Beautiful pictures, the balloon ride must have been wonderful. Thank you for sharing.

If you have more photographs from Israel, please post them. We are looking at history, thousands of years of history and struggled that built a strong religion for the Jewish people, which yielded Christianity. Now to live our religions in peace. So necessary, but seemingly unattainable with factions which deny G-d and/or hate both religions. We must continue to view and honor our legacy. Just looking at the wall, remembering the hands who struggled with dedication to construct this house of the L-rd.

Another well composed picture. Also liked the picture of the plaque outside the Holocaust Museum. Brought tears to my eyes. We must never forget, never ever. Thank you for sharing.

Breathtaking.

Nice capture. It is a starfish cactus. We have them growing in shaded areas of our yard, Tucson, AZ. They are succulents, not true cactus. The flowers . . . stink. Indoor and outdoor plants depending on the climate.

Very nice prom picture. All that's missing is the pink carnation. That dates me. Class of '58.

Beautiful picture. Yes the pine bark beetles are destroying our pine forests here, in Arizona too. So sad to see stands of magnificent trees dead. Wish the scientists would come up with a nontoxic spray to get rid of them or find another insect species to feed on them.

Those look so delicious. Miss living in apple country. Nothing like a fresh picked Mac or Golden Delicious.

Excellent captures. I'm glad they keep these bridges in good condition. A treasure from the past. Thank you for sharing.

Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

Like you pictures, a beautiful variety of critters and flowers. The unidentified flowers may be Joy Pye Weed, judging from the leaves and blooms. Hope it helps.

Toni,

Thank you for your kind reply. You are giving me a great insight to the Holy Land, from your photographs and observations. To stand at the sight of the temples, to touch the stones that were placed with reverence, thousands of years ago, echoing the footsteps of Solomon, the patriarchs, prophets, and Jesus, must send shivers through those believers who journey there, be it from a few miles away, or thousands of miles.

So blessed that my father and mother were wise enough not to make me take either of their religions, though Dad was Catholic and Mom, Protestant. Their only desire was that I know Jesus and God and honor them. They felt anyone who believed this was on the right path, no matter their faith.

Your granddad was a fortunate man to have met the rabbi who showed kindness, as Jewish people are urged to do.

Looking forward to your photographs. I'm timid about posting mine as I'm a beginner, not really, but I'm self-taught and don't feel my photos are worthy of the beautiful works and compositions I see here. Yours tell a story and speak to the person looking at them.

Happy photographing and please post more when you have time.

Michael.

I am Italian, on my dad's side. My mom spent her young adult life with Jewish families and she learned to cook kosher, and many wonderful dishes, as well as religion. She told me wonderful stories about these families and between them and religious upbringing, I feel close to the Holy Land and its people.

You have warmed my heart with your reply. The thought of standing at the Holy Wall, overwhelming. I think I'd cry. The young soldier in your picture, leaning against the wall, in tears is so moving. Can't help praying for him as his fellow soldiers, so close to harm's way. If only we could have peace.

Looking forward to seeing more of your photographs. They are fine quality. . . as is said, it's not the camera, it is the photographer who captures the essence, such as the soldier.

Thank you for sharing your trip to Israel. It is a treat to get this close to the West Wall. Still dreaming of going there some day. Until then, your beautiful and moving pictures take me to that holy location.

I can feel a welcome chill in the air. Beautiful.