Welcome to Approaching Jerusalem

A newsletter devoted to exploring the ancient and modern city

Jun 10

This is Approaching Jerusalem, a newsletter that exists for two reasons:

to better understand ancient and modern Jerusalem, including accessible summaries of important publications
to self-reflect on our own presuppositions about Jerusalem and how they have shaped the city we experience today

In years of leading student and pilgrim groups through the Holy Land (and having gone through that process myself), I have found that participants walk away from their experiences in Jerusalem with a range of relatively predictable reactions. Some people feel overwhelmed or confused by a city that is inaccessible to them due to cultural, physical, or historical barriers. Others find comfortability in the areas of Jerusalem that do feel familiar-parts that were deliberately simplified and westernized in order to attract tourists-and leave with a false sense that they have experienced the “real” city. I think the most common feeling after visiting is a genuine desire to know more but a sense of inadequacy about where to turn for good information.

This platform is for everyone, like myself, who has left Jerusalem wanting more. It is a simple attempt at creating a space where quality content about ancient and modern Jerusalem is presented as accessibly as possible. It will include discussions of the geography, history, archaeology, and modern setting of Jerusalem, as well as reviews of books and articles about the city. Original photography is featured throughout.

The title, Approaching Jerusalem, reflects the idea that studying this city is an experience without a final destination. We approach Jerusalem but can never conquer or control it. On the other hand, a city so rich always has more to give. There is enough for each of us to find our own rootedness and sense of belonging in such a storied and wonderful place.