Today has been another special day.  We began with an early breakfast on the covered patio before traveling into Jerusalem to attend synagogue at the invitation of Rabbi Rosenberg.  Our reception was very warm and we were excited to see Jan Kahn Taimoor again.

After synagogue, they were very interested in our stories and asked many intuitive questions.  I felt blessed to make some very close connections with a couple of the guys there who were from New York.

Once the fellowship broke up we departed for Independence Park with a large picnic in hand.  Our plan was to eat at the park and get a little rest before the crowd showed up.  Things started as planned…  we ate and were just getting comfortably sprawled on the blankets when the first family showed up, then the next, then Ephraim and Rimona and, well, no nap.  🙂

The crowd swelled over the next two hours to well over 100 before beginning to taper off.  We decided to leave and it took nearly another hour of good-byes, hugs, exchanging info, etc.  Truly, it is great to be among visionaries and those on this walk who see clearly what god is doing in our day!  Tearing ourselves away from the group was SO hard, but, there is work to be done in the exile.

On our final drive out of the city we noticed the fairly empty streets and the many Shabbat walkers.  This is such a special place where most of the city stops for Shabbat, honoring God’s special and unchanging day!

Rosa did not go with us today but chose to rest before answering her matronly call and preparing a sumptuous rice and lamb dish with most of the remaining items in the refrigerator.  she is such a gifted cook.  Without all of this walking, i’d be the size of a small car!! Seriously.

As I write and watch those around me pack, I am shouldering the task of finishing the last bit of Israeli wine…  twenty days has gone by much too fast, but already, i know I will be here for Sukkot.  More importantly, some of you will be with me!!  Watch this blog for details, but some North Americans and Europeans have teamed up to return to this moshav for a very, very special Sukkot.  We are coming a few days early to work in the city helping prepare it for the feast (by picking up trash), then we will celebrate the feast and enjoy a week of touring and unique experiences interacting with those of the stick of Judah! Details in the next couple days!  Email me if you are interested!  The price is right, guaranteed!