In which city is the Jordan River. Holy River Jordan: a trip to the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Animal and plant life

Dubin Polina

I am very glad that I accidentally found this company in a search engine on the Internet. Transfers were organized accurately and comfortably, at an affordable price. Personal heartfelt thanks to Dmitry! For your responsiveness and help with excursions. went well group excursion to the Dead Sea with accompanying Slava. And wonderful individual tour to Jericho. Very kind and... Open I am very glad that I accidentally found this company in a search engine on the Internet. Transfers were organized accurately and comfortably, at an affordable price. Personal heartfelt thanks to Dmitry! For your responsiveness and help with excursions. The group excursion to the Dead Sea with the accompanying Slava went well. And a wonderful private excursion to Jericho. Very kind and at the same time knowledgeable local Palestinian guide Khalid, rich program, convenience and kind attitude. Many thanks to IsraelLand.Travel for their professionalism, high level of service and excellent attitude towards clients. Good luck and prosperity!!! Put away

Nadezhda Zubakova

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Anna Prokopyeva

Nina Vand

To say THANK YOU or THANK YOU means to say nothing! There are no words to express my gratitude! Let me start with the fact that the tourists were capricious and got on their nerves when getting a visa...IsraLand reworked the program several times, customized it, rescheduled dates and reservations...in general, they were tormented with us))) Upon arrival and during the tour, IsraLand proved themselves to be highly professional partners. Special thanks to Dmitry!... Open To say THANK YOU or THANK YOU means to say nothing! There are no words to express my gratitude! Let me start with the fact that the tourists were capricious and got on their nerves when getting a visa...IsraLand reworked the program several times, customized it, rescheduled dates and reservations...in general, they were tormented with us))) Upon arrival and during the tour, IsraLand proved themselves to be highly professional partners. Special thanks to Dmitry! We made a lot of pleasant surprises for tourists, everything was organized at the HIGHEST LEVEL!!! The tourists were as happy as boa constrictors, they squealed in delight))) I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IsraLand - you can’t go wrong!!! Put away

Olga Tourism

I was on an excursion with a friend in Tel Aviv, we visited the diamond exchange and old Jaffa. We had a wonderful day 👍👍. Special thanks to Maxim, who picked us up from the station and brought us to the meeting place, as well as to the guide Masha for interesting information. I recommend the site to everyone

Svetlana Kogan

I would like to thank Israel Travel and, first of all, Dmitry and Elena for their help and support during my trip. I was traveling around Israel for the first time and alone, so quite a few questions and unforeseen situations arose. But the guys were in touch with me almost around the clock and resolved all my “difficulties” useful tips... Open I would like to thank Israel Travel and, first of all, Dmitry and Elena for their help and support during my trip. I was traveling around Israel for the first time and alone, so quite a few questions and unforeseen situations arose. But the guys were in touch with me almost around the clock and resolved all my “difficulties” with useful advice or their prompt actions. Even before entering the country, the guys planned my transfers and excursions exactly at the right time for me and so that in just 8 days I was able to have a wonderful vacation on the Red Sea and visit many interesting places and cities in the center and north of Israel. Thank you, Israel Travel! I recommend it to everyone - if you want reliable friends to accompany you on your trip - travel with Israel Travel! Put away

Elena, Novosibirsk


Our choice... Open While browsing the Internet for excursion offers from Eilat to Jerusalem, we came across “IsraLand.Travel” and it turned out to be very good choice. Excellent attitude towards clients, a large selection of excursions, professional advice when choosing an excursion. Here, special thanks to Dmitry - he not only helped with choosing an excursion, but was also in touch the whole time!
Our choice fell on the excursion "Jerusalem from Eilat". We wanted a 2-day tour, but it turned out to be out of season. But Dmitry helped us solve this problem - we settled on choosing where the first day was like the “Jerusalem from Eilat” excursion, the second day we walked around the city ourselves and in the evening we returned back to Eilat on a bus that brought tourists to another one day tour.
The first day of our excursion began at 5 am when we were picked up from the hotel. The first stop is the Dead Sea, then the Jordan River, the Pilgrimage Center, lunch, the Church of the Nativity, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Western Wall. It should be especially noted good excursion around Jerusalem - many thanks to the guide Eduard for this - one might say it was an ideal excursion - interesting and informative! Thank you very much! We really enjoyed it! After a tour of Jerusalem, we were taken by taxi to the hotel, and for other tourists the journey back began. The hotel was good - everything was clean, the staff was helpful, the beds were comfortable and the breakfast was delicious. We liked the area - not far from the Damascus Gate. On the second day we walked around the city on our own. And in the evening we joined another group of tourists and returned back to Eilat.
I liked everything! And when we get ready to go to Israel again, we’ll know who to turn to when planning a vacation)) Thanks again!!!)))

Jordan River - eastern border The Holy Land is mentioned more than once in tones and other Jewish sources.

It was the crossing of the Jordan and the miracles revealed by G-d during this transition that served as the starting point, the beginning of the conquest of the land of Israel by the Jewish people.

Subsequently, the Jordan River became the border between the tribes of Gad, Reuben and half of the Lesser tribe, who asked for an allotment for east coast Jordan, and the rest of the tribes.

It is interesting that, according to the instructions of the Torah, Moshe Rabbeinu allocated 3 of the 6 cities of refuge created by the Jews on the other side of the Jordan, although the population and territory occupied there by the Israelis was significantly smaller (Bemidbar 35:9-15). And Rashi explains: this is because “... there are many murderers in Gilad” (Gilead is a region in Transjordan). Since we are talking here about unintentional, random murders, this can be interpreted as follows: there are more random murderers there than in the Land of Israel. Obviously, this is due to the spiritual differences of the lands lying on opposite sides of the Jordan River.

And our sages also say: the reason why those tribes were the first to be taken into captivity is because they chose to live beyond the Jordan.

One way or another, from these examples we see that the Jordan River served as a kind of spiritual “watershed” between the land of Israel and its neighboring lands.

Let's consider the main events of Jewish history related to the Jordan.

Parting the waters of the Jordan

Twice in G-d stories divided the waters for the sake of the Jewish people.

The second time this happened was when Yehoshua bin Nun led the Jews to Eretz Israel through the Jordan. As one of the psalms says: “The sea saw and fled, the Jordan turned back” ( Tehilim 114:3).

However, there is a significant difference between these two events. When the Jews leaving Egypt reached the Red Sea, they found themselves in a hopeless situation. The Egyptian army was overtaking them from behind, and the path forward was blocked by the depths of the sea. There was nowhere to run. All that remained was to hope for a miracle. And a miracle happened: the sea parted and the Jews were saved.

When the Jewish army led by Joshua approached the Jordan River, no one was chasing it. On the contrary, the Jews had to enter territory controlled by enemy forces. The width of the Jordan was only about thirty meters, and a bridge or boat could be used to cross. Why then did the Almighty need to cut the waters of the Jordan?

This miracle had a double purpose. First, it was to remind the Jews how Moshe led them through the Red Sea, and thus elevate Yehoshua bin Nun in their eyes as a worthy successor to Moshe and the undisputed leader of the nation.

And secondly, Hashem wanted to instill fear in the Canaanite peoples and throw them off balance. Both goals were achieved.

The crossing of the Jordan took place on Tuesday, the 10th of Nissan. 1270 BC e.

“On that day Hashem magnified Yehoshua in the sight of all Israel; and they began to fear him just as they feared Moses..." ( Joshua 4:14). “And it came to pass, when all the kings of Canaan heard... that Hashem had dried up the waters of the Jordan,... their hearts were afraid” ( same place 5:1).

The miracles that happened to the Jewish people during the crossing of the Jordan demonstrated to them that even in the absence of Moshe, G-d continued to protect them. Now they knew for sure that success was guaranteed, Eretz Israel would be conquered.

To strengthen this impression and give His Will greater credibility, Hashem commanded them, when crossing the Jordan, to change the order of the twelve tribes. During the wilderness journey, the Ark of the Covenant was carried by the Levites who followed the tribes of Judah and Reuven, who led the column. Now the Levites handed the Ark to the kohanim, who stood in front of the entire procession.

When the kohanim entered the river, the waters immediately parted. It was visible from afar how two giant walls of water shot up into the sky, opening the way for the Jewish people to triumphantly enter their land.

Malbim gives the following figurative comparison: when an army is preparing to conquer foreign lands, the king becomes its leader. With all his actions he wants to show that he is the commander-in-chief of his army and the future ruler of the country that is to be conquered. Just as the battle columns of soldiers respectfully part to open the way for the king, the guards open the gates for him, in the same way the waters of the Jordan parted to allow the envoys of the King of Kings to enter the Holy Land.

Contrary to the laws of nature

The parting of the waters of the Jordan was the first of a series of miracles performed by the Almighty for his people in Eretz Israel. Besides this miracle, there were others.

The sun and moon stood motionless over the Ayalon valley for a whole day to allow the army of Yehoshua to complete the defeat of the Amorites (Emorites) ( Joshua 10:12-15).

During the battle in Beth Horon, huge boulders fell directly from the sky onto the heads of the enemies ( there 10:11).

Under King Hezkiyah, the 185,000-strong army of Sancheriv, preparing for the siege of Jerusalem, died out completely in one night ( II Kings 19). In the books of the prophets and in the Oral Tradition one can find many such stories when God is wonderful intervened in the course of events on the side of his people.

A miracle occurs in those cases when the Almighty wants to change the established, natural order of things once and for all. Whatever goal Hashem pursued - to save one person or an entire nation, or to demonstrate His power - the miracle He performed proves His complete and undivided power over man and nature. Although G-d is omnipresent, we are especially clearly convinced of His Presence when something “impossible” is accomplished, for example, parting the sea or delivering a small nation from the power of another, stronger and more numerous nation.

In Eretz Israel His power is felt much more strongly than anywhere else. “This is the land for which Hashem your God cares; the eyes of Hashem your God are constantly upon it.” Devarim 11:12). In this regard, let us remember the laws established in memory of the miracles that happened.

Laws related to visiting places of miracles

When visiting places where G‑d performed miracles for the Jewish people, the following blessing should be recited:

“Blessed are You, Hashem, our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our fathers in this place.” .

This blessing is recited only if a person has not visited that place for thirty days (excluding the current day and the day of the last visit).

If, passing by memorial place within the said 30-day period, you did not recite the blessing or did not know about the sanctity of this place, you still cannot recite the blessing until another 30 days have passed.

Many historical sites in Israel are associated with the conquest of the country by Yehoshua's army; among them is the place where the waters of the Jordan parted (“and the people passed over against Jericho” - Yehoshua 3:16 ).

And also - the place where boulders fell from the sky on the heads of the Canaanites (next to Beth Horon); and, of course, the remains of the ancient walls of Jericho (Jericho) that fell into the ground.

However, if you do not know the exact location of the place where the miracle took place, the blessing cannot be read. Instead, when you see, for example, some section of the Jordan River, you can read a song of praise.

Song of Jordan

Lived in the 14th century Rabbi Ishtori Aparhi composed a poem that is read at the sight of the Jordan River.

On the banks of the Jordan I will bless, praise, extol and give thanks to Your Name,

You divided it for Your people like the Red Sea...

And for Eliyahu You divided it...(before he ascended to heaven in a chariot); and the same for Elisha (his student), who was in no hurry when the Jordan parted for him.

Your holy right hand was exposed (You showed dominion over the laws of nature), O bringer of salvation to the humble race.

Do as you see fit, O savior of Zion.

Circumcision at Gilgal

The day after Joshua entered Israel, he circumcised all the men born in the desert.

The Levites and certain righteous people performed this mitzvah(commandment) even during a forty-year wandering in the desert. The rest of the people legally abstained from this sacred rite so as not to endanger the lives of children. G-d led the Jews through the desert, and no one knew what would happen to them the next day. If the column of smoke stood motionless over the Mishkan, they did not move. If the pillar rose, they packed up their things and set off, following the Cloud of Glory. In such conditions, it was dangerous to circumcise a newborn baby, as it was easy to get an infection. The hectic preparations and hardships of the hike could also endanger the child’s life. During all the time of their wanderings in the desert, the healing northern breeze did not blow even once, so as not to dislodge the Cloud of Glory. Since Sanhedrin could not guarantee the safety of the children, he decided not to force the people to fulfill the commandment of circumcision.

But now, encamped at Gilgal and without fear of attack by the Canaanite tribes, who were temporarily paralyzed with horror at the sight of the supernatural phenomena of nature that accompanied the Jews' crossing of the Jordan, the people felt sufficiently safe to fulfill this most precious commandment.

Flickr.com, grandpamony

Christians all over the world treat the Jordan as a sacred river, because Jesus Christ was baptized in its waters. But where this very place is located for certain became known only at the end of the 20th century.

Bethara beyond the Jordan

The Gospel of John indicates the address of the place where John the Baptist preached and baptized - not far from the village of Bethavara beyond the Jordan. But where exactly is this village located? The fact is that in Palestine at that time there were several villages with the same name.

For a long time it was believed that Bethawara was located in Israel, near the town of Qasr El Yahud, which is 4 kilometers from the place where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea.

A mosaic on the floor in the Church of St. George in the city of Madaba helped determine its true location. The mosaic image, measuring 15 x 6 meters, dating back to the 6th century AD, is an excellently preserved accurate map of the Holy Land, indicating all Christian shrines.

The map indicated that the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River was not in Israel, but on the opposite bank of the river in the town of Wadi el-Harar (in the territory of modern Jordan).

In addition, in the place where the rite of Baptism took place 2000 years ago, the water on at the moment not anymore. Over such a huge period of time, the river changed its course as it flowed into the Dead Sea and now flows several tens of meters closer to Israel.

In support of this version, in Wadi el-Harar, in a dry place in 1996, archaeologists discovered the ruins of three Byzantine churches and a marble slab, on which, supposedly, stood a column with a cross, installed during early Christianity at the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. It is this column that is often mentioned in written sources of pilgrims of the Byzantine era who visited the Holy Places.

After heated debate, scientists around the world and leaders of leading Christian denominations came to the conclusion that Wadi el-Harar is the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River.

Thus, in the spring of 2000, the visit of Pope John Paul II to these places ended with the official recognition by the Vatican of the fact that Wadi el-Harar is the greatest Christian Shrine.

Russian Orthodox Church in recognition of this fact, took part in the construction on the territory of Wadi al-Harar Orthodox church in honor of John the Baptist. It is believed that the temple is based on the very place where Jesus Christ left his clothes before plunging into the waters of the biblical river.

The discovery of this greatest object for the entire Christian world was made possible as a result of the peace agreement signed between Israel and Jordan in October 1994.

Yardenit in Israel

Many pilgrims who visit Israel every year would like to be able to take a dip or even be baptized in the waters of the Jordan River.

But the Jordan River, along almost its entire length from Lake Kinneret (Sea of ​​Galilee) to Dead Sea represents the natural border between the two states of Israel and Jordan. The border, it must be said, is not always peaceful, and therefore the approaches to the river from both one side and the other are under close surveillance by the military.

For this purpose, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism has identified a special place, which is a quiet backwater near the source of the Jordan River from Lake Kinneret (Sea of ​​Galilee). In 1981, a special complex for pilgrims, called Yardenit, was built on this site.

According to the Gospel of Mark, at the moment of baptism in the waters of the Jordan River, the holy spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove: “And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came out of the water, John immediately saw the heavens opening and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him. And a voice came from heaven: You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”. (Mark 1:9-11) It is these words, written on the memorial wall in all languages ​​of the world, that greet pilgrims who come here.

The complex is equipped with walking paths, convenient approaches to the water, locker rooms, and showers. In the shops located on the territory of the complex, you can buy or rent pilgrim shirts, buy bottles for Jordanian water, and various souvenirs and cosmetic products from the land of Israel.

At a local restaurant you will definitely be offered to try the tilapia fish, popular among tourists, which is called “St. Peter’s fish” here.

The history of the origin of this name refers us to the Gospel of Matthew, according to which in those ancient times every Jew over 20 years old had to pay an annual tax of 2 drachmas for the maintenance of the Temple. But Jesus did not have money, and then he asked Peter to go to the sea, cast a fishing rod and pay the tax with the coin that he found in the mouth of the first fish he caught. It is believed that this fish was tilapia. Behind the gills of the fish you can still see two dark spots, supposedly marks from the fingers of the Apostle himself.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Christian pilgrims from all corners of the globe visit the Yardenit complex in Israel. Entire busloads of pilgrims led by priests often arrive to perform the rite of Baptism here.

Very often, pilgrims who have already been baptized before have a question: “Is it possible to undergo the rite of baptism again, but this time in the waters of the Jordan River?” The fact is that baptism is a special ritual that occurs only once in the life of a Christian believer. The only exception can be a transition from one denomination to another - in this case, it makes sense to consult with the clergy of one or another denomination.

Pilgrims perform ritual ablutions in the waters of the Jordan River to heal the soul and body. Dressed in white clothes, the pilgrims say the words of prayer, after which they plunge three times into the waters of the Jordan in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Location: Southern tip of Lake Kinneret, highway 90. From the highway to Yardenit 0.5 km.

How to get there: Shuttle Buses from Jerusalem No. 961, 963, 964; by buses from the northern cities of the country moving along highway No. 90.

Opening hours:

Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 18:00,
Friday and holiday eves: 08:00 - 17:00

Free admission. To maintain a godly atmosphere, all visitors are required to have white baptismal robes, which can be purchased ($24) or rented ($10).

Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist in the waters of the Jordan River. Although the border between Jordan and Israel runs along its modern bed, over two thousand years the bed has shifted and historical place The baptism of Christ remained on the territory of Jordan.

Orthodox and Catholic pilgrims have different attitudes towards this place. Catholics are generally calm, but Orthodox Christians are especially zealous in their veneration.

The river itself is ten meters wide. One bank is Jordan, the other is Israeli. Even though Jordan is calm and safe country, their relationship with Israel is not very good. This is especially felt on the river.

In fact, this is a border zone, and all contacts with people on the other side are prohibited. It’s funny to watch this at a time when there are predominantly Russian tourists on both sides.

It is customary for Orthodox Christians to climb into the water and plunge three times, imitating biblical events. For this purpose, special overalls are sold at the entrance so as not to dive naked. True, not many people think of staying in their underwear under a robe. After water procedures thin cotton fabric sticks to the body and may cause slight embarrassment...

A checkpoint where tourists are checked and inspected. Organized groups They’re not much of a nightmare, they just check the lists with the guides:

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The path to the baptism site is very well organized. The canopy provides shelter from the scorching sun:

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This is a historical baptism site. Now there are ruins and a strange puddle:

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There are excavations going on around here. To date, five temples have been discovered here, built from the fifth to the thirteenth centuries. Based on the concentration of religious buildings, they concluded that true place baptism:

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The closest place on the changed riverbed now flows here. A wooden platform with a canopy was built on the Jordan side. For the Israelis, everything is more monumental:

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During our visit, there were Italians hanging out on the other side. The guys behaved very cheerfully, sang songs and played the guitar:

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In general, there are significantly more tourists from Israel. Don't overcrowd:

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While on the Israeli side only a small paddling pool surrounded by buoys is accessible, on the Jordanian side the entire river area is open for water treatments:

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There is a very strong current in the middle. The water is clean, but cloudy due to sand and clay:

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Law enforcement on the Israeli side:

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And on the Jordanian side, I didn’t video anyone from the military. If you wanted, you could dive under the buoys and emerge in Israel. True, I’m afraid that the inspection in this case will be even steeper than in Ben Gurion:

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Near the place of baptism there are many caves, which are believed to have been a refuge from the heat and heat in ancient times:

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Greek Orthodox Church:

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One more thing iconic place for Christians - the hill of the ascension of the Prophet Elijah:

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From here, according to legend, the prophet was carried away on a fiery chariot:

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There are several other churches of other denominations nearby:

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And this is a Russian pilgrimage center. The King of Jordan gave a hectare of land for this complex, and today our compatriots have the opportunity to visit the religious place in comfort:

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The center was opened by the President of Russia and the King of Jordan:

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Of course, at the head of everything is the Russian Orthodox Church:

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In the coming posts I will tell you a lot more about Jordan, it will be interesting! Stay Tuned!

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The Jordan is one of the main waterways in the Middle East.
The Jordan River originates at the foot of Mount Hermon, 14 km away north of the lake Hula. Its source is the confluence of three rivers - Snir, Hermon and Dan, flowing from the slopes of Mount Hermon. It falls on the mountain large number precipitation, both as rain and as snow. Its meltwater passes through cracks in the limestone rock of Mount Hermon, and emerges in masses of springs. The largest of the springs is Dan. The amount of water produced by this source is about 30,000 cubic liters per hour!
The Jordan River runs its entire route along the Syrian-African fault. First along the valley of Lake Hula, then the mountainous Jordan begins, then flows into Lake Kinneret, then continues along the Jordan valley all the way to the Dead Sea, where the 251 kilometer path of the Jordan ends. Along the entire length of the river, water from several other smaller streams flows into it seasonally or constantly. The Jordan River is very winding. The soils through which it flows are very soft, and as soon as the river washes away one of the banks, it falls and blocks the channel. The river immediately begins to look for a new channel. She, like a curling snake, slowly crawls towards Dead Sea. The width of the Jordan River, as well as its depth, varies along its entire route. There are places where the river is 5 meters wide, and there are places where the Jordan overflows 40 meters. The depth of the Jordan River is also variable. In its northern part there are places where the depth reaches 2 meters, but most often it is just over 1 meter deep. When the Jordan River emerges from Lake Kinneret and flows south, it becomes the state border between Israel and Jordan. Before reaching the Dead Sea, part of it flows through the territory that is today called the territory of the Palestinian Authority. For almost two thousand years, people have been coming to the banks of the biblical river with the hope of receiving healing of soul and body after washing. During this time, the course of the river and the borders of the states along which its waters flow changed several times. Human faith in God's help and the possibility of a miracle for everyone remained unchanged. Once a year, on January 19, on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, the waters of the river turn back and flow into reverse direction. So obviously and undeniably the Lord shows people His power and Divine grace. The event that took place in these waters is of utmost importance for Christians all over the world, so people needed to find a symbolic place of the baptism of Christ. According to an early version, it was generally accepted that the place of baptism was located on the west bank of the Jordan River, in Israel, in the vicinity of Qasr el-Yahud, in the territory of the Palestinian Authority. But since 1967, after the war, this site was closed. The most visited in Israel by tourists and pilgrims is the Yardenit baptism center, located in the place where the Jordan flows from Lake Tiberias. In 1981, Yardenit was chosen by the Israeli government as the symbolic site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. From the Jordan side, the place of baptism and ablution can be reached at any time. But there are restrictions on the Israeli side - depending on the military situation, since this is Palestinian territory. On Epiphany and Easter, Jordan opens the border to Israel so that pilgrims can worship the shrines. From the Israeli coast to the Jordan coast is about 10 meters. The border runs along the river and is not marked by anything. The water in the Jordan River is brown and very cloudy due to the fast current, which erodes clay and carries silt. But if you put water in a bottle and let it sit for a while, the impurities settle and the water becomes clear. Before Jesus, whose story is told in the new testament, there was the old testament. It describes the history of the Jewish people from the earliest times, and contains passages including those related to the Jordan River.

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