The Passion Play Israel and Oberammergau Tour

Next year New Hope Oahu is partnering with Signature Tours International to bring us a tour that can happen only once every ten years. What is planned is exciting fifteen day European and Holy Land tour that includes stops in Jerusalem, Jericho, the Jordan River, Vienna, Munich, and Oberammergau. There in Oberammergau you will see the most famous play in the world, the Passion Play.

Every ten years form May to October, the world travels to a quaint little village of Oberammmergau, high in the Bavarian Alps in Germany. Here in the town of charming hotels, restaurants, shops and window boxes that overflow with geraniums is the host to the world renowned Passionsspiele, or Passion Play. The story line of the play comes directly from the Biblical accounts of the gospels and depicts Jesus from the time he enters Jerusalem until the resurrection. It is an epic experience that has been drawing crowds for centuries. The play was first presented in 1634 in gratitude to God for sparing most of the villagers from the Black Plague. Folklore says that after 80 villagers died from the plague, the survivors pleaded with God to stop the plague and spare the rest of the village and vowed they would stage a religious performance each decade in gratitude. God spared the villagers and they have been faithful in keeping their pledge. Since then millions of people around the world has come to witness this grand event. Nearly one third of all the 5,000 residents are involved in the play. There are 17 lead roles, but also there are 104 speaking parts, 900 non speaking parts, that includes 350 children and about 400 behind the scenes as ushers, electricians, ticket handlers, set designers, singers, and stagehands. The excellent staging, the lifelike costumes, and the excellent performances make this an event that is truly unique and not something you want to miss.

Along with the Passion Play, this tour will include a trip to the Holy Land where you will be can see, touch, and walk in the places where Jesus lived. You will be see and experience such places as the Mount of Olives, Jericho, the Tomb of Lazarus, and an opportunity to be baptized in the River Jordan.

This tour is a unique opportunity that where you will see the things you read in the Bible and witness a play that will touch your soul. The fifteen day tour will take place May 19-June 2, 2010. For more information on this once and lifetime event, please contact Dawn Mashita at dawnm@enewhope.org or call 842-4242 ext. 202 by November 15, 2009.