Roger Green to Lead Special Version of Holy Land Trip

Since 1995, Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Theological Studies Roger Green has led several trips to the Holy Land. Next year, the opportunity to travel with Green is once again available through a special version of the pilgrimage to Israel, which offers a deeper dimension by including travels in Germany and Austria, culminating in the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. Hosted by Educational Opportunities Tours during the summer of 2020, the trip is open to Gordon alumni, church groups and other interested parties. The 13-day experience features six days in Israel, followed by five days of picturesque travel in Germany and Austria. Participants may also choose to add a one-week post-tour experience in Italy, including Venice, Verona and Milan. Green says the trip is intentionally designed for participants to visit the Holy Land before attending the Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. The order of events, Green says, will make for a powerful experience. First in Israel, participants will personally experience the sites of Jesus’ homeland, ministry and passion, setting the stage for a visceral perspective on the life of Christ in the play. “It is really an amazing experience for people to see the Oberammergau Passion Play,” Green says, “so we’re hoping it will bring the story of Jesus to life in terms of their whole personhood—their spiritual life, their intellectual life, their personal life.” 2020 marks the 42^nd performance of the Oberammergau Passion Play, which depicts the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. The tradition of over 380 years—only performed every 10—began in the 17^th century as a symbol of gratitude to God after the Black Plague left the village of Oberammergau, Germany. Approximately 500,000 visitors are expected at the performance, which will be held at the edge of the Bavarian Alps, and over 2,000 Oberammergau villagers will participate in the play, from actors, choir members and musicians, to firemen and ushers. In Germany and Austria, the tour group will also enjoy picturesque alpine, medieval and baroque settings as they visit castles, churches and palaces, sites for a taste of Western Christian history. In Israel, travelers will visit sites from Scripture and beyond—natural landmarks such as the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the Dead Sea (including a dip in the Dead Sea), and great places including Nazareth, Caesarea, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. “Even though it is a shorter stay in Israel, we’re doing what we call the best of the Holy Land,” Green says. “We’re really hitting the highlights of Israel.” Green describes the opportunity as an investment in one’s spiritual life and one’s understanding of Scripture. “Even though it seems far away and it might seem a bit of money,” he says, “it’s an investment, no doubt about it, and it will pay off. I can guarantee that.” The Oberammergau Passion Play and the Best of the Holy Land takes place from July 13 through 25, 2020. Registration closes January 15, 2020. Register before June 30, 2019 and save $50. Learn more → (Tour: HO20 Date: 071320 Code: F ID: 52595)