Israel Trip 2006, Day 5 (2/24)
This morning began with a visit with Mr. Tom Sowicki, the deputy director AIPAC in Jerusalem. He gave us in depth analysis of the recent Palestinain elections and the future of the PA with Hamas in charge.
He also paid particular attention to the growing threat from Iran and their emerging nuclear capabilities. In many ways he said this is as serious if not more of a problem for Israel and the whole world than Hamas. He gave us a feel for the Israeli electorate as election will be held for the Knesset on March 28.
Afterwards we drove on to the Dead Sea region. In the Sino-African rift, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth. We passed En Gedi on our way to the fortress of Masada. Masada was one of Herod's palaces built atop a huge mesa like mountain that stands by itself. Climbing high above the Dead Sea 60 meters by cable car, we saw the ancient remnants of storehouse, the synagogue, the palace, and bathhouse. Still visible are the mosaic floors and tiles and even some of the painted frescos.
We learned of the story of the zealots who escaping from the terror of the 10th Legion of the Roman army held the at bay for 3 years. As the historian Josephus writes in his account, all the Jewish zealots died by their own hand rather than be subject to becoming slaves in the Roman world.
We came down the mountain with thoughts of martyrdom and its role in Judaism.
We then went to Mineral Beach for a float in thr Dead Sea and lunch.
Then back to Jerusalem for a quick change to prepare for Shabbat and off again to visit Rabbi Maya Leibovich and Congregation Mevasseret Zion outside Jerualem. It is an Israeli Reform congregation. Many of the melodies were ours!
After a wonderful Shabbat service in that haimish community in their beautiful new building, we came back to Jerusalem and our hotel for a grand Shabbat eve dinner.
We had special guests join us and share with us including Saar Netanel, who is openly gay and a Jerusalem city council member. A member of the Meretz party, Saar described the awful way the Orthodox controlled city council treats him as a gay man. And their complete disregard of many laws. Also visiting with us was Onn Stock and his partner Yiftach. Stock is the attorney representing seven Israeli couples suing for marriage equality for gays and lesbians. He spoke about this Supreme court case and its implications and chances for success. They remain optomistic.
The meal was delicious, the conversation meaningful and Shabbat in Jerusalem filled us with a sense of holiness and community that stretched around the world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eger
Posted by Lee at February 24, 2006 01:58 PM
