Why in 1400BC did the young Pharaoh Akenhaten in Egypt convert to monotheism (believing in only one god)? We have added the site of El Amarna on our longer Christian-based Egypt tour itineraries in order to understand the significance of his decision. Certain scholars point out that Akenhaten was most likely the young Pharaoh who [...]
Christian Tour of East Africa with Surprises of its Strong Judaic Roots
Having just returned from our East African Christian tour we have learned so much more about the Judaic customs of the Christian Orthodox brothers and sisters in Ethiopia. We learned that the priesthood of Aksum (Axum) believes it is the inheritor of the Hebrew Aaronite priesthood and the Beta Israel priests believe they themselves are [...]
Ethiopia Adds Lovely Boutique Hotels and Lodges
Ethiopia has seen a number of fantastic boutique hotels and lodges added in the past year. We visited many of the properties. The best ones are located in Awassa, in the Rift Valley Lakes, at Arba Minch and of course Bahir Dar. Next we will be providing reviews on the new properties in Gondar and [...]
Herodian Stones at Former Ethiopian Jewish Temple
On our October, 2010 trip to Ethiopia, we visited a Sabean (Sheba) Temple that was built in 700BC. It is only a 2 hour drive from Axum. Soon thereafter it was converted to a Jewish Temple. In around 600AD, the then Jewish Temple was used as a Christian Church. Even the baptismal pool remains today. [...]
Ancient Biblical Texts and Judaic Altar’s can be Seen in Ethiopia
When we travel to Ethiopia, we visit the various churches – some dating back to 460AD. Each church has its own hand-scribed Bible and the oldest churches and monasteries keep their ancient Bible’s and texts under lock and key. Even today, there are scribes that know the Bible verse by verse and hand scribe Bibles [...]
Visit Ethiopia to see its Judaic Background Intertwined with Christianity
Today all Ethiopian churches have many similarities to Judaism. Scholars also now agree that Beta Israel or the Ethiopian Jews practiced First Temple Judaism. They had not been introduced to the Talmud, etc. We visit the communities of Beta Israel and continue to learn of more discoveries surrounding their rich cultural heritage. This is why [...]