The recently constructed Ethan and Marla Davidson Exhibition and Virtual Reconstruction Center is situated at the entrance to the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, one of the largest, most significant archaeological sites in the country. It is some 100 meters south of the Temple Mount complex, in the recently excavated and restored underground storage complex belonging to a seventh century CE Umayyad Palace. It is the gateway to the Southern (Teaching Steps) which led to the Hulda Gates of the Herodian Temple. Mikvahs, ritual baths used for purification before entering the Temple compound, can also be seen here.

The new center offers the visitor an in-depth archaeological and historical introduction to the Jerusalem Archaeological Park by means of an exhibition of archaeological objects, augmented by visual, textual and audio information. The center also presents a survey of the history and archaeology of Jerusalem throughout the Early Bronze Age until the Ottoman period. Its pivot is a dynamic time line, enhancing focal periods and events in the city's history.

The Center's website is www.archpark.org.il


Davidson Center - Anna the prophetess

At the Davidson Center one can walk amidst the ruins of the 1st century street beneath what is today called Robinson's Arch. The video in Davidson's Center paints a good illustration on how this area would have looked. One can easily envision Christ chasing out the money changers from an area like this. The mikvahs here also present a good illustration of the purification ritual. For me it is also easy to see Anna the prophetess here in this area although I know she was in the Temple high above. Anna, who served the Lord faithfully, all her days was blessed by the Lord to see the young Jesus. Luke paints the scene almost as a "chance" meeting in a busy place -- and maybe why it is easy for me to see that story here -- but we know the Holy Spirit guided Anna to that meeting. Noteworthy was Anna's actions after seeing Her Savior, she was undoubtedly filled with the Holy Ghost and told all of those seeking God's redemption that He was come. It begs to question one's own witness of the Savior.

Luke 2:34-40

34: And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35: (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36: And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37: And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38: And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39: And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.