Zman Midbar in the Judean Desert invites you to share in a unique experience in a unique place. Here some of history's greatest leaders rose and fell: Abraham, Moses, and Jesus of Nazareth. It was in this same desert that David composed his Psalms of Praise to the Lord, and it was here too, that the earliest ascetics sought seclusion. The Essenes, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Zealots all lived in the Judean Desert, and in the spirit of Qumran can be found the source of "A Course in Miracles".
In a place where the silence is complete and the vistas never-ending, where prayer to the Almighty is natural and spontaneous, journey to your true essence in an unspoilt land. Sense the force of the desert as it awakens your inner self, and the power of creation that demands to be revived.
The object of this journey is to take "time out" from regular life – to reflect, to revitalize, to touch the spirit and to soar to the heights within, and to return home with renewed understanding and a fresh approach.
The journey includes visits to sites holy to Jews and Christians. On the way we engage in spiritual exercises, meditations, prayers, ceremonies and studies from "A Course in Miracles”. Unique excursions and experiences add fragrance to your life journey.
We make an extraordinary journey to the Mountain of God – Mount Karkoum in the Negev. Here 40,000 rock paintings were discovered, including representations of the tablets of the Ten Commandments and the word God, scorpions, snakes, camel trains, hunting parties, and more.
Time is spent visiting Qumran, one of the holiest archeological sites of the Jewish people. During the destruction of the Second Temple, the Scrolls of the Law were smuggled out of Jerusalem and hidden here.
Our journey to Jordan takes us to Wadi Rum, the seat of Lawrence of Arabia, Petra, the breathtaking Nabatean city carved out of the pink rock, the Dana Wildlife Reserve, and Mount Nevo, where the People of Israel tarried and from where Moses caught a glimpse of the Promised Land.
We visit Masada, and we join an archeological dig at Tel Arad, the ruins of the Canaanite town where an exact replica of the Jerusalem temple has been unearthed.
Your hosts on the journey will be Efrat Sar-Shalom and Seffi Hanegbi, or other guides from the Zman Midbar team.
Efrat Sar-Shalom is a senior spiritual mentor and therapist, and the leading facilitator in Israel of "A Course in Miracles". She was involved in the translation into Hebrew of "A Course in Miracles".
Efrat guides peace meditations, ceremonies, and gatherings, inspiring compassion and understanding between people of different religions and nations.
Seffi Hanegbi, a desert man, is a discoverer of ancient desert ways and a man of vision who has spent many years promoting peace in the Middle East.
He works tirelessly for the advancement of the Bedouin in the Negev.
Efrat and Seffi are dedicated to the establishment of Zman Midbar, an ecological spiritual center of love and peace in the Judean Desert founded on the principles of "A Course in Miracles".
Itinerary
Sunday
Meet at the YMCA at 18:00. After a short introduction, set off on a tour of Jerusalem. Visit holy sites including the tomb of Jesus, the Via Dolorosa, the Western Wall, and the Old City. After dinner participate in a spiritual ceremony in Ein Karem. Overnight at the YMCA.
Monday
This morning we leave Jerusalem and descend into the Judean Desert. Visit the Christian site Katzar El Yahud near Jericho. Enjoy a view of the city, and if possible, enter Jericho for a visit. Continue to Qumran, and after lunch, visit the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. In the afternoon proceed to Ein Gedi for a hike through the oasis and a swim in the Dead Sea. Towards evening arrive at Zman Midbar near Arad. Here a warm reception awaits you. Settle in, and enjoy a vegetarian dinner and bewitching night-time tales narrated by Seffi Hanegbi. Overnight at Zman Midbar.
Tuesday – Thursday
Spend these days immersed in "A Course in Miracles" promoting personal inner growth and self-awareness. Six to eight hours are devoted to this work each day, interspersed with excursions into the desert.
Begin every day with meditation and Yoga, followed by breakfast. Enjoy a delicious and varied vegetarian lunch daily.
In the afternoons we take a break to enjoy local attractions and experiences. These include participation in the archeological dig at Tel Arad, a creative art workshop using natural materials in Arad, and a tour of the mountain fortress of Masada.
Friday – Saturday
Depart Zman Midbar for the Mountain of God, Mount Karkoum in the Negev Desert, regarded by Prof. Emanuel Anati as the true biblical Mount Sinai. Our guide is Seffi Hanegbi, who worked alongside Prof. Anati for 14 years discovering the hidden secrets of the Mount: rock paintings, shrines, and wondrous natural finds.
In the span of a few hours we attempt to identify all the archeological signs pointing to the identity of the mountain as Mount Sinai, and learn about the true significance of this place.
During the journey, Efrat Sar-Shalom continues to give spiritual instruction and guidance.
Spend Friday night under the stars at Mount Karkoum and Saturday night at Shacharut, a desert settlement founded by Seffi Hanegbi.
Sunday – Tuesday
On Sunday morning we cross the border into Jordan. Explore Wadi Rum, and travel in jeeps along the historic Spice Route. We visit the sites of Khumema and Nakeb Um Mas'uda. Overnight at Tibbet-Z'man.
On Monday visit the spectacular Nabatean city of Petra, and climb to the summit of Jebel Aharon. Continue to the Dana Wildlife Reserve for overnight.
In the morning we drive through the villages of Sela and Butzera on route to Medaba and Har Nevo. Return to Israel for overnight at the Mount of Beatitudes.
Wednesday
Today is spent in northern Israel, and includes baptism in the Sea of Galilee. Visit the Chapel on the Mt. of Beatitudes, Safed, and Nazareth, city of Jesus. Continue to Tel Aviv for overnight.
Thursday
Travel southwards to the caves at Bet Guvrin. Proceed to Lachish, the Yatir forest, and the ruins of Krayot, the dwelling place of Yehuda Ish Krayot. Visit the Bedouin village of Draj't. Continue to Zman Midbar for overnight.
Friday – Saturday
These days are devoted to a spiritual journey in the Judean Desert, a journey that continues to reinforce your own personal growth as you wander through the wadis with your desert guide. Focus on the life and ways of the Essene community, who lived in this same region.
Overnight and meals are with a Bedouin family in the Kanaim Valley. This is a rare opportunity to experience the authentic Bedouin way of life and enjoy their special warm hospitality.
Sunday
The final day of our journey. Closing Workshop and Ceremony at Zman Midbar, presentation of certificates to participants, and Farewell Lunch. In the afternoon transfer is provided to Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport.
Price per person in a group of 9-18 members:
Participation in the tour: $ 3,960
(plus $630 supplement for a single room)
Comments:
We will be pleased to assist you in arranging tours in Israel and Jordan before and after the journey.
Excursion dates will be Confirm with the groups:
Receive $500 discount by booking direct by email or phone.
Zman Midbar Ecological Spiritual Center for Peace
POB 5101, Arad 89150 Tel: 972-8-995-3108 Mobile: 972-54-496-1888 Fax: 972-8-997-2762
Email: [email protected] Website: www.zmanmidbar.net
Office opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 09:00 – 13:00
