The Virtual Voyage: Recent Episodes
Abigail Snyder
Come along The Virtual Voyage where your host, Abigail, takes you on a trip across the Atlantic to the land of Israel. Buckle up for the travel show where you don't have to leave your comfort zone!
Come along on this week’s episode of the Virtual Voyage as we continue to explore the Samaritans, a small people group who are only 800 in number. We’re joined this week by one of the world’s foremost scholars of Samaritanism—Dr. Reinhard Pummer. You won’t want to miss Dr. Pummer’s fantastic tour as he shares information about the Samaritans’ past, Mt. Gerizim, their synagogues, and more!
Join Abigail on this week's adventure in Israel as we head to Mt. Gerizim, the home of the Samaritans. Although the Samaritans are similar to the Jews, they have some unique practices that set them apart, including their Passover celebration which we'll learn about. From 3 million members to 141, the Samaritans have survived against all odds. Come learn more about them and their home!
Join us on The Virtual Voyage for an adventure to a tahini factory in the Samaria region of Israel. While it's a delicious condiment, it really isn't found in the US! What is it? How is it made? What does it taste like when it's fresh and warm? We'll also learn about different types of Hebrew we can study and master an important phrase for maneuvering around the crowded streets of Israel.
Join tour guide Abigail for this week's adventure in Israel as we head to the Basilica of the Annunciation, the spot where the angel Gabriel is believed to have told Mary that she would bear the Christ child. After we analyze the Bible and history, we'll put this site to the test. What does it score on the authenticity meter?
Come along on this week's adventure as we conclude our tour at Nazareth Village, a recreation of Jesus' hometown of Nazareth from the first century. As we enjoy the last few exhibits at Nazareth Village, we'll learn about the unique processes for making olive oil and wine in Jesus' day and also experience a traditional meal. Finally, we'll make our way to the Church of the Annunciation, learning about Mary's response to the angel Gabriel and a Hebrew translation for it along the way.
Join Abigail on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we travel to Nazareth Village, a living replica of what Nazareth in the time of Jesus would have been like in the actual area of Nazareth. You'll walk away with a new appreciation for this ancient site where Jesus grew up. Plus, learn how to count to ten in Hebrew as we continue to work on our language skills!
Join the adventure on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage as we head to Sepphoris, a city in Israel’s Galilee region just a few miles from Nazareth. We’ll be joined by expert archaeologist Dr. Eric Meyers as we learn about Sepphoris’s history, pottery found there, and also the city’s successful integration of Roman and Greek culture with Judaism. Plus, why did historian Josephus call it “the jewel of Galilee?”
Join Abigail and your fellow Virtual Voyagers on an exciting expedition to the hometown of Jesus--Nazareth. We’ll learn about the time in between Jesus’s birth and start of His public ministry, focusing in on His work as a carpenter. Was Jesus actually a carpenter of wood? Plus, you’ll learn how to bargain in Israeli markets to get the best deals on souvenirs…with a little Hebrew knowledge!
Join your tour guide, Abigail, on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we head to Joseph's Tomb in Shechem. Does this site get a passing grade on the "authenticity meter?" Plus, improve your Hebrew skills as we continue to learn valuable Hebrew phrases!
Join your tour guide, Abigail, as we finish our tour at Jacob's Well in Shechem. We'll wrap up the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, think more about the context of the story and other ones concerning the relationship between Jews and Samaritans, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan, and even drink water from the well. Make sure to come back next time as we head into the ancient city of Shechem!
Come along on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage as we arrive in the region of Samaria where we’ll spend the next few tours. We’ll continue to discover the context surrounding the seemingly simple story of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, which will be important over our next few tours in this region. Plus, learn how to tell people that you know a little Hebrew…in Hebrew!
Join the adventure on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage as we conclude our time in Jericho by enjoying some refreshing water that Elisha cleansed thousands of years ago. We’ll spend some time on the bus on the way to Shechem where we’ll learn about Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Plus, your tour guide, Abigail, teaches you how to say a few important Hebrew phrases so you can start getting around Israel on your own!
Join your tour guide, Abigail, for the finale episode from Jericho in Israel. You won't want to miss this tour as we head inside Jericho, learn about the destruction of the city and the one non-Israelite family who was saved, and even head up to the Mount of Temptation via cable car where we'll get an aerial view of Jericho and the Judean Desert. Plus, did you know that a curse remains on Jericho to this day?
Come along on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we head to Jericho and meet up with a special guest, Professor Tom Meyer, also known as The Bible Memory Man as he's memorized and can dramatically recite over 20 books of the Bible! You won't want to miss out on this episode as we have the opportunity to learn from Professor Meyer about Jericho while we're at the very site. He explains Jericho's history, its archaeology, and some key information concerning the Conquest of Canaan.
Join the adventure on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage as we head back to Jerusalem, bringing our time in the Dead Sea region to a close. We’ll make one last stop in the region believed to be Sodom and Gomorrah and even conduct a science experiment where we burn what may be sulfur. Then, it’s off to Jericho—a site that many claim to be the oldest city in the world. We’ll begin to unearth some claims archaeologists have made concerning Jericho and specifically consider the biblical account of the Israelites marching around the walls of the city. Is it simply fiction?
Join this week’s adventure in Israel as your tour guide, Abigail, takes you to visit what some consider to be the pillar of salt Lot’s wife was turned into. Is this salt pillar actually Lot’s wife? What is there to be learned from such an odd site? We’ll also learn about why Israel is so special, including the unique effect is has on some travelers, known as Jerusalem syndrome.
Join the adventure on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we remain at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. We'll finish our morning, floating and enjoying the natural spa, before beginning our drive to a large salt deposit--what many claim is Lot's wife. We'll learn about God's judgement on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and start to examine the evidence: are we in that very region?
Join the adventure on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as your tour guide, Abigail, leads you on an expedition to visit the lowest accessible point on earth, the Dead Sea. You won't want to miss some crazy stories and the chance to float in one of the world's most salty bodies of water.
This episode of The Virtual Voyage was later awarded second place nationally in "Best Regularly Scheduled Entertainment Program" by the College Broadcasters, Inc. (https://www.askcbi.org/2021-national-student-production-awards/) I'd like to thank Dr. Magness for her time and expertise; it made this episode a success!
Come along on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we continue our tour of Ein Gedi, the natural oasis in the middle of the Dead Sea region in Israel. We'll find out why David fled here when he was being chased by Saul and explore the actual cave where he had the chance to kill King Saul--but didn't.
Join your tour guide, Abigail, for an adventure through the oasis of Ein Gedi, a nature reserve in the middle of the Israeli desert where there's more history present than just meets the eye (hint: this was King David's hideout). See some animals that are unique to Israel, hike up cliffs and through mud, and witness one of the most magnificent waterfalls that's 120 feet tall, all from your comfort zone!
Come along with your tour guide, Abigail, to complete the tour of Masada, the abandoned Jewish fortress on a mountain in the middle of the desert. We'll answer some remaining questions concerning the authenticity of the site and why it means so much to some Jews and angers others before finally descending treacherous Snake Path and saying goodbye to Masada--a site associated with suffering, fortitude, and the desire for freedom.
Join the adventure on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we continue our tour of Masada, King Herod's old summer palace which was turned into a fortress for the Jewish remnant who bravely held out against the Romans for many months. Find out how the story ended for these brave men and women as we also think about the significance of human freedom, even if it means the freedom to choose death.
Join your tour guide, Abigail, on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage where we head to the North in Israel and begin our tour of Masada, the fortress for the brave Jewish remnant who held out against the Romans until...you'll have to listen to find out what happened at this site. Make sure to bring lots of water for the hike and your camera for a breathtaking view of the morning sunrise over the Dead Sea. This is an adventure you won't want to miss!
Join your tour guide, Abigail, for the second part of this two-part series concerning the Dead Sea Scrolls and their home in the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book. Have you ever wondered about how the scrolls were discovered? How much money were they originally sold for? Ever heard of the Aleppo Codex, the ancient manuscript of the Hebrew Bible that was thought to hold mysterious powers and bring a plague on the community if it were ever lost? Come along on The Virtual Voyage to find the answers to all those questions and experience the Dead Sea Scrolls before your very eyes.
Join your tour guide, Abigail, on this week's exciting episode of the Virtual Voyage as we enjoy some hamburgers (no cheeseburgers!) and pizza while discussing Kosher restrictions. We also visit the Israel Museum to see a scaled-down model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period and learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in the Shrine of the Book. Come back next week as we head into the Shrine of the Book to see the actual Dead Sea Scrolls!
Come along for an adventure on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage with your tour guide, Abigail, where we think about the history of the Jewish nation, try some authentic hummus, and head to the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem to see...wood! Join the voyage to find out why this ancient wood is so cool!
You can find Rabbi Teller’s book and listen to his new podcast, Teller from Jerusalem, at www.hanochteller.com.
Join your tour guide, Abigail, on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage as we continue our tour in Tel-Shiloh. We're going to see the Bible come to life as we see the ancient remains of the Tel and stop at significant sites along the way. Are you ready to see the site where Hannah prayed for her son, Samuel? Want to be right where the Tabernacle used to stand for almost 400 years? Join us on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage where you can travel from your comfort zone!
Join your tour guide, Abigail, on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage to understand how Abraham was nearly willingly tricked in Hebron thousands of years ago, the significance of God’s presence among His people, the nation of Israel, and why people would continually build new cities on top of old ones (what we refer to as a “Tel”). And make sure to come back next week for the second part when we explore Tel-Shiloh and see the very spots where Hannah prayed for her son Samuel and where the Tabernacle dwelt. It’s all possible from your comfort zone!
On this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage, join your tour guide, Abigail, for a special trip to Hebron, a place about 30 minutes south of Jerusalem and the site of the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Are you ready to see steps Abraham walked on? Want to stand at the same lookout where he stood when hoping to purchase a burial cave for his wife, Sarah? Hoping to head inside the Tomb of the Patriarchs where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others are buried? Come experience it all—from your comfort zone—on The Virtual Voyage.
Join The Virtual Voyage for a special episode where your tour guide, Abigail, takes you to the Tower of David, right inside the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. We’ll learn about its inaccurate name and imagine what it would have been like for warriors to defend the city from their fortress. We’ll also head across the street to Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East, to gain exclusive access to a tunnel inside of what was King Herod’s palace. Its authenticity meter score is off the charts! Come along on The Virtual Voyage—the armchair travel show where you don’t have to leave your comfort zone.
Come along on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage as we head to two potential spots for both Jesus’s death and resurrection. After examining the evidence, we’ll conclude: did we actually touch the rock on which Jesus was crucified, and were we actually in the tomb He was buried in? Join the expedition to find the answer!
Join your tour guide, Abigail, for a highly anticipated episode where we ascend to the Temple Mount and try to imagine what it would have been like for the Jews to worship at the holiest spot in all of Judaism. Come along on the voyage, all from your comfort zone.
Join Abigail on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage to experience an authentic Jewish Shabbat in Jerusalem. We’ll see what preparations go into the Shabbat, just how seriously the Jews take the idea of “work” (as in they won’t tear toilet paper on Shabbat), and enjoy a Shabbat meal together as Virtual Voyagers. Shabbat Shalom!
Join your sherpa this week as we ascend the mountain...well, the Mount of Olives. This week on The Virtual Voyage, Abigail takes you to experience Jerusalem from new heights as we cross the Kidron Valley and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, a point that overlooks the Old City, and the Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives. Grab your gear as you travel from your comfort zone on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage.
This week on The Virtual Voyage we're heading to the Davidson Archaeological Park, a place where Jesus, among other prominent figures, most certainly set foot. Also, why is there a huge pile of stones on the ground that once were on top of the Western Wall? And why do the Jews ritually purify themselves in a "bath?" Travel from your comfort zone on this week's episode of The Virtual Voyage to find the answers to those questions and more!
This week on The Virtual Voyage we’re taking out our “authenticity meter” at 3 sites: King David’s Tomb, the Upper Room, and The Temple Institute. We’re going to test each site against archaeological evidence and see…is it really authentic? You won’t want to miss this episode as we take our first ride on the Jerusalem light rail and also see the preparations for the Third Temple!
Travel back in time on this week’s episode of The Virtual Voyage where your host, Abigail, takes you underneath the Western Wall to experience authentic sites most people don’t know about! Then, it’s off to the City of David and Hezekiah’s Tunnel. If you’ve dreamed of splashing through an underground water tunnel that was carved by hand thousands of years ago, you won’t want to miss this!
Travel from your comfort zone on today’s episode of The Virtual Voyage where your host, Abigail, takes you through the Old City of Jerusalem to the Western Wall. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience praying at the Western Wall? Today you’ll get the opportunity to do that and so much more on The Virtual Voyage—the armchair travel show with Abigail!
Come along on the second episode of The Virtual Voyage where your host, Abigail, takes you into Israel to experience sites that will change not only the way you look at the Bible but also who you are as a person living in the West today. We'll visit our first site, get settled in our hostel, and take some time to tour Jerusalem, the city of God. Buckle up for the trip of a lifetime--all from your comfort zone!
Come along on today's episode of The Virtual Voyage where your host, Abigail, takes you on a trip across the Atlantic to the land of Israel. Have you ever wondered why Jews only eat certain foods? Have you ever wondered why the Jewish people are moving back to Israel in large numbers? All these questions and more will be answered on this week's episode where we make the transatlantic flight. Buckle up for the travel show where you don't have to leave your comfort zone!