May 08 2008
Religious Vacations
Despite what we might see on the news, in our communities, or even in our schools, the world is still full of people who are loving people and who have are ethical and moral. Our children have more access than ever before and have wonderful opportunities awaiting them. However, there are forces in the world that are contradictory to the morals we have been taught, worked for and endure for.
The home is our sanctuary from the harsh realities present in the world but some of these homes are falling apart. When vacation comes around, it may be a good idea to look into a religious vacation.
People look for various things when it comes to a vacation. Many people go to the beach or a golf club. Others go on vacation to places that offer shops, theaters, and historical sites. Other people are now looking for a different type of retreat. They are looking to spend their vacation at a place that has spiritual benefits and emotional and physical relief.
People have a need to escape the hectic pace of the US and everyday pressures. Many Americans have a renewed interest in spirituality since the terrorist attacks in New York City. Websites offering “religious” or spiritual vacations have been popping up all over the Internet.
Religious vacations mean different things to different people. One person may want to explore the shrines, cathedrals and monasteries of Europe while another person may want to vacation in the Holy Land. Still others may want their vacation to include visits to Buddhist sites in Tibet.
One place that offers a religious vacation is Mount Angel Abbey that is located in a small town called St. Benedict in Switzerland. Mount Angel Abbey was founded by monks in 1882. Many of the facilities of the monastery are open to the public. This includes a retreat house that is on the top of a mountain that overlooks a place called the Willamette Valley. If this type of vacation is of interest, private retreats of up to three days can be arranged. During this time, visitors can walk along the meditation path in the woods, use the prayer chapel, or do some reading or studying in the abbey library. This library is housed in a building designed by Alvar Aalto. People of all faiths are welcome to attend the daily prayer services of the monks or participate in events such as the Abbey Bach Festival help during the summer. Private retreats at the Abbey costs about sixty dollars a day.
There is also the Oregon Jewish Museum if you are interested in a religious vacation. The Oregon Jewish Museum was created in 1989 in order to establish a place for Jewish history and art. The museum came together with the Jewish Historical Society of that state in 1996. As a result, it has become home to one of the largest archive collections that document Jewish life in Oregon.
The museum has many artifacts on display including silver jewelry from the Middle East and ritual objects. The museum also includes Jewish head coverings and pictures of prominent Jews who have resided in Oregon.
These two locations are only a miniscule example of religious vacations that are available. Individuals who want to go on a religious vacation can find helpful information on the internet.
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