Experiencing Israel during Holy Week in Georgia

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 180, ƒ/8, 1/200

This past week I had an assignment at the Explorations in Antiquity Center in LaGrange, Georgia. I was able to experience ancient biblical life and times without going to Israel.

This is one of the ways I learn best–Experiential Learning. Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, and is more specifically defined as "learning through reflection on doing". Experiential learning is distinct from rote or didactic learning, in which the learner plays a comparatively passive role.

The first photo here is a replica tomb of what Jesus Christ was placed into after his crucifixion.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5.6, 1/125–off-camera flash using the Neewer TT850 flash & Neewer 433MHz Wireless 16 Channel Flash Remote Trigger 

The docent, tour guide, helped us to see the cross that Christ most likely was crucified on rather than the Roman designed cross many wear today or that is in churches. They went into a great amount of detail to help you understand why this was such a horrible way to die.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 2500, ƒ/7.1, 1/100

They have authentic goat hair tent like the nomadic shepherds have lived in for thousands of years. Here you sit and listen as the docent helps explain what you are seeing and experiencing.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5.6, 1/160

This is a replica of the main gate to the city. Here you learn about the gate that Jesus would have come through on the donkey. What happened around this gate gives you perspective.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 220, ƒ/7.1, 1/200

Here the group is sitting in the Garden of Gethsemane replica learning about the Olive Tree and the Olive press.

Here is a great blog post explaining the symbolism of the olive tree and how Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane was like him being pressed. 

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 400, ƒ/18, 1/200

They have the press that they first use when working with olives. It was good to see and have an expert in Biblical History speaking and helping us to see the significance of the Mount of Olives and the celebration of Holy Week.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 9000, ƒ/2.8, 1/100

You can experience a Jerusalem Biblical Meal, which would have been similar to the last supper. I recommend going to the center for a experiential learning experience. For photographers it makes for a fun location to shoot.

The Explorations in Antiquity Center is not related to any particular denominational tradition, so the conferences should be both meaningful and sensitive to people from many different backgrounds.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 2000, ƒ/4.8, 1/100–off-camera flash using the Neewer TT850 flash & Neewer 433MHz Wireless 16 Channel Flash Remote Trigger. The MagMod with grid is used to keep light off the screen.

Here is a explanation of the MagMod I used to keep the flash off the screen in the photo above.