Yesterday evening I was called out to Sts. Simeon and Anna - out in the New City - where someone needed help and the community thought I was the only one who could. As it was Simhat Torah, the main thoroughfare was ghostly quiet. Did my best to help the person and then walked back home in the silent dark streets. Decided to stop by the chinese restaurant to buy some dinner (am having major problems with the food issue back home). It was only one of two restaurants opened because no work is allowed on this feastday. And sitting outside on the pedestrian walkway were the 3 arab waiters smoking their cigarettes. We usually don't speak in the streets as it's a Jewish neighbourhood (we speak arabic to each other), and if in the restaurant we keep chatting to a minimum because the waiters are not allowed to chitchat with customers. So since the street was empty, those crazy guys began shouting out to me, laughing and joking. It was good fun. But the waiter who worked the longest (and lives in Damascus Gate area) kept saying what happened? I've grown so thin. Well I just laughed it off. In fact, we were laughing so much and chatting that I forgot to pay for my dinner (veggies)! Only realised it when I got home!
Today our cook decided to cook me a steak as my appetite has been down to zero this week. It was a lovely piece of work - medium rare, with 4 mushrooms. Khalil is a very good cook. However not having eaten a proper meal for some time now, my stomach probably has shrivelled and is not accustomed to heavy food. So I started throwing up. Got real dizzy in the head. Yucks. Am feeling really sick now.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Feast of St Jerome
End of September. Another month passes and the year draws closer to its end. Today is the feastday of St Jerome the bible translator who died in 420 AD. He lived most of his life here in Bethlehem near the cave of Christ's nativity. He's also the patron saint for Bible scholars and students. So .... happy feastday to you all!
As the Middle East Peace talks stagger to a halt (again) and Israeli bulldozers (actually driven by Palestinians) start building on settlements in the West Bank, everyone is shaking their heads - it's that deja vu feeling every year. Been there, didn't do that. Talks fail. Here's a powerful article by an Israeli columnist on this topic. http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-confessions-of-an-israeli-anti-settler-bigot-1.316325
And hit-and-run murders continue in the coastal cities. Makes you wonder if it's safe to go to a coffee shop at all. http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=189710
As the Middle East Peace talks stagger to a halt (again) and Israeli bulldozers (actually driven by Palestinians) start building on settlements in the West Bank, everyone is shaking their heads - it's that deja vu feeling every year. Been there, didn't do that. Talks fail. Here's a powerful article by an Israeli columnist on this topic. http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-confessions-of-an-israeli-anti-settler-bigot-1.316325
And hit-and-run murders continue in the coastal cities. Makes you wonder if it's safe to go to a coffee shop at all. http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=189710
Simhat Torah
It's Simhat Torah. Here in Jerusalem the Jews celebrate it together with another feast Shimini Atzeret (The 8th Day of Assembly) - as is written in the Book of Numbers 29:35 "On the 8th day you shall hold a solemn assembly; you shall do no work." That's when the Jews also pray for rain in the Tefilat Geshem prayer. No work is done on this day so the city is very quiet - no public transport, shops closed, general calm. That's probably because the Jews have sung and danced and drank so much in joyful celebration they're probably sleeping in. They say the joy of Shimini Atzeret/Simhat Torah is greater than Sukkot.
The weather has changed dramatically in the nights; with winds that are very cold. But unfortunately the winds do not blow through the house so the nights are still stuffy and hot indoors. The days are still pretty oppressive.
Yesterday a large demonstration of women drew near the Ultra-orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Mea Shearim. Police had to to come in to prevent violence. The ultra-orthodox Jews of that neighbourhood have put into effect a segregation of the street - men and women walk on opposite sides of the road. The Courts have declared this to be illegal and the women's rights group have demonstrated against this discrimination. But as we all expect, the ultra-orthodox will hold the day. They do not recognise the legitimacy of the State nor the govt (only the messiah may restore the state of Israel) so none of those rulings will affect them. Segregated buses are also in practice here in this area.
Sr. Justyna wrote from Poland to say she remembers with nostalgia the Holyland. She sent this photo of herself and her sister (living in Germany) who paid her a visit recently. The photo was taken in Płock in Old City near the convent Sr Justyna lives.
The weather has changed dramatically in the nights; with winds that are very cold. But unfortunately the winds do not blow through the house so the nights are still stuffy and hot indoors. The days are still pretty oppressive.
Yesterday a large demonstration of women drew near the Ultra-orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Mea Shearim. Police had to to come in to prevent violence. The ultra-orthodox Jews of that neighbourhood have put into effect a segregation of the street - men and women walk on opposite sides of the road. The Courts have declared this to be illegal and the women's rights group have demonstrated against this discrimination. But as we all expect, the ultra-orthodox will hold the day. They do not recognise the legitimacy of the State nor the govt (only the messiah may restore the state of Israel) so none of those rulings will affect them. Segregated buses are also in practice here in this area.
Sr. Justyna wrote from Poland to say she remembers with nostalgia the Holyland. She sent this photo of herself and her sister (living in Germany) who paid her a visit recently. The photo was taken in Płock in Old City near the convent Sr Justyna lives.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Eve of Simhat Torah
It's Simhat Torah tonight - that's the last and most important day of Sukkot. Literally it's the Feast of the Torah. That's when the Jews celebrate the gift of the Torah by God to Moses. It's a very happy feast and pagans are allowed to join in. Helicopters have been flying overhead since morning and security is extremely tight. All the City gates have been closed, as all the roads near the Old City. They estimate 10,000 Jews will congregate at the Wailing Wall this evening. I would love to go and join them but the crowd and the security has dampen my enthusiasm.
I wonder why we christians don't have a feast to celebrate God's Word. Well yes we have Bible Sunday which should be the 1st Sunday of Advent; but frankly hardly any diocese celebrates it at all. And of course you can always say that Christmas is our feast of God's Word coming among us. But it's coming as man, not as a book - something which Ecclesiastes and Baruch had prophesied. So how about it? Start celebrating the gift of the Bible with a group of friends, ask your parish priest to start something, or your prayer group.
Below is the Priestly Blessing at the Wailing Wall on Sunday morning. The priests are those standing closest to the Wall, covered by their prayer shawls, with hands extended and moving side to side in blessing. The cantor sings word by word and the priests repeat after him. The video is pretty jerking - taken from the buildings up across the Wailing Wall. There's also a shot of the security blimp that's always floating above whenever there's a problem with security. At 0.48 see if you can spot me down below in the crowds!!!!
Here's another shorter video clip taken from below. Between 0.10 and 0.13 maybe you can spot me ... directly below the huge black speaker/scaffolding.
I wonder why we christians don't have a feast to celebrate God's Word. Well yes we have Bible Sunday which should be the 1st Sunday of Advent; but frankly hardly any diocese celebrates it at all. And of course you can always say that Christmas is our feast of God's Word coming among us. But it's coming as man, not as a book - something which Ecclesiastes and Baruch had prophesied. So how about it? Start celebrating the gift of the Bible with a group of friends, ask your parish priest to start something, or your prayer group.
Below is the Priestly Blessing at the Wailing Wall on Sunday morning. The priests are those standing closest to the Wall, covered by their prayer shawls, with hands extended and moving side to side in blessing. The cantor sings word by word and the priests repeat after him. The video is pretty jerking - taken from the buildings up across the Wailing Wall. There's also a shot of the security blimp that's always floating above whenever there's a problem with security. At 0.48 see if you can spot me down below in the crowds!!!!
Here's another shorter video clip taken from below. Between 0.10 and 0.13 maybe you can spot me ... directly below the huge black speaker/scaffolding.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Chol Hamoed
This morning I had to rush off to the Rosary Sisters' convent to send off Sr Laura and friend. Had to make sure they left safe and sound on the right shurut (minibus shuttle to the airport). Rushed home because Jadallah wanted to bring me to Mishor Adummim to buy bookshelves. That's the Jewish settlement in the middle of the desert just before you reach Jericho. It's amazing to find a huge city surrounded by miles of desert mountains. No ... they didn't have the bookshelves I wanted, but I found out (actually I saw) that the ancient ruins of St Euthymius's monastery are right next to this shopping mall. It was one of the largest desert monasteries in the 5th century, founded by St Euthymius and his tomb is right in the middle of the complex. Very impressive. Of course all that remains today are foundations and parts of walls. And further down the road is the ruin of St Martyrius' Monastery ... an even bigger cenobitic complex of the Byzantine era. The monks who lived out here in the desert must have been very brave - not just living a penitential life, eating only bread, dates and water; but also to suffer the constant arab raids on their monasteries.
As I walked home down our lane, shop-keepers called me over to tell me the dreadful news that the guy who sold freshly-squeezed orange juice in front of the Lutheran Church (near the Holy Sepulchre) was found dead yesterday. His body was mutilated and thrown some 6 kms away near the Kalandia checkpoint that leads to Ramallah. Everyone was very shocked by this. I went home to tell the rest of our guys and they too were shocked. Violence, reprisals, dangerous gossip always lead to a death. Yesterday night two muslim families behind our place also got into an argument. We think someone will die as a result. It almost always does. Honour killing, they call it.
Thousands of Jews continue to flock into the Old City during this period known as Chol HaMoed - the intermediate days between the 1st and 8th Day of Sukkot. They bring their 4 species (citron, myrtle, palm and willow branches) to the Wailing Wall to pray. Then they join guided tours led by yeshiva students to visit the muslim and christian quarters. Arab shop-owners try to get out of trouble by closing their shops early. Soldiers and police every 5 meters apart!
And after umpteen years living here, the shop attendant who sells fruit at the corner of Damascus Gate finally smiled at me and asked "How are you?" this evening as I passed by to bring medicine and stuff to Motehr Theresa's sisters. You can imagine I've been passing by that shop everyday, buying fruit there every other week, and there is no smile, no how are yous. It's always "5 shekels one kilo". Slap, bang in a plastic bag, payup and get lost. Hmmmm things are changing I see. A little customer service to pep up the sales.
As I walked home down our lane, shop-keepers called me over to tell me the dreadful news that the guy who sold freshly-squeezed orange juice in front of the Lutheran Church (near the Holy Sepulchre) was found dead yesterday. His body was mutilated and thrown some 6 kms away near the Kalandia checkpoint that leads to Ramallah. Everyone was very shocked by this. I went home to tell the rest of our guys and they too were shocked. Violence, reprisals, dangerous gossip always lead to a death. Yesterday night two muslim families behind our place also got into an argument. We think someone will die as a result. It almost always does. Honour killing, they call it.
Thousands of Jews continue to flock into the Old City during this period known as Chol HaMoed - the intermediate days between the 1st and 8th Day of Sukkot. They bring their 4 species (citron, myrtle, palm and willow branches) to the Wailing Wall to pray. Then they join guided tours led by yeshiva students to visit the muslim and christian quarters. Arab shop-owners try to get out of trouble by closing their shops early. Soldiers and police every 5 meters apart!
And after umpteen years living here, the shop attendant who sells fruit at the corner of Damascus Gate finally smiled at me and asked "How are you?" this evening as I passed by to bring medicine and stuff to Motehr Theresa's sisters. You can imagine I've been passing by that shop everyday, buying fruit there every other week, and there is no smile, no how are yous. It's always "5 shekels one kilo". Slap, bang in a plastic bag, payup and get lost. Hmmmm things are changing I see. A little customer service to pep up the sales.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Priestly Blessing
This morning immediately after Mass, Matteo and I ran off to the Wailing Wall for the Priestly Blessing - that is the blessing of Aaron the first High Priest. Unfortunately the piazza was already emptying out - it had just finished. What a disappointment. The two Grand Rabbis and lots of govt. people had come for the blessing by the descendents of the Jewish priesthood - those whose surname is "Cohen".
But I knew there would be a 2nd blessing at 9am so I went back, this time with Massimo Luca. The prayer started 5 minutes after 9. It was very emotional, profound and humbling. It was like being transported back 2000 years to the time when the Temple still stood and the high priest would have made the blessing. The Chazzan (cantor) sang each word and all the priests present repeated it. They were covered by their prayer shawls (tallit) with both arms extended in blessing. I remembered all of you and prayed that God's blessing through the ancient tribe of priests would rest on you for the rest of the year. It was a very very beautiful experience.
From there I went out to the supermarket to buy some veggies, then some toiletries before getting home for lunch. I'm eating whole-grain pasta now - which is good for me. I bought them from the supermarket. It's a bit steep, but since I get to eat something wholesome for a meal twice a week, why not? Met my former student Lorenzo in the lovely new shopping mall in front of the Sisters of St Vincent de Paul Convent. The sisters just celebrated 400 years of founding of their congregation by St. Vincent de Paul. I forgot to wish the sisters (whom some of you have been sponsoring - the orphanage on Bethpage) a happy feastday. Anyway Lorenzo looked good and happy - he put on some weight which is a good sign. He was terribly underweight and depressed because of studies but I think he's picked up his confidence now.
After lunch I went out with Jadallah our janitor to look for an indoor aircon unit. Last night the humidity and heatwave was so bad I slept on the open terrace for 4 hours. The dean told me this morning that I have to get the aircon otherwise I'll get sick sleeping outdoors every night. Well just my luck. All sold out - in ALL of Jerusalem!!! That's how hot it is!!! Got home but stopped to buy some tangerines (kalamantin in arabic) to quench my thirst this week.
In the afternoon Benedetto, another student came to see me. We had a nice chat - actually refreshing his memory on some things he learnt last week. He also helped put some semblance of order to my room - I was filing all my notes so researching would be easier.
This morning's reading was very interesting and Fr Lino preached a nice sermon. He reminded us that Dives, the rich man in the Gospel parable, was not in hell because he was rich but because he did not share his riches. Being rich is ok. Sharing is the key to heaven. Sharing expresses love of neighbour. So have you been sharing lately? Sharing your time, talents, an ear, a shoulder to lean on, a hug to comfort, and yes even your money to the poor?
But I knew there would be a 2nd blessing at 9am so I went back, this time with Massimo Luca. The prayer started 5 minutes after 9. It was very emotional, profound and humbling. It was like being transported back 2000 years to the time when the Temple still stood and the high priest would have made the blessing. The Chazzan (cantor) sang each word and all the priests present repeated it. They were covered by their prayer shawls (tallit) with both arms extended in blessing. I remembered all of you and prayed that God's blessing through the ancient tribe of priests would rest on you for the rest of the year. It was a very very beautiful experience.
From there I went out to the supermarket to buy some veggies, then some toiletries before getting home for lunch. I'm eating whole-grain pasta now - which is good for me. I bought them from the supermarket. It's a bit steep, but since I get to eat something wholesome for a meal twice a week, why not? Met my former student Lorenzo in the lovely new shopping mall in front of the Sisters of St Vincent de Paul Convent. The sisters just celebrated 400 years of founding of their congregation by St. Vincent de Paul. I forgot to wish the sisters (whom some of you have been sponsoring - the orphanage on Bethpage) a happy feastday. Anyway Lorenzo looked good and happy - he put on some weight which is a good sign. He was terribly underweight and depressed because of studies but I think he's picked up his confidence now.
After lunch I went out with Jadallah our janitor to look for an indoor aircon unit. Last night the humidity and heatwave was so bad I slept on the open terrace for 4 hours. The dean told me this morning that I have to get the aircon otherwise I'll get sick sleeping outdoors every night. Well just my luck. All sold out - in ALL of Jerusalem!!! That's how hot it is!!! Got home but stopped to buy some tangerines (kalamantin in arabic) to quench my thirst this week.
In the afternoon Benedetto, another student came to see me. We had a nice chat - actually refreshing his memory on some things he learnt last week. He also helped put some semblance of order to my room - I was filing all my notes so researching would be easier.
This morning's reading was very interesting and Fr Lino preached a nice sermon. He reminded us that Dives, the rich man in the Gospel parable, was not in hell because he was rich but because he did not share his riches. Being rich is ok. Sharing is the key to heaven. Sharing expresses love of neighbour. So have you been sharing lately? Sharing your time, talents, an ear, a shoulder to lean on, a hug to comfort, and yes even your money to the poor?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Introducing our sisters
So you've met our two resident nuns: Sr Aquila and Sr. Vicenta. They care for the chapels and kitchen. Sr. Aquila will soon be leaving us as she was sent here only as a temporary substitute. They belong to the Our Lady of Mercy Congregation, better known today as St. Faustina's congregation.
That's Sr. Vicenta on the left and Sr. Aquila on the right preparing dinner for us.
Still preparing dinner .....
If Srs. Justyna, Philippa and Hieronyma are watching this, I hope these photos bring back some nice memories of the Flagellation!
That's Sr. Vicenta on the left and Sr. Aquila on the right preparing dinner for us.
Still preparing dinner .....
If Srs. Justyna, Philippa and Hieronyma are watching this, I hope these photos bring back some nice memories of the Flagellation!
Saturday
Yesterday wasn't as peaceful as I thought. When I had to go out with our janitor to East Jerusalem to buy lots of stuff, we walked out of the City through Herod's Gate. All along the way we saw stones strewn everywhere, garbage bins burnt to cinder and rubbish littering the streets. There was quite a violent clash ... just outside our school wall, but I didn't know anything because I stayed indoors. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/24/israel.toddler.death/index.html
The weather has been very humid. The mornings see the Mt. of Olives all shrouded by mist. This morning the clouds even covered up the full moon. And it drizzled at about 10am.
Tomorrow is the Birkat Kohanim - the Priestly Blessing of Jewish priests given at the Wailing Wall. I will go early to catch the 1st blessing and remember you all there. This is the blessing of Aaron the first High Priest and is found in Numbers 6:23-27. It is still used in our Liturgy and also by St Francis of Assisi.
The weather has been very humid. The mornings see the Mt. of Olives all shrouded by mist. This morning the clouds even covered up the full moon. And it drizzled at about 10am.
Tomorrow is the Birkat Kohanim - the Priestly Blessing of Jewish priests given at the Wailing Wall. I will go early to catch the 1st blessing and remember you all there. This is the blessing of Aaron the first High Priest and is found in Numbers 6:23-27. It is still used in our Liturgy and also by St Francis of Assisi.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday without violence
Yesterday passed off relatively peacefully. There was no violence but the streets were definitely alot quieter than usual. Everyone was expecting something to happen today.
This morning at 6.45am the helicopters were hovering really low above our church while we said Mass. There must have been trouble in the northern section of the Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock esplanade). No violence in the streets though but certainly something was happening inside the mosque area. Lots of police and soldiers in the Old City. The call to pray at noon started off pretty calm. Then suddenly a second call was cried out; louder and more aggressive. The whole City could here it. The imam gave a fiery call against the injustices - the gates to the mosque were closed by Israeli police I understand - and the diatribe was heaving fire and brimstone. There was talk of hell and the devil and jihad. Fortunately there was no rioting in the streets like last year. Things I guess remained quiet for the rest of the day .... well I never went out so I really don't know.
I spent the whole day moving my stuff .... yes, another great migration. Now I'm thoroughly exhausted.
This morning at 6.45am the helicopters were hovering really low above our church while we said Mass. There must have been trouble in the northern section of the Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock esplanade). No violence in the streets though but certainly something was happening inside the mosque area. Lots of police and soldiers in the Old City. The call to pray at noon started off pretty calm. Then suddenly a second call was cried out; louder and more aggressive. The whole City could here it. The imam gave a fiery call against the injustices - the gates to the mosque were closed by Israeli police I understand - and the diatribe was heaving fire and brimstone. There was talk of hell and the devil and jihad. Fortunately there was no rioting in the streets like last year. Things I guess remained quiet for the rest of the day .... well I never went out so I really don't know.
I spent the whole day moving my stuff .... yes, another great migration. Now I'm thoroughly exhausted.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival
So say Sr. Aquila (left) and Sr. Vicenta (right)
It was a lovely moon last night, but heavy laden by threatening grey and purple clouds; columns of smoke rising from various districts that see rioting, sporadic bursts of stun grenades and shouts. It was frighteningly silent throughout the night ... except for our backdor neighbour who decided to do some construction work (illegal apparently) throughout the night till morning in the hope that the police are so busy chasing rioters they have no time to care for illegal construction. I'm suffering from the splurge of yesterday's festive lunch (reunion lunch of chinese religious in Jerusalem). I had fried rice, fried noodles, then back home I had an ice-cream cone. Bad bad bad for diabetes. I got terribly sick after that - nausea, diarrhea and blurred vision. What a way to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival .... sick in bed.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Riots (updated)
At 5pm several of us went out to the terrace to see what was happening below and around Lions' Gate (St. Stephan's Gate). The street was pretty empty; the shops had all closed and only locals were hurrying to get back home. We could see plumes of smoke from the Ras Al Amud district south from where we are. The rioting in the Dome of the Rock mosque was calmed and solders have left the place. Some local arabs in the street below signaled to me that the death toll is now three - but there is no way to confirm this. An Israeli was stabbed on Mt. Scopus. We think tomorrow and Friday things will get pretty tense. Perhaps they will close the gates of the Old City.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-police-leave-temple-mount-as-calm-returns-to-jerusalem-1.315217
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188921
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/22/israel.shooting/index.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11391719
Helicopters still flying overhead. At 11.30am the shop-keepers outside our place warned me that Friday there will be trouble in the streets so I should stay indoors. At 2.30pm they sent word to me that there was problem now as police have entered the Dome of the Rock compound and I should stay indoors for a couple of hours as it could get bad in the streets. I happened to be on the street at that time and saw a mufti being ushered hurriedly out of one of the mosque's side exits. Soldiers had blocked off the lower portion of our street towards St Anne's Church. Shops along the street were closing quickly. The tension is high in our quarter.
Helicopters flying overhead right now. Just received news that there are clashes now in the Silwan (Siloam) area - one dead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11387964 and http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188921 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/palestinian-killed-by-israeli-guard-in-east-jerusalem-1.315144
Looks like this year's Sukkot will end up like last year's - violence and rioting in the streets. Let's pray not.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-police-leave-temple-mount-as-calm-returns-to-jerusalem-1.315217
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188921
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/09/22/israel.shooting/index.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11391719
Helicopters still flying overhead. At 11.30am the shop-keepers outside our place warned me that Friday there will be trouble in the streets so I should stay indoors. At 2.30pm they sent word to me that there was problem now as police have entered the Dome of the Rock compound and I should stay indoors for a couple of hours as it could get bad in the streets. I happened to be on the street at that time and saw a mufti being ushered hurriedly out of one of the mosque's side exits. Soldiers had blocked off the lower portion of our street towards St Anne's Church. Shops along the street were closing quickly. The tension is high in our quarter.
Helicopters flying overhead right now. Just received news that there are clashes now in the Silwan (Siloam) area - one dead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11387964 and http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188921 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/palestinian-killed-by-israeli-guard-in-east-jerusalem-1.315144
Looks like this year's Sukkot will end up like last year's - violence and rioting in the streets. Let's pray not.
Sukkot rain
Sukkot - the Feast of Tabernacles (Tents) - begins this evening but already the rains came .... this morning at 7.15! What a wonderful gift! I was suffering terrible knee pains all of yesterday and old Fr Loffreda said it'll rain because he also suffered from knee pain due to the humidity. True enough this morning as I was feeding the canaries in the courtyard, I could see storm clouds above me. Nadia made a cup of turkish coffee for me and brought it out to the courtyard. I told her it'll rain and she said it's the Jewish feast (for rain) so it should! Within a few seconds huge drops of rain starting falling. The metal awnings started pattering from the large droplets and the children of the Omariyya school opposite us raised a resounding shout - it's raining! I went into the house to tell the superior and vice-superior and they came out to see the rain... well just about everyone else came out as well. It's been a long long time since we saw something like this here in this mountainous desert region.
It's also the Mid-Autumn festival (Sukkot is celebrated on the same day - full moon) but I think lots of chinese expats in the City will be having meals at the Mandarin Restaurant this evening.
Fr. Vincenzo sent a report on the summer activities for kids in Musky. You'll read all about it at http://holylandassist.blogspot.com
It's also the Mid-Autumn festival (Sukkot is celebrated on the same day - full moon) but I think lots of chinese expats in the City will be having meals at the Mandarin Restaurant this evening.
Fr. Vincenzo sent a report on the summer activities for kids in Musky. You'll read all about it at http://holylandassist.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Musky News
Fr Vincenzo has sent news of the latest Musky project. This summer the friars brought the kids out to the seaside for a holiday. Thanks to your generosity, this trip was made possible. For more news and video, visit http://holylandassist.blogspot.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thanks
Thanks to Rosemary and Claire Ho for their kind donation. It will go to help the poor in the Holyland. As most of you who have come to the Holyland know, we have lots of needy people who benefit from your kindness. Among these are Mother Theresa's Sisters whose work you all know (Bethlehem, Nablus, Gaza and Jerusalem); the poor in Musky (Cairo); the orphanage run by the Sisters of St. Vincent de Paul (Bethpage); the congregation of handicap sisters and priests (Bethpage) just to name a few. The help consists of buying food and necessities for the poorest; education and medical fees for children; heating in winter ...
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Blessed Cardinal Newman
Had a very strange Friday evening and Saturday. On Friday evening, felt very tired at 6pm and went to doze, hoping to be up for dinner. But overslept. Had the weirdest dream: dreamt of all the dogs I ever kept (now dead of course), all playing around, barking and having fun around me. I could recognise each one so clearly. Later early Saturday morning after a bout of asthma at 1.30am, I dreamt of all the friends and relatives who have passed away. Everyone was lined up as I passed by, everyone smiling and nodding at me. It was a very calm atmosphere, very peaceful and pleasant. But on waking up, I really felt strange about these dreams. Mentioned it to Fr Bissoli who smiled and said "Are you ready to go?". Well, I guess I am. But the weird thing is this morning CNN reported that a cult group had disappeared on Saturday, apparently in the hope of meeting Jesus and their dead relatives. See http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/19/california.missing.group/index.html?hpt=T2 And I'm getting word that several other people from around the world had similar dreams of meeting the dead during the weekend. What's up?
This morning I was at Dr Arye's clinic again. I was surprised that he remembered my name - he called out to me (in a french-hebrew accent) and said I was early. Well he was very nice and explained everything again to me about my condition; then shaved down the implant because it was too high and that caused pain in the upper molar, then did 5 new fillings (as a safeguard to avoid future problems) and applied an analgesic on the upper molar to lessen the pain I'm feeling everyday. Total cost is about S$100. Pretty cheap by local standards. And after all that, he smiled and said I can eat immediately as the fillings had set. That was nice news. And I didn't have anesthesia either. Dr Arye asked if I wanted it but I said no. He was very gentle with the treatment and I only winched once when some kind of light/ray machine was too strong and got the nerve.
After my treatment, I walked a good 5 kms back home. Very long route because I wanted to go to the supermarket (locally called Supersol; sounds like a gas station!) to buy some necessities: vegetables, whole wheat pasta (doc said I can eat that), mint-water. Not too many things as I can't carry all that weight home. Then having figured out that I hadn't eaten a proper meal for the past few days, I decided to go to Bolognese restaurant that serves whole grain pasta - and ordered a simple olio/alio (oil and garlic). Had been having a craving for pasta for some time now but did not touch any despite it being served at table several times this week.
This morning the Pope canonised Cardinal Newman. A great man - intellectual, prayerful and humble. Now we have another intercessor for us in heaven. Maybe it's time to meet him in person?
This morning I was at Dr Arye's clinic again. I was surprised that he remembered my name - he called out to me (in a french-hebrew accent) and said I was early. Well he was very nice and explained everything again to me about my condition; then shaved down the implant because it was too high and that caused pain in the upper molar, then did 5 new fillings (as a safeguard to avoid future problems) and applied an analgesic on the upper molar to lessen the pain I'm feeling everyday. Total cost is about S$100. Pretty cheap by local standards. And after all that, he smiled and said I can eat immediately as the fillings had set. That was nice news. And I didn't have anesthesia either. Dr Arye asked if I wanted it but I said no. He was very gentle with the treatment and I only winched once when some kind of light/ray machine was too strong and got the nerve.
After my treatment, I walked a good 5 kms back home. Very long route because I wanted to go to the supermarket (locally called Supersol; sounds like a gas station!) to buy some necessities: vegetables, whole wheat pasta (doc said I can eat that), mint-water. Not too many things as I can't carry all that weight home. Then having figured out that I hadn't eaten a proper meal for the past few days, I decided to go to Bolognese restaurant that serves whole grain pasta - and ordered a simple olio/alio (oil and garlic). Had been having a craving for pasta for some time now but did not touch any despite it being served at table several times this week.
This morning the Pope canonised Cardinal Newman. A great man - intellectual, prayerful and humble. Now we have another intercessor for us in heaven. Maybe it's time to meet him in person?
Friday, September 17, 2010
Yom Kippur
As the sun sets, the City grinds to a halt and Yom Kippur begins. The West Bank is closed off - including Bethlehem and Jericho. Public transport has stopped. Military presence is put on high alert. http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188450 and former Chief Rabbi, in the spirit of Atonement, makes amends with the Palestinians by wishing them long life. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/ovadia-yosef-atones-to-mubarak-after-declaring-palestinians-should-die-1.314243
Feast of the Stigmata
Conflicting weather forecasts for today. Some sites say it'll rain (60% chance), others say no rain. Well the sky is dark and overcast. And it feels very damp in the air. Let's hope it'll rain - after all, Sukkot is just a few days away.
This evening begins Yom Kippur. Our street is deathly quiet. Hardly anyone in the street except the couple of tourist groups who have no clue how dangerous things can become in a wink of an eye, and they MUST see the places marked out in their itin. The price of ignorance could be costly.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Stigmata of St Francis. He received it in a vision up on Mt. La Verna (otherwise called Mt. Alvernia for english speakers). Lorenzo presided at Mass and he preached a lovely sermon. There were only 5 of us for Mass. Everyone else went to the Poor Clare Monastery because the Abbess is celebrating her 25th Jubilee of profession. The Patriarch is presiding at the Mass, I think. Let's pray St Francis will send us a surprise and let it rain!
This evening begins Yom Kippur. Our street is deathly quiet. Hardly anyone in the street except the couple of tourist groups who have no clue how dangerous things can become in a wink of an eye, and they MUST see the places marked out in their itin. The price of ignorance could be costly.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Stigmata of St Francis. He received it in a vision up on Mt. La Verna (otherwise called Mt. Alvernia for english speakers). Lorenzo presided at Mass and he preached a lovely sermon. There were only 5 of us for Mass. Everyone else went to the Poor Clare Monastery because the Abbess is celebrating her 25th Jubilee of profession. The Patriarch is presiding at the Mass, I think. Let's pray St Francis will send us a surprise and let it rain!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
One day to Yom Kippur
Tomorrow evening Yom Kippur begins. Ultra-orthodox Jews have been waving chickens over their heads to cast their sins away despite the rabbis' call not to. And tensions are rising in the city - soldiers and police presence is building up.
I happened to meet the Greek Catholic bishop along the Christian Quarter this morning. He remarked how thin I had become and asked if I was ill. Well, he wasn't very well either: he was limping. I offered to accompany him back to his home but he said he could manage alone. He's a very nice and prayerful man.
These few days as the holidays are quickly passing, the few students here are taking advantage of the quiet to study and research as much as possible. But today we all felt out of sorts, No one could concentrate or simply had the will to study. One of the problems is the renovation going on downstairs and upstairs simultaneously - the library is being enlarged; and rooms are being renovated due to leaking toilets (namely mine). I'm getting stressed out by this. I want them to finish by Saturday (10 days) but they want 20 days - which I flatly rejected. How many days do you need to repair a bathroom that measures 170 cm by 160 cm?
Lorenzo said he couldn't study and I suggested we go take a walk - away from the stress, noise and dust. Well we did - separately. I don't know where he went, I decided to go visit some arab friends who run a hamburger shop in the New City. We had a nice chat, and along the way also met one of my (former) arab employees (as I'm not the boss now) with her sister. She's a good girl, just graduated from Uni. and I offered her her first job. I hope she'll gain experience and move on from there. We had a short chat too - all in arabic, which was good. I need brushing up.
On the way home I thought about Wahib, a Druze friend from the north. Almost immediately my phone sounded - it was Wahib calling! Like coincidence? How about last Friday when I thought about Christine and 3 days later she said she was thinking of me at about the same time and day! Chilling. Mind you I haven't heard from her for almost two years! Coincidence?
I happened to meet the Greek Catholic bishop along the Christian Quarter this morning. He remarked how thin I had become and asked if I was ill. Well, he wasn't very well either: he was limping. I offered to accompany him back to his home but he said he could manage alone. He's a very nice and prayerful man.
These few days as the holidays are quickly passing, the few students here are taking advantage of the quiet to study and research as much as possible. But today we all felt out of sorts, No one could concentrate or simply had the will to study. One of the problems is the renovation going on downstairs and upstairs simultaneously - the library is being enlarged; and rooms are being renovated due to leaking toilets (namely mine). I'm getting stressed out by this. I want them to finish by Saturday (10 days) but they want 20 days - which I flatly rejected. How many days do you need to repair a bathroom that measures 170 cm by 160 cm?
Lorenzo said he couldn't study and I suggested we go take a walk - away from the stress, noise and dust. Well we did - separately. I don't know where he went, I decided to go visit some arab friends who run a hamburger shop in the New City. We had a nice chat, and along the way also met one of my (former) arab employees (as I'm not the boss now) with her sister. She's a good girl, just graduated from Uni. and I offered her her first job. I hope she'll gain experience and move on from there. We had a short chat too - all in arabic, which was good. I need brushing up.
On the way home I thought about Wahib, a Druze friend from the north. Almost immediately my phone sounded - it was Wahib calling! Like coincidence? How about last Friday when I thought about Christine and 3 days later she said she was thinking of me at about the same time and day! Chilling. Mind you I haven't heard from her for almost two years! Coincidence?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Our Lady of Sorrows
The day immediately following the feast of the Holy Cross is Our Lady of Sorrows - that is, we remember Mary standing under the Cross watching her son die. Solemn Mass was celebrated on Mt. Calvary at the Altar of Our Lady of Sorrows (13th Station of the Cross). And I remembered the Canossians and also the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The sleeping pill I took last night was really powerful. Like it kept me asleep for almost 24 hours. I took it at 9pm last night and woke up only for lunch and dinner today.
Today we reflected on Yom Kippur that will be celebrated on Saturday. We discussed the last parsha (Torah) reading of the Synagogue before the readings begin again with Genesis 1:1 after Simhat Torah (last day of Sukkot next week). And some think the rabbi's sermon was touching and asked for it to be put on the blog. So here it is. It discusses Deut. 34:12 and relates to Moses breaking the 1st set of covenant and then making a 2nd set for the Israelites on Mt. Sinai. Here's the last part of the sermon by Rabbi Freeman.
The sleeping pill I took last night was really powerful. Like it kept me asleep for almost 24 hours. I took it at 9pm last night and woke up only for lunch and dinner today.
Today we reflected on Yom Kippur that will be celebrated on Saturday. We discussed the last parsha (Torah) reading of the Synagogue before the readings begin again with Genesis 1:1 after Simhat Torah (last day of Sukkot next week). And some think the rabbi's sermon was touching and asked for it to be put on the blog. So here it is. It discusses Deut. 34:12 and relates to Moses breaking the 1st set of covenant and then making a 2nd set for the Israelites on Mt. Sinai. Here's the last part of the sermon by Rabbi Freeman.
... Once the people [Israelites] had achieved forgiveness and atonement for their failure, Moses was told to carve a second set of tablets. These were not the work of G-d, as the first ones. Rather, they were the achievement of human work. They were merited through the repentance of the people and the stubborn pleading of Moses. These remained whole.
Both the second, whole tablets and the original, broken ones were placed together in the Ark. So too, in the Ark of your heart lie two sets of tablets, one broken and one whole. After all, when you find the Infinite, where will you put it? In your broken vessel? It will not stay. In a new, whole one? It will not fit.
So you allow your heart to feel broken in bitterness for its confines. And yet it is whole in the joy of a boundless soul.
And if you should say, "But it is impossible! It is beyond the capacity of a created being to be both something and nothing at once." You are right. It is impossible. That is precisely the advantage that Man holds over the angels: Only the human heart can be broken and whole at once. That is why G-d created you. To join heaven and earth. Nothingness and Being. To make the impossible real.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Exaltation of the Cross
Today is a big feastday for us - the exaltation of the Cross. There was a solemn Mass on Mt. Calvary at 8am. I guess lots of people were there because this morning at Mass there were only a handful of us at our place.
The weather today is cloudy and very damp. But no drizzle so far. We hope there'll be just a little rain before the drought begins. Please God.
As Yom Kippur nears (the Day of Atonement), Jews are spending these few days in deep reflection over the past year. One of the biggest issues being discussed/argued is the forced deportation of 400 (a few thousand more in the waiting line) children born of foreign workers here in Israel. These include many chinese and indian children born here and speak only hebrew. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/expulsion-eve-thoughts-1.313489 Will the powers relent or will they go ahead with this cleansing of the land ... with gentile children made scapegoats?
Now that there is no Temple and Altar, Jews celebrate Yom Kippur by placing their sins on a chicken and slaughtering it (they use to do that to a goat - the scapegoat); but now a leading rabbi has come out against this practice because it causes pain to the chicken hence not kosher. See http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188041 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/leading-rabbi-joins-animal-rights-group-s-campaign-against-kaparot-1.313459
Well there're so many things wrong in this land, yet there're so many things that we should be grateful for in this land. Perhaps Yom Kippur this year has coincided with the Exaltation of the Cross for a reason that we should deeply reflect - the atonement of sins for us Christians was once and for all completed on the Cross. And that alone is worth all the thanksgiving in this land.
The weather today is cloudy and very damp. But no drizzle so far. We hope there'll be just a little rain before the drought begins. Please God.
As Yom Kippur nears (the Day of Atonement), Jews are spending these few days in deep reflection over the past year. One of the biggest issues being discussed/argued is the forced deportation of 400 (a few thousand more in the waiting line) children born of foreign workers here in Israel. These include many chinese and indian children born here and speak only hebrew. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/expulsion-eve-thoughts-1.313489 Will the powers relent or will they go ahead with this cleansing of the land ... with gentile children made scapegoats?
Now that there is no Temple and Altar, Jews celebrate Yom Kippur by placing their sins on a chicken and slaughtering it (they use to do that to a goat - the scapegoat); but now a leading rabbi has come out against this practice because it causes pain to the chicken hence not kosher. See http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=188041 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/leading-rabbi-joins-animal-rights-group-s-campaign-against-kaparot-1.313459
Well there're so many things wrong in this land, yet there're so many things that we should be grateful for in this land. Perhaps Yom Kippur this year has coincided with the Exaltation of the Cross for a reason that we should deeply reflect - the atonement of sins for us Christians was once and for all completed on the Cross. And that alone is worth all the thanksgiving in this land.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Another week
Our airport is on strike! If you're coming here, well your luggage won't! If you're leaving, well you won't! http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=187910 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/general-strike-declared-at-israel-s-ben-gurion-international-airport-1.313549
So did you read about the knife attacks on Christians in Indonesia? Word is spreading in the Middle East that it's the result of the Koran burning incident, thought the govt. doesn't want to confirm. Let's hope there'll be no copycat attacks here.
Yesterday Jewish and muslim had parties in their schools - for the Jewish New Year and the End of Ramadan respectively. Kids were in fancy costumes, or dressed to kill (which can be terribly kitsch over here). But as long as they enjoyed themselves ....
At the Rosh HaShana annual state of the State report, the population now stands at 7.1 million. And some very interesting statistics on Jewish religiosity - http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/poll-fewer-than-half-of-israelis-see-themselves-as-secular-1.313462
Sr. Aquila is getting naughty nowadays, since she'll be leaving in a couple of weeks' time. Though she doesn't speak a word of english or italian, she gets the message through. But she's a good seamstress. Repaired my torn bag in a jiffy. So I let her make fun of me.
The weather has cooled alot - 23 degrees now and very cloudy. The forecast is rain tonight and tomorrow. But with our luck, it'll just drizzle and fizzle. The long term warning from the govt. is an extreme drought this year as no major rain will fall this year.
So did you read about the knife attacks on Christians in Indonesia? Word is spreading in the Middle East that it's the result of the Koran burning incident, thought the govt. doesn't want to confirm. Let's hope there'll be no copycat attacks here.
Yesterday Jewish and muslim had parties in their schools - for the Jewish New Year and the End of Ramadan respectively. Kids were in fancy costumes, or dressed to kill (which can be terribly kitsch over here). But as long as they enjoyed themselves ....
At the Rosh HaShana annual state of the State report, the population now stands at 7.1 million. And some very interesting statistics on Jewish religiosity - http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/poll-fewer-than-half-of-israelis-see-themselves-as-secular-1.313462
Sr. Aquila is getting naughty nowadays, since she'll be leaving in a couple of weeks' time. Though she doesn't speak a word of english or italian, she gets the message through. But she's a good seamstress. Repaired my torn bag in a jiffy. So I let her make fun of me.
The weather has cooled alot - 23 degrees now and very cloudy. The forecast is rain tonight and tomorrow. But with our luck, it'll just drizzle and fizzle. The long term warning from the govt. is an extreme drought this year as no major rain will fall this year.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Fire
Just 15 minutes ago, after lunch, I went out to the terrace to take a walk but immediately noticed a huge fire burning near the Holy Sepulchre, opposite the Lutheran Church. Thick columns of smoke were rising into the sky. It was terrible. I ran back into the house to alert everyone and they came out to see. It appears to be near the entrance of the Holy Sepulchre, but we are not sure. Someone immediately said "Let's hope this is not a reprisal for the Koran burning incident". Well if it is, then this is just the beginning.
Commemoration Day
There was a large demonstration in the Al Aqsa mosque yesterday after morning prayers against the proposed burning of Korans by a Florida church. The rhetoric was vindictive and aggressive. Christians here in the Middle East, and especially here in Jerusalem fear of reprisals and attacks by muslims today and the following week. Most have decided to stay indoors. Logic and reason don't hold sway here, so it's useless saying that the burning has been called off. Emotions have already been flamed and that's all it needs to start a new wave of persecutions against christians. When can we ever live in peace here?
Anyway it's 9/11 today and we prayed for the victims and the survivors of the tragedy. Peace seems as elusive as ever.
Anyway it's 9/11 today and we prayed for the victims and the survivors of the tragedy. Peace seems as elusive as ever.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Eid Mubarak
That's Happy Feastday in arabic. The muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan today - Eid el Fitri. But actually it ended yesterday. Three canon shots sounded around dusk to announce the end of the fasting season. But my muslim friends tell me they extended Ramadan by one day because this year it ends on the Jewish Rosh HaShana (New Year) and they didn't want to celebrate it on the same day, hence the 24 hour postponement.
This morning thousands upon thousands started gathering into the mosques for prayers. Unbelievable crowds. Started at 4am. Then 3 more canon shots were fired at 7.15am. At 8am the crowds started moving out of the mosques back home to feast. By 10am the streets will be pretty empty as everyone is at home.
While festivity is in the air for Jews and Muslims, unfortunately there's also a sad side to it. Gazans fired rockets into Israel the day before (Rosh HaShana eve) and the Israelis have bombed Gaza yesterday. And another person died from a shooting on the outskirts of Jerusalem, apparently a feud between Israeli Arab families.
The neighbours have been nasty (as usual). While I was working on my computer near the window, they threw two huge firecrakers at my window. They were extremely loud and had a stun effect. We have to put up with these people ....
The weather is turning quickly to autumn shades. Soon the leaves on the trees will be changing colour. At night the temp. falls to 18 degrees or so. Pretty chilly. The days are still pretty hot though, like 30 something. By the way, Mr. Fish died because during the heatwave, my room was so hot the aquarium boiled over. Now that's how hot it was the last too weeks.
This morning thousands upon thousands started gathering into the mosques for prayers. Unbelievable crowds. Started at 4am. Then 3 more canon shots were fired at 7.15am. At 8am the crowds started moving out of the mosques back home to feast. By 10am the streets will be pretty empty as everyone is at home.
While festivity is in the air for Jews and Muslims, unfortunately there's also a sad side to it. Gazans fired rockets into Israel the day before (Rosh HaShana eve) and the Israelis have bombed Gaza yesterday. And another person died from a shooting on the outskirts of Jerusalem, apparently a feud between Israeli Arab families.
The neighbours have been nasty (as usual). While I was working on my computer near the window, they threw two huge firecrakers at my window. They were extremely loud and had a stun effect. We have to put up with these people ....
The weather is turning quickly to autumn shades. Soon the leaves on the trees will be changing colour. At night the temp. falls to 18 degrees or so. Pretty chilly. The days are still pretty hot though, like 30 something. By the way, Mr. Fish died because during the heatwave, my room was so hot the aquarium boiled over. Now that's how hot it was the last too weeks.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Closed off
In the face of the Jewish New Year, the end of Ramadan and the 10th anniversary of the 2nd Intifida, the West Bank has been closed off and roadblocks have been set up throughout the country for security sake. That makes the Old City is most guarded place in the country. No easy movement these few days in the streets. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-in-gridlock-as-rosh-hashanah-falls-1.312975
Shana Tova
That's Happy New Year in hebrew. This evening we celebrate the New Year, the beginning of the year 5771 since creation. There'll be prayers at the Wailing Wall so the streets in the Old City will be packed, and probably some streets even blocked off especially in my area where Ramadan crowds are also gathering. Ukrainian Jews are spending the New Year back in their country where they will visit the tomb of their famous rabbi Nachman who died 200 years ago. But signs of the times - ultraconservatism is making alot of headway so much so that now Jewish men wear veils to cover their eyes from seeing profane things ... even in the airport.
Read the news at http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/this-year-in-uman-hasids-don-veils-en-route-to-rabbi-nachman-s-tomb-1.312612
Elsewhere in the city, frames and booths are being prepared for the feast of tabernacles. And for the muslims, the end of Ramadan will be celebrations in the streets in 2 days' time. These few days, it's impossible to find workers ... everyone wants to take holiday leave. Well i remember the riots of Sukkot last year .... hope it doesn't happen again this year.
Meantime my jaw is much better and I can start chewing soft food. As it's holiday season, I can't find a dermatologist to see my suspected melanoma, but I'll have to do it as soon as Rosh HaShana is over and before Yom Kippur. I've another appointment with Dr Arieh after Yom Kippur as well.
Right now I can hear a parrot squawking from one of our neighbour's house. What next? They hardly have room for a family and food to feed their children but they want to keep a parrot.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Nightmare night
I thought I was the only one ... but during breakfast everyone was complaining about it - no one slept a wink last night. Why? The noise out in the streets. The crowds have been blasting fireworks till past midnight. Youths shouting, singing and whistling until 4am. Tractors carrying food up and down the narrow streets. Soldiers and police running up and down to control the situation. It was impossible to sleep. Utterly impossible. If this is only the 5th day to Eid el Fitr, can you imagine what it will be like on the actual feast? Some of us have already said they're moving out for the week. Just found out that it was the 27th day of Ramadan when muslims believe heaven opens and God listens to all prayers. That's the reason for all the festivities.
I went out on the terrace several times last night to see what was happening. Nothing much ... just crowds and crowds moving into the mosque and out of the mosque, talking, laughing and eating. It was 3am. Well I guess it was like that in Byzantine times when Christians kept vigil during feastdays. Egeria's diary mentions that at about 3am crowds of christians would have gathered at the Holy Sepulchre for prayers. That was written in the 4th century AD. Nothing much seems to have changed, except the dominant religion.
My implant is alot better though I still can't chew. I'm just taking soft foods at the moment. Had a craving for spaghetti yesterday ... but the thought of raising the sugar level turned me off. Took some wholemeal biscuits instead.
Praveen is back from his holiday. He's alot thinner. I'm glad he's decided to reduce his pastoral work with the Indian community in Tel Aviv so he can study more this year. Linson has moved from Terra Santa College (my former home) to our place. He's finishing his final year this year. Both Prav and Linson are indians. Soon other students will be filling up the empty rooms. Another indian Biju will also come. Lorenzo an italian has already arrived a month ago. So much moving around.
I went out on the terrace several times last night to see what was happening. Nothing much ... just crowds and crowds moving into the mosque and out of the mosque, talking, laughing and eating. It was 3am. Well I guess it was like that in Byzantine times when Christians kept vigil during feastdays. Egeria's diary mentions that at about 3am crowds of christians would have gathered at the Holy Sepulchre for prayers. That was written in the 4th century AD. Nothing much seems to have changed, except the dominant religion.
My implant is alot better though I still can't chew. I'm just taking soft foods at the moment. Had a craving for spaghetti yesterday ... but the thought of raising the sugar level turned me off. Took some wholemeal biscuits instead.
Praveen is back from his holiday. He's alot thinner. I'm glad he's decided to reduce his pastoral work with the Indian community in Tel Aviv so he can study more this year. Linson has moved from Terra Santa College (my former home) to our place. He's finishing his final year this year. Both Prav and Linson are indians. Soon other students will be filling up the empty rooms. Another indian Biju will also come. Lorenzo an italian has already arrived a month ago. So much moving around.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tired
This morning few guys woke up for Mass at 6.30am ... there were only 6 of us. But the lay crowd was larger, about 10 people or so. It was very well celebrated though, and Fr Lopasso gave a good sermon.
Then the morning got worse... for me. I was invited for Mother Theresa's feastday in Bethlehem at 9am but I forgot it's 10am here in Israel (daylight saving change in Palestine and Israel). Couldn't make it there and back for my doctor's appointment at 12pm (11am Bethlehem time) considering the security checkpoint and traffic jam. So had to cancel it, to the disappointment of the Missionaries of Charity.
Instead at 9am, before I went to the doctor's appointment, I had to go to buy pipes, tubes, tiles, toilet bowls, sinks etc.. for the toilets that need repairing. But we couldn't drive back home because the soldiers wouldn't allow us to enter the Old City - they closed it. Had an argument with the soldiers who said I could walk back home but the car has to left outside the City. Since I can't walk well uphill, they allowed the car to go up to Stephen's Gate to drop me off; but once there we negotiate with more soldiers and police till finally we got permission to drive the car back home. Well over half an hour of waiting for less than 50 meters of travel.
By that time we were so late I had no time to rush off to the doctor. Had to get a taxi to cross the New City to the doc's ... some 4 kms away. Dr Arieh was really very nice. He had xrays done on my mouth, checked for cavities (none found), checked up on my implant, scaled the teeth. He was pretty impressed that my teeth were in good condition and needed no extra dental work. But he gave several warnings: the dark spot on my lip he says might be cancerous and wants me to go to a dermatologist immediately; then washing my teeth with flouride once a week (powerful stuff; needs prescription) to strengthen it. Well I better get those done.
Walked home 4km ... took me 2 hours: I walk very slowly and it was quite hot. It was 2pm by then. Nadia baked Ktayiff and I had 2 - tasted delicious! Was hoping to rest a little but received news that a visiting friend made a mistake of booking taxis to the airport. Had to go up 1km and see what the problem was all about. Now am utterly exhausted.
Then the morning got worse... for me. I was invited for Mother Theresa's feastday in Bethlehem at 9am but I forgot it's 10am here in Israel (daylight saving change in Palestine and Israel). Couldn't make it there and back for my doctor's appointment at 12pm (11am Bethlehem time) considering the security checkpoint and traffic jam. So had to cancel it, to the disappointment of the Missionaries of Charity.
Instead at 9am, before I went to the doctor's appointment, I had to go to buy pipes, tubes, tiles, toilet bowls, sinks etc.. for the toilets that need repairing. But we couldn't drive back home because the soldiers wouldn't allow us to enter the Old City - they closed it. Had an argument with the soldiers who said I could walk back home but the car has to left outside the City. Since I can't walk well uphill, they allowed the car to go up to Stephen's Gate to drop me off; but once there we negotiate with more soldiers and police till finally we got permission to drive the car back home. Well over half an hour of waiting for less than 50 meters of travel.
By that time we were so late I had no time to rush off to the doctor. Had to get a taxi to cross the New City to the doc's ... some 4 kms away. Dr Arieh was really very nice. He had xrays done on my mouth, checked for cavities (none found), checked up on my implant, scaled the teeth. He was pretty impressed that my teeth were in good condition and needed no extra dental work. But he gave several warnings: the dark spot on my lip he says might be cancerous and wants me to go to a dermatologist immediately; then washing my teeth with flouride once a week (powerful stuff; needs prescription) to strengthen it. Well I better get those done.
Walked home 4km ... took me 2 hours: I walk very slowly and it was quite hot. It was 2pm by then. Nadia baked Ktayiff and I had 2 - tasted delicious! Was hoping to rest a little but received news that a visiting friend made a mistake of booking taxis to the airport. Had to go up 1km and see what the problem was all about. Now am utterly exhausted.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Feast of St. Moses
Earthquake in New Zealand. Are you guys counting the number of earthquakes each week? We're still awaiting our turn here ... my survival pack is still nearby.
Autumn has set in. The sun rises much later now, around 6am. The Palestinian territories had switched to solar time at the beginning of Ramadan but Israel hasn't yet. But sometime this week the change will take place so as to facilitate Rosh HaShana. Have to watch out for the day of change otherwise things will get pretty confusing... as it usually does every year ... people coming down at the wrong time for Mass or meals.
The weather is also changing ... alot cooler than the last month. The night's go down to 18 degrees. The plants are picking up again from the heatwave, putting out shoots and flowers.
Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Moses. Moses, you say? Yes. Here in our land, Old Testament people are saints and we celebrate their feastdays. Abraham, David, Isaiah, Zechariah and Elizabeth ...... There is no canonisation process. Their virtues are recorded in the Bible which is the Word of God - that's enough authority to declare them saints! There's a solemn Mass up on Mt. Nebo (Jordan) where Moses died.
Meanwhile the streets are full of excitement. The muslims eagerly wait for the feast of Eid el Fitr, the closing of Ramadan; while the Jews are preparing for Rosh HaShana. I'd love to go out and have a look but it can be quite frightening in the immense crowd. The Al Aqsa mosque has a new muezzin (cantor) probably for the feastday. He's a very good singer, good voice and powerful lungs; and he sings in a minor key which sounds a little odd but refreshing from the usual tones we hear.
Autumn has set in. The sun rises much later now, around 6am. The Palestinian territories had switched to solar time at the beginning of Ramadan but Israel hasn't yet. But sometime this week the change will take place so as to facilitate Rosh HaShana. Have to watch out for the day of change otherwise things will get pretty confusing... as it usually does every year ... people coming down at the wrong time for Mass or meals.
The weather is also changing ... alot cooler than the last month. The night's go down to 18 degrees. The plants are picking up again from the heatwave, putting out shoots and flowers.
Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Moses. Moses, you say? Yes. Here in our land, Old Testament people are saints and we celebrate their feastdays. Abraham, David, Isaiah, Zechariah and Elizabeth ...... There is no canonisation process. Their virtues are recorded in the Bible which is the Word of God - that's enough authority to declare them saints! There's a solemn Mass up on Mt. Nebo (Jordan) where Moses died.
Meanwhile the streets are full of excitement. The muslims eagerly wait for the feast of Eid el Fitr, the closing of Ramadan; while the Jews are preparing for Rosh HaShana. I'd love to go out and have a look but it can be quite frightening in the immense crowd. The Al Aqsa mosque has a new muezzin (cantor) probably for the feastday. He's a very good singer, good voice and powerful lungs; and he sings in a minor key which sounds a little odd but refreshing from the usual tones we hear.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Last Friday of Ramadan
What a scene in the Old City right now. Thousands upon thousands of muslims flock into the Old City to enter the Al Aqsa mosque for the final Friday prayers of Ramadan. Next Friday is Eid el Fitr, the end of Ramadan. They started cramming in as early as 9am when prayers should have started at noon. The place was packed ... and Israeli police/military presence is very very heavy. Every 10 metres stand a group of police/soldiers.
Today's called Jerusalem Day by muslims - established by the late Ayatollah Khomeini - to protest against Israel. Alot of threats from islamic groups of greater violence. And disgruntled Jews over the Washington peace talks and the deaths of Israelis the past few days, have added their voice to proactive resistance and violence. It's going to be a very very tense week. Ramadan ends on Sept. 10-11 and Rosh HaShana begins on Sept. 8-9. It's a clash I dream never to see.
And the islamist are extra strict this year. Men and women have to walk on different sides of the street - even in the narrow road between the 3rd Station of the Cross to the 5th Station. Men shouting and beating sticks threaten the women to move to the right side of the road while men walk on the left. Even Damascus Gate has a barrier so men and women ascend or descend on different sides of the staircase. I was stuck in the middle of a group women because I had to turn to the right lane that leads to my house. I almost expected the stick swiveling men to beat me up. Frightening experience. Crowds just kept pressing forward and people shouting and screaming.
Helicopters are flying overhead and the blimp with panorama camera is floating above. Way of the Cross today is cancelled because of fears of violence. But I think this is nothing compared to what will happen next week when Ramadan ends and the Jewish New Year falls on dates that are hours apart.
Today's called Jerusalem Day by muslims - established by the late Ayatollah Khomeini - to protest against Israel. Alot of threats from islamic groups of greater violence. And disgruntled Jews over the Washington peace talks and the deaths of Israelis the past few days, have added their voice to proactive resistance and violence. It's going to be a very very tense week. Ramadan ends on Sept. 10-11 and Rosh HaShana begins on Sept. 8-9. It's a clash I dream never to see.
And the islamist are extra strict this year. Men and women have to walk on different sides of the street - even in the narrow road between the 3rd Station of the Cross to the 5th Station. Men shouting and beating sticks threaten the women to move to the right side of the road while men walk on the left. Even Damascus Gate has a barrier so men and women ascend or descend on different sides of the staircase. I was stuck in the middle of a group women because I had to turn to the right lane that leads to my house. I almost expected the stick swiveling men to beat me up. Frightening experience. Crowds just kept pressing forward and people shouting and screaming.
Helicopters are flying overhead and the blimp with panorama camera is floating above. Way of the Cross today is cancelled because of fears of violence. But I think this is nothing compared to what will happen next week when Ramadan ends and the Jewish New Year falls on dates that are hours apart.
Friday again
At yesterday's dinner we had a good laugh at the unexpected rain yesterday afternoon ... it wasn't much but it was a good sign. Someone said God worked too early ... he should have waited till Sukkot (next week) to send the rain.
At Vespers yesterday evening we could not start the prayers because the muezzin from the Dome of the Rock began his call. It was loud. We had to wait till he stopped before we could begin as we could not even hear ourselves. During those few minutes of waiting it crossed my mind what it must have felt for christians the last 1000 years to live here under muslim rule. And the thousands of religious monks and nuns who served and died here. I can't tell you how I feel. And what is more humbling is that I am now part of this mission ... and must be prepared to suffer, even to die just as they did.
My jaw is much better but I still have to take a painkiller once in a while. Like I said, the crown is a little misaligned and this makes biting or closing my mouth difficult. The nurse called this afternoon to confirm my appointment on Sunday.
Meantime despite the violence, everyone in the country is looking eagerly at the peace talks in Washington. Let's pray it works out.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
1st Rain
Today is the feastday of Blessed Claudio, a venetian friar. It's also the patron saint day of our dean, Fr. Claudio. We had Mass this morning to commemorate the event, and a simple lunch to celebrate. I had ice cream and mashed potatoes!
The topic around our lunch table was the coming of the rains. Everyone could smell the dampness of the air. It's 25 degrees right now and if the temperature lowers a couple more degrees, precipitation will take place. It's unusually cloudy and the winds are blowing from the east (Mediterranean Sea) hence it's loaded with water. The weather forecast for today is 20% chance of rain here in Jerusalem. This is from the Israel Forecast website:
And this is from BBC
And for the disbelieving/ignorant person who's living in our land (Emmaus to be precise) but still know nothing about it, here's a lesson on rain and the Jewish feasts of autumn.
On Wednesday evening 8th September we will celebrate Rosh HaShanah or the Jewish New Year. It lasts two days and the Jewish people take stock of their lives last year and pray for a provident year ahead.
On Friday evening 17th September they celebrate Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement, where they pray for God's forgiveness for sins of the past year and hope for a better year ahead.
On Wednesday evening 22nd September, they celebrate Sukkot, the feast of Tents, which ends on wednesday 29th. As the rains should fall during this period, farmers who harvest the autumn fruit need to build tents in the fields to stock their harvest otherwise it will spoil. Inside the tents, Jewish families today hang fruit on the walls to remind themselves of the agricultural origin of this feast.
whoooooa ... it's raining now in Jerusalem just as I'm writing. Coincidence? The dark clouds have gathered and from my window I can see raindrops ... it doesn't look much but it sure augurs well for this winter. Get an umbrella, Ting, if you're coming to Jerusalem.
Continuing with the Sukkot feast - on the last day, the greatest day of the feast (this year on wed. 29th) back in the time of Christ, the High Priest would offer water drawn from the Siloam Pool and poured out on the altar. He then prays that God will send rain for winter. The rains are God's providence for the Holyland that begins the New Year. It was during this feast that Jesus announced "Let anyone who thirsts, come to me and drink" (Jn 7:37-38), proclaiming as it were the true live-giving water that comes from him.
And so .... the autumn feasts are linked with the coming rains - the symbol of God's providence and life for the new year. End of lesson.
The topic around our lunch table was the coming of the rains. Everyone could smell the dampness of the air. It's 25 degrees right now and if the temperature lowers a couple more degrees, precipitation will take place. It's unusually cloudy and the winds are blowing from the east (Mediterranean Sea) hence it's loaded with water. The weather forecast for today is 20% chance of rain here in Jerusalem. This is from the Israel Forecast website:
| Updated: 3:00 AM IDT on September 02, 2010 | |
 | Thursday Chance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. High: 32 °C . Wind WNW 18 km/h . 20% chance of precipitation (water equivalent of 0.50 mm). Heat Index: 32 °C ." |
And this is from BBC
- Sunrise 06:15
- Sunset 19:02
| Weather | Temp. (°C) | Wind (mph) | HumidityPressureVisibility | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thursday Day |  Light Rain Shower | 26Max. Day | 10 | 43%1011mbVery good |
And for the disbelieving/ignorant person who's living in our land (Emmaus to be precise) but still know nothing about it, here's a lesson on rain and the Jewish feasts of autumn.
On Wednesday evening 8th September we will celebrate Rosh HaShanah or the Jewish New Year. It lasts two days and the Jewish people take stock of their lives last year and pray for a provident year ahead.
On Friday evening 17th September they celebrate Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement, where they pray for God's forgiveness for sins of the past year and hope for a better year ahead.
On Wednesday evening 22nd September, they celebrate Sukkot, the feast of Tents, which ends on wednesday 29th. As the rains should fall during this period, farmers who harvest the autumn fruit need to build tents in the fields to stock their harvest otherwise it will spoil. Inside the tents, Jewish families today hang fruit on the walls to remind themselves of the agricultural origin of this feast.
whoooooa ... it's raining now in Jerusalem just as I'm writing. Coincidence? The dark clouds have gathered and from my window I can see raindrops ... it doesn't look much but it sure augurs well for this winter. Get an umbrella, Ting, if you're coming to Jerusalem.
Continuing with the Sukkot feast - on the last day, the greatest day of the feast (this year on wed. 29th) back in the time of Christ, the High Priest would offer water drawn from the Siloam Pool and poured out on the altar. He then prays that God will send rain for winter. The rains are God's providence for the Holyland that begins the New Year. It was during this feast that Jesus announced "Let anyone who thirsts, come to me and drink" (Jn 7:37-38), proclaiming as it were the true live-giving water that comes from him.
And so .... the autumn feasts are linked with the coming rains - the symbol of God's providence and life for the new year. End of lesson.
Rains coming?
Another two Israelis killed yesterday. We're asking ourselves when this madness will end - but from the streets, they're saying it's just the beginning.
The weather has cooled alot. It's unusually cloudy and breezy now. Rosh HaShana will begin soon - the Jewish New Year - and a couple of weeks later it will be Sukkot - the feasts of tents - and the prayer for rain .... so hopefully this year God will hear us and give us the rains that's lashing across Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Korea. We need it so badly in this parched land. Several tropical storms here will reverse the drought that we've been having for the past 10 years. Let it rain here.
The wakers did their rounds this morning from 3am to 4am. Loud banging of drums to wake the muslims to eat before the sun rises. Then at 4.45am the cannon sounded to start the daily fast. It was very loud. The muezzin of Al Aqsa mosque was extra loud this morning.
The pain in my jaw has subsided. Sr Aquila gave me several pain killers last night. I'm still on a diet of cold mashed potatoes. And the crown isn't well aligned with the upper jaw. It makes biting difficult. I have another dentist appointment on Sunday.
The weather has cooled alot. It's unusually cloudy and breezy now. Rosh HaShana will begin soon - the Jewish New Year - and a couple of weeks later it will be Sukkot - the feasts of tents - and the prayer for rain .... so hopefully this year God will hear us and give us the rains that's lashing across Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Korea. We need it so badly in this parched land. Several tropical storms here will reverse the drought that we've been having for the past 10 years. Let it rain here.
The wakers did their rounds this morning from 3am to 4am. Loud banging of drums to wake the muslims to eat before the sun rises. Then at 4.45am the cannon sounded to start the daily fast. It was very loud. The muezzin of Al Aqsa mosque was extra loud this morning.
The pain in my jaw has subsided. Sr Aquila gave me several pain killers last night. I'm still on a diet of cold mashed potatoes. And the crown isn't well aligned with the upper jaw. It makes biting difficult. I have another dentist appointment on Sunday.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tension again
Tension all around as Hamas kills 4 Israelis. The Palestinian Authorities have arrested 300 people as a result. Can't believe the police and military presence in the city right now.
1st Day of school
Public schools have started here in our land. Parents accompanying their children for primary 1 classes; noise everywhere. Streets packed with cars and people. No fun.
Yesterday night was pure horror. Thanks to a bite of chocolate (no sugar type for diabetics), my crown came off the implant. It hurt. I had to go look for a reliable dentist this morning. The family doc referred to a french jewish dentist in Emek Refaim which is quite far away. The dentist was very nice and charged me only 100 shekels. We spent about 25 minutes as he washed the wound and implant, then forced the crown back into place. He asked if I wanted anesthesia but I said no. The pain was horrendous. He pushed it in to see if it fitted; then put glue, then pushed it back. Then I had to bite on a cotton three times to make sure it stayed in place. Had an x-ray taken. But the pain ..... the dentist kept saying "I'm sorry but I must make sure it's tightly fitted in place". Grit my teeth! The gums had slightly shrunk since last night so pushing the crown back meant peeling the gums back and getting some of the flesh jammed in the crown. The dentist had to slowly pull back the gums; which was pretty painful. Believe me, I thought about all of you and offered the suffering for you.
After that I walked home 4 kms ... had to save my last 50 shekels just in case for emergency. Well I actually enjoyed the walk - it's a new area for me. But the sun was quite hot despite a lovely breeze. Nadia our cook made mashed potatoes and 4 eggs for my lunch. I could swallow them otherwise I'd have died of hunger. Then sisters gave me ice-cream after lunch. That was nice.
Yesterday night was pure horror. Thanks to a bite of chocolate (no sugar type for diabetics), my crown came off the implant. It hurt. I had to go look for a reliable dentist this morning. The family doc referred to a french jewish dentist in Emek Refaim which is quite far away. The dentist was very nice and charged me only 100 shekels. We spent about 25 minutes as he washed the wound and implant, then forced the crown back into place. He asked if I wanted anesthesia but I said no. The pain was horrendous. He pushed it in to see if it fitted; then put glue, then pushed it back. Then I had to bite on a cotton three times to make sure it stayed in place. Had an x-ray taken. But the pain ..... the dentist kept saying "I'm sorry but I must make sure it's tightly fitted in place". Grit my teeth! The gums had slightly shrunk since last night so pushing the crown back meant peeling the gums back and getting some of the flesh jammed in the crown. The dentist had to slowly pull back the gums; which was pretty painful. Believe me, I thought about all of you and offered the suffering for you.
After that I walked home 4 kms ... had to save my last 50 shekels just in case for emergency. Well I actually enjoyed the walk - it's a new area for me. But the sun was quite hot despite a lovely breeze. Nadia our cook made mashed potatoes and 4 eggs for my lunch. I could swallow them otherwise I'd have died of hunger. Then sisters gave me ice-cream after lunch. That was nice.
Tiring Tuesday
I've been trying to rest today but calls keep coming in for this and that. And the workers are digging the floor of the library with drills - very very noisy. And I have to move out ... lots of packing. What a headache.
Last night I had to accompany prof. Ligato to New Gate to catch his shuttle bus to the airport at 1am. The streets were still full of people - being Ramadan - and some rowdy youths tried to cause trouble. Luckily police and soldiers patrol the streets every 10 minutes so we were not robbed or attacked. The police asked if we were alright and I said yes. When the prof. left, the police stayed around to see me walk off so that no one would cause more trouble.
I'm telling myself this is summer holidays and I should have at least 1 week rest; if not, at least to take all these changes slowly. I'll restart research next week .... if my brains and body can catch up. Knees and ankle are still hurting alot. Cutting back from the high sugar intake for the past week. I should feel better. But I'm just feeling so weak and listless.
Tension in the city talk. Palestinians are furious that rabbi Ovada made comments tantamount to a curse as a roundup to the Jewish New Year. "A tradition from the Talmud holds that the things you do to begin a New Year will have a profound effect on the entire year you're about to have. The foods you eat, how you sleep, and, especially, words spoken in anger.". The former Chief Rabbi chose to augure the Palestinians "be made gone from this world". http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-celebrate-jewish-new-year-with-a-de-occupation-seder-1.311068
Last night I had to accompany prof. Ligato to New Gate to catch his shuttle bus to the airport at 1am. The streets were still full of people - being Ramadan - and some rowdy youths tried to cause trouble. Luckily police and soldiers patrol the streets every 10 minutes so we were not robbed or attacked. The police asked if we were alright and I said yes. When the prof. left, the police stayed around to see me walk off so that no one would cause more trouble.
I'm telling myself this is summer holidays and I should have at least 1 week rest; if not, at least to take all these changes slowly. I'll restart research next week .... if my brains and body can catch up. Knees and ankle are still hurting alot. Cutting back from the high sugar intake for the past week. I should feel better. But I'm just feeling so weak and listless.
Tension in the city talk. Palestinians are furious that rabbi Ovada made comments tantamount to a curse as a roundup to the Jewish New Year. "A tradition from the Talmud holds that the things you do to begin a New Year will have a profound effect on the entire year you're about to have. The foods you eat, how you sleep, and, especially, words spoken in anger.". The former Chief Rabbi chose to augure the Palestinians "be made gone from this world". http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-celebrate-jewish-new-year-with-a-de-occupation-seder-1.311068
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