Sheila Dale
October 29, 2008
I would like to tell you about the most profound and incredible weekend yet - going with an Orthodox Jewish group to Hebron was not only interesting, it was inspiring!
Because I would be spending this Sabbath with Orthodox Jews, it was important to me that I not offend in any way. So, I bought a long black skirt and black snood for my hair covering. I wore it from the beginning to the ending of Sabbath. As it turned out, it wasn't necessary because the Jews were very understanding that I was a gentile, and told me I'm not required to keep the commandments as they do. But after I put it on, I thought about why I was wearing it: First, to cover my head when going into a Holy Site, and we did. We entered the building which houses the tombs of the Patriarchs. Also, it just seemed respectful - to the company of people I was with....and to the Creator of this Universe.
The bus tour on the way to Hebron was enlightening, We had a very well versed guide, Yossi Baumol - Executive Director of the Hebron Fund.
When we got to our dorms and room assignments, a precious 82 year old woman smiled so kindly and said we were roommates with one other woman. She was spry as could be with such a countenance of joy about her! As we went out of our room to join the Sabbath prayers, I realized she was just a bit cautious when walking on the uneven stones and gravel, so I took her by the arm and from then on we were nearly inseparable. She taught me so much about what was happening in the service - it was not anything I had expected. There is no way to explain the evening prayer time, or the wonderful Sabbath songs the men sang as they danced about on their side of the synagogue.
Later that night and also the next day many men danced openly after our meals in the large meeting tent provided for us, and in the streets of the City. They sang robustly the songs of Sabbath, and of joy, and of Israel. They were loud and boisterous...and so overwhelmingly strong and joyous! Once you've heard them singing over and over again those wonderful songs, it's hard to get them out of your mind. I'm still hearing them echo through mine.
What impressed me about the entire Sabbath was the devotion of these precious people. They stood or sat for hours reading the Psalms and saying prayers, occasionally reciting those prayers out loud, and often reading them silently. From time to time they would stand up and bow several times and bend their knees. I couldn't understand the prayers as everything was in Hebrew, but I did understand the spirit of their prayers.
During Sabbath one is supposed to eat three good meals....and they should include both some meat and some fish. So we did! The food was really good. So, we had three fabulous meals, and I'm afraid any weight I've lost these last two months is back on for sure! The idea of hospitality being so important is because you will remember that Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent when he saw three men coming up to visit him. These were angels, and Abraham and Sarah served them in royal style. From this, they understand that it is a good deed to show hospitality just as their Father Abraham did. One never knows if you are entertaining angels unawares.
There are many stories to recount, but I really want to say here that we as Christians can learn so much from our Jewish brothers. Some of you will have your toes stepped on right now....and I'm stepping on my own as well. I think we as Christians think we are doing G-d a favor when we spend an hour or so in church on Sunday....maybe even go to prayer meeting on Wednesday night, or participate in a cell group for fellowship on a monthly basis. This is all well and fine, however, what I observed this Sabbath were a group of religious people who made it a practice not to count the hours spent in Bible reading and prayer. They whole-heartily gave themselves to the spirit of Sabbath. Shalom - Peace: no debate, no controversy - no planning for tomorrow or what needs to be done at work. They devote an entire day to keeping the Sabbath holy. It is a way of life, and it is a day to show openly their devotion to G-d.
You want to talk about dedication and devotion to G-d, look to the Orthodox Jew for an example.
You want to talk about perseverance and faith in the face of adversity of every kind, look to the Orthodox Jew for an example.
You want to talk about personally walking every day, every hour and minute with the L-rd, look to the Orthodox Jew for an example.
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