Bethlehem

Bethlehem was an hour and a half drive from Tel Aviv, about 75.8 kilometers or [48 or 50 miles]. A Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank and considered the biblical birthplace of Jesus. It’s a key Christian pilgrimage destination, and astounding to see so many people from all walks of life participating in a holy expedition of just being here.

There are caves everywhere in this area, which were used to house animals, store food and hide if needed.  One of these caves [grotto] is marked by an inlaid silver star to show where Jesus was born, and the Church of the Nativity is built over this cave. 

Bethlehem is not very a big area to maneuver and walkable. Listed are a few sites to see if you have the opportunity to visit. .

• The Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field- commemorates the annunciation of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, which is said to have taken place in Beit Sahour.
• The Chapel of the Milk Grotto of Our Lady- a Catholic chapel since Byzantine times, this place has been a center of Christian pilgrimages. 
• Chapel of Saint Catherine- a Catholic church adjacent to the northern part of the Church of the Nativity. It’s a parish church and Franciscan monastery with a complex inner-working of caves underneath the church. 
  

Kathleen