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.