Jerusalem’s Passover Week, aka Pesach, provided a much needed reprieve for us. Shops closed and Israelis went home to their families. Around tables of kosher food, Moses and the night to remember was front and centre. There was blood on the doorposts. Then the death angel passed. Freedom followed as innumerable men, women, and children began their Exodus from 400 years of vicious Egyptian slavery.
As the entire nation remembered the story, her streets were empty. It was whisper quiet, like a Saturday Sabbath only it lasted seven days! We hadn’t preplanned to be in the Middle East during one of the Holiest of Weeks. But what a blessing now that I’m looking back.
The necessary war against Hamas terrorists continued in the skies and deep underground, yet we managed to negotiate an emotional truce of sorts. Murder, kidnapping, front line deployment, and sexual violence conversations were traded for much kinder, touristy-type chats with locals. It was temporary. But what a gift!
Mark and I explored spiritually significant sights around the city. The only folks out were Jewish families. But they were specifically in pursuit of spiritual history exploration too. Many had traveled from outside of Israel to experience their first on-location Pesach. Thus I have a few stories coming out where you won’t need to shield your children’s ears or guard your hearts.
Did I just hear you say, ‘what a relief!?’
I know it’s been intense so enjoy the break!
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