Aliyah to Har Habayit-- Temple Mount Today

Yes, today was a big celebration for me... I ascended Har Habayit-- Temple Mount today for the third time. As with the first time, I joined my neighbor Rachel Sela and a variety of women from Shiloh and further afield. It has been a few years since

Actually I was involved in an attempt to ascend Har Habayit which failed due to anti-Jewish government orders. I had forgotten about it completely until searching my blog for the links of my successful aliyot.

My second aliyah to Har Habayit was with my husband, one of our sons and his son, yes, three generations. It was very thrilling.

This week, the beginning of the Jewish Month of Elul, is a double anniversary for us, aliyah to Israel, 56 years, and aliyah to Shiloh, 45 years. So when I saw that Rachel was saying that she's going up today, I decided that I'd join.

Rachel ascends Har Habayit relatively frequently and invites women to join her. This time there were a few young ones who brought their children, even nursing babies. This was amazing to me, who took decades to make my way there, because it wasn't all that suitable aka safe at first for a young mother. Also, conditions for Jews were awful and dangerous. And then... it took me a long time.

Regulations have changed, even over the few years since my first visit.

Even though siddurim (prayer books) and Tehilim (Psalm) books are still officially forbidden, they offered us printed papers with prayers. And nobody stops anyone from praying from their phone.

We sang and danced to religious texts we knew by heart. We also got down on the holy ground facing the holiest spot praying our own private prayers silently.

There were also men in the group "supervised" by the same police officers. Yes, that's Yehuda Glick, well-known for his ascents to the Temple Mount and his miraculous recovery from an assassination attempt a number of years ago. 

This visit was more relaxed than my previous ones. At one point, the men who were assigned to our group had had enough, but we hadn't. We were allowed to stay with a newer one. The police were very accommodating. That began only in recent years, since Itamar Ben-Gvir became Minister of National Security, which includes the police on Har Habayit.  

Just to make things very clear. All of the Land of Israel, including Jerusalem and the Temple Mount have a long documented history as Jewish. Islam was invented thousands of years after Judaism, and Jerusalem isn't even in its early narrative and books. But on Har Habayit-- Temple Mount all the signs are in Arabic. Israel has failed to protect its most precious place, where both the Jewish Holy Temples were located. Thank Gd there is a bit of improvement, though we have a long, long, very long way to go.

Our group today on Har Habayit (with permission from Rachel Sela)

The Jewish People Have a Documented Right to Rule Israel Unlike Others...

The Jewish People Have a Documented Right to Be in Israel Unlike Europeans, Asians, Africans etc. in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand etc...

The only people/nation to have lived as a true nation, governing body in the Land of Israel aka Judea, later renamed by Hadrian to mask its Jewish identity. 

We've been living in Shiloh since 1981, forty-five 45 years. 

Biblical archeological experts agree and confirm that Shiloh, where I live, is the authentic Biblical Shiloh. There are no disagreements, which is pretty rare. Not all Biblical locations can confirm their identity/location. For example, experts disagree about Kever Rachel, the Tomb, burial of place of Rachel. Some think it's north of Jerusalem, not south in the spot that people visit.

Archeologists from all over the world, ever since the science began, have come here to dig and try to match what they found to the Biblical narrative. Also tourists, like Mark Twain, came to Shiloh and documented their visits. Twain found it deserted, which was how my neighbors who were the first Jewish families to return to live here in early 1978 discovered it. 

In recent decades more and more archeologists, Jewish and Christian have been devoting their time, energy and expertise discovering connections and proof to what's written in the Bible. 

Dr. Scott Stripling has been heading an annual month long dig in Tel Shiloh for years. His archeologists come from all over the world.

I heard the well-known Tanach scholar Rabbi Yoel Bin-Nun tell of his first visit to Shiloh, in between the 1967 Six Days War and the 1978 Jewish return. He hiked around trying to identify specific locations from the Biblical text. When he walked from south to north, at the furthest northern end, he saw wit was flat and a size that matched the area of the Mishkan Tabernacle. He was the first to recognize it.

Historically, the Jewish People ruled for over a thousand years, Judges, Priests, Kings, including a short exile between kingdoms. The Land was conquered by invaders, but no other native people ruled. Cities lost population and farms dried up, until early Jewish Zionists arrived to rebuild the Land and establish a Jewish State.

Much newer religions adopted parts of Jewish narrative forefathers and even claimed ownership of our Land as their own to try to delegitimize us to keep the Jewish People away. But archeologists have discovered synagogues under churches and mosques. Christianity and Islam are thousands of years newer than Judaism

Think about it, and share further.

All photos were photographed by me here in Tel Shiloh.

Hamas/Gaza War Musings #63: Thankful That Avinatan Or and Other Hostages Free From Hamas Captivity

 All photos here were taken by me, Batya Medad, nobody else.

You can see Avinatan Or, the tall one, in the back on the right.

As my readers know, I consider the "deal" very problematic. Bibi can't negotiate; he's too weak, woke and agreeable. He allowed other countries to represent us. Of course, I'm overjoyed that our totally innocent hostages, those still alive, were released by the Gazan Hamas terrorists, but they certainly didn't do it out of the goodness of their hearts. My theory about their agreeing will have to be explained in a later post.

Residents of Shiloh, plus Jews all over the area beyond happy at Avinatan's release. Authorities estimated that most of the hostages would need about two weeks of medical observation, tests, rest etc before being released home, so we were overjoyed to hear that barely a week after arriving in Israel, Avinatan would be allowed home.

Joyful supporters lined the roads for miles and miles, most of the route between the hospital and Shiloh. There were many stops where people cheered and he waved to the celebrants, so the trip back to Shiloh took hours and hours. In Shiloh we waited...

There were massive celebrations once they turned at the Shiloh Junction into Shiloh. Those of us waiting by the central square, near the Mishkan Tabernacle Synagogue, had been told that he'd be very soon, but we waited even longer. The family changed vehicles, so they entered Shiloh in an open one, so he could see his friends, and we could see him.

We all pray that he will enjoy good health and a wonderful life with his family and friends. 

PS for those who are asking if his girlfriend Noa Argamani was there... I didn't see her.

Hamas/Gaza War Musings #62: Israel Still in Danger; IDF Soldiers Still Need Tzitzit

Last night my friends and I had another Tzitzit Tying session. This was the third time in Shiloh, though just the second time for me. Special army-safe tzitzit are being tied all over Israel. 

Civilians, of all ages, men and women are finding ways to volunteer in the war effort. Israelis are amazing. Some people help families of the reservists, the wounded and the dead. They do everything from babysitting to bringing food and more. Others have "adopted" bereaved families and those of the wounded.

Trump may claim that he brokered a "peace deal," but the war hasn't ended. Hamas is still attacking Israel, and our precious IDF soldiers are still being killed.

Of course we're grateful and overjoyed that the living hostages have been released by Gazan Hamas terrorists. No doubt they had ulterior, though not humanitarian, reasons for that. Here in Shiloh we're awaiting the return home of Avinatan Or. Big celebrations are planned, Gd willing.

Gazans are killing each other, not that the international anti-Israel Left seems to care. If they can't blame Israel, it doesn't make their news.

No doubt my series Hamas/Gaza War Musings is not yet over. Stay tuned.

Israel Attacked by Hamas 2023/5784, War Musings #1

 

Hamas attacked the innocent civilians in the south of Israel, murdering, mutilating, raping, burning, kidnapping and more just under two weeks ago. 

Israel was taken totally by surprise. The military experts had trusted the fences and technology. And many of the residents, yes, some of those murdered/tortured and more, considered themselves good friends of the Arabs on the other side of the fence. Yes, many of the communities and families hired those very same "friendly Arabs" for industry, housework and all things in between. Survivors recognized their "friends" rampaging in the security camera footage.

I've been writing a lot on facebook, and I've decided that I must blog it, too. 

On Facebook, I've touched on quite a few issues. I'll probably take some of those thoughts and elaborate more on them here.

I presume you're curious about me and what's happening in Shiloh. First of all I must say that Shiloh, bli eyin haraa, hasn't had even one siren. as long as local Arabs stay quiet, we're OK. Most of my kids are in the Jerusalem area, which hasn't been as peaceful.

The first week, many people panic-shopped, and stores were pretty empty. Also, stores which employ Arabs found themselves short-handed. Our two local supermarkets are all local Jewish labor, so they found themselves emptying the storerooms. For me and my husband, who don't need much-- besides the fact that I always have "extra"-- we had all we needed. Then by this week, the store seemed to be fully stocked, business as usual.

I'm very involved with the "senior crowd" here for social and cultural activities. My Tanach/Bible group has been meeting as usual on Google Meet almost daily. I just haven't left Shiloh. There's no need, though maybe next week. Matan began this week on zoom. I'm enjoying the treat of first two weeks for free. I listened to lots of classes. 

After a few days of war, I almost totally stopped listening to the news. Maybe I'll elaborate on that in my next update.

Please ask your questions in the comments.

Rosh Chodesh Elul Soon... ראש חודש אלול מתקרב...

Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayers at Tel Shiloh, the genuine location of Ancient Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for 369 years and Chana prayed for a child. The Jewish Laws for prayer are based on how Chana prayed. 

 

In addition to the prayers, visit Shiloh Hakeduma, which is a lovely archeological site. Contact information: 02-5789111 visit@telshilo.org.il.

There are lots of activities for visitors of all ages. It's also possible to travel by public transportation, as it's a five minute walk from Shiloh Junction 461, 462, 464, 466 and 467.

Purim's Over, Rosh Chodesh Nissan is Soon

 

It's so true that time doesn't stand still. Late winter wild flowers are providing gorgeous decoration in my neighborhood. Last night we finished with Purim celebrations, and now the month of Nissan, and then  the Passover holiday are just around the corner. 

As you can see in the graphics above, Rosh Chodesh Nissan is just two weeks away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 8:30am. Join us.

ראש חודש ניסן

יום ה' 23\03\23 8:30

מתחילות ביחד בהלל ואחר כך מוסף

כולן מוזמנות

We celebrate with Women's Prayers singing Hallel out loud together and then a quiet Musaf. If you're joining us, please say the Shacharit prayer beforehand.

We meet in Shiloh Hakeduma, Ancient Shiloh at Tel Shiloh, the exact location of the Biblical Tabernacle; yes, Chana prayed here, too. Shiloh's where Joshua established the first Capital City of the Jewish Nation until Samuel the Prophet was told by Gd to appoint David as King. King David then united the Jewish People with a new Capital City, Jerusalem.

Shiloh Hakeduma is a well developed and maintained archeological site. There are lots of activities for visitors of all ages. For more information click or contact them 02-5789122 or visit@telshilo.org.il.

Shmitta 5782 Berry Picking at Bikurei Shilo

Moriah Rapaport Shapiro is seen here talking
to our group about Shmitta and the story of the 
picking farm Bikurei Shilo.

Shmitta, The Sabbatical of the Land comes every seven years, parallel or similar to our Holy Shabbat Sabbath which is every seven days. The big difference is that while Shabbat is required for all Jews in all parts of the world, and even universe, shmitta is only for those fruits and vegetables grown in the Land of Israel on Jewish owned Land.

During our two thousand years of exile, when Jews weren't working or owning the Land, shmitta became an unobserved and unknown mitzvah, even more so than the Mitzvot only observed in the Holy Temple. 

Shmitta only became relevant again when Zionist pioneers began farming in the Land of Israel. Rabbis, Jewish landowners and farmers-- many who weren't Torah observant have been struggling for well over a century to find ways to faithfully observe the mitzvah without damaging the economy. A few years ago, I reviewed a fascinating book about how the pioneers of Mazkeret Batya struggled for the rights to strictly observe shmitta, Rebels in the Holy Land, The Story of Mazkeret Batya.

Before we were allowed to pick the fruit, blueberries and raspberries, Moriah explained to us the history of the "farm" and psak, Torah decisions it's basing its shmitta practice. The fruit which is now ripening is the holy seventh 7th year fruit, so it can be eaten but not wasted. Any which must be thrown out is put in special receptacles, which they will handle later.

After the talk, we were each given a small container and set off to pick the fruit. The blueberries are delicious, a real treat. We got a lot of exercising while picking, since the ripe ones were low down on the bushes. There were very few raspberries ripe for the picking when we were there. Later in the season there will also be blackberries, Gd willing.

For more information on when to visit, open Sunday-Friday except for Jewish holidays, contact 0527966630. Bikurei Shilo is at the western side of the Shilo Junction and can be reached by car or bus. Individuals, families and groups are welcome. Their facebook page is in Hebrew, but you can message them in English. 

You can arrange tours and shmitta explanations in Hebrew and/or English for families and groups. Other activities are "tractoron" tours among the vineyards, bows & arrows, blow up playground activities, pitta baking, arts & crafts and more. Give them a call.

Besides the picking fruit, they sell all sorts of snacks including an "ice pop" made of their own fruit, which is absolutely delicious. There's also a playground for children.

We had a wonderful time, highly recommended for all ages.

Plea For Honesty and Openness, Please Admit When COVID Positive

I should hope that by now everyone, even the most fanatic of the doubters, admits that COVID corona can be very deadly and is extremely contagious.

Here in Shiloh we periodically get notices about neighbors being COVID Positive, meaning that they have been officially diagnosed as sick with corona. 

In the beginning, I was pretty relaxed figuring that not too many neighbors had gotten the disease, since so few names had been released. But then I began to notice a major discrepancy in the numbers of those whose names had been released and the total number announced of  affected people living here in Shiloh. You don't have to be a CPA's daughter like myself to know that the numbers weren't adding up at all. 

Then I discovered something very, very disturbing and worrying. Quite a few people had been refusing to release their names to the general public, insisting that they would let everyone they had been in "close" contact during the crucial contagion days know. Technically, the law is with them on that. But it means that if their family members -including young kids- aren't keeping the legally required quarantine, we innocent/ignorant neighbors have no idea of knowing. That's dangerous, especially since children are known to be asymptomatic COVID Positive in many cases. 

Another "privacy" issue concerns who has been vaccinated and who hasn't?

When I decorated our Shiloh 43rd Birthday/Anniversary poster, I added the "We've Been Vaccinated" sticker I had. I think it's very important to know if someone has or hasn't been vaccinated. Many of us are making great efforts to stay healthy and protect others.

I'm always masked when outdoors and do my best to keep my distance from those whose vaccination and health status are unknown and possibly dangerous. 

IMHO all those men and women too who pray in a minyan, whether inside or outside, must make a public notice if they're confirmed as COVID Positive. The same goes for any staff member in a store or a medical clinic. The health safety of others should override personal privacy. That's why I've written this: 

Plea For Honesty and Openness, Please Admit When COVID Positive

Wintery Rosh Chodesh Shevat

Chodesh Tov!

Today's Rosh Chodesh Shevat, and I had to decide between risking getting soaked and then stuck at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh or just walking to wear I could see the Site of the Biblical Mishkan Tabernacle and pray there. I went for the view of the holy site, rather than risk my health. Judaism stresses that one isn't supposed to risk their heath. That's why today, when group gatherings --including prayers-- are considered possible contagion sources for COVID corona, many people either gather in small minimal groups outdoors or stay home for prayers.

A friend and I joined together via WhatsApp video for Hallel, which we prayed out loud. I don't think anyone was within hearing distance to me. Considering the weather, it was perfect.

Of course the weather did get brighter immediately after we finished, but I expected that. And I also was sure that if I had walked to Shiloh Hakeduma Tel Shiloh it would have rained. One can always count on Murphy's Law. 

Next Rosh Chodesh will be Adar, which falls on Friday and Saturday/Shabbat, February 12 & 13. So we'll plan on praying together that Friday, 8:30am Gd willing.

בעוד חודש יהיה ראש חודש אדר, ימי שישי ושבת, אז בע"ה נתפלל ביחד בשילה הקדומה ביום ו', 12\02\2021 ב8:30 בבוקר.

In all the years I've been organizing Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayers at Tel Shiloh, this is the first year when two months in a row it rained Rosh Chodesh morning. Gd willing this is a good sign for the Land of Israel and the Jewish People.

If you'd like more information about our Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayers, please email me shilohmuse@gmail.com with Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayers as subject.

Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh is a wonderful archeological site with lots to see and do. For more information contact 02-5789122,  visit@telshilo.org.il

Rosh Chodesh Prayers, Tevet 5781, Save The Date

This morning I walked down to Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh to meet friends for our Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayers. 

Next month Rosh Chodesh Tevet will be Wednesday December 16, 8:30am.

 תפילת נשים בשילה הקדומה ראש חודש טבת, יום ד', תשפ"א, 16\12\2020 8:30 בבוקר מוזמנות 

Save the date and join us.

Shiloh Hakeduma is a wonderful archeological park with all sorts of activities for all ages. It's open every day except Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. 

Contact the office for more information. 02-5789122, visit@telshilo.org.il There should be special activities during Chanuka. 

Yes, this is the real Shiloh, where the Tabernacle stood for close to four hundred years, and Chana prayed for a son.

Exploring Local Shopping Center aka Shiloh Industrial Zone

About a mile from my house, downhill, is the "Aizor Ta'asi'ah," Shiloh Industrial Zone, which also has all sorts of stores. I hadn't been there for a couple of years, since we shop in the supermarket closer to our home. We also don't have a car, so although walking down is easy, walking up is another story. But this week, just before the rains began, a neighbor and I decided to do our walk down there to look around. She drove over, and then she drove me back up. 

Besides the more industrial carpentry shop and aluminum door/window place and the large hardware/building supply place, there are stores. There's a supermarket, discount toy, crafts, miscellaneous store like the old time "five and dime." We discovered a barber shop, shoe shop and other businesses that have closed down. There's a state of the art fitness center, which is closed until the government decides otherwise; the owner was there, so we stepped in to look around. There's even a very attractive store that sells wall tiles, bathroom fixtures and faucets. I'd like to take a better look when we redo our bathrooms. Not everything was open, because of the lockdown. 

The Shiloh Industrial Zone can be easily accessed from Highway 60; turn off to Shiloh.

Here are some photos.