The Jerusalem Kehilla on the road


Michal, from the Jerusalem Kehilla, writes about a trip the members of the community took to the north of the country.

On May 30, 2008, we set out, about thirty of us, members of the Jerusalem community, on our annual trip. On the way, we collected a few members of the community in Jaffa. Then in a spacious and full bus and in good spirits we turned northwards for two days of Galilee experiences. On the way, Danielle told us stories about the mythological Gilgamesh. She told us that at the first stop we would visit, a stone with cuneiform script had been found upon which was inscribed a part of the Gilgamesh story. Our first stop was the archeological site of Megido. We were impressed by the thousands of years of settlement in this place and we focused particularly on the historical periods documented in the Bible. Nadine, from the Jerusalem community, our guide for the trip, explained to us the historical and spiritual importance of the place.

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Tel Megido

From there we continued on our way, passing through Ramat Menashe, to the Muhraqa. In the midst of forested hills, overlooking the Jezreel valley, there is a beautiful Carmelite monastery. From the roof the monastery, we saw the panoramic view extending beneath the mountain ridge. After a refreshing lunch, a breathtaking observation view and explanations from Nadine with regard to Biblical history, we continued on our way to Haifa by way of a beautiful route through the Carmel range.

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View of the hills and the Jezreel Valley from the roof of the Carmelite Muhraqa monastery

We reached the coastal road as we approached Haifa. Our first stop was in the lower city, in the Christian cemetry, where we got out in order to visit the tomb of Father Daniel Rufeisen. After this visit, which included prayers and reminiscences about Father Daniel's life and work, we continued up the mountain and we reached the path that leads to the remains of an ancient Carmelite church. On the way, we waded in the spring water and ate berries from a large tree in the valley. From there, we went straight to the hostel of Stella Maris, situated at the peak of the mountain, overlooking the Haifa bay. After a tasty evening meal, Shimon, from the Jerusalem community, led us in dancing a variety of  Israeli folk dances until late into the night.

The second day of the trip began with breakfast and prayer in the church of Stella Maris. After we had picked up a few members of the Haifa community, we continued on northward, in the direction of the Old City of Acre. Acre, full of the mysteries of the past, divulged to us the world of the Crusaders, who built not only castles and fortresses but also water aqueducts and cannals.

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Crusader buildings in Old Acre

Nadine explained to us who the settlers were in this area in the 12th and 13th centuries and how the city prospered, second in size and importance only to Jerusalem. The members of the community enjoyed sauntering in the allyeways of the city and had a hard time separating themselves from the attractions on the way.

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Remains of the Crusader city in the Acre gulf

When we finally returned to the air-conditioned bus and had seated ourselves, we turned northwards towards Rosh HaNikra. On the way, Mariana told us about the artists who had lived in the area, in Galilee and in Lebanon, in the Roman period, and who had set up workshops for glass blowing. Before we reached the area of the caverns in the rock, we were also able to sing and engage in some silliness that engendered an atmosphere of joy. At Rosh HaNikra, we were taken with the beauty of the caverns and the colors of the Mediterranean sea waters that penetrate the mountains: bold blues, bright violet and luminous turquoise.

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Rosh HaNiqra

We continued on our way to Goren Park, that overlooks the western Galilee mountains, covered with thick and breathtaking Mediterranean foliage. The Crusaders reappeared here! Among the winding, green mountains, rose up the remains of the Montfort Crusader fortress. After a delicious lunch, prepared most generously by Cecile for all forty starving travellers, and after enjoying the incredible view, we began our trip southward.

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The Monfort fortress in Western Galilee

Our last stop was Haifa. On the way, in the bus that cooled us off after the heat of the day, Nadine told us about the Templar settlers who had lived in Haifa and throughout the country. We also enjoyed a view of the Bahai Gardens that rose up from where we were, ascending the mountain.

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View of the Bahai Gardens, Haifa

At the end of the trip, we reached the community house in Haifa. There we joined in the Eucharistic celebration, the house filled to capacity. Father David and our Haifa brothers and sisters received us warmly, and after the mass shared with us a table full of good things.

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At mass in the Haifa kehilla

At 20.00 we reboarded the bus as we headed home. Tired but content, filled with a sense of thanksgiving that we could spend this time together, we returned home safely.

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