George of Choziba, also known as the Monastery of Choziba, Mar Jaris, or simply St. George's Monastery, is a Greek Orthodox monastery in Wadi Qelt in the eastern West Bank, near Jericho. It is a cliff-hanging complex that dates back to the 420s and was reorganised as a monastery around AD 500. It is home to the relics of St. George of Choziba and St. John of Choziba and is still active and inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks.
The Monastery is accessible by a pedestrian bridge across Wadi Qelt, believed by many as the "valley of the shadow of death" mentioned in Psalm 23. The valley runs parallel to the old Roman road to Jericho, and the Monastery is open to pilgrims and visitors. The location of the Monastery has been associated with the lives of Elijah and the parents of the Virgin Mary, making it a site of intense pilgrimage.
A one spring day trip to St. George's Monastery in Wadi Qelt and the Qumran archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into the religious, mystic, and spiritual traditions of the northern part of the Dead Sea. The journey starts with a visit to St. George's Monastery in Wadi Qelt. This historic monastery is located in a remote desert canyon and was established by early Christian monks who sought solitude and asceticism. Visitors can see the remains of the monastic complex, including the church, cells, and cisterns. The peaceful atmosphere of the monastery and its surrounding landscape contrasts the bustling modern world and offers a glimpse into the early practices of monks in the region.
After visiting the monastery, the trip continues to the Last Chance eatery at the Almog intersection for a delicious meal. This is an excellent opportunity to take a break and refuel before continuing to the Qumran archaeological site.
Located near the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, the Qumran site was inhabited by a Jewish community during the Second Temple period and is most commonly associated with the Essenes, a mystic sect. Visitors can see the remains of the buildings and cisterns that were used by the community, as well as learn about the history and culture of the ancient Jewish community in the region.
The unique atmosphere of the northern part of the Dead Sea, including its religious, mystic, and spiritual traditions, is evident in both St. George's Monastery and Qumran. These two sites offer a fascinating insight into the diverse religious practices and beliefs of the ancient communities who lived in the region. They highlight the enduring legacy of the early Christian monks who sought solitude and asceticism in the Wadi Qelt caves.
