Want fries with that? 

An indication of a Christian presence during the Bysantine period at Tel Mamshit. 

Investigating a small temple in the fortress unearthed at the ancient site of the city of Arad, dating back over 2,000 years. 

Resting in the Mamshit Valley. 

What a marvellous discovery in the Negev desert in the south of Israel. 

Descending into a huge underground cistern used at a 6,000 year old city near Be'er Sheva. 

TWO REPORTS ON PALESTINIAN ELECTIONS

The following analysis via Dr. David Burrell, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, Notre Dame University. David asked two friends to offer up their thoughts on the elections....

Sun, January 29, 2006 4:15 pm

Here are two reports from the ground, the first (a two-phase report) from a Muslim Palestinian in Bethlehem, the other from a Christian Palestinian resident of Jerusalem. Noah Salameh, a graduate of the Note Dame MA in peace studies, directs a peace and reconciliation center in
Bethlehem; Bernie Sabella is a sociologist who has long studied Christian Palestinians, and has long been involved with Middle East Council of Churches.

from Noah Salameh (26 January 06)
The Palestinian Elections

The results of the Palestinian elections cause a fundamental change to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

I'm trying to look back and understand why the Palestinian people reacted and voted for Hamas, also those who have not been Hamas supporters before.

Fatah has been ruling the Palestinian people since the Oslo Agreement in 1994. Fateh selected the negotiation track and accepted the Oslo agreement and also the Road Map. This is on the political side. As Palestinians, our people are very disappointed from the achievement of the negotiations. I think that Palestinians gave too much support to Abu Mazen in the presidential election. After the elections we did not get the hoped for improvements in our lives - reducing the checkpoints, improving the economic situation, or fighting corruption.

So the weakness of Abu Mazen and the lack of support from the USA and the EU in the negotiations played a strong element in the Palestinian elections.

I think that the interference of the American money in the elections hurt what the American Consulate called "support for the democratic political organization".

This is what we call ‘you love someone until you kill him/her’.

Also I think that the money from the US supported the elites who already have money but lack credibility in the public.

So I think that everyone involved in this conflict and interested in peace has to evaluate the recent period and reconsider their policy and actions. I think that the Palestinian vote is a protest against the negotiation process, which lasted all these years without managing to open one checkpoint or cancel the British Emergency Laws, which rule since 1945, or have an impact on the corruption in the Palestinian Authority.

Peace is not just an agreement, it is changing the life of people, it is giving our children hope, it is ending the occupation, and it is stopping using double measures from the democratic worlds.

We – the Palestinian peace movement – will continue to struggle by nonviolent means against the occupation, the corruption and raise hope for the future of the children in Palestine and the world.

It is difficult to be optimistic in this time, but we have to work hard if we want peace based on justice, respect, equality and reconciliation.

Noah Salameh

follow-up from Noah Salameh:
Bethlehem, Saturday, January 28, 2006

It is three days after the Palestinian Elections and the victory of Hamas. Most reactions from inside Palestine, from Israel, Europe, the US, the whole world focus on the results of the elections, and not the democratic process and smooth functioning, the peaceful transfer of the
authority. And hardly anyone is looking for the reasons of these results.

For me in fact it is of highest importance to understand why the Palestinian people voted for Hamas. In my opinion, there are several reasons:

1) The failure of the peace process – the so-called peace process of the last decade did not produce any positive change in Palestinians’ daily
life. Even after the election of Abu Mazen, accepted by the Israelis as moderate candidate, Israel still claimed that there is no Palestinian partner for negotiations and refused to improve the restrictions on our life. We are still living in three cantons in the West Bank and all the
Palestinian cities are disconnected from each other.

2) The corruption - the trust in Fateh as the leading political party in the Palestinian Authority has been lost after years of corruption. Many Palestinians wanted to punish Fateh by voting for Hamas.

3) The double measures from the US and the EU on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict. When Israel kills 10 Palestinians or violates human rights, they voice very soft criticism, but if a Palestinian group kills any Israeli, all the US politicians and the EU condemn and punish the Palestinians
accusing them of terrorism.

Palestinians feel that whatever they do, they will never reach the level of support that Israel enjoys from the US and Europe, because the power of the Jewish lobby in the United States and the feeling of guilt from the Europeans towards the Jews and the fear from the accusation of anti-Semitism.

4) Since the Palestinian Nakba in 1948, the UN is discussing in almost every assembly meeting and Security Council the rights of the Palestinians and there are tens of decisions about the Palestinian rights and respecting Palestinian human rights, though these decisions have no effect at all. At the same time, UN decisions on Iraq, Sudan, Libya, or Bosnia are implemented by force. Israel is always an exception, so the Palestinians lost trust in the UN.

All in all, because of the above many Palestinians lost trust in the peace process, in Fateh, and in the world. For Palestinians it seems that there is no worse situation than the present one, what worse could happen? Palestinians show their disappointment and protest their difficult and worsening situation by voting for Hamas. They lost trust in the ‘democratic’ world; they lost hope in changing their situation through one-sided negotiations.

In my opinion, it is important to give the desperate Palestinians hope and prove to them that the democratic world is against occupation, against violations of human rights, and of Palestinian human rights in particular. The world should be against checkpoints and daily humiliation of
Palestinians, against confiscation of land and demolishing homes. The question remains why the world stands up now to demand Palestinians to change, while they never demand from Israel to change their treatment of the Palestinians, to stop building an apartheid wall separating between students and their schools and families from other parts.

I am not writing to defend Hamas or to criticize the democratic world. I feel pain because I cannot help my people to have their freedom without violence because there is not enough support from the world for our non-violent struggle and peace education. I do not think that nonviolent struggle can succeed in Palestine without strong support from abroad, by
pressure on Israel to respect Palestinian human rights, to humanize us in their laws, education and the military orders, which make Palestinian life hell.

There are still peace movements in Palestine, and the majority of Palestinians want peace based on justice, respect and equality.

Noah Salameh



Palestinian Elections: Victory for Democracy

Dr. Bernard Sabella, Jerusalem

January 27, 2006

I ran as a Fatah candidate in the January 25th Palestinian parliamentary elections and I won the trust of my people for one of the two Christian seats from Jerusalem. My campaign was not a sophisticated one as I attempted throughout to reach people in Jerusalem; its villages, refugee camps, towns and other communal localities on a person to person basis. I had also opportunities to address relatively large audiences, some of which topped 500 people. Throughout I learnt many lessons from my people as they aired their views on current developments and their expectations for the future.

Their concerns were mainly concerns related to daily preoccupations, special needs, services and the impact of the concrete wall and Israeli military occupation practices that separate them from each other and from their basic rights of movement, free access and normal living. They stressed the need for honest communication and periodic visits of their representatives. While
each locality has its unique problems, they are all willing to work together in order to come up with a comprehensive development plan that will include all of greater Arab Jerusalem.

In the village of Beit Anan, most Western village of Jerusalem, Jad a young Palestinian who just finished college and is unemployed spoke of the needs of young people. He elaborated his expectations and specified his plans for the development of his village of 5000 with the hope that projects that will generate employment opportunities will be launched. The village council president spoke of the medical needs of the community that does not have a clinic or even an ambulance. When there is a case that needs urgent medical attention, the trip to Ramallah takes more than one and the half hour in part due to the Israeli separation barrier and to the poor standards of the roads out of the village.

In the town of Sawahrah Ash Sharqiyah, 'Ali a young Fatah activist spoke eloquently of the need to reform Fatah. He said there are many young people whose commitment to Fatah is one of principle and they are sad when some irresponsible people "hijack" the movement and its principles for self interests and narrow goals. 'Ali was referring to some practices that
were part of the election campaigning and that weakened the ability of Fatah to perform more effectively. But Jad and 'Ali gave me inspiration that our young people who are committed to ideals and principles should be encouraged to become part of the political process. It is young people like Jad and 'Ali who are going to make the difference for our people and its future

In 'Arab Al Jahalleen, a Bedouin encampment turned village on the Eastern outskirts of erusalem, the concerns revolved around providing feed to livestock on a regular basis and with affordable prices. There was a request by the Sheikh of Jahalleen, Abu Ahmad, that those officials at the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture should be qualified to deal with the
questions related to land, agriculture and livestock. Abu Ahmad expressed concern that some staff members in the Ministry of Agriculture do not have the proper qualifications to fill their positions. As a joke, Abu Ahmad, said over a cup of specially brewed Arabic coffee that some staffers are educated in "Paris" and know nothing about Jahalleen and its agricultural and livestock needs.

During the campaign I have touched base with our people and saw the love we all have to the good earth of Palestine. I was also elated by the participation of Christian Palestinians in the process. A group of Christian organizations held an open debate for all 9 Christian candidates in the Arab Orthodox Club of Dahiat Al Barid, north of Jerusalem. Over 250 people attended and the debate among candidates was truly heated but polite with the written questions from the audience touching on hot political, social and other issues and agendas pertaining to each of the candidates. On a more personal initiative, I held one meeting with over 100 Christian Palestinians and they were all of the opinion that participation in the election was a serious obligation.

Some ask me about the Hamas landslide. My own interpretation is that this is democracy and our Palestinian people have cast their vote. I would have loved to see my Fatah movement win a comfortable majority but this did not happen due to so many different factors. The challenge now is whether internal Palestinian reform can be accomplished without the adoption of
pragmatic positions on the political front. All Palestinians without exception want an end to Israeli occupation and the sooner the better. The question of how to accomplish this has been debated again and again in various Palestinian factions and movements over the years. Now that Hamas has become the political majority movement, the debate is going to be on its agenda. I realize that difficult and hard decisions await to be taken by Hamas. A movement that is at the helm of government is necessarily different from a movement in opposition or altogether out of government. I pray that Hamas would make the correct choices which are in the interest of our
people, first and foremost.

I am cautiously optimistic and I am not alarmed. We need lots of wisdom on all sides. I am confident that the quiet and yet dedicated approach shown by Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, Abu Mazen, our President throughout the elections campaign and upon the publication of the results would help greatly in the strenuous process that awaits all of us in the coming months. I realize that much work needs to be done and I am hopeful that I will be, together with my PLC colleagues, up to the challenge. Most important I promise not to disappoint the trust and confidence that Jad and 'Ali and thousands others of my Palestinian compatriots have placed in me. I also promise to work hard within our Fatah movement to re-haul it and move it forward.

In the end whatever gains we make in the PLC and in the Fatah movement will be the
gains of our Palestinian people.

Closing Agape Meal for Week of Prayer For Christian Unity - Sunday, January 29 - at Malekite Orthodox Church, Jerusalem 

Malekite Priest - Malekite Orthodox Church, Jerusalem. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Sunday, January 29 

A HEAVY BURDEN ON ISRAEL

So the Palestinian election has been held, and yes, the results caught most people off guard. Life continues as usual in Israel and a lot of questions and more than plenty of analyses are being offered yp to explain what happened on January 25th. There have been a few "fisty-cuffs" that the world media makes look like civil war. So beware when you read or listen to what is being said about events in Israel.

The article below is well worth the reading.....


By Nazir Majali

There is no doubt that the surprising Hamas victory in the Palestinian Authority elections has created a new reality in the region, which also has international implications. Everyone who has anything to do with the conflict, and every country that is concerned with matters of Islamization, will have to examine what has happened -especially Israel.

Israel will be the crucial factor in determining the international attitude, and even the attitude of the Arab world, with respect to this new development. Everyone will be waiting for Israel's reaction with bated breath. Any mistake it makes in the analysis of the situation and the response it necessitates will determine the nature of the others' reaction.

Ostensibly, it is possible that this situation will afford Israel a strong position of power. But the truth is that a heavy burden of responsibility has now fallen on Israel's shoulders, not only one of regional dimensions but also on an international scale. It must not flee from this responsibility. On the contrary: The way Israel deals with this new development will be the first real test of Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government. Here, relying on "what Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would have done" will be to no avail, nor will a return to the old policy of Israeli governments. And it will not be right to be dependent on fears of the reaction from the Israeli right on the eve of the elections. Here the outcome of the Palestinian elections necessitates good judgment, strategic vision and the taking of wise steps, which above all demands learning the lessons of the past.

The first thing with which no mistake must be made is non-acceptance of the results of the elections and all that this implies. The very fact of the Palestinians' success in conducting orderly elections, different from all the elections that have ever been held in the Arab states and in the Third World - even though the Palestinians do not yet have a state - is a positive step in the right direction. And the ruling Palestinian party, i.e., Fatah, must be encouraged to accept the results and hand over the mantle of government to Hamas, which won. The countries of the Western world, in this case headed by Israel, are the ones who must give an example of accepting the Palestinians' democratic decision. They wanted these elections. They even pressed for them to be held. And they must prove that they see democracy as a supreme value.

It is, of course, necessary and even essential to examine what has happened. And everyone must do this. This is true first of all of Fatah and Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) personally. It is equally true for Israel and the Americans. Many mistakes were made before the Palestinians voted the way they did. And not only as a result of the government corruption, the poverty and the loss of hope among the Palestinian public. It is worthwhile to examine, for example, who established Hamas and who encouraged it, and why those who did this have not been called to account for it. And it is worthwhile to ask whether the strategy of "getting rid of (Yasser) Arafat" was correct and did not make a crucial contribution to the situation today. And a great many other equally important questions must be addressed to all the sides, and especially the Palestinian side. Perhaps this will occur later and not now.

It would be a grave mistake if it is decided in Israel or the West to punish the Palestinian people for electing Hamas. The threats to stop financial aid and to confront the Palestinian people with its mistake will only lead to the opposite result. Let the Palestinians decide for themselves what is good and what is bad for them. This is the nature of democracy.

The writer analyzes Israeli issues for the Arabic media.

Put that camera away! 

Saturday's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Jerusalem. Very African and Eastern in flavour. 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service on Friday January 27 at Coptic Orthodox Church. 

WOMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE

This morning I was picked up at Tantur by Clarence and Joan Musgrave of the Scots’ Church, Jerusalem. I met them on my first Sunday in Jerusalem. Clarence is the minster of the church. Today, Saturday, they were headed for the village of Idna in the west bank, west of Hebron. In Idna some women have organized to form the Idna Ladies’ Association, an economic empowerment co-operative. They operate and manage the business which consists of handicrafts, mostly embroidery or cross-stitching. The Scots’ Church through their shop called Sunbula in Jerusalem and in their shop in Tiberias provide a market for these handicrafts. Palestinians are being more and more frustrated in their movement and accessing a reasonable market for their goods is becoming more and more difficult.

The handicrafts of the cooperative are also now available through the internet at www.sunbula.org.

I am told that many West Bank Palestinians families are attempting to exist on $1 US a day. Even with inexpensive produce available to them you will appreciate that $1 does not go far in any economy. This co-operative offers the opportunity to provide $50 to $120 per month to women who create and sell their goods.

Nuha, the chief co-operative designer who spoke more than adequate English, also has a good business head. She was a most pleasant person with which to deal. It is customary to have tea or coffee after a business transaction in these parts. So, I joined Nuha in some sweet, Arab tea.

On our drive through the West Bank area "C," the area around Hebron, Clarence and Joan were able to point out areas where great changes have been made to the topography over the six years they have lived here. Mostly, the changes can be summed up this way: the Palestinian people continue to see their land disappear to Jewish settlers. A great deal of money is pouring into these settlements from sources both locally, from the USA, and from Jewish communities in Europe.

Meanwhile, the roads and services to the Palestinian villages and homes continue to deteriorate. Roads are potholed or consist of unpaved mud in this rainy season; many roads are closed... barricaded; electricity is intermittent as is garbage collection; and the IDF continue to make regular incursions into the West Bank to arrest and detain young Palestinian men leaving families extremely stressed and feeling insecure. It is understandable that the frustration level is significant. Yet, the resilience of the Palestinians that I have met is remarkable.

Also located in the same building as the ladies’ co-operative is a co-operative daycare facility. The children appeared content and happy to see us visitors. They were unhesitating in their desire to "mug" for the camera.

Week of Prayer For Christian Unity Service on Thursday in the "Upper Room." Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox. 

BIBLICAL GEOGRAPHY

Dr. Paul Wright, President of Jerusalem University College has the ability to bring the topography of the Bible alive. Dr. Wright, who received his Ph.D from Hebrew Union College (Cincinnati) in the area of Bible and Ancient Near East, helped us to see that the landscape of the Bible intersects with the topography of the Holy Land. As we read scriptures we are encouraged to linger over the details of place and the details of weather, rain, winds when they are mentioned and to ask "why" are these things named? Why did the writer include these details? What is it that the writer wants us to know about these things? How does the matter of rainfall affect the thinking and the outlook of the person who lived 3,500 years ago?

Moses led God’s people from Egypt, a land of plenty with plenty of water and a rich, fertile valley to a promised land that was not nearly so hospitable. The land of Canaan was hilly, the soil was rocky, water was scarce. Why not stay in Egypt and take over the government and make it the land of God’s people?

In Deuteronomy 11:10 we read that this new land is not like the land of Egypt. Imagine the people rejoicing, thinking that God has prepared something even better. Then Deuteronomy goes on to describe this new less hospitable land in verse 11. In the following verses scripture lets the people know that when they follow God’s commandments, God will give them everything they need.... rain, grass, livestock, grain, wine, olive oil and the assurance that they will eat their fill. In other words, with some human effort to make a go of it and with faithful hearts, God will look after them. The geography of this new land gives cogent advice to God’s people. Here, they WILL need to reply upon God, unlike the easy life they knew under human masters in Egypt.

The land is the playing board upon which is played out the life of God’s people. When one understands the impact of the land and all its elements upon the lives of its inhabitants, one begins to understand more fully the attitudes and outlooks, hopes and hurts of the people living there. It is one thing to read about the rain and the wind of the winter season in the Holy Land, it is yet different and enriching to feel it and live it. It is one thing to read about the Jezreel Valley that stretched before Jesus in his time and to read of the battles and the living characters that passed through the valley. It is quite a different experience to stand on top of Mount Tabor and see the valley opened wide before one’s eyes.

Through archaeology and various technical means of "dating" one can re-construct life as it might have been lived in Joshua’s time, or Jesus’ time. The geography of the land speaks of the lives that were lived and the peoples that left their imprint here.

It is not easy to find a politically neutral term to describe the land in this area. A relatively new term is "the land between." This term refers to the geographical placement of the Holy Land as the connecting point or "land bridge" of several large land masses.... Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Saudi peninsula. For thousands of years empires have marched through the "Land Between" in order to secure the land that was beyond. The "Land Between" was a stopping point and it was strategic to conquer and hold in order that the land route was open and available to each empire that aspired to raise its flag. This was true of the empires of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Parthians, etc, etc.

The times that Israel and Judah truly flourished as self governing entities were times when no one else aspired to become an empire, times such as during the Old Testament reigns of King David and his son Solomon and the rulers and Kings that followed. During these times the people were not ever overflowing with wealth or resources, but they had enough, as God had promised.

This is the garden setting of the less traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. I prefer this one over the dark and busy Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 

This is the alternate site of the crucifixion of Jesus which was located at a major intersection in ancient times, a perfect site for an execution. It is thought possible because one can imagine a "skull" in the rock formations of the cliff. A tomb is nearby in a garden. 

Can you see the "skull"? 

Entrance to the Garden Tomb. 

Inside the Garden Tomb. 

TO "SABEEL" in SHU'AFAT

On Thursday mid-morning I caught the #124 bus to the centre of the city and then the #78 north to Shu’afat where Sabeel is now located. I had received an invitation to Holy Communion and lunch. It was an offer I could not refuse.

Sabeel is a grassroots ecumenical movement among Palestinians, seeking to make the Gospel relevant, and striving to develop a spirituality based on justice, peace, non-violence, liberation, and reconciliation. The word "Sabeel" in Arabic means "the way" and also a "channel" or "spring" of life-giving water.

There was a small gathering of persons at the new Sabeel offices. I arrived just as the worship was beginning as I had been lost on bus and on foot. Just as I was debating about heading back to Jerusalem I said with great frustration, "Help!" I looked up and saw "IOCC" which were the letters I was told to look for on a small sign in front of the building. I was lost... but then I was found.

Inside I met several wonderful persons. Osten from Sweden impressed me. I learned that he was in Israel as a volunteer for three months through the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel. This campaign aims to mobilize churches and church members by acting together in working for an end to the Israeli occupation, seeking to address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, help create a viable Palestinian state, and work for a negotiated, secure and just peace in the Holy Land. No small objective!

Osten, whom you can see in the photo to the right along with a Sabeel volunteer, spends much of his time at the border "check points" observing and talking with people. He talks with anyone who will enter a conversation. He talks a lot with Israeli soldiers, with Palestinians attempting to move about the country and anyone else willing to chat. At times he intervenes in situations with questions and always with a polite and co-operative demeanour. Osten has invited me to join him for a day to observe the activities at the check points and to enter into conversations. I think that could prove very interesting.

This evening, upon return to Tantur I received a call from the Rev. Clarence Musgrave, minister of The Scots (Presbyterian) Church in Jerusalem. He has invited me to accompany him into the West Bank on Saturday to Idna, a small village southwest of Hebron. I have accepted his invitation.

MEETING the PHILISTINES

Wednesday we set out at 7 a.m. with a bus (mistake was made and the bus had one too few seats so Fran and Theres opted to stay at Tantur) to find a number of places relative to the Philistines with a few added places between Jerusalem and Ashkelon.

Early on our journey we enter a small Palestinian Arab village looking for a tomb which we found. However, the locals found us in no time at all. Within minutes of our arrival at the dilapidated site of an ancient tomb we were met by an older Palestinian who was clearly not impressed with our presence. He spoke little to no English and communication was only improved with the arrival of several younger men in cars. We assured them that we were here peacefully and that we were Christians looking for a tomb and not Israelis scouting out a new settlement. We finished our scripture readings post haste, and departed.

We wondered that our movements were being monitored, being that today was the day of Palestinian elections and we were clearly foreigners moving about. There was lots of security to be seen everywhere. When we descended a hilltop shortly after the above incident we were met by members of the IDF who were questioning our Palestinian driver and then questioned us as to our actions. We happily complied. I even got a photo of the IDF members.... with their permission.... much to the chagrin of my companions.

Some of the sites throughout the day were a bust, in that we remained uncertain about the authenticity of several locations. Other sites provided the most monumental views over the gentle undulations of the fertile coastal plains of Israel. The variation of topography is truly amazing in this small country. It did not take much imagination to see the Philistines assessing their scrawny Hebrew opponents, and to see little David creep out onto the field of battle to meet Goliath, the giant, the likes of whom the Hebrews had only heard rumoured.

Our point farthest from Jerusalem was the town of Ashkelon on the coast. It is a marvellous resort town with great beaches and lots of palm trees. Ashkelon is just 9 kms north of Gaza. We could not help but notice a persistent presence of jet fighters overhead. We assumed they served as a helpful reminder to the local Palestinian population as to who is "in charge."

We arrived back at Tantur just in time to catch the bus to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service at the Latin (Roman Catholic) Church in the old city. After which we had dinner reservations at the Nafoura Restaurant in old Jerusalem to bid farewell to Dr. Anna Marie Odegarde, a past president of the World Council of Churches and member of the Board of Directors for Tantur, who returns home Thursday. She is an astounding woman as well as a Professor of Theology. We have had the opportunity to chat with Anna Marie during her stay at Tantur and we met with her as a group to discuss her latest theological musings on Tuesday evening.

BETWEEN THE BIBLE & TALMUD

Our class this morning was quite dynamic. Dr. Deborah Weissman was born in New York City and settled in Israel in 1972. Her Ph.D is from Hebrew University on the social history of Jewish women’s education. She is a founding member of Kehillat Yedudya, and Orthodox synagogue in Bak’a. Debbie is involved with Jewish religious feminism, interfaith dialogue and the religious peace movement.

We easily understand what is meant by Bible. Yet what many of us do not realize is that not all texts found in the Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures are shared in common. The Roman Catholic tradition includes material called the apocrypha which are not included in Jewish tradition or in Protestant tradition. Some books of the Old Testament have extra chapters, verses and phrases which are not agreed upon. The books of the Old Testament are found in a different order in Christian and in Jewish scriptures. Christians interpret the Old Testament as a precursor to the arrival of Jesus Christ, Jews do not. So, the term "Bible" is not as straight forward as one might think.

Jewish writings are even more complex. There is Torah which Christians tend to think of as "The Law" which Jews must obey. Jews view the Torah as a precious gift given by God. Torah includes scriptures (the first five books of the Old Testament) as well as the writings and commentaries on these scriptures and on life situations. Torah is scripture, poetry, wisdom and reasoning.

Within Torah there is "Talmud," the conversations of the rabbis from the second century CE, conversations which sought to understand and apply the scriptures to every life situation. "Midrash" is a Jewish process which examines the scriptures and the commentaries about the scriptures word by word, line by line in order to gain greater understanding of the nuance of words and context. Then there is "Mishnah" which is a thematic examination of Jewish scripture. i.e. Mishnah might examine all references in the scriptures and in the interpretations of scripture and in the commentaries upon scripture concerning marriage and marriage from every angle in order to understand and apply the right doctrine and practice concerning marriage.

We are all these very details examinations made? And questions asked? In order to serve God faithfully. In order to please God fully. Traditionally, Jews view the "Torah" (the collection of scriptures and conversation and commentaries as 1. A legally binding document for the practising Jew, 2. A love letter from God, and 3. As poetry to be appreciated and lifted up. Interesting is that in the study of Talmud the minority opinion is always recorded because there might be something worth hearing or learning from the minority, even though it follows the practice of majority rule.

DEFENSIBLE BORDERS KEY TO ISRAEL SECURITY

from the Jerusalem Post -

To defend itself against future threats, Israel must retain control of the Jordan Valley and all West Bank border crossings in any future arrangement - whether negotiated or initiated unilaterally - that defines the state's borders, a panel comprised mainly of former military men told the Herzliya Conference Monday.

The panel's presentation on "defensible borders" stressed that Israel must assume there will be global and local threats that stretch decades into the future, and should not draw borders that compromise Israel's ability to defend itself from a ground- or air-based attack.

"People talk about history, relations, water - but only some people think about the day after [borders are drawn] and how Israel will find itself in a defensible position," said Maj.-Gen. (res.) Ya'acov Amidor, the head of the Defensible Borders project at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.

While considerations such as relations with the Palestinians, demography and history were important in defining borders, Amidor argued that the 1993 Oslo Accords went too far in compromising Israel's security in hopes for peace, adding that one like it should not rise again.

Though peace was a noble cause to strive for, the reality of the Middle East called for a cautious approach that assumed a constant threat to Israel, former chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Moshe Ya'alon said.

"The nonrecognition of Israel as an independent, Jewish state by elements around us has accompanied us since the dawn of Zionism and will be with us for years to come," he said. "In view of our bitter experience with the Palestinians, the assumption should be made in any border line, chosen or by agreement through a political move, that terrorist or other violent activities will continue."

Ya'alon said those threats to Israel might emerge from Palestinian terrorists, a new generation of mujahideen fighters cutting their teeth in Iraq, the political emergence of Muslim Brotherhood parties in Egypt, Lebanon (Hizbullah) and the PA (Hamas), and the global jihad led by al-Qaida.Ya'alon also said more territory increased the ability of a state to "absorb" air-based attacks as well as conventional land invasions. That was particularly crucial, he said, given the panel's assumption that the range of crudely manufactured rockets such as the Kassam and the Katyusha would only increase in the coming years.

All major Israeli population centers and Ben-Gurion Airport were already within the range of rockets fired from the West Bank, the panel reported.

Despite the general premise that the pre-1967 borders were the line from which to negotiate future demarcations, former ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Dore Gold said international law and numerous agreements with the United States specified that Israel was not required to return to that line.

Citing the April 2004 letter from President George W. Bush to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, UN Security Council Resolution 242 and other diplomatic correspondences, he said there was enough precedence in international law to support Israel's entitlement to "secure and defensible borders" that did not directly correlate to the pre-1967 lines.

Gold also argued that Israel should never rely on other countries to provide for its defense, saying "secure" borders were different than "defensible" borders.
"'Secure' means we are relying on someone else," he said. "'Defensible' means borders which can be defended by Israel itself."

Though praising the peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, the panel stressed repeatedly that peace agreements with the Palestinians and Arab countries would always be in danger of unraveling if the governments of those countries fell. Thus, the view that peace agreements would solve the military threats Israel faced was but a "messianic illusion," Amidor said.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship on Sunday evening at St. George's Anglican Cathderal, Jerusalem 

Sunday morning worship at Lutheran Redeemer Church, Jerusalem

Fellowship Hour... Jerusalem style!