04/10/02 Tel Aviv, Israel
Greetings again to all that visit here
We took a bus today from Tel Aviv to the city of Jerusalem here in
Israel. We walked through the new (modern) city, and into the old (walled)
city. It seems that we both would like to move there to the old city,
and we might try to do that soon. It was quite void of tourists in
the old city, with shop owners playing cards or just sitting around. One
man that we spoke to claimed that he hadn't made a sale in 2 weeks.
We found a hostel in the Arab quarter (which has Israeli-Arabs who are
citizens) for 15 shekels a night ($3.20) Steven had stayed there and
worked for them about 5 years ago when he was here briefly.
I thought to testify of an interesting thing that happened to us
tonight as we visited the Western "wailing" Wall in Jerusalem. There is a
arched doorway right next to the wall, where there seems to be some sort
of study room and possibly a synagogue. We walked in, and Steven went
up to this elderly Jewish man in a wheel chair. He had a long beard,
and was trying to communicate something quietly in Hebrew to Steven. I
figured that he was asking for "tsedakah" or an offering, but I came up
to listen anyway. He was saying in Hebrew "give me your hand." I told
Steve that, and the man started speaking these words:
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: the LORD make His face shine upon
thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up His countenance upon
thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26
He then took my hand and blessed me in like manner.
I must go, but I send my love.