Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The golden Dome of the Rock is one of Jerusalem's enduring landmarks. Under that
glittering dome is a sacrificial stone with gutters to drain the blood spilled upon it by pa-
gans long before there was a Jewish faith. It's the stone upon which—according to Jewish,
Christian, and Muslim tradition—Abraham prepared to prove his faith by sacrificing his
son, Isaac. (Don't worry: When it became clear that Abraham would be obedient to God's
will, God intervened, saving Isaac.) Many consider this spot to be both the starting point
or foundation stone of creation, and the closest place on earth to God in heaven. Jews be-
lieve this place to be the center of the earth, and have worshipped here for 3,000 years.
Muslims believe Muhammad journeyed to heaven from here 1,300 years ago. Pondering
the tumult and persistent tragedy caused by the fact that three religions share a single holy
rock, I wonder if God doesn't just have a wicked sense of humor.
For Jews, Muslims, and Christians, Jerusalem is a holy city. And ground zero of all that
holiness is a much-venerated rock marked by this golden dome.
Jews call the hill capped by the Dome of the Rock “Temple Mount”—the holiest site
in Judaism. A thousand years before Christ, King David united the 12 tribes of Israel
