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HOLLYWOOD STARS FIND FAITH DURING THEIR ISRAEL TOUR

Elisa Moed — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:23:00 EST

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - A group of eight Hollywood TV and film stars completed a week-long tour of Israel on Sunday (May 13, 2012) as guests of Israel's Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs.

The star-studded group included AnnaLynne McCord (�90210� , �Nip & Tuck�), Omar Epps (�House�), Paul Johansson (�One Tree Hill�), Holly Robinson Peete (�21 Jump St.�, �Hanging With Mr. Cooper�), Mekhi Phifer (�ER�, �Tuskegee Airmen�), Holt McCallany (�Lights Out�), Zach Roerig (�Vampire Diaries�) and Paget Brewster (�Criminal Minds�).

The group of actors were led by Rabbi Irwin Katsof, the director of America's Voices in Israel (AVI), which is part of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Katsof described the celebrity mission as part of an �on-going initiative to expose the Hollywood community to a wide-range of thought-provoking cultural, historical, religious and personal encounters throughout the Holy Land.�

WHO ARE THE HOLY LAND SAMARITANS? PART 1

No Author — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:21:00 EST

HOLY LAND - On May 4, 2012, the Samaritan's of the Holy Land will celebrate the annual Passover sacrifice. But who are the Samaritans? And how is it that this community continues to survive in the Holy Land?

In 722 BCE, 200 years after the split between Solomon's sons Jeroboam and Rehoboam, the Kingdom of Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians. Much of the vanquished population were deported as slaves to Mesopotamia (present day Iraq). Vassal peoples living in what is now Syria and the border between Iran and Iraq were brought in their stead to settle the barren land.

Jewish tradition maintains that the Samaritans are the descendants of these colonizers who adopted some Israelite rituals (II Kings 17:24-29), a charge adamantly denied by Elazar and his fellow Samaritans.

ISRAEL ON THE EVE OF PASSOVER

No Author — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:26:00 EST

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL -  Passover is the most anticipated of all Jewish holidays, and also one of the busiest times of year in Israel. The first and the last days of Passover are religious and legal holidays, so all preparation work must be done during the days prior to those two Sabbaths. But all that work is worth it, as Passover is not only a joyous time of festivity, but a solemn remembrance of the most defining moments in the history of the people of Israel.

Passover is first and foremost a commemoration of the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, a rebirth from slavery into freedom of the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But it is not merely remembered as a piece of history. Jewish families are commanded to tell the Passover story to their children as though it happened to them personally. In so doing, the vital lessons of the Passover story remain just as relevant today as they were in the time of Moses.

THE BEAUTIFUL AND TRAGIC STORY OF NAHARAYIM ON THE JORDAN RIVER

Elisa Moed — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 07:37:00 EST

NAHARYIM, ISRAEL -All at once tragic, beautiful and a symbol of both pure evil and pure goodness, Naharyim is a tiny strip of land situated between the Jordan and Yarmuk rivers which is a must see on any visit to the northern part of the Land of Israel. The little strip of land is often referred to as the island of peace because it sits smack dab between Jordan and Israel.

The area was under Israeli control until the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan was signed in 1994 and Israel ceded the area to Jordan. However, in a twist worthy of King Solomon, the Jordanians agreed to lease it back to the Israelis so that the Israeli residents there could continue to cultivate the land.

EASTER FOR THE FAMILY AT THE INN AT DOS BRISAS

No Author — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST

Resort offers Forbes Five Star brunch, egg hunt and prizes April 8

This is an Easter celebration even an exhausted Easter Bunny will hop on.

Celebrating Easter Day among the rolling hills at The Inn at Dos Brisas during the onset of wildflower season and in the midst of spring-like weather seems almost too picture-perfect. But that is not only the way it is, it still gets better.

Add to what Mother Nature provides naturally something she comes up with help from Executive Chef Raj Dixit � namely a multi-choice, three-course brunch complete with one of The Inn�s signature cocktails or a Mimosa. Seating can be on the extensive patio and pool area overlooking the green, green pastures (remember last summer).

REDISCOVERING THE HOLY TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM

No Author — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:19:00 EST

ISRAEL - During Lent, one great way to gain new insights into Christ's life, passion, death and resurrection - and also into our own Christian liturgy - is to get to know the place that was at the center of Jesus' own spiritual life: the Temple.

The Jerusalem Temple was the holy seat of the Divine Presence and the heart and soul of Judaism in Jesus' days. So it's no surprise that the Gospels present Jesus' life and ministry as revolving around the Temple:

Soon after He was born, Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:27).

SEEING THE ELLA VALLEY IN THE TIME OF DAVID AND GOLIATH

No Author — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:10:00 EST

ELLA VALLEY, ISRAEL - The Ella Valley is one of those delightful places --not uncommon in Israel--where biblical texts come alive, confirming the maxim that once you've visited the Holy Land, you'll never read the Old and New Testaments the same way again.

It was here that David the shepherd felled the Philistine giant Goliath with a single stone flung from his sling.

To reach the site where many believe that David slew Goliath, situated 42 km southwest of Jerusalem, head west along Route 1, and turn south onto Route 38. Drive past the modern city of Beit Shemesh and turn west at Azeka Junction onto Route 383.

GOLDEN NUGGET HEADED TO BILOXI

No Author — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:33:00 EST

HOUSTON, TX - Tilman J. Fertitta, Chairman, CEO, and Owner of Landry's, Inc. announced today the expansion of his Golden Nugget Casinos to include The Golden Nugget Biloxi. Mr.
Fertitta's gaming companies which include Golden Nugget Casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlin  and Atlantic City now will expand to the South with the acquisition of the Isle Casino Hotel in Biloxi, MS.

Fertitta said, 'I am not only excited to acquire this choice property but to grow in an area which for me has personal, family ties. We are excited to bring the Golden Nugget to Biloxi and have plans to transform the property to a luxurious and exciting hotel and casino with the highest level of service. All upgrades and improvements are expected to be completed by 2013.'

2012 CRUISE TRENDS - PRICING, POPULAR SHIPS, RIVER CRUISING & MORE

No Author — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:57:00 EST

2012 Cruise Trends Survey Also Names Celebrity Reflection as Most Anticipated Ship of 2012

MINNEAPOLIS, MN � Cruise prices remain in consumers� favor going into 2012, according to the Cruise Holidays 2012 Cruise Trends survey, with prices to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean still averaging lower than they were in 2008, 2009 and 2010. However, prices to these destinations have actually risen slightly since 2011, which is seen as a positive trend overall by the cruise industry because it demonstrates increased demand for travel. Additionally, it appears that cruisers' tastes are becoming more sophisticated: Celebrity Cruises � a �premium� cruise line � boasts the most popular new ships for both 2011 and 2012, according to Cruise Holidays cruise experts across North America.

CULINARY NAZARETH - WHERE WOULD JESUS DINE?

Elisa Moed — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:21:00 EST

NAZARETH, ISRAEL - (ANS) - Nazareth will always be the Galilean city famously known as the residence of the world's most celebrated figure, Jesus Christ, but over the last five years the city has developed an enviable reputation as a culinary hotspot.

Local residents have been instrumental in redeveloping this Galilean capital, home to Christians and Moslems and Israel's Ministry of Tourism has also allocated some funding in this hilltop city.

The result - a wonderful culinary scene for all appetites. The city boasts wonderful spice shops, sweet stores, cafes and a medley of restaurants offering interesting Arabic fusion foods along with other delicacies.

CHRISTIAN HOLY SITES OF CHRISTMAS IN THE HOLY LAND

Nicole Jansezian — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:54:00 EST

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - (ANS)- Here is the Christmas story as told through the churches in the Holy Land. Christmas here highlights the small but ancient Christian community that has existed in the Holy Land since soon after the days of Jesus' time on earth.

The following is Travelujah's listing of churches significant to the Christmas story and Christianity in the Holy Land as the events appear in scripture.

HERE COMES ST. NICK - CELEBRATING SAINT NICHOLAS FEAST IN HIS HOMETOWN OF BEIT JALA

No Author — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:36:00 EST

BEIT JALA, WEST BANK - Looking for an 'off the beaten path' Christmas experience you can only find in the Holy Land?

How about Beit Jala?

Once again, the 19th of December was a special day for the residents of Beit Jala as they joined together to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the city, who lived in one of the caves in Beit Jala.

TROTTING THE GOSPEL TRAIL

Elisa Moed — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:55:00 EST

�To walk where your Savior walked�

ISRAEL - (ANS)- 'He said to them, 'Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for.'' Mark 1:38

With a heart full of emotion, Valeries Ramirez, 24, looked out over the Sea of Galilee and the Genasseret Valley on the path Jesus likely took from his hometown in Nazareth to meet the residents living in the seaside villages along the Sea of Galilee.

'To walk where your Savior walked - it's a very beautiful experience and something that will change your life,' Ramirez said about her visit along a portion of the Gospel Trail, the newly completed 65-kilometer path inaugurated last week by Israel's Ministry of Tourism.

ISRAEL EXPECTS 30,000 CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS THIS MONTH

Nicole Jansezian — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:27:00 EST

JERUSALEM - A total of 90,000 tourists are expected to arrive in Israel over the Christmas holiday, a third of which are pilgrims for the Christian holiday, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).

According to the Ministry of Tourism, during the first half of this year, 1.6 million tourists visited Israel, 60 percent of whom were Christian. IMOT says some 2.1 million Christian tourists will have visited Israel by the end of the year.

BETHLEHEM GETS INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

No Author — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:33:00 EST

BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - (ANS)- Each year, as we approach the joyful atmosphere of the Christmas season, hearing and singing the Christmas carols being played on the radio, in the malls and throughout the stores, we can't help but think of Bethlehem - the place of Jesus' birth. But ... this year, don't just think of Bethlehem - BE in Bethlehem! Is there anything better than spending the Christmas season where Christ was born??

Undoubtedly, Bethlehem is singularly important with its historical place in history and people around the world hold a special place for this small city.

The Three Wise Man came here to the humble manger, to worship the little baby Jesus and give him the precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

'CROWN' GATE, THE DAMASCUS GATE, RESTORED

No Author — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 09:51:00 EST

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL -The Old City of Jerusalem is famous for, among other things, its eight unique gates*, none of which are more impressive than the Damascus Gate.

Built by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538 as part of a total revamp of Jerusalem's walls, the Damascus Gate featured a majestic crown-shaped parapet. But during the heavy fighting in and around the Old City during the Six Day War in 1967 the Damascus Gate's 'crown' suffered considerable damage.

With so many ancient and biblical sites on their plate, it took Israeli archaeologists over 40 years to get around to it, but this year the Damascus Gate was finally restored to its original glory.

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A TRIP FOR FOUR FROM SOUTHWEST AIRLINES VACATIONS TO CLEARWATER, FL TO �SEE WINTER THIS FALL!�

No Author — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:38:00 EST

ORLANDO, FL � As part of your four-night stay in St. Petersburg/Clearwater, you'll have the opportunity to experience award-winning beaches, visit popular area attractions, and see the theatrical release of Dolphin Tale, filmed on location throughout the destination. Do not miss out on this opportunity to visit the pristine beaches and be inspired by Winter the dolphin and her story, like so many others have been!

For complete details and to enter this sweepstakes, visit:
http://www.southwestvacations.com/dolphintale

Enter between August 4, 2011 and September 1, 2011 for a chance to win a Southwest Airlines Vacations package for four, which includes:

VISITING THE CHAPEL OF THE ASCENSION ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES

Nicole Jansezian — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:29:00 EST

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - (ANS)- As most of the Gospel's stories regarding Jesus' last days do, the ascension also took place in Jerusalem and is commemorated with a special chapel on the Mount of Olives. The little known Chapel of the Ascension is a holy site that is believed to mark the place where Jesus ascended into heaven. The small round church, which is also used as a mosque and is facilitated by the Islamic property trust, contains a stone imprinted with the footprints of Jesus when he made the ascent to heaven, according to tradition.

Highlights of the Church of the Ascension in the Holy Land

THE 3rd ANNUAL TAOS MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM

No Author — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:57:00 EST

TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM - On August 20th & 21st SBG Productions producers of the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce proudly present the 3rd Annual Taos Mountain Music festival. Northern New Mexico's music event of the summer features headliners Matisyahu, Railroad Earth, Ozomatli, and Leftover Salmon. Additional festival performances include Donna the Buffalo, Jackie Greene Duo, Afroman, Orgone, Dangermuffin, Langhorne Slim, Shannon McNally and Hot Sauce, Ryan McGarvey and Mariachi Luz de Luna.

'We are really excited about the lineup this year,' said Steve Gumble, Festival Director.

CHRISTIAN VILLAGES OF THE GALILEE

No Author — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:13:00 EST

THE GALILEE, ISRAEL - (ANS)- Israel is the homeland of Jesus of Nazareth and most of His life - birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection - happened right here. Wherever you turn, you find remnants of eras past, bearing silent witness to the beginnings of Christianity. Though of the three Abrahamic religions, the Christian population in Israel is the smallest, but still Israel is indeed home to thriving pockets of Christians.

Scattered throughout Israel, especially in the northern section, the Galilee, are small enclaves of Christians, some even living in their own Christian villages. To lead a Christian life in the land of its birth is truly a unique experience. And, in fact, Israel is the only Middle Eastern country in which the Christian population is actually growing.

WALKING IN JESUS'S FOOTSTEPS ALONG THE GALILEE'S GOSPEL TRAIL

Elisa Moed — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:11:00 EST

THE GALILEE, ISRAEL - 'Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you.' Genesis 13:17

Eduward has been in Israel for three months, living in Jerusalem and volunteering for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, before he made his first trip to the Galilee.

Like many tourists, the Galilee was not at the top of Eduward's list of things to do. However, after an invitation to walk the newly redeveloped Gospel Trail prompted him to visit, Eduward quickly realized that the Galilee offers much more than he had ever anticipated.

Walking where Jesus walked was an emotional trip and the high point of Eduward's visit to Israel.

TELLURIDE BLUES & BREWS FESTIVAL SINGLE DAY TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, JULY 1

No Author — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:42:00 EST

18th Annual Festival September 16-18, 2011

TELLURIDE, CO - The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival single day tickets go on sale this Friday, July 1st at 10am (MST). Every September, the bands, the fans, and the barrels of beer roll into Telluride Town Park for the annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. The Festival is a three-day celebration of live blues, funk, rock, gospel and soul performances, hosting over 20 nationally touring bands, and over 50 of the best microbreweries in the country.

The 18th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival lineup is complete, featuring headliners Willie Nelson, The Flaming Lips, and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Additional performances include The Robert Cray Band, Zappa Plays Zappa, moe., Marcia Ball, Fitz and the Tantrums, The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Mavis Staples, Anders Osborne, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and many more.

SEVEN TIPS TO TURN YOUR VACATION INTO A TRAVEL SABBATICAL

No Author — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 11:28:00 EST

by Rita Foley

About to go on vacation? How about turning your next time away from work into a travel sabbatical � a real break from work? With a one or even a two-week vacation we barely get relaxed and stop looking at emails before it's time to go home and back to work. A longer break allows you time to reflect, to get to know yourself, to reconnect with family and friends and your dreams.

While you are away on your next vacation, spend some time dreaming about a longer one. Assume there are no boundaries. You have the time, the money to do anything or go anywhere. Answer the question �if you had two or more months off, how would you ideally like to spend that time?� That�s the beginning of your plan. You will have to shape it, but start with what you really want to do.

ISRAEL OBSERVES SHAVUOT THIS WEEK

Nicole Jansezian — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:34:00 EST

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - (ANS)- Israelis continue the Biblical celebrations of the harvest when they observe the Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot, beginning at sundown Tuesday(June 7, 2011).

Shavuot, which means weeks in Hebrew, is celebrated exactly seven weeks after the first day of Passover. Many people believe that Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah to Moses at Mt. Sinai. The scriptures first mention Shavuot in Exodus 32:22: 'Celebrate the Festival of Weeks with the first fruits of the wheat harvest, and the Festival of Ingathering at the turn of the year.' The Israelites brought their first fruits to the Temple in Jerusalem