica (Acts 17:2-9).

Athens

Paul made a famous speech to reason with the Athenians who had erected an altar with the inscription “to an unknown God” at the Areopagus (Mars Hill) as chronicled in Acts 17:15-34.

Sign up with us today for an exciting journey in the Bible lands!

Click here for our available tours.

Thessaloniki

Preaching Christ at Thessalonica

Acts 17:1-3, NKJV
“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.””

During Paul’s second missionary Journey, he visited Thessalonica with Timothy and Silas. For three consecutive Sabbaths, he visited a Jewish synagogue to preach about Jesus Christ. Many believed what he said but certain Jews who were envious of the Gospel formed a mob and started a riot. The riotous crowd went to the house of Jason seeking Paul and Silas but they were not found. Instead they dragged Jason and some brethren to the city magistrate and accused them of wrongdoing. However, after a short while, the rulers of the city let them go.

Paul and Silas were soon sent by the brethren out of the city to Berea, about 72km to the west of Thessalonica.

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Berea

Ministering at Berea

Acts 17:10-11, NKJV
“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

When the news of Paul and Silas preaching in the synagogue reached the Jews in Thessalonica, they came to Berea to stir up the crowds. Immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea and brought him to Athens.

Read part 1 and part 3 here!

April 22-29, 2016

Scripture references: Exodus 12:15-20

Exodus 12:17, NIV
“Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”

Today, Jewish families all over the world eat only unleavened bread during Passover and the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This feast commemorates the unleavened bread that the Israelites took with them when they were freed from bondage in Egypt. They had to flee so quickly that there was no time to let their bread rise.

During the days before Passover, their homes are cleaned to remove any trace of leaven so as not to cause defilement during the feast. Leaven is often used as a symbol for sin in the Scriptures, so its removal from the home is symbolic of purification from sin.

Matzah, the unleavened bread used during this feast, is pierced and striped — a perfect symbol of Jesus on the tree.

Today in Israel, there is a seven-day holiday for the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Deuteronomy 16:3, NIV
“Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste–so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.”

As the weather warms up, there are plenty of orchards and flowers in bloom. See the variety of flowers scattered around the nation, colouring the fields and gardens in red, purple, yellow and white tiny dots.

Passover or Pesach is a widely observed Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It also celebrates the story of the Exodus and the birth of the Jewish nation after being freed by God from captivity under the leadership of Moses. Passover commences on the 15^th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for eight days: in 2019, from the evening of Friday, 19^th April to the evening of Saturday, 27^th April.

Spread over the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, the story of the Exodus tells of the enslavement of the children of Israel in Egypt, and how God helped the children of Israel escape from their slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians, before the Pharaoh released his Israelite slaves.

In the story, the Israelites were instructed to mark the door frames of their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb, so that the angel of death would know to pass over those Hebrew households, thus saving the firstborns in these homes. The tenth and worst of the plagues slain every Egyptian firstborn, and terrified of further punishment, the Egyptians convinced their leader to release the Israelites and Moses quickly led them out of Egypt. However, the pharaoh changed his mind soon after and sent his soldiers after them. As the Egyptian army caught up to the fleeing Hebrew people at the edge of the Red Sea, God performed a miracle by parting the Red Sea for Moses and his people to cross to safety, then closed the passage and drowned the Egyptians.

Jews observe this festive week with several important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal, the removal of leavened products from their home and substitution of matzo for bread, and the retelling of the Exodus story. When the Pharaoh released the Israelites, it was that they left in such haste that they could not wait for bread dough to rise or leaven. Thus, in commemoration of this, the Passover is also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Torah, where only Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is consumed during this celebration. As a tourist in Israel today, you can experience a traditional Passover meal at the Yad Hashmona Biblical Garden.

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