Agriculture in Israel

From drip irrigation to natural pesticides, farms in Israel are very impressive. As we traveled in the Galilee area, we saw beautiful crops and farm lands. Coming from Idaho, Garth and I have loved seeing the beautiful farm lands and never realized there were so many farms in Israel.

Fields of squash.

Fields of wheat.

Can anyone guess what kind of trees these are? These are mango trees in bloom.

Grape fields

Banana crops are covered with a netting to keep in the moisture. You'll see acres and acres of banana trees. We also saw fields of grapes, tomatoes, corn, and citrus farms. Despite Israel's lack of water, Israel's agriculture continues to thrive and supplies most of the country's food needs. It is a pleasure to shop for fresh vegetables in the markets close by and we have found that our diets consist now of more vegetables and fruit and less meat.

The River Jordan

The Jordan River valley area is one of the most world-famous Bible Places. The Jordan River is mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible 181 times and 15 times in the New Testament. Jordan is derived from the Hebrew word pronounced "yar-dane," meaning descender and is an appropriate name for the river as it runs from the heights of its sources near Mount Hermon to the depths of the Dead Sea.

Sabbath Saturday Garth and I drove to the Galilee area and arrived just in time to catch the bus with the students on their way to church. It made our Sabbath even more special as we stopped at the River Jordan. It was filled with tourists and people of many denominations who were holding baptisms.

We were here in 1971 and since that time the whole area has become extremely commercialized but still one very special place to visit.

When we visited so many years ago, we took photos of Garth's parents who were traveling with us as they sat on the banks of the river. Coming back to this hallowed place brought back many fond memories of the summer we spent traveling all over Europe, Greece, and the Holy Land.

As we sat on the banks of the Jordan River, we didn't realize that the five days that followed would be some of the most educational and amazing days of our lives. (To be continued)

Leaving for Galilee

Galilee is a place of contemplation, introspection, and spiritual enlightenment. Saturday we are leaving about 11:30 AM to drive to Galilee to meet the students who left Monday for 10 days. We will join their group and stay in a Kabutz right on the edge of Galilee for the next 5 days.

In the “old” hymn book was a hymn entitled, “Oh Galilee, Sweet, Galilee.” The first verse goes: "O Galilee! sweet Galilee! Where Jesus loved so much to be; Oh Galilee! blue Galilee! Come, sing thy songs again to me. "And when I read the thrilling lore Of him who walked upon the sea I long, oh, how I long once more To follow him in Galilee."

Arts Students come to the Jerusalem Center

Today we had the pleasure of inviting 20 art students to the center because their best artwork will be displayed this summer in the art museum at the JC. Half were Jewish and half were Palestinian and we weren't sure if the two groups would feel comfortable being together. However, we were thrilled to see an almost immediate bonding because they had a common interest. Noemi was responsible for scheduling this event and orientation and she told us this morning she didn't sleep all night with worry. The Jewish students arrived first and they were thrilled to have this opportunity. This is the front area and entrance to the Jerusalem Center. My office is located to the left and looks out into the courtyard and the fountain. Each day I open the drapes so I can see who is coming to the center.

Whenever anyone enters the JC front area, the security inside are looking to see who is approaching the building and no unauthorized people are allowed to enter. Security is posted 24/7 watching all the entrances into the building. All entrances are watched carefully and we feel safe here.

When all the students had arrived, they came inside and looked around the other art work we had on display. Neomi welcomed them and gave them instructions to take out their art work so they could share it with the others. The students ranged in age from 15 through 18.

We were really excited for the students to share their art.

We were all impressed with their works.

I especially loved this piece . . .

Each student had the opportunity to share their works.

Neomi then showed the students around the building but first they came into the auditorium and I gave a mini-recital. We were actually waiting for pizza to be delivered and because it hadn't yet arrived, that allowed time for students to ask questions. Afterward, three students came up and were enthralled with the organ. They wanted to know all about it and this gave us a little time to talk. Immediately I felt a connection with them; each had a light from within and I enjoyed spending time with them. Because I don't know their names, I will share their artwork.

It was time for lunch and Neomi had ordered pizza, salad, drinks, and ice cream.

Because the Jewish students are still celebrating "Purim," each brought a gift basket for the Palestinians. This was such a wonderful surprise and the Palestinians students were thrilled.

One student brought a cake and shared it with everyone.

After lunch, the students went outside and found a place to draw. The summer grass is being planted and some of the flowers are in bloom. It was a great place for students to find a place to draw and reflect about the day and decide what type of art to draw.

It was time for the students to leave. They came via bus from a small area close to Tel Aviv. These students will select their very best art work and their teachers will decide which ones will be on display here for three months this summer.

Purim

There is never a dull moment in Jerusalem! Just when we were getting accustomed to the Christian holidays for this week, we've noticed that stores have been filled with costumes, similar to the ones we have in the US for Halloween. We've wondered why but now we know. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow a Jewish holiday, Purim, is celebrated and today from 11 - 3 PM at Safra Square.

The story of Purim told in the Book of Esther, which is traditionally read twice on Purim, once on the eve of Purim and once on the day of Purim, tells of King Ahasuerus who was convinced by his assistant, Haman, to destroy all the Jewish people in his kingdom. His new queen, Esther, and her cousin and/or husband Mordechai, collaborated to turn the fate of the Jewish people around, succeeding without one mention of God in the entire 10-chapter book.

And now . . . “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat.” That is the theme of many of the Jewish holidays, and Purim is no exception, except in this case they also drink alcohol, give charity to needy people and give gifts of food to friends.

On Purim, in order to celebrate the complete turn-around of the Jews’ lot and of the hidden face of God in the story, Jewish people dress up in costumes and the adults drink alcohol which they claim will help them see the world from a "different point of view" Seriously?

In Jerusalem there are plenty of festivals and parties, some for families and children, some for those who want to go all out with their drinking, dressing up and dancing until they can no longer tell the difference between Haman (the bad guy in the story) and Mordechai (the good guy).

This is the central Purim festival or party that takes place in Safra Square which is in between the Old City and the city center. This carnival includes Israeli television stars and beloved characters from fantasies and movies. The event includes a costume competition with prizes, a stage with an array of performances including puppet theater, clowns, a circus, creative workshops and more.
 
  Tomorrow young art students are coming to the center to paint and bring their art work to be considered for display in the art museum here for the next 3 months. They range in age from 15 to 18 and we are excited to meet them. We have been told they are bringing Purim gift bags to exchange. I am hoping to share photos of the students and their art in another post before we leave for Galilee on Saturday. When informed about the visit of the young art students, I thought immediately of our talented granddaughter, Claire, because she is obviously very talented also and I wish I had the opportunity to display one of her drawings such as this. Photo: Artwork by granddaughter, Claire, at age 5.