“Absalom’s Tomb” (Likely, not…)

Today has been a blessed day.  We make a trip into Jerusalem and walked through the Old City to the Mount of Olives to read some Scripture and consider past and future historical/prophetic connections.  A surprise I did not count on was seeing Absalom’s Tomb, a direct connection to a recent post.

A shot of an uncrowded section of the shuk…

Afterward, we went shopping for food and supplies in the Shuk between Yaffo and Ben Yehuda streets.  It was PACKED and fun.  So many things to see, smell and taste!  Pictures of both the Mount of Olives and the Shuk follow, but neither was the highlight of the day…

Yesterday, our host, Tzemach, dropped by to invite us to join his family in their sukkah to welcome in the feast with the Kiddish Blessing.  Again, this morning, he dropped by to confirm the time.  As we shopped the Shuk, we made sure to pick up flowers and wine for his beautiful 80-something mother, the lady of the house.

After getting home from the run into the city we prepared our own dinner and showered up, then sat excitedly waiting for Tzemach to come by and get us.  As the full moon rose over the horizon, we stood on the porch watching and waiting in anticipation. Shortly, Tzemach arrived to lead us around to the large sukkah in front of his parents next-door house.  It was beautiful.

Our welcome was very warm as the ten of us filed into the sukkah with gifts in hand.  Several of our hosts spoke some English, though the patriarch and matriarch spoke none.  While waiting for a few more of the grands to arrive, we had some small talk…  mostly answering some curious questions about who we are and why we do what we do.  Very special.

Once the waiting was over, small cups of wine were poured for us, Tzemach gave a short explanation, then his father began to chant the Kiddish.  It was a blessing to fellowship with this dear family as we welcomed in the Feast of Sukkot.

We have been invited for more fellowship and look forward to more dialog.  May the fragrance of our King be a sweet aroma!

Here are some pictures from the day…