Israel Day 8 by Richard Leavitt

At a rest stop on our way up north

It's lovely up north around Mt. Carmel. More rainfall -- so more trees and more agriculture.  The Jezreel valley is one of Israel's breadbaskets and, driving through the valley reminded me of parts of the Central Valley back home, with all the orchards--almonds, citrus, stone fruit and sunflowers, lots of sunflowers.  Parts of the road were lined with eucalyptus trees and they reminded me of the Napa Valley.  After the arid climate of Jerusalem, this felt lush.

We first visited a Carmelite monastery on--of all places--Mt. Carmel.  It had a commanding view of the surrounding plains and it was here that there was a showdown between polytheism and monotheism, with Elijah the Prophet coming in the winner over Ahav/Ahab  the idol-worshiper, when God set fire to Elijah's water-soaked sacrifice, whereas Ahav's Baal couldn't come up with a flicker of flame.  We all think of Elijah as the benign and welcome guest at Pesach and brises, but it turns out he's also associated with fire and was not all that pleasant a person.  One speculation, a midrash, I think, was that he spent his time on Earth in service of God, to the exclusion of man, so he has to spend his time in the Afterlife in the service of man. 

Then lower on the mount to Meggido, a partly-excavated town with 13 distinct layers of civilization.  It's striking how cities get built on the ruins of previous ones.  Part of the hillside was shorn away and revealed level upon level of ruins.  We learned that Armageddon derives from Har Megiddo.  Lots of battles went on in this region.

More aquaducts and cisterns, and big rocks, and the vital importance of water, but you've probably grown tired of hearing about these by now.  You had to be here....

Finally, to the kibbutz hotel at Kibbutz Lavi, our own oasis.  Swimming pool, lawns, beautiful park surrounding the hotel.  And, after yet another lovely dinner and shmoozing, to end the evening, a talk by a kibbutznik about life here.   

We're all kinda slowing down now, into the groove a bit, but also a bit weary from much sun, walking, looking looking looking, and paying attention to our wonderful tour guide, Shuli, and Rabbi Dardik.  It takes energy to pay attention, to learn, to keep up with the group.  There is so much to absorb.  It's like taking a whole semester in summer school. Thankfully, no tests, though.  

I've heard it's been rather cool at home.  The only place it's cool here is in our rooms.  Israeli hotels seem to have only two setting on their thermostats: Off and Cold. The bathrooms here have mosaics inlaid in the bathroom floors, in imitation of some of the ruins.  Quite spiffy, I'd say.  

G'night all.    

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