Many of us enjoy getting off the beaten tourism path in destinations we explore. Bible lands in the Middle East are no exception, and Abraham’s Path is one of the best ways to deepen your experience.
Starting in modern day Haran, Turkey the “work in progress” path of about 600 miles winds to Aleppo and Damascus in Syria, traverses Jordan, and extends into Jerusalem before finishing at Abraham’s tomb in Hebron, Palestine. Along the way, takers pass fabled historic sites, beautiful landscapes and revered holy places. Check out the path’s comprehensive web site at www.abrahampath.org.
Sponsored by the Global Negotiation Project at Harvard Law School, Abraham’s Path traces the story of Abraham/Ibrahim’s journey and the origins of spiritual traditions shared by more than three billion of the world’s peoples.
The most developed portion of the path is the six-mile Al-Ayoun trail in Jordan, where walkers enjoy lush hills, wildflowers and village homestays. In Palestine, there’s a 30-mile walk from Nablus to Taybeh, winding through Canaanite, Roman and Byzantine ruins. It ends at the country’s only brewery.
Abraham’s Path seeks to train new trip leaders who would like to lead journeys of discovery and friendship into the heart of the Middle East. Trip Leader Training is October 16-30 on a journey that is billed as an opportunity for cross-cultural listening and dialogue, an educational experience for young people, and a pilgrimage that transcends divisions. Organizers say it can also be a simple expression of friendship towards local people. Particularly welcome are those who want to lead others on future path journeys. Scholarships may be available for promising group leaders who cannot provide their own support.
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