Twice a year (at Passover and Sukkot) some prominent priests say the priestly blessing over the people at the Western Wall. A group of us went to witness it Monday morning. We got there early and found a good spot near the front. The entire plaza ended up being packed, with many watching from perches around. It began with the morning prayers (all in Hebrew) and ended with the blessing: “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his […]
Tag Archives: Western Wall
House Hill
“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. Hear the supplication of your servant and of your […]
A New Adventure
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4 Today is Pentecost on the Christian calendar. (The Jewish calendar reckoned it on last Wednesday) Honestly, I don’t think the Church gives this […]
Rejoice, Rewind!
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 Today is the eighth day of Sukkot, marking the end of a week of celebrations. Jerusalem has been busy with extra people visiting the city for the holiday. The eighth day is known as Simchat Torah or The Rejoicing of the Torah. On this day, people around the world pull out the Torah Scrolls and dance around them with, celebrating God’s revelation through his […]