Sameria

Another day in the life of a foreigner in Israel... who is at this very moment making his experience as American as possible. To explain, I am currently watching men in black and laughing as will smith makes a fool of himself as only he can. As for the real life portion, life is good. I don't have an enormous work load (aside from perhaps 4 papers and some greek). This past weekend we went up into Sameria. I'm once again going to post my reflection report from the weekend if you care to read it... then maybe some summarizing thoughts at the end.

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Today was pretty good, but it wasn’t my favorite field study. I remembered my passport, I brought two apples, I was ready for a day of adventure… but the day was rather lacking in adventure. Maybe it was the 20 minutes in the bus before our first stop (an outlook looking over the mountains of Ephraim), but something must have killed my adventurous spirit. After this stop we drove some more and then met up with an Israelite settler of the area of the Biblical city of Shiloh. He talked to us a lot about teenagers (who to him were the primary cause of the impossibility of peace between Arabs and Jews), but I couldn’t really hear him very well so I am not sure much of what else he talked about aside from some crazy stories about the 6 day war. Dr. Wright told us about the wonders of the land of Manasseh including its cenomanian soil and its interconnections between the costal highway and the rift valley. The difference between Ephraim and Manasseh and Jerusalem lie in these connections. While Jerusalem has few routes in and out and few connections to international trade, Ephraim and Manasseh are riddled with passages allowing those living in those areas (and invaders) to move about much more freely. We also went to Mount Gerazim, and a nearby city. We ate lunch at this city (hummus and pita with some meat and cheese, always a good lunch on these trips). After a hearty lunch we walked up the street to a fenced in area where several children were kicking around a soccer ball and there was an old basketball hoop. Aside from these festivities there were several wells covered with metal bars and what we later learned to be an alter. Here we talked to a Samaritan priest about who the Samaritans are and what they believe. He explained that the Samaritans believe in the five books of Moses *which differ slightly from the books of Moses found in the Tenach* and do not then have need to worship in Jerusalem. Although their children go to school learning Arabic, they are taught Hebrew, the language in which they pray to “The God”. It was hard seeing people who were so close to the origins of the Truth and who have drifted so far. They await a messiah they do not know, one who unbeknownst to them has already come. I can almost understand why Christ had such compassion on the Samaritan woman with her “5 husbands.” The man we were talking to explained that the area we were standing in is the area where the Samaritans celebrated Yom Kippor and other festivals and the wells were where the sacrificial meat was cooked and the alter where they were sacrificed. It was fascinating to hear him explain, but as I have already mentioned heart breaking at the same time. After speaking with this man we went to Mt. Gerazim and looked down upon the city below us. We could see many of the homes of the Arab refugees forced there after their expulsion from Israeli territory. From the land of Samaria we headed to our final destination (which on the way to we stopped on an overlook covered in garbage smelling like death with bones everywhere… that stop was awful except for the sweet Terra Rosa terracing we could see from the overlook). At Shiloh we talked about the story of Samuel and about the Tabernacle. We looked at a small model of the Tabernacle and examined the remains of the wall surrounding the city. We also talked about “glacis” which is the supports running up the wall from the outside not only supporting the wall but making it at an angle so that archers could see the enemy without peering over the walls edge and so that battering rams could not so easily bash at the wall. After this we looked at an olive and grape press then headed back to the bus and home. Although it was a fun day (as field studies usually are) it just seemed a little lacking in comparison to the usual grandeur.

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It is easy to do nothing here. Just sit back and relax. We had our first rain the other day. It was awesome. Its hard to write for real while watching the movie... so I'll finish this later. But, enojy what there is for now.

the next stage (wowzer?)

This is Willie
Oh my dear readers

things are going at light speed and a snails pace as usual. I am right now sitting at a table in the shade almost cold (there's a chilly breeze) in my tank top, shorts, and sandals (there was a nice gust nearly producing goosebumps). I still haven't managed to tell anyone about last weekend when we went to Nahal Yahudia (a sweet canyon park thing) and hiked. That was awesome. I've been trying tp put up the pictures for ages. I got one or two of them up but who knows if I'll ever get the rest. (Finally got the goosebumps... I should get a hoodie). Anyway basically we drove two hours and then got out of the bus only to descend into a giant rift in the earth with a river at the bottom. Not only were their rock cliffs on either side of me which were huge and awesome, but there were spots where I could climb up the rock face and jump into the deeper levels of the river. The first jump was from about 30 feet and the second from 45 to 50 feet. Being not so good with heights I took my time jumping from each, but finally I was coerced into take the leap of faith each time. It was a good analogy if I ever wanna talk about the struggled and benefits of faith. Anyway there was a waterfall we could sit under and some other sweet stuff.

This weekend we went to Benjamin (Jericho, Gezer, the road between Jerusalem and Jericho). It was really cool seeing Herod's winter palace, but other than that it wasn't super interesting.

Haha there's a lot less homework here than I am used to so I've been wasting some time playing my friends psp (exactly 18 hours of time lol)... kinda embarrassing. But I'm almost done with that stage of my time here. It's cool the different ways some of my classes have me looking at the Bible. Like, in Physical Settings of the Bible we see how much the sentences like "they went from Jericho to Jerusalem" are really important and set a scene while we just pass over them, or how my rabbinic thought and lit class has us look for "problems" in the text, like what isn't said. It's pretty cool

In two weeks were going to Eliat (or something Eaat I dunno...) and camping on the beach. i am super excited for that.


Cheers and God bless

Pictures Pictures Everywhere

Another day in the City

So here I am in an espresso bar in Jerusalem with three girls. What more could a guy ask for? Haha but seriously the time here goes by at warp speed. Yesterday we went on another adventure around Jerusalem. Talk about exhausting. From 7:00 am till noon we walked over hill and over dale, then again from 1:00 until 6:00 we did a somewhat less intense version through the old city. If you want to hear all that we did and learned I'm posting it between these ***'s... if not just skip this section (ps this was written for an assignment, so if it's lame, whatever).

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Well, our adventures on this Sunday were many, so many in
fact it is no easy task to recall everything that was learned and experienced,
and by the end of them we our bodies were nearing the point of exhaustion. Our journey first took us to the Jewish
quarter where we looked at what was entitled the “Broad Wall.” This wall (which we only saw a small portion
of the remains) was built by Hezekiah when the Assyrian invasion was
imminent. Unfortunately he relied on his
new fortifications rather than on the power of the Almighty, and it almost cost
him his kingdom. After talking about the
archeological significance of this wall, we walked along the outside of the
wall of Jerusalem
to a spot which overlooked the surrounding countryside. From this spot we could see the Mount of
Olives (which was only one of the many mountains which surround Jerusalem, which one of
the Psalm’s of assent clearly brings to our attention. We could also see the valley where the Hinnom
and Kidron valleys met, and the original spot dubbed “Mount Zion.” After surveying the countryside we traversed
many steps leading to the remains of a retaining wall and a small house. In this area many seals of documents were
found, showing that this could have been the site of a prophet’s house or a
royal storeroom. After sitting and talking about this site we
proceeded to one of the highlights of our tour: Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This was the tunnel that King Hezekiah dug
(directly before the Assyrian invasion) to divert the water in order to keep
the waters of the Gion spring within the limits of the walls around the
city. On our way to this tunnel we went
through the tunnels in the rock which the Jebusites would have used to get
water, and the way that Joab entered and surprised the keepers of Jerusalem enabling David
to conquer the city. We entered the
tunnel and walked for about 20 minutes *even though the sign said 45 minutes at
least). It was completely dark in the
tunnel, and we often had to duck to keep from bashing our heads on the
ceiling. When we exited the tunnel we
went to the tombs on the western hill.
The tomb we looked at was probably the tomb of the father of Kiafus the
high priest who condemned Jesus. After
walking an eternity back for lunch, we set out once again, walking to the
alleged place where the last supper took place.
After some discussion we found that this could not have been the actual
place where the meal took place, but it did serve as a good reminder of the
event that happened there. From there we
proceeded to this museum where we learned all about some artifacts from long
ago and saw some depictions of the temple and such during the time of
Herod. We watched some videos, which
were geeky at best, then went to the southern wall of the temple mount. I fell asleep here, but I know we talked
about the arches where the animal sacrifices would have been sold. Then we sat on the steps which would have led
to the temple and talked about the significance of their setup and the image of
walking up to the temple, and how pure one must be to enter so close to the
presence of God, and even that God would confine Himself to the point of
dwelling among his people. After
finishing with the temple mount we went to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher,
which is the alleged site of both the crucifixion and Jesus burial and
resurrection. It is interesting to note
the fact that the church itself is just as divided by factions as the temple
mount is by Muslims and Jews. A site
which should be shining with Christian example is simply blending in with the
rest of the city of Jerusalem. After exploring the depths of one of the
tombs in the church, we went and
overlooked the city, then we went back and ate dinner.



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and so, believe it or not I was tired this morning (and last night). I fell asleep at one point while our professor Cindy Parker was talking, and almost again during class with Dr. Wright today. It was kinda sweet talking about Egypt and all that... but I was so tired. Matthew was AWESOME again. I learn so much in that class... lemme see if I have my notes on me... well I don't, but I do remember talking about the improtantce the phrase "the Kingdom of Heaven" and how Matthew is a gospel written to the Jews and how importnat (then) it was for Jesus to go to Sini and preach the torah (which he does frist thing when he starts preaching in Matthew). Then I had physical settings, and we talked about the things needed to live as a civilization... then I found out that we are learning about rocks next...yikes.

here are some pictures for waiting so long and reading this boring thing... oh and I went running through an artist colony or whatever, and it was beauitul.

While those pictures are updating let me just tell you some interesting tidbits about my life. Be forewarned these might not be what you want to hear, so as one Jess Samples once said: read until it becomes a thing that is not edifying for you. thanks Jess ;).

I am having trouble keeping all of the things I am learning in my mind. Since in most classes (most of which I have at most twice a week) we have 2 tests (midterm and final) and maybe one paper, I don't really have a chance to go back over information, since I'm trying to experience as much as possible and in the mean time keep up with current assignments. I just hope its all sticking in there somewhere so that when I have a chance to took back o n it I will be able to. Right now I am supposed to be studying for my greek quiz tomorrow (or wednesday we'll see when we take it). It's so much information, but I think its coming back. Hey feel free to send me an email sometime guys. It's nice to hear from home.

Well I had more but I think I'll do some greek now... t hose pics I promised aren't uploading so ... be patient I'll get them up when I can.

Cheers

After a week of classes and events

So, the other day we did some exploring of the things that need exploring on the city. you know, the touristy things that everyone needs to do if they get a chance. well, we had a chance, so for about 18 to 20 shekels we did as follows.

Our adventure began at Joppa gate when we ascended the wall and began walking and taking pictures. From the top of the wall we could see all sides of the city, from this historic, to the riddled with satellite dishes in the other. here is a picture of me standing on the wall to the west (NOT the "western wall" c'mon people). This view overlooked the mt. of olives where Jesus prayed his last pleas to God, and accepted the heavy burden of the cross. From there we traversed the wall until descending at Lion's gate and walking back to Damascus gate.

From Damascus gate we wandered until we found our way to the garden tomb . This is the spot where (allegedly) Jesus was buried and rose from the dead, yet the tomb itself is far too old to be the place. Never the less, it was interesting to see.

From the garden tomb we went back towards the Damascus gate, but took a detour to Salomon's Quarry. This is (although it cannot be proven) where they say the stones for the temple came. We took some cool pics, and went in some dark tunnels we weren't supposed to. all in all it was pretty sweet.

on the way back we also checked out this cool tower called David's citadel, but at that time we were all so tired we could baraely walk... we were falling on the stairs haha.

As for classes they are unbelievable as I have said... but I will cover that more in depth later I am sure. As for now here is a list with brief comments.

Ancient Egypt: Interesting, but so far mostly geography... the field trip is what will be sweet with this one.

Physical Geography: Again, intersting, but a lot of geography... we'll see again.

Rabbinic Thought and Literature: Awesome. A rabbi who does not believe the gospel teaches this class. Totally new takes on familiar passages... and super conversation.

Palestinian Culture and Society: A lot of stuff I didn't know... again... interesting.

Greek: Oof... tough... but always good

But now its time for Gladiator.

Cheers

Sunday's trip to the old city

We had to write this for an assignment as our response to our tour of the old city. Read it if you want... or don't I don''t care haha.

Sunday’s trip into the old city was both interesting and informative. We began by simply discussing the geography around the city, the valleys and hills, and how it made the atmosphere of Jerusalem. What first caught my attention was the dialogue concerning the wall. The different parts to each piece of stone (I have them written down but I’m not sure off the top of my head the exact names) with it’s outline and center, and the way Herod smoothed the center of his stones to give the walls a more wealthy and polished look. After that we went to the Jaffa gate and talked about the guys, Koder and Kitchner, who mapped out the distances and elevations with poles and chains, and saw their mark on the ground. We also mentioned the L shaped gates made by Suleiman the Magnificent which kept battering rams from getting to the gates, and how the wall had to be torn down to let in the important German guy’s impressive precession. After winding all thought the Old City, we finally made it though to the Damascus gate. This gate was wider and more impressive than Joffa gate, since Suleiman thought the north was more important. We then talked about the falsity of the Garden tomb, and looked at Solomon’s cave (which is supposedly where Solomon got the rock for the Temple (although this cannot be proven since there are no remnants of the temple to compare the rocks with). From there we made our way in the Gate of Flowers to the Lion’s gate (or Steven’s gate, since Steven was supposedly dragged out this gate to be stoned… although we learned that this is also false considering the fact that the gate would not have been there at the time of Steven). This gate is called the Lion s gate due to the lions carved into it (Suleiman the Magnificent had a dream about lions and had them carved into the gate to turn his fear from his dream into protection for his city). This gate looks to the Mount of Olives, which you fair teacher, explained as a place where Jesus must have gone through great conflict at staying to due God’s will rather than escaping easily into the wilderness beyond the mount. From this spot we spent a good amount of time at the pool of Bethseda. Here we talked about how the gospel of John’s validity was challenged because at first this pool appeared to be have only five covered colonnades. After another group of archeologists came in for one final look, and dug under an old Byzantine church, they found another pool split by a 5^th covered colonnade from the first, making John’s gospel completely accurate. We then talked about the pools on the other side of the site which were devoted to the Roman Goddess of healing (Attis I believe). It was probably by this pool that the lame man was sitting. He was probably afraid to get into the pool because it was so deep and in his condition if he was not healed he would certainly drown. After talking much more about these pools and exploring them thoroughly, we went into an old crusader church which some French monks traded some land to I believe turkey for, and sang some sweet songs. Inside the acoustics were awesome. From there we walked the via del la rosa (which also isn’t the same as it would have been in Christ’s day, and took the cardio (main roman road through the city) to the western wall (the closest spot to the original temple, and the closest the Jewish people are willing to go to where the original holy of holies was for fear of stepping in such a holy place. We got to go down to the wall (if our heads were covered) and see all the prayers that people had placed into the wall. From there we went and saw the remains of an original Roman road, and a mosaic map of Jerusalem, and then took a walk back to school.

cheers

So yesterday we went back to the old city for a 5 hour tour. How exhausting (next weekend I have an 11 hour walk to look forward to.. yikes). It went by so fast though. From learning about the topography of the land *and how it relates and is good to know for the Bible* to seeing sights that most people only read about, to learning what is legit to what is totally not true... it was just unbelievable. I have learned more in the past 2 days than I feel like I learn in a semester at home. perhaps thats not fair to Taylor, but it's how I feel at this point. Speaking of learning I haven't even mentioned the classes. I have had two classes so far this morning: History of Ancient Egypt and Matthew in it's Biblical Jewish Setting. Wow. In Ancient Egypt we went over the 8 day field study we will be going on. 8 days PACKED with learning and doing awesome things. We're even riding camles and walking up mt. Sini at 2 am to catch the sunrise from the top. WHAT>!?!?!?! Amazing. But what really caught me off guard was the gospel of matthew. The prof (Akiva Cohen, sweet jewish name) is a genius. He did his doctoral dissertation on Matthew, and so not only does he know all the crazy things that only someone who has studdied tons would know, but he knowsll the crazy jewish things that a gentile like me (even ifhe studied for a while) would never catch. Unbelievable.

As I upload these pictures and try to process everything I just wonder at the plan of God for his people (well, the Jewish portion). I dont think he has given up on them, but I just wonder what his plan is for them. He told Abraham that he gave his decendents from the Euphrates river to the River inEgypt (the Wadi not the Nile). Thats so much land. When will they have (or will they ever after all of their disobedience) have that land? Learning about the MISHNA is cool too... Just seeing how the commentary of Rabbi's on the Torah led to the Talbut which is commentary on commentary, and its easy to see how the Pharasees could get caught up infollowing rules which helpt them keep the Torah. the way these things go the commentaryon Torah is almost treated like the Torah itself. Crazy.

Well my computer is dying, but I will write more in the future I am SURE.

Cheers