Succot 5769 -- Part II (Shomronim; Giv'ot Olam)

Ever since Pesach, we have wanted to go back to Har G'rizim to visit the archeological site, which include remains of the Shomronim (Samaritan) Temple (destroyed in 128 BCE). Their Temple is of particular interest to us, since it was built similar, in style and size, to the Beit HaMikdash (Israelite Temple) in Jerusalem.

We were also curious to see see the Succot that the Shomronim (Samaritans) build inside their homes. (These succot are not "kosher" for Jews. We can appreciate the way they look, but we do not eat inside them.)

Unfortunately, we were unaware that the archaeological site was only open until 12:00. When we arrived, the gate was already locked. What a bummer!

Moving on, we went to a lookout point, where a succah was set up for soldiers. We ate our "picnic" lunch in the succah, then looked out over Sh'chem, to see Kever Yosef.

After taking somem pictures, we went back to the visitor's center, and visited Yefet's succah. It was quite beautiful. The succah was an "awning," like a panel, made of one layer of hanging fresh fruit, in geometrical patterns, with an enormous etrog as the centerpiece. Above the fruit, lay s'chah, freshly cut, leafy branches.

We wanted to visit their Kohen Gadol (High Priest), but he was not available, so we went to visit one of his grandson's. His succah was similar in structure, but had a very different geometrical pattern, and three larget etrogim in the center.

From Har G'rizim, we went through Itamar to the beautiful organic farming community, Giv'ot Olam. Giv'ot Olam was founded in 1966 by Avri Ran. Among other impressive qualities, Giv'ot Olam is a haven for wayward youth, who are searching for meaning in their lives. Avri Ran is well known for opening his home to any Jew who wants to live there. Some of these lost souls arrive at the community, leaving behind a world of drugs and immorality. At Giv'ot Olam, they work the land, and learn to live in peace with themselves and others.

Not everyone comes from such difficult backgrounds. Many of the youth come from strong families. They want to be a part of this ideological community, that still believes in Avodah Ivrit (Jewish labor), living without fences, working the land, protecting one's own home, and living communally. All members take pride in their community, working, defending, and enjoying the land and each other.

We arrived, and immediately felt at home. The serenity of the hilltop was inviting. The grass grew long, the olive trees stood magestic, the wind rustled the leaves, everything evoked harmony. The central structures, were the wooden communal dining hall, and the large, round, stone and wood succah. The landscaping was simple, rustic, and beautiful, with an artistic central garden, decorated by stone structures.

Our friends kids went to feed the goats. My daughter, A, wasn't feeling well, so she settled herself in a lounge chair, in the beautiful country succah. Also in the succah, sitting along the very long table, was another visiting family, with about 30 people, from several generations.

Our older kids, and their friends from another family, found a simple playground, to entertain themselves. Later on they moved to one of the large grassy areas.

At one point, community members opened their local dairy for anyone who wanted to purchase their organic goat's milk products (milk, yoghurts, cheeses, etc). We purchased some fruit yoghurts and some hard cheese.

The community also produces organic eggs (they are the largest supplier of organic eggs in the country!) and has a flour mill and organic bakery.

As the sun was setting, and we were leaving, we met a young man, who had recently finished his army service and was working on the farm. He smiled warmly, and spoke easily about what drew him to be a part of this community.

As we drove home, I breathed deeply, trying to hold onto the peace and tranquility that still surrounded us.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA

Pesach Visit to Har Grizim (Thursday, Chol HaMoed)

We all agreed that the weather was too hot and sticky to do anything before the afternoon.

So our family had a lazy Thursday morning. We slept late, ate a relaxed brunch, and eventually got on our way....

We drove to the Muqata and met up with Jameel and his family. Jameel had arranged a visit to the Shomron (Samaritan) community, on Har Grizim. Jameela could not join us, because of the little Jameelians. But afterwards, we would return to the Muqata for a yummy bar-b-q and lots of salads. (all my latent vegetarian tendencies disappear with the sizzle of an outdoor grill....)

At around 4:00 pm, we drove to the small Samaritan Museum, next door to the Samaritan Sacrificial Plaza. As we parked our cars, Yefet HaCohen (The Priest) called down to greet us from an upstairs window.

As we climbed the stairs to the museum, we were greeted by a tall, poised, older gentleman, dressed in a white flowing robe with golden trim, a white turban, with a neatly trimmed beard, and an engaging smile. He warmly welcomed us, greeting everyone individually, and shaking hands with the men and boys.

Then we entered the quaint, one-room museum, whose walls were covered with rich maroon tapestries, embroidered with golden letters of ancient Hebrew. On one wall were books, on another pictures; another had a glass display filled with coins and jewelry; another had ceramic vessels. Some areas of the room were carefully presented, while others seemed to be strewn together.

Yefet sat us down, and began his story. He told of centuries of persecution. With pride, he traced his ancestry, pointing to his beautifully framed geneology in the shape of a menorah, each generation denoted by a seperate golden link.

( In the background is a picture of the current Cohen Gadol (High Priest), the eldest member of Yefet's clan)


Yefet described Samaritan traditions. Their holidays, their traditions. According to Yefet, all Samaritans are religious, though they dress in Western fashion and have television and internet.

Seeing our interest, his excitement grows. He takes us behind a curtain, to a back room, his study. There he shows us various research projects, to which he has devoted his life.

When it is time for afternoon prayers, Yefet invites us to observe. We are all welcome to enter the Beit Knesset (synagogue), even the women (though there are only men in the Beit Knesset). The service is foreign and there is no women's section. After a few minutes of standing in the back, I go outside.


Sitting on a bench, on the sidewalk in front of the Beit Knesset, is a group of teenage girls talking in Hebrew. They are Samaritans from Holon. They look like secular Israelis. The Beit Knesset is for the men and boys, they tell me. They have no interest in joining the public prayers.

I ask them what it is like to be in school with Jews. It is normal, they answer; they are used to it. They start laughing and teasing each other about boys.


In the middle, Jameel's son walks by, eating a bag of Kosher L'Pesach Bisli (Israeli junk food).

"That's chametz to us," says one of the girls.

"You shouldn't walk around here with it," explains another, anxious for the forbidden food to be removed.

The intensity seemed incongruous with the secular dress.

One of the girls explains that they don't purchase any prepared foods on Pesach. On Pesach, everything is cooked and baked at home.

Then the girls asked about the orange ribbons and bumper stickers on our cars. How can we drive around like that? It is dangerous (because of all the Arab villages in the area). We are "asking for trouble."

Their attitude reflects something Yefet said earlier. The community is extremely cautious not to offend, lest they be persecuted and destroyed... again.

With only 730 Samaritans left, from a community that once numbered over a million, it is easy to understand their fear.

Yet the community seems open and friendly. Our group is a curiosity. We receive lots of looks... and lot of smiles.

"You should come see our Pesach sacrifice," one of the girls says invitingly, "That is really something to see."


For more about our day and the Samaritans, check out Jameel's Post.



Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.

With love and optimism,
RivkA