We mentioned in a previous post that the Baptismal Site at Bethabara in Israel was to open today. We were able to view the new site from across the River Jordan.
Hundreds of people came to see the site and baptisms took place on both sides of the narrow river. The two sites are so close together that one could almost shake hands with the people on the other side.
An impressive Ethiopian ceremony took place on the southern side:
An Ethiopian bishop blesses the waters of the Jordan with a golden cross, while other priests filled plastic bottles with water.
The people on the right baptise themselves on the Jordanian side, while the people on the left do the same on the Israeli side.
It was interesting to see that baptism knows (almost) no boundaries!
A professor of mine used to refer ironically to the “Mighty River Jordan.” I suppose it depends on season…
Are you in Israel now?
Nachum,
It depended indeed on the season. In spring time when the snow of Mount Hermon melts there was so much water in the Jordan that it overflowed its banks. The dam near Degania prevents this from happening since it was built, as most of the water is siphoned off into the national water carrier.
In our CD 3
I seem to remember reading an article recently that states that the water in the Jordan at this point is filled with sewage to the point of being dangerous.
“Friends of the Earth charges that Israel has used the Jordan River as a dumping ground for sewage and other pollutants. Bromberg said his organization commissioned a water survey last week and found 340 fecal coliforms per 100 millilitres of water, indicating the presence of sewage in the water.”
I don’t think that Israel is the only one to blame, but the water of the River Jordan doesn’t look very clean.
Where is this situated please? Is it near Jericho or a little South of Galilee? Where was Jesus baptised at the north or south locations proposed please. It would be neat if it was where Joshua crossed over.
thanks
Mike
The place is opposite Jericho. Bethabara means “Place of Crossing”. Jesus was baptized here at the same spot where the Israelites under Joshua entered the promised Land (Joshua 3).
Thanks Leen, I thought you had mentioned it on the weekend but wasn’t sure if I heard right.
Our love to you and Kathleen and Daniel
This is awesome….thank you israel…..the apple of GOD eyes
Looks like an interesting place to visit — is it open for tourists?
Yes, it is open to visitors.
Great news. Visiting Jerusalem in Jan 2012 and wondering what is the best way to get Bethabara
John,
Coming down from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea on Route 1, turn left into Route 90 and after a few miles north, a road leads off to the right signposted “Baptismal Site”. The place used to be called Qasr el-Yehud. Enjoy your visit!