Previous posts in this series:
When the Jews came to the land of Israel, at the end of 40 years' wandering in the desert, they set up camp on the East side of the Jordan River, and Mosheh (Moses) began delivering his final sermon, which would become the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy.) While there, the tribes of Gad and Reuvein (Reuben) decided that the grass actually wasn't any greener on the other side of the river, and they preferred to settle where they were, on the eastern side of the Jordan. Mosheh agreed, on condition that Gad and Reuvein would serve as the shock troops of the Israelite invasion, and would not settle on their land until the other tribes had conquered their sections as well.
They agreed, and one more provision was stipulated. Because the eastern side was materially richer, and spiritually poorer than the western side of the Jordan River, the temptation might exist, after the years passed on, to follow their material desires and begin worshipping idols. Therefore, the tribe of Menasheh (Menasses) was split into two, and the northern half was settled in the far northeast, to keep an eye on Gad and Reuvein. The eastern half of Menasheh was settled deep in the Samarian hills, providing a link between the east and west sides of the Jordan River. Today, this half of Menasheh east of the river is the Golan Heights.
Anyway, on with our hike...
The back of Baruch's head, pushing through the underbrush.
The back of Baruch's head, pushing through the underbrush.
Elazar arrives at the "White Falls" (so-called because of the rock colors.)
Hiking down to the White Falls.
Unable to resist the temptation, I jumped in.
Later, we passed by a Hareidi (ultra-Orthodox boy's school) heading back towards the falls, in the direction we had come.
The Hareidi kids going down the steps looked like little waddling penguins from a distance.
A condor circles over our hiking group, looking for his own lunch.
And that's it from the Golan! Until next time, at least.
4 comments:
Recommended for your davening pleasure: the biggest, beautifulest, most impressive modernish synagogue in the Golan (or anywhere). In religious-Zionist moshav Nov.
B"H
Your penguin comment is offensive.
BTW, "Haredi" is the preferred term, not "ultra" orthodox. It is a misconception to believe that they are one in the same.
Please help to educate your fellow Jews, and not denigrate others.
In this way you will be contributing to Jewish unity and not fighting against it.
You're not one of those American Jews who sees Haredim as "The Other," are you?
Hi Daddydooga,
Well, if I ever stay somewhere civilized in the Golan, I'll be sure to check it out. But I'm looking forward to camping next time.
Ben-Yehudah,
Response to your comments in today's post.
Post a Comment