Today we began our journey of ascent to Jerusalem. I was sad to leave the Negev (desert), but looking forward to returning to Jerusalem. We had two stops along the way. The first was to a farm in the Negev, a rarity in the desert. This farm which was developed by a 'pioneer' who came out to the desert, took over an existing farm, studied ancient farming methods and then regenerated this farm with concepts that he developed. The farm now contains a thriving vineyard, producing wine which is sold at the farm as well as online; and jams as well. In addition, Eyal (the farmer) also has olive trees and a variety of fruit trees which provide additional products. Marty and I purchased wine, and apple liquor, olives and jams to take home and enjoy while reminding us of the desert.
After this we traveled to a Bedouin Herbalist, Mariam, "Desert Daughter", in the first Bedouin community established in Israel. There were a number of significant features of this visit. First, the Herbalist, is a 30 year old, single woman (a rarity in this culture), who became educated in London, and returned to her community determined to make a difference, supporting and educating the women in her village. She developed a line of women's skin products made by traditional Bedouin herbal methods she learned from her grandmother. Initially, she had much difficulty and pressure from the community, but over time, women came to use and enjoy her products and so a business began. She has been doing this for 3 years and created a Bedouin tent dwelling where visitors and tourists come to hear her story and buy her products. A documentary has been made about her as well. She was very inspiring and of course, we all supported her by purchasing multiple products.
It was also very interesting visiting this Bedouin community which had been established by Israel to provide Bedouins housing and services. While this provided some benefits, it was also a contrast to their nomadic culture and has had its ramifications.
We left Mariam, and traveled north to Jerusalem, leaving the terrain of the desert for the hills of Judea. After traveling with little traffic, we arrived in Jerusalem during rush hour and an enormous amount of traffic. Our first stop was an area that provided a panoramic view of Jerusalem and the Old City to say the Shechechyanu (a blessing for our "first" visit to Jerusalem, on this trip, the blessing for wine and bread, eating from a freshly baked Challah that was delivered to us for this special event.
From here we drove to our hotel the Dan Panorama. We checked into the hotel, had a study session and then broke off into two groups for dinner. Marty and I and two other men, walked to Ben Yeduda Street, not far from the hotel, visiting shops and finding a wonderful local place to eat "Zion Hagadol". Here we had assorted shish kabobs which were served with assorted salads (as is the tradition).
After dinner, we all walked to the Old City (with me as the guide) to the Western Wall for our first visit. For one of the men who accompanied us, this was the first visit, so together we said the Schechechyanu for Bruce, before separating to the men and women's section. It was a quiet evening so that I could get to the Wall almost immediately. I was so grateful for the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and to be standing and touching the Wall while saying my own prayers. I felt that I wanted to do more and stay longer, but did not feel quite prepared.
However, I felt fulfilled for having visited the Wall on my first evening. I met up with the men and we took a taxi back to the hotel.
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