Yardenit — Attraction in Emek HaYarden Regional Council

It's been several years since my wife and I were there. We were baptized at the same time, so that was special. Another thing I took away from the experience, was my first pastor, when I came to the Lord, was Chuck Smith (of the original Calvary Chapel), he had a hand in developing the site at Yardenit. I would say, that I personally don't think that this place was the actual site of Jesus baptism by John. Because there are other sites along the Jordan, closer to Jericho that claim to be also, so understanding the significance of baptism itself, there's not much advantage of being baptized there specifically, but the connection my wife and I have with being baptized together in the Jordan, is kind of cool. And "commercialized"...as the naysayers shout...everything under the sun that becomes popular is commercialized, so if that turns you off, re-evaluate the size of "your" God...think about that. A little side story I experienced, that I have to share...our group was visiting the Golan Heights on one of the days of our tour, and as we're approaching the top of the look out, the tour guide was remarking about how few tourists came to Isreal, and just as he finished, there was the sound of a large explosion, and looking to the East, there was a town a few miles away, where there were these explosions going off where you could see the fireballs, and then a few seconds later you heard the sounds of the bombs, and then machine gun fire. NOW...as a guy, who's God is infinite in size, I thought was pretty cool, but I smirked and said to the guide...maybe it's because people don't trust God to protect them. All he said was Oy vey. Seriously, if your a "Christian", make your next trip to...

Well for the second time I went to the Jordan River. The Yardenit is well known for the pilgrimage are done there, and certainty because of the Christians around the world, want to pay their respect visiting the place and be there where they feel related with the place . Also, They go there because most of them want to be baptized there, because they really believe Jesus Christ was also baptized there by the apostle John the Baptist. The Jordan river flows from the Sea of Galilee into the Dead Sea. Almost a million peoples go by every year Thru the holy site every year, like a said some go just with desire to be baptized, and others go there just for to visit and , look around, make pictures, etc. They come to visit the historic place where Jesus Christ. The site is provided with some pools conveniently located, maybe 10. Many groups decide to have the baptize could do without any problems. You can rental a white robe, with a towel for $10.00 dollars to enter the pools in the river. Do you have place, a change rooms, with a hot or cold showers after entered the river, and change clothes again. They offered there, way for them to record in DVD your baptism for $15.00 dollars. For you to have as memoirs.. The place has a nice GIFT STORE, a restaurant, a deli with fresh juice, pomegranate juices, etc.and snaks for...

Yardenit is a popular baptismal site located on the slopes of the Jordan River. Many people visit Yardenit to participate in a spiritual experience by being baptized in the same river where Jesus was baptized. The environment around the river is truly beautiful and peaceful, especially when the sun hits it right with the flowers blooming. It's truly amazing to watch and you feel at peace.

One of the unique features of Yardenit is the collection of poems written in mosaic exposed on the walls. These poems are written in several languages and add a nice touch of culture to the atmosphere.

However, during my recent visit, I was disappointed to find that there was no one available to baptise people that rented the robe and towels. This took away from the spiritual experience that many people come to Yardenit for. Additionally, it was clear that the commercial side of the experience was more important than the spiritual side. The gift shop and paid bathrooms were staffed, but the spiritual aspect was lacking.

Overall, Yardenit is a beautiful location with a unique cultural touch, but it's disappointing that the spiritual aspect of the experience is not given as much priority as the...