Day 10

Yesterday was a travel day. We left the Crown Plaza Hotel at the Dead Sea and headed back to Tel Aviv. The drive was a little over 2 hours. But we arrived at our hotel in Tel Aviv with little difficulty. Not because the traffic was any less, but because I know my way around this city a little better and the streets are laid out with a little more logic then Jerusalem. We checked in and walked across the street from the hotel to a neighborhood restaurant called "Whitehall" and had lunch. They have really good food and huge portions. Afterwards we were both stuffed. I thought a walk along the city's beach promenade would be a good way to walk off our meal. We walked all the way to the old city of Jaffa. Probably a little too much of a walk for the humidity, but it was fun. Patty took pictures of Jaffa and pictures of Tel Aviv from Jaffa.

Jaffa or Yafo is mentioned many times throughout the Bible. Most prominent is the home of Simon the Tanner. (Acts 9-10)  Simon the Tanner's home is where the apostle Peter stayed and was given a vision by God while resting on the roof of the house. It was here that God made it clear to Peter, Gentiles were also to receive the Gospel. Shortly after the vision, Peter went to the home of Cornelius, the Roman soldier. To some in the Jewish world, this is considered the birthplace of Christianity. It was here that God made it clear to Peter that Gentiles were welcome into this new relationship as well. Until then, Jewish/Christian converts had continued to attend synagogue services and go to the Temple.  To most of the Jews at large, the followers of "The Way" were considered just another of the many Jewish sects. However, once they began to accept Gentiles who hadn't become Jews into their "sect" they could not be tolerated!

The foundations of the house believed to be that of Simon the Tanner remains to this day. A medieval dwelling is built on top of it and it is a private residence. Pilgrims are asked not to disturb the residents, but we got a picture of the front of the house. Patty also took pictures of what remains of the ancient peer of Jaffa.