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Jerusalem Mosaic of Faith from Mystic Lands Series catalog # 2123 Published & Distributed by… AGC/UNITED LEARNING 1560 Sherman Avenue Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 24-Hour Fax No. 847-328-6706 Website: http://www.agcunitedlearning.com E-Mail: [email protected] 1 MYSTIC LANDS Grades 9-12 SERIES INTRODUCTION Mystic Lands, a 13-part documentary series, takes the viewers on an incomparable journey of discovery to some of the world’s most unique spiritual places. From the cloud-shrouded majesty of Peru’s Machu Picchu to the pagoda-studded plains of Myanmar’s Bagan, and from the architectural grandeur of India’s Taj Mahal to the simplicity of a rural Haitian village’s vodou hounfor (temple), Mystic Lands explores the allure of these sacred spaces and vividly documents their continued powerful influence on the daily lives of countless believers. The Mystic Lands series, in its artistic blending of the past and present, details the legends, mysteries, history, and facts that surround these great spirit lands of the world. Intended for grades 9-12, the series highlights the “living faith” embodied in the architecture, expressive arts, contemporary spiritual practices, lifestyle, people, and cultures that surround these spiritual sites today. Through worldwide, on-location, live-action video, original illustrations, maps, excerpts and translations of sacred writings and oral traditions, as well as interview footage, Mystic Lands acquaints the viewers with the world’s “sacred geography,” identifying the mystical sites, temples, holy cities, places of pilgrimage, prophets, gods and beliefs that have molded the world’s diverse spiritual traditions. Mystic Lands is narrated by acclaimed actor Edward James Olmos and features original music by international recording artist Chris Spheeris. Programs in this series are ideal for use in multi-cultural studies. Viewers will gain an appreciation for cultural diversity and become more globally conscious through learning about religious differences, how other societies relate to the natural world, and lifestyles totally different than their own. 2 Titles in the series include: Anasazi - The Ancient Ones The mysteries of the Anasazi culture from America’s southwest desert unfold through their myths and legends. Sunbaked ruins, broken pottery sherds, elaborate road systems, ceremonial great houses and kivas weave an amazing tale of the spiritual life of this great Native-American culture. Australia - Dreamtime The legends, ceremonies, songs, dances, sacred beliefs, and aspects of everyday life of Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal Anangu and Tiwi tribes are explored. These native people see the landscape as a living embodiment of the myths and stories of their creation–an age of legendary heroes called “the Dreamtime.” Bali - Island Of A Thousand Temples On the magical island paradise of Bali, religion and spirits blend themselves into all aspects of Balinese life. The Balinese spiritual beliefs are richly expressed through their arts. Delicate weavings, intricate carvings, vivid paintings and imaginative dances are an integral part of Balinese life. Bhutan - Land Of The Thunder Dragon In this secluded Himalayan Kingdom, Buddhism is not just a religion; it is a way of life. From fluttering prayer flags to the rhythmic spin of prayer wheels, worship to Lord Buddha permeates every aspect of life in Bhutan. Burma - Triumph Of The Spirit Burma (Myanmar) is a devout Buddhist nation struggling to find its way in today’s post-industrial world. This reclusive country, graced by golden pagodas and teak temples, is considered one of the last magical destinations in the Orient. The spiritual life of Burma is explored through its historic religious sites. Egypt - Cycle Of Life Rising from the windswept desert sands along the banks of the lifegiving Nile, the great pyramids of Egypt rise to the heavens–eternal monuments in stone to the pharaohs’ quest for immortality. This program delves into the complex culture of Ancient Egypt and its rich spiritual traditions. 3 Greece - Isle Of Revelation From the majestic Athenian Acropolis to the cloud-shrouded top of Mount Olympus, Greek ruins dot an epic landscape. Greece was once home to a powerful pantheon of gods, but a new religion, a legacy of the historic visits of the Christian disciples John and Paul, shattered the old myths and still shapes the faith of Greece today. Haiti - Dance Of The Spirit Dispelling the myths and preconceptions that surround the practice of vodou, this provocative episode dramatically explores the truth and beauty of mystical Haitian vodou spirituality through fantastic dance and fire ceremonies. Jerusalem - Mosaic Of Faith Claimed by three living religions, Jerusalem is perhaps the most spiritually charged city in the world. The historic and mystic roots of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism unfold in an exploration of this ancient city of faith. Maya - Messages In Stone The mysterious cities of the Maya–Tikal, Chichén Itzá, and Palenque– are explored, focusing on the legends, history and facts derived from the “rock records” left by the ancient Maya. Human sacrifice is explained through Maya religious beliefs. Peru - Kingdom In The Clouds Considered to be the most significant archaeological site on the South American continent, Machu Picchu was built and then abandoned by the Inca after only 100 years. The influence of the Inca spiritual beliefs on their lifestyle, architecture and astronomical achievements will be explored in the ruins of Machu Picchu and the spiritual centers of Peru’s Sacred Valley, including Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Taj Mahal - Heaven On Earth Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a complex of gardens, mosques, and minarets constructed as a tribute to Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after her death. In his grief, Shah Jahan vowed to build the most beautiful tomb that ever existed. The spiritual motivations behind the building of the Taj Mahal and the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri are highlighted. 4 Varanasi - City Of Light Located on the banks of India’s great river Ganges, Varanasi is considered by Hindus to be the holiest place on earth. The eternal city of Varanasi has been a center of enlightenment and civilization for more than 2,000 years. The spiritual and cultural aspects of the Hindu faith continue to define this sacred city. Rituals and beliefs surrounding death by cremation and the end of the cycle of reincarnation are explored. Each program in the Mystic Lands series includes one video, the average length is approximately 25 minutes; a Teacher’s Guide with lesson plans, suggested student activities, Internet listings, and script; and a set of reproducible blackline masters for classroom use. INSTRUCTIONAL NOTES It is suggested that you preview the video and review this teacher’s guide before involving your students in the lesson activities. In this way you will become familiar with the materials and be better prepared to adapt them to the needs of your students. You may find it necessary to make some changes, deletions or additions to fit the specific needs of your class. We encourage you to do so, for only by tailoring this program to your students will they obtain the maximum benefits afforded by the materials. It is also suggested that the video presentation take place before the entire group under your supervision. The lesson activities grow out of the content of the video; therefore, the presentation should be a common experience for all students. 5 JERUSALEM - Mosaic of Faith from the Mystic Lands Series Viewing Time: 25 minutes Grades 9-12 BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM Medieval cartographers once placed Jerusalem at the center of the world. Long past being considered the world's geographical center, this ancient city of faith remains today the center of the world of the spirit for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Within the 2.5 miles of Jerusalem's walled old city are sites sacred to all three faiths. For it was here in Jerusalem, where according to tradition, Abraham made ready to sacrifice his son Isaac to his God. Here David established his capital, Solomon and Herod built their temples, and the Maccabees came to cleanse, purify and rededicate the temple defiled by Antiochus. It was here that Jesus was welcomed in procession, ate his Last Supper, suffered his agony in the garden, was crucified, died and, according to Christian tradition, rose again on the third day. And it was here in Jerusalem that Muslims believe Muhammad began his Night Journey to heaven. Jerusalem–the city of Yahweh, of God and of Allah–a mosaic of faith, a passion-filled, spirit-charged intersection of the world's three great monotheistic religions. This city of the spirit that the Jews call Yerushalayim–"City of Peace," and the Arabs call El Khudz–"The Holy," has been and remains a city divided–a city that "takes its focus from a metaphysics of the irreconcilable: good and evil, angel and devil, sacred and profane." The history of Jerusalem and the history of the Jewish people are inextricably intertwined. In Hebrew it is called "Eretz Israel"–the Land of Israel. Situated in the cradle of civilization and at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, this land of Israel has a unique and complicated history. Throughout its history, claims have been fought for, staked, and eventually lost by the Canaanites, Assyrians, Romans, and Crusaders. Today, after 2,000 years of exile, the Jews have returned to this land and reestablished their nation. Yet, Israel remains the spiritual homeland to people of many faiths, many religions. 6 Religion, as noted in The World's Religions: Understanding The Living Faiths," is concerned with the fundamentals of human existence, attempting to address crucial questions and issues such as the creation of the world, the meaning of life, survival after death, ethical living and personal happiness. Religion has never been solely a cerebral affair, concerned only with abstract ideals. It has been and continues to be the lifeblood of societies all over the world, providing communities with meaningful rituals, colorful festivals, and pilgrimages to sacred places." But religion has its side of darkness also. Religion has not been a stranger to controversy, intolerance, conflict, nationalism, fanaticism, war. For centuries, as rights have been claimed and traditions defended, battles have been waged across the Holy Land of Israel. Today the struggles still continue, the tensions still remain, and the pilgrims still come to this sacred place of the"thrice-holy Rock." In Jerusalem, that which is the best of religion and that which is the worst, can be found in its ancient stones and sacred architecture, in its pilgrims, in its people and their profound beliefs, in its past, its present, and it would seem, its future. In this program, shot on location in Jerusalem, the historic and spiritual roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam will be explored through their sacred sites in Jerusalem and through the rituals, traditions, the passions and living faith of the people who both dwell there and who come on pilgrimage to be, at least temporarily, one with this ancient city of diversity, of complexity, of conflict, of contrast, and of spirit. PROGRAM GOALS The overall goals of this program are to… • Introduce Jerusalem as a city rich in its history, vibrant in its mixture of old and new, east and west, holy in its traditions, and complex in its contrasts. • Introduce the historic and spiritual roots of Judaism, Christianity and Islam through their legends, histories, traditions, and their sacred sites in Jerusalem. 7 • Demonstrate how the spiritual and cultural traditions of Judaism, Islam and Christianity continue to define the city of Jerusalem and show how religious traditions and practices dominate the lifestyle of the people who call Jerusalem home. USES OF THE PROGRAM This program can be used in a variety of ways and in different courses of study. The lesson activities focus on the following: Cultural Studies Religion Geography History A thematic aproach is suggested, but not required, in order to achieve the student objectives and thereby accomplish the program goals. STUDENT OBJECTIVES After viewing Jerusalem - Mosaic of Faith and participating in the lesson activities, the viewers should be able to… • Explain why the land of Israel and the city of Jerusalem are spiritually significant to Jews, Christians and Muslims. • Discuss the historical and contemporary significance of Mount Moriah and Temple Mount for the Jews, and explain why Jews regard the Muslim Haram al Sharif as a source of conflict. • Describe the Dome of the Rock, discuss the legends associated with it, and explain the shrine's spiritual significance for Muslims. • Explain how the religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam both converge and, at times, collide in Jerusalem. List specific examples. • Explain why the Western Wall is often referred to as the Wailing Wall, name the important rite of passage ceremony that is often celebrated at the Wall, and discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the Western Wall to Jews. 8 INTRODUCING THE VIDEO/BLACKLINE MASTERS • Map Activity: On a large wall map locate Israel and the city of Jerusalem. Point out Israel's location in the heart of the Middle East and its shared borders with Syria, Jordan and Egypt. • Before viewing the video, ask a few leading questions. For example: 1. What do you know about the city of Jerusalem, its history, its place in the modern world, and its spiritual significance to Jews, Christians and Muslims? 2. If you were planning a trip to the Holy Land, where would you go? And why is it called the Holy Land? 3. What do you know about Judaism, its philosophy and beliefs, traditions, rituals and/or practices and its influence on the history and culture of Israel? 4. What do you know about Islam, its philosophy and beliefs, traditions, rituals and/or practices and its influence on the history of Jerusalem and Israel? 5. What do you know about Christianity, its philosophy and beliefs, traditions, rituals and/or practices and its influence on the history of Jerusalem and Israel? 6. Can you think of any examples when battles have been fought, wars waged, people discriminated against, persecuted, exiled, or executed, and even cultures dismantled in the name of religion? 7. What is a pilgrimage and why might someone want to go on one? Can you think of any places of pilgrimage that remain important today? • Distribute Blackline Masters 1 and 2, Vocabulary Guide. This will help acquaint viewers with some of the unusual terminology used in the video presentation. It is suggested that this list be duplicated and distributed before viewing the program. • Distribute Blackline Master 3, Viewer's Guide. It is recommended that you duplicate and distribute this before viewing the program. 9 Some questions may require additional reading. Have viewers answer the questions either while watching the video or shortly after the video presentation. You may want to divide the group into smaller units, assign each group certain questions, and share answers with the entire group. Present the video: The viewing time is 25 minutes. Blackline Master 4, Quiz, may be taken immediately following the video or at a later date after viewers have participated in other follow-up activities. The quiz is a brief check on what the viewers have retained from this lesson. FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION Immediately after viewing the video, ask for questions and comments about the content of the video. • Use Blackline Master 2, Viewer's Guide questions as a basis for a discussion of the information presented in the video. If the discussion leads to details that were not covered in the video, you may want to have the students or groups of students research the subject and report back to the class. An answer key for the Viewer's Guide is provided on page 13 of this teacher's guide. Some additional suggested discussion questions are… 1. What is the Jerusalem syndrome? Answer: There are documented cases of people who are overcome by the historical and religious impact of Jerusalem. They actually have a mental breakdown. They may believe that they are a biblical character, anything from the devil to Jesus - perhaps King David, the Virgin Mary or even the Messiah. Sometimes they imagine that they have discovered the solution to world peace and have been inspired to reveal it in Jerusalem. This condition is known as the Jerusalem Syndrome. Cases have been reported as far back as 1930. 2. What significance does the Mount of Olives have for Jews, Christians and Muslims? Answer: Since biblical days the Jews have buried their dead on the Mount of Olives in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead. Christians believe that Jesus ascended into heaven after his crucifixion and that he will return at the Mount of Olives. Muslims believe Allah's final judgment of mankind will occur on the holy grounds of the Mount of Olives. 10 3. What are some examples of the mix of peoples, faiths, beliefs and cultures that maintain their spiritual and cultural individuality while coexisting in the city of Jerusalem? Answers will vary. Orthodox Jews pray at the Wailing Wall. They dress in traditional clothing, uphold separate roles for men and women, and maintain their own schools. There is the joyous celebration accompanying a young man's Bar Mitzvah. The Monks of the Monastery of the Cross live their lives in seclusion behind the walls of their monastery. They nurture their faith through worship and reflection. Through the Arab market of the Old City, Christians trace the path they call Via Dolorosa. The sound of Christian church bells resounds through the streets and markets. Muslims, in a tribute to their prophet Mohammed, pray toward Mecca five times each day. To honor Allah, a Muslim man prepares himself by taking a ritual bath. With this bath, he cleanses not only his body, but his spirit. The Muslim call to prayer echoes through the city. FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS 1. You may choose to assign individuals or groups to research and prepare written or oral reports on the following topics: • Jerusalem - its legends, history, and significance as the "spiritual epicenter of the world." • Jerusalem - the yin and the yang of the convergence of the spiritual and the political in this city of God and men. • Judaism - its history, beliefs, practices, sects, customs, festivals. • Bar Mitzvah - its significance and rituals. Additionally, they could compare this to the Hindu ceremony of the "sacred thread"–signifying a second birth for a young man, or any other culture's similar rite of passage. • The Temples of Solomon and Herod - history, design, the Holy of Holies, rituals surrounding, and significance in the spiritual life and traditions of the Jews. • The Dome of the Rock - its legends, history, design, spiritual significance for Muslims, and the rock itself as a point of contention between the Muslims and the Jews. • The Church of the Holy Sepulchre - history, governance, design, focal points, and significance for Christians. • The sacred architecture of Jerusalem - churches, mosques, the Western Wall, legends, histories, and significance. • Islam - its history, beliefs, practices, customs, role of pilgrimage, and sacred architecture. • Islam and the Holy Land historically and today. 11 Work with the school librarian. Have him/her pull books and other resource materials related to different aspects of the culture, history, religion, and/or customs of Israel. Also gather any materials specific to Jerusalem and/or the Holy Land. If possible, have the materials available in your classroom. Distribute a list of materials available through the school library/media center. 2. Have students create a travel brochure promoting travel to the Holy Land. Have them illustrate the brochures. The brochures could be used to create a bulletin board display. 3. Have students create a diagram of Jerusalem's Old City noting shrines, city divisions, gates, and any other sites of interest. 4. The Promised Land and the Chosen People - have the students create a timeline of the history of the Jewish people in the land of Israel, from antiquity through statehood to today. Have the students examine the impact of the deeply rooted convictions held by the Jewish people that Israel is the Promised Land and that they have been, and remain, the Chosen People. 5. Have the students imagine they have a friend who is preparing to go on a trip to Jerusalem. The friend needs some advice on what to see while he/she is there. Have the students choose five sites they would suggest as "must see" for their friend. Have the students write a letter describing the sites and reasons why they feel those sites should not be missed. 6. Architecture as a reflection of spiritual values. Have students choose a church, temple, shrine or sacred monument from any culture and describe how the architectural design, choice of site, building materials, and/or decorative elements combine to "embody a vision of the divine." EXTENDED LEARNING ACTIVITIES 1. You may choose to assign individuals or groups to research and prepare written or oral reports on the following topics: • The Kibbutzim - history, organization, lifestyle, members, place in Israeli society. • The Diaspora, Zionism and the development of the State of Israel. 12 • The Crusades and the Holy Land - the call to arms (motivations and purpose), the first four campaigns and results. Students can also be asked to create a map reflecting the routes and leaders of the first Crusades. Additionally they could indicate the territories held by the Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic Empire of the Seluijks, as well as the Norman territory, at approximately 100 A.D. • Jerusalem as reflected in literature. • The Middle East Peace Process - history, key players, what is at stake, and the "sticking points." • The Vatican and the State of Israel - Catholic/Jewish ties, diplomatic relations and the internationalization of Jerusalem. • Sacred places, monuments, relics, shrines, temples, as "spiritual magnets drawing pilgrims to their sacred precincts." The role of pilgrimage in the world's spiritual traditions. 2. Have the students imagine they have had a chance to visit Jerusalem. Have them write a letter to a friend describing what they saw, felt and heard as they explored the Old City, stood at the Western Wall, walked the Via Dolorosa, wandered through the streets and marketplaces. 3. The Palestinians and Israelis have both claimed Jerusalem as their capital. Have students form two teams and debate the pros and cons of Jerusalem being a corpus separatum, that is, a body apart, under international control with guaranteed free access to the holy places for all religions, as one aspect of a solution to the Middle East conflicts. 4. Have students chose a site that was once or continues to be a site of pilgrimage in any religious tradition. Detail its history, legends, sacred sites and spiritual significance both historically and, if applicable, its contemporary importance. Some possible sites might be Varanasi, Delphi, Mecca, Lourdes, Canterbury Cathedral, Mount Kailas, the Holy Land, and the Temple of Borobudur (Java). INTERNET ACTIVITIES 1. Access the alphabetical listing for Israel in the World Factbook at http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/95fact/index.html This website lists facts about the country's geography, people, government, economy, transportation, communication, defense forces, and a map. Discuss the diffrences between this country and others around the world. How do the country's features contribute to its position 13 within the world's economy? Given the background that was in the video, how does the country's spirituality contribute to its overall character? Locate Jerusalem on the map. 2. Visit the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Division of Cultural and Scientific Affairs at http://www.israel.org/mfa/dcsa.html This site contains valuable information on the assimilation of Israel's many cultures into one land and the efforts to keep the peace. What is the role of the United States and other nations in helping to retain peace in Israel? Should other countries become involved in this struggle? 3. Access the information on Jerusalem at Focus on Israel at http://focusmm.com.au/israel/is_ge_04.html This website contains links to information about Jerusalem's religious and architectural treasures, as well as her modern enticements. How does Jerusalem's role in the formation of three monotheistic religions make it so volatile? What kind of experiences could a modern-day visitor expect to have in Jerusalem? ANSWER KEY Blackline Master 2, Viewer's Guide 1. In which city, located in which country, do the world's three great monotheistic religions converge? Name the three religions. Answer: The three great religions of Islam, Judaism and Christianity come together in the country of Israel and in its holy city of Jerusalem. 2. Why is Israel considered so significant to Jews, Christians and Muslims? Answer: Israel is important to the Muslims for a number of reasons. They have been directed to Israel by their Prophet Mohammed who told them "…go to it and worship in it …for one act of worship there is like a thousand acts of worship elsewhere." Also, for the Muslims, the city of Jerusalem contains very sacred ground. Next to Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is considered to be the holiest place on earth. The Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are located on Jerusalem's Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount. Jews consider Israel to be their promised homeland. The holy city of Jerusalem is Israel's capital. For devout Jews, the area within Jerusalem's Old City, known first as Mount Moriah and then Temple Mount, is extremely spiritually and historically significant. This area was and remains an important spiritual center of Jewish life in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is also located in Jerusalem and as the last surviving fragment of the great Temple complex, the Western Wall is the 14 most important Jewish sacred site and has come to symbolize the spiritual heart of Judaism. For Christians, Israel is important because it is the place where Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, and, according to tradition, rose again. 3. What part of Jerusalem do believers consider the heart of the city? Answer: For believers, the heart of Jerusalem lies within the small area known as the Old City. The Old City is the walled, ancient center of Jerusalem which contains many of Jerusalem's most sacred shrines. The Old City is divided into five areas–the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and the Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount. Entry to the Old City is through eight historic gates. 4. Why is the Old City so sacred to the Jews? Answer: For devout Jews, the area within the Old City, known first as Mount Moriah and then Temple Mount, is extremely spiritually and historically significant. According to Jewish tradition, Mount Moriah is where, over 4,000 years ago, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. It is said that Abraham raised his knife in obedience to God, but Yahweh, satisfied with Abraham's faith, stayed his hand and spared the young boy. It was on that same site, a thousand years later, that the Jewish King David would erect his first permanent altar. From that altar, David offered burnt sacrifices and prayers to his God, Yahweh. Later other sacred monuments were constructed, all temples to the Israelites' God. As it was then buttressed by stone walls, Mount Moriah became known as Temple Mount. It was the spiritual center of Jewish life. Every Jewish male was obligated to visit Temple Mount at least once each year. It was believed that the presence of Yahweh dwelt in the inner chamber of the Temple, known as the Holy of Holies. Therefore, a pilgrimage to this holy site would bring them closer to their God. 5. What is the Western Wall? What is its significance to Judaism and why is it also known as the Wailing Wall? Answer: In 70 A.D. as prophesied in the Old Testament, the Temple was destroyed. In a bloody revolt the Jews had rebelled against Roman rule. In retaliation the Romans sacked Jerusalem and then banished the Jews from their homeland. The Jewish Temple was reduced to rubble. The Western Wall, which rises to a height of 50 feet and consists predominately of massive, carved, stone blocks from the era of Herod, is the only part of the Temple complex to survive the Roman devastation. As the last surviving fragment of the great Temple complex, the Western Wall is the most important Jewish sacred site and has come to symbolize the spiritual heart of Judaism. It is often referred to as the Wailing Wall because it is here that Jews traditionally have come to mourn the destruction of the Temple. For many Jews, the Western Wall represents the bedrock of their faith. 15 6. What is the Dome of the Rock and what Muslim legends are associated with it? Answer: The Dome of the Rock is a shrine which was constructed to honor Allah. One hundred and seventy-six pounds of twenty-four karat gold leaf covers the dome. Quotations from the Koran adorn the mosque's tiled walls. The Dome shelters the large rock sacred to both Islam and Judaism. According to tradition, the Angel Gabriel awakened the prophet Mohammed and flew him on a miraculous horse across the desert. Following their night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, it is believed that Mohammed ascended a stairway of light to heaven where he received from Allah the beliefs of Islam. The golden dome of the Dome of the Rock shelters the rock from which it is said that Mohammed ascended to heaven. There are eight stairways that lead to the mosque. The arches atop these stairways are called meezen, which translates to mean scales. Many Muslims believe that on the Last Day, the scales of judgment will be suspended from these arches to weigh the hearts of the people against the truth. 7. What is the Haram al Sharif? Why is it an area of conflict between the Jews and Muslims? Answer: Haram al Sharif or the "Noble Sanctuary" is the Muslim name for the site known as Temple Mount by the Jews. This area is considered to be Mount Moriah, the site of Abraham's sacrifice. It was historically, and remains, an important spiritual center of Jewish life. The Muslim monuments Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are also located on Haram al Sharif/ Temple Mount. Al Aqsa Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Israel. It serves as an important prayer hall, as an oasis for the Muslim faithful. This area is one of conflict as both faiths in their sacred traditions and holy sites claim the same space. 8. What is the Via Dolorosa ? Answer: The Via Dolorosa, "The Way of Sorrow," is the road which is believed retraces the steps of Jesus as he walked with the cross on his back on his way to Calvary. This sacred pathway spans both the Muslim and Christian Quarters of the Old City. Along the way, stations of the cross mark events in Christ's journey. 9. What is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and why is it considered so sacred to Christians? Answer: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the church that Christians believe encloses the most spiritually charged sites of Christ's last days–his death, burial and resurrection. This church is considered one of the most important Christian shrines in Israel. Once just a simple cave, the Sepulchre was carved out of the hillside and turned into a freestanding structure. Within the con16 fines of the church, the faithful can approach these most sacred places. Inside the massive building, pilgrims can climb stairs to the top of the hill called Calvary, where they believe Christ was crucified nearly two thousand years ago. Many even attempt to touch the spot where the cross once stood. They can pray at the smooth altar-like slab where they believe Christ's body was prepared for burial. They can also attend Mass at the Sepulchre itself, the tomb where Christ's body was laid. The faithful light candles as symbols of their prayers to God. Blackline Master 4, Quiz 1. Bar Mitzvah 2. The Old City 3. Mohammed 4. Haram al Sharif 5. Mount Moriah 6. Via Dolorosa 7. kibbutz, plural is actually kibbutzim 8. Dome of the Rock 9. The Qur'an or Koran 10. Western or Wailing Wall 17 LIST OF RESOURCE/SUGGESTED READINGS Bahat, Dan and Rubenstein, Chaim T. The Illustrated Atlas of Jerusalem. Prentice, 1990. Ben-Dov, Meir. In the Shadow of the Temple: The Discovery of Ancient Jerusalem. Harpers Row, 1985. Clarke, Peter B., Editor. The World's Religions: Understanding the Living Faith. Reader's Digest Books, 1993. Collins, Larry, and Lapierre, Dominque. O Jerusalem. Simon & Schuster, 1972. Fast, Howard. The Jews: Story of a People. Laurel, 1968. Freeman-Grenvill, G.S.P. The Beauty of Jerusalem and the Holy Places of the Gospels. Continuum Publishers, 1983. Halsell, Grace. Journey to Jerusalem. Macmillan, 1981. Hasan, Sana. Enemy in the Promised Land - An Egyptian Woman's Journey Into Israel. Shocken Books, 1986. Johnson, Paul. Civilizations of the Holy Land. Atheneum, New York, 1979. Kaminker, Sarah Fox. Footloose in Jerusalem. Crown, 1981. Landay, Jerry M. Dome of the Rock: Three Faiths of Jerusalem. Newsweek Book Division, Wonders of Man Series, 1972. Morton, H. V. In Search of the Holy Land. Dodd, Mead & Company, 1979. Murphy-O'Conner, Jerome. The Holy Land. Oxford University Press, 1986. Pax, W. E. In the Footsteps of Jesus: A Pilgrimage to the Scenes of Christ's Life. Otpaz Ltd, 1970. Perowne, Stewart. Holy Places of Christendom . Oxford University Press, 1976. 18 Peters, F. E. A Reader in Classical Islam. Princeton Paperbacks, 1994. The Holy City in the Eyes of Chroniclers, Visitors, Pilgrims and Prophets from the Days of Abraham to the Beginnings of Modern Times. Princeton, 1985. Rabinovitch, Abraham. Jerusalem on Earth: People, Passions, and Politics in the Holy City. Free Press, New York, 1988. Shipler, David K. Arab and Jew: Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land. Times Books, New York, 1986. Smith, Huston. The Illustrated World's Religions: A Guide To Our Wisdom Traditions. Harper, SanFrancisco, 1991, 1994. Thubron, Colin. The Great Cities/Jerusalem. Time Life Books, 1976. 19 SCRIPT OF RECORDED NARRATION There is oneness in this sacred place. It is here, among the shifting sands of this inhospitable desert, that three great faiths of the modern world converge. It is a land of pilgrimage and passion, tolerance and suspicion, hatred and love. Yet despite the differences found among the beliefs of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, there is but one supreme spirit, one belief in creation, and one life eternal. This is the complex legacy of modern Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem–a chosen land, a vast mosaic of faith. The Prophet Mohammed said of this land: “... go to it and worship in it ... for one act of worship there is like a thousand acts of worship elsewhere.” Israel is a land where believers from around the world come to immerse themselves in the spirit and history of their faith. This holy land is a spiritual crossroads for the devout and the wellspring of all that is sacred to Christians, Muslims and Jews. For Jews, Israel is the promised homeland. At this communal village in Galilee called a kibbutz, Jews from Europe and America join native Israelis who live close to the land where their faith was born. For Muslims, Israel’s ancient city of Jerusalem contains sacred ground. Next to Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is the holiest place on earth. For Christians, Israel is the cradle of faith. Pilgrims come here for a chance to touch the birthplace of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. In this holy land, symbols of faith can be found on shrines and monuments and in the hearts of those who believe. Prayer, ritual and ceremony have special meaning, for here, great faiths born and nurtured in antiquity are very much alive today. Located in the heart of the Middle East on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is bordered by Syria to the north, Jordan to the east and Egypt to the west. 20 In the center of this arid land lies the Holy City of Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. It’s nestled in the Judean Hills 35 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. Although a modern city, Jerusalem bears the signature of four thousand years of faith. In Hebrew it is called Yerushalayim, “City of Peace.” In Arabic, El Khudz, “the Holy.” Home to more than half a million people, Jerusalem houses an often turbulent mixture of cultures and nationalities that bears the scars of centuries of conflict. Along the busy streets and curbside markets, the daily business of living goes on. There’s a constant flow of chaos and diversity and even in the simplest of acts, religion dominates the lifestyles of the people who call this land their home. Orthodox Jews adhere to a strict system of rabbinic law called halakha. They dress in traditional clothing, uphold separate roles for men and women, and maintain their own schools. Behind these walls, the monks of the Monastery of the Cross are protected from the temptations of the outside world. They live their lives in seclusion and nurture their faith through worship and reflection. At the oldest surviving Islamic monument, Muslims perform their most essential act of devotion. In a tribute to their prophet Mohammed, they pray toward Mecca five times each day. The followers of these three great faiths are united in their belief in one God. Yet they’re divided by their diverse history and faith in different prophets. Centuries of conflict and hostilities surround many of the holiest shrines of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. These sacred sites sit side by side in a congested area of less than one square mile. “Let there be light,” declared Yahweh, God of the Israelites, as he created Earth. And the light fell first, some say, on Jerusalem. What began 3,000 years ago as a walled city has been swallowed by the sprawl of modern Jerusalem. For believers, the heart of Jerusalem lies within a small area known as the Old City. 21 There are eight gates to the Old City. In ancient times, traffic passed on foot or camelback. Today, cars and trucks squeeze through these narrow passages. The entrance, known as Mercy Gate or Golden Gate, is permanently closed. No one knows why the gate was sealed, but many Jews believe their Messiah will open it on Judgment Day. Near the Damascus gate, an exotic outdoor market winds its way into the Old City. A heady mixture of commerce and piety, east and west, past and future, characterizes the Old City. This ground is sacred to most who enter. For devout Jews, there’s no place more holy. Nearly 4,000 years ago, on a rocky outcrop called Mount Moriah, Yahweh tested the faith of the Jewish patriarch Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son. Abraham raised his knife in obedience, but at the last moment, Yahweh stayed his hand and spared the boy. A thousand years later, the Jewish King David built the first permanent altar on this same site. From the altar, he offered burnt sacrifices and prayers to his God, Yahweh, a name so sacred that even today devout Jews will not speak or write it. Later, magnificent stone structures crowned this hill, each a glorious temple to the Israelites’ God. Buttressed by soaring stone walls, Mount Moriah became known as the Temple Mount, the spiritual center of Jewish life. Every Jewish male was obliged to visit at least once a year. It was a journey that brought them close to their God, for the presence of Yahweh was believed to dwell in an inner chamber of the Temple. It was known as the Holy of Holies. In 70 A.D., as prophesied in the Old Testament, the temple was destroyed. In a bloody uprising, the Jews rebelled against their Roman rulers. The Romans devastated Jerusalem and banished the Jews from their homeland. The temple was reduced to rubble–leaving only a small section of wall. The last remaining fragment–the Western Wall– has come to symbolize the spiritual heart of Judaism. 22 Often referred to as “The Wailing Wall,” Jews traditionally come here to mourn the Temple’s destruction. Many pious Jews pray here daily. But the Western Wall is also a place of hope and joy. It is said that Judaism is a conversation between generations–a way to remember the past but look toward the future. Jews from around the world bring their sons here for their passage into manhood, the Bar Mitzvah. As part of this ancient ritual, boys recite from the Torah, the Hebrew scriptures. Religious history and tradition and the sacred presence of their God sustained the Jews through centuries of exile from Jerusalem. Today, the Western Wall represents the bedrock of Jewish faith. But for many Christians and Muslims, it’s also a symbol of turbulence, as they too claim this city as a holy site. The great temple of the Jews had lain in ruin for 600 years when, legend says, the Angel Gabriel awakened the prophet Mohammed and flew him on a miraculous horse across the desert. Following their night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, it’s believed that Mohammed ascended a stairway of light to heaven where he received from his god, Allah, the beliefs of Islam. By 691 A.D., less then 70 years after Mohammed’s death, Islam was fully entrenched in Jerusalem. To honor Allah, the Muslims built the glorious Dome of the Rock. The huge dome shimmers with one hundred and seventy-six pounds of twenty-four karat gold leaf. And the words of the Muslim holy book, the Koran, gracefully adorn the tiled walls. Eight stairways lead to the holy mosque. The arches atop these stairways are called “meezan,” which means scales in Arabic. Many Muslims believe that on the Last Day, the scales of judgment will suspend from these arches to weigh the hearts of the people against truth. The golden dome shelters a large stone sacred to both Islam and Judaism. It’s believed to be the place from which Mohammed ascended to heaven and the same rock where the Jewish patriarch Abraham nearly sacrificed his son. It is here that Judaism and Islam come face to face in spirit and conflict. 23 The Dome of the Rock and the nearby al Aqsa Mosque stand on Mount Moriah, the site the Jews called Temple Mount. Muslims call it Haram al Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary. To honor Allah, a Muslim man prepares himself for prayer. By taking a ritual bath, he cleanses not only his body, but also his spirit. Al Aqsa Mosque is the largest mosque in Israel. It’s built on the site Mohammed is said to have tied his horse before ascending to Heaven. Marble columns, stained glass windows and a mosaic of carpets dominate the interior. It’s an oasis for the Muslim faithful. Haram Al Sharif is a world unto itself. But around this Muslim sanctuary swirls daily life and the passion of many faiths. Markets line the narrow streets of the Old City, selling religious icons, Muslim prayer beads, carvings of the crucified Christ. Through the Arab market, Christians trace the path they call Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrow. The route leads them along the same streets that Jesus took to his crucifixion. Twelve stations of the Cross mark events in Christ’s fateful journey. At the end of the Via Dolorosa stands the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Built over the centuries, many Christians believe the church encloses the most spiritually charged sites of Christ’s last days– his death, burial and resurrection. Inside this massive building, believers celebrate their faith. Pilgrims climb stairs to the top of the hill called Calvary, where they believe Christ was crucified nearly two thousand years ago. Many crawl under the altar to touch the sacred spot where their Messiah’s cross once stood. They pray at the smooth altar-like slab where tradition says Christ’s body was washed before burial. And they celebrate mass at the Sepulchre itself, the tomb where his body was laid. Once a simple cave, the Sepulchre was carved out of the original hillside and turned into a freestanding structure. Today, it’s one of the most important Christian shrines in Israel. Candles glow constantly, each a symbol of a believer’s prayer to God. 24 To Christians, Jesus’ triumph over death is the miracle of their faith. To Muslims, Mohammed’s mystical journey to heaven united the prophet with his God, Allah. To Jews, the lasting fragment of their temple is a symbolic foundation for their religious life. These beliefs converge–and sometimes collide–in Jerusalem. Yet each has survived for centuries. Religious faith can generate powerful emotions. In Jerusalem, these emotions are felt by nearly everyone. For those who live here, the religious history and events of this city are simply part of daily life. And for many who visit the Holy Land, the journey will touch their souls forever. There are, however, documented cases of people who are overcome by the religious impact of Jerusalem. Some may believe they’re actually King David, the Virgin Mary, even the Messiah. It’s a condition so prevalent it’s been labeled the Jerusalem Syndrome. The Muslim call to prayer and the resounding bells of a Christian church touch the ears of all faiths. Islam, Christianity and Judaism are in many ways inseparable. To the east, Harem al Sharif overlooks the Christians’ Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed the night before he was crucified. And to the west, it looms above the ancient temple wall where Jews continue to worship today. Since biblical days, Jews have buried their dead on Mount of Olives in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead. Christians believe Jesus ascended into heaven after his crucifixion and will return here. And Muslims believe Allah’s final judgment of humankind will occur on these holy grounds. Though his name in Islam is Allah, in Judaism, Yahweh, and in Christianity, God, there is but one day of final judgment, one heavenly paradise and one Jerusalem–the Holy City, through which all must eventually pass. It will remain forever, a living Mosaic of Faith. 25 1 Name __________________ JERUSALEM - Mosaic of Faith from the Mystic Lands Series VOCABULARY GUIDE Al Aqsa Mosque - Israel's largest mosque. According to tradition, it is built on the site where Mohammed tied his horse before ascending to heaven. Its interior is dominated by marble columns, stained glass windows and beautiful carpets. It serves primarily as a prayer hall. Allah - The supreme being in the Islamic faith. Bar Mitzvah - This is the ceremony celebrating a thirteen-year-old Jewish male's passage into adulthood. As an adult he now assumes responsibility for his moral and religious duties. Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Built over the centuries, Christians believe that this church encloses the traditionally accepted sacred sites of Christ's last days–his death, burial and resurrection. This church is considered one of the most important Christian shrines in Israel. Once just a simple cave, the Sepulchre was carved out of the hillside and turned into a freestanding structure. Inside this large church pilgrims climb stairs to the top of the hill called Calvary, where they believe Christ was crucified nearly two thousand years ago. Pilgrims pray at the altar-like slab where tradition says Christ's body was prepared for burial. Mass is celebrated at the Sepulchre itself, the tomb where Christ's body was laid. Dome of the Rock - According to tradition, this mosque was constructed between 688-691 A.D. to honor Allah and commemorate Mohammed's ascension into heaven. One hundred and seventy-six pounds of twenty-four karat gold leaf covers the dome. Quotations from the Koran adorn the mosque's tiled walls. The Dome shelters the large rock sacred to both Islam and Judaism. It is believed that from this rock Mohammed ascended to heaven. Jews believe that this same rock is where Abraham, the Jewish Patriarch, nearly sacrificed his son, Isaac. kibbutz - Communal village - communal settlement, originally farms, but now involved in other industries. Described by the philosopher Martin Buber, as "the experiment that worked," the first kibbutz was founded on the banks of the Jordan River in 1909. Israel's communes were "meant to be and to some extent, still are, the very core of society." Halakha - The strict system of rabbinic law that is followed by Orthodox Jews. Haram al Sharif - The "Noble Sanctuary" is the Muslim name for the area known as Temple Mount by the Jews. This area, sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, is considered to be Mount Moriah, the site of Abraham's sacrifice. This area is the heart of Jerusalem and the focus of the city's life. The Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are important Muslim monuments located on Haram al Sharif. Merry or Golden Gate - One of the ancient gates into the Old City which is now permanently closed. Theories differ as to why the gate was originally sealed, but many Jews believe that this will be the gate opened by the Messiah on the Day of Judgment. (Continued on Blackline Master 2) ©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc. Distributed by AGC/United Learning 1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706 www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected] 2 Name __________________ JERUSALEM - Mosaic of Faith from the Mystic Lands Series VOCABULARY GUIDE (Continued) Mohammed - The prophet of Islam and the founder of that religion, Mohammad ibn Abdullah, was born approximately in 570 A.D. According to tradition, Mohammad was disturbed by the materialism, fighting, and worship of multiple gods that he saw around him in Mecca. In response to his discomfort, he began to meditate in the caves of Mount Hira near Mecca. It is said that when Mohammad was about 40, while visiting a cave he had a vision of a majestic being who was later identified as the angel Gabriel. Until his death in 632 A.D., Mohammad is said to have received further revelations. Mohammed's message was not warmly received by the people of Mecca. He sent his followers to the city now called Medina, city of the prophet, were there was already some sympathy to his teachings. Mohammad joined his followers in Medina in 622. There he consolidated his community and support, and eventually returned triumphantly to Mecca in 630 A.D., destroying many of the idols in the shrines of Mecca. He died in Medina in 632. Mount Moriah - According to tradition, this rocky outcrop is the place, where over 4,000 years ago, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. It is said that Abraham raised his knife in obedience to God, but Yahweh, satisfied with Abraham's faith, stayed his hand and spared the young boy. It was on that same site, a thousand years later, that the Jewish King David would erect his first permanent altar. Later other sacred monuments were constructed, all temples to the Israelite's God. Now buttressed by great stone walls, Mount Moriah became known as Temple Mount. It was the spiritual center of Jewish life. Old City - The walled, ancient center of Jerusalem which contains many of Jerusalem's most sacred shrines. The Old City is divided into five areas–the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and the Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount. Entry to the Old City is through eight historic gates. Qur'an - Also spelled Koran is the holy book of Islam. According to Muslim tradition, the Qur'an is the "completion of God's message to humankind and the culmination of all other sacred scriptures." Torah or Pentateuch - Hebrew sacred scriptures. The Torah which consists of the first five books of the Bible–Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy–is the cornerstone of Jewish law or "the concrete expression of God's will in their regard." Via Dolorosa - "The Way of Sorrow." This road, which is believed retraces the steps of Jesus as he walked with the cross on his back on his way to Calvary, spans both the Muslim and Christian Quarters of the Old City. Along the way stations of the cross mark events in Christ's journey. Western or "Wailing" Wall - Rising to a height of 50 feet, the Western Wall consists predominately of massive, carved, stone blocks from the era of Herod. It is the only part of the Temple complex to survive the Romans' ravaging of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. After destroying Jerusalem, the Romans banished the Jews from their homeland. The Western Wall, as the last surviving fragment of the great Temple complex, is the most important Jewish sacred site, and has come to symbolize the spiritual heart of Judaism. It is often referred to as the Wailing Wall because it is here that Jews traditionally have come to mourn the destruction of the Temple. For many Jews the Western Wall represents the bedrock of their faith. Yahweh - The proper, personal name of the God of Israel, signifying, "I Am who I Am." (Ex. 3: 14-15). ©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc. Distributed by AGC/United Learning 1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706 www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected] 3 Name __________________ JERUSALEM - Mosaic of Faith from the Mystic Lands Series VIEWER'S GUIDE Directions: Answer the following questions immediately after viewing the video or as instructed by your teacher. Use the back of this sheet if necessary. 1. In which city, located in which country, do the world's three great monotheistic religions converge? Name the three religions. 2. Why is Israel considered so significant to Jews, Christians and Muslims? 3. What part of Jerusalem do believers considered the heart of the city? 4. Why is the Old City so sacred to the Jews? 5. What is the Western Wall? What is its significance to Judaism, and why is it also known as the Wailing Wall? 6. What is the Dome of the Rock and what Muslim legends are associated with it? 7. What is the Haram al Sharif? Why is it an area of conflict between the Jews and Muslims? 8. What is the Via Dolorosa? 9. What is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and why is it considered so sacred to Christians? ©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc. Distributed by AGC/United Learning 1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706 www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected] 4 Name __________________ JERUSALEM - Mosaic of Faith from the Mystic Lands Series QUIZ Directions: Answer the following questions. If necessary, use the back of this sheet or another sheet of paper. 1. What is the name of the ceremony celebrating a thirteen-year-old Jewish male's passage into adulthood. Many of these are celebrated at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. 2. What is the name of the walled, ancient center of Jerusalem which contains many of Jerusalem's most sacred shrines. It is divided into five areas–the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, and the Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount. 3. What is the name of the prophet of Islam and founder of that religion? 4. Also known as the "Noble Sanctuary," what is the Muslim name for the area known as Temple Mount by the Jews? This area is sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians. The Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are important Muslim monuments located here. 5. What is the name of the rocky site where over 4,000 years ago, God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac? It was on that same site, a thousand years later, that the Jewish King David would erect his first permanent altar. Later other sacred monuments were constructed, all temples to the Israelite's God. Now buttressed by great stone walls, it became known as Temple Mount. It was the spiritual center of Jewish life. 6. What is the name of the road which is believed to retrace the steps of Jesus as he walked with the cross on his back on his way to Calvary? 7. What is the name of the Israeli communal settlements that were first founded along the banks of the Jordan River? The initial communal villages were all farms but the later settlements involved other industries as well. 8. What is the name of the mosque which shelters the large rock that is sacred to both Islam and Judaism? According to tradition, it was built to commemorate Mohammed's ascension into heaven and to honor Allah. 9. What is the name of the holy book of Islam? 10. What is the name of the sacred site that as the last remaining fragment of the Temple complex has come to symbolize the spiritual heart of Judaism. Many Jews come here to mourn the destruction of the Temple. ©1997 The Duncan Group, Inc. Distributed by AGC/United Learning 1560 Sherman Av., Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60201 1-800-323-9084 Fax 847-328-6706 www.agcunitedlearning.com e-mail: [email protected]