Palestine

by JohnHM Tue Nov 06, 2007 01:15

Myriads Celebrate 3600 Years of Judaism in Hevron
by Shauna Naghi

Tens of thousands of Jews flocked to Hevron, Israel’s second holiest city, this weekend for one of the year’s largest gatherings: the reading of the weekly Torah portion that recounts the purchase of Hevron by the Biblical Patriarch Abraham.

A pre-Sabbath prayer service was held inside the Cave of the Patriarchs

In Genesis, chapter 23, the Bible records Abraham's purchase of a large tract of land with a cave in which to bury his wife Sarah. The historical purchase occured in the year 2085 on the Jewish calendar (1676 BCE).

Twenty thousand Jews were present in Hevron according to David Wilder, the Hevron Jewish community's official spokesperson. The tomb of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and matriarchs Sarah, Rivkah and Leah are located in Hevron in the city's ancient Cave of the Patriarchs, where the main Torah reading was held.

With filled dining halls, tables spilled out into Hevron's streets to accommodate the 20,000 visitors

One-star accomodations didn't stop myriads from coming to Hevron

Hevron was liberated by the Israeli Defense Force during the 1967 Six-Day War.

“When I saw all those Jews standing together praying in unity, it gave me such a sense of peace and belonging,” commented Chaya, one of the thousands of participants at the special event held each year to celebrate the reading of the week's Torah portion, "Chayei Sarah" – translated as "the Life of Sarah."

Visitors to the holy city were treated to tours around ancient Hevron in numerous languages, including English tours led by local residents Rabbi Simcha Hochbaum and David Wilder. Chief Rabbi of Tzfat Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu was amongst the guests and delivered lectures.

“It was a surreal experience,” said Eitan, one of the thousands of participants. “Reading the ‘Chayei Sarah’ Torah portion on the very land that Abraham our forefather bought in which to bury the body of his wife Sarah was so empowering.”

Jewish families literally slept in Hevron's streets to take part in the weekend

For many years, Jews were blocked by the Arabs from entering the Cave of the Patriarchs after the Ottoman Turks lost control of the territory to the British.
Despite the site's Jewish origin and the fact that even today, Jews allow people of all faiths to pray at the tomb in peace, the Arab claim that Jews should not be granted entrance because the gravesite is a mosque, held sway after the British gained control over the area.

The multitude of guests slept in sleeping bags and on bedrolls scattered on whatever floor space was available.
Visitors were welcomed into the homes of Hevron residents, on the floors of classrooms, in school gymnasiums, and even in tents on grassy areas.

Noelle, a student , recalled “Even though the floors were hard and crowded, it was all part of the experience of being together with thousands of Jews at once. The achdut [brotherhood] was incredible.”

Gavriela, another student visitor, summed up the way her visit to Hevron affected her Zionism. “Entering the rooms in which my patriarchs are buried proves to me that this land, [the land of Israel], truly belongs to the Jewish people.”

by Frank Adam - private citizen Wed Oct 10, 2007 18:02 Prestwich UK

The first thing I was ever told as a ten year old by parents and teachers about camping & touring is that the more preliminary reading, scouting photos and map study, even in libraries, the better you will enjoy the trip. You will know what to look for and more easily note what has been omitted by authors and guides but might be of striking interest to you out of professional or hobby interest.

The cream of this joke visit by Con Caroll is that for lack of preparation - at the least Bible reading Samuel and Kings, let alone a History of the Jewish People covering the last two centuries - Con (Is that a cock a snook?) has mistaken the very religious Jews who are not necessarily Zionist at all, for the Zionists who are better found in their farms and businesses dressed in contemporary fashion rather than Spanish Counter Reformation black of the 18th century Polish nobility.

Finally I do know some English and taught and examined it for nearly thirty years. Before posting a piece check that at least the paragraph initials are capitals, and separate "a lot" otherwise your writing looks unzipped. FDA

by Mary Kelly Sun Oct 07, 2007 21:32

good to hear from you, and best of luck!

by Con Carroll Sun Oct 07, 2007 09:17

behind every bush there is a terrorist.
What would Sam Smyth Jim Cusack do here Eoghan Harris
the are I am staying is in a Palestinian refugee camp called Karuda.
last night there was some street scene with gun fire been heard. the international group ism recieved award from the Palestinian authority also from a human rights group. hopefully this is spelled correctly
these people refer to Bush in Arabic as ish a muda

by Michael Martin Wed Oct 03, 2007 21:06

Good lord, Con. Sounds like you don't overly enjoy your vacation? Surrounded by people you feel contempt for, according to your own words, because they wear bowler hats and have funny hair styles!. And then those folks "from Judaism", where ever this place might be, you had to put up with on the plane! I'd say the best thing to do is hop on the next plane back to Dublin!
But maybe this (link below) might help to cheer you up a bit. Enjoy!

by con carroll Wed Oct 03, 2007 15:43

I Forgot to mention. Last night I visited the Al-aqsa mosque. this is a very known sacred place of worship for muslims.
this afternoon Im in Ra mallah