Beersheba, Shabat
Trip Start
Mar 17, 2011
1
20
33
Trip End
Apr 14, 2011
Beersheba, Israel
Friday, April 1, 2011
The quirky nature of the Jewish religion and traditions come to the fore during Shabat, and is first noticed by us when the Shabat lifts are activated. Half the lifts in the hotel go into automatic mode and stop at every floor and wait for about a minute at each floor, so that a Jew can avoid the prohibited activity of operating an elevator.
The complexities of the rules are breathtaking. For example here are the words of a Rabbi about the use of lifts. "The Institute for Science and Halacha has spent many years working out the various Halachic problems and have designs for Shabbat elevators that meet the most rigorous Shabbat standards. Don't just use any automatic elevator - check with a Local Halachic Authority and find out whether it really is Shabbat safe." I think it would be easier (and faster) to use the stairs, but there are numerous rules about how far you can walk during Shabat as well!
Jerusalem is left behind as we head south towards Beersheba. We travel through the Valley of Elah and stop to take in the view and consider the place near where the Philistines challenged Israel, putting forward the symbol of their own strength in a foolish challenge against the God of Israel. In this valley the Philistine giant Goliath was killed by a young man named David, untrained in battle and completely ill-equipped, who recognised the true source of his victory.
The Romans built an amphitheatre near Beit Guvrin which was a venue for gladiatorial contests and feeding unsuspecting Christians to lions and other equally entertaining pastimes.
The Bell Cave is found at Beit Guvrin and is in the region that David and his men frequented, it is within the area of Adullum. The cave itself in not its natural size having been used as a quarry and excavated creating a vast underground cavern. There are thousands of interlinking caves in this area that would have provided a secure haven for David and his men as they fled from murderous king Saul.
In Old Testament times Lachish was an important defence, second only to Jerusalem. In order to attack Jerusalem from the coast an invading army would first have to take Lachish.
On arrival at Beersheba we visited a war cemetery where 175 Australian diggers are buried. A nearby park has also been built commemorating the Australian Light Horse Brigade's famous 1917 World War I charge against Turkish forces in Beersheba.
Comments
Jacqui, nice to see your smiling face but watch out for that girl behind you I think she is picking your pocket. xx
Wow ... what a great looking trip!! ... A big happy birthday to Kerrie & i hope Suzie is keeping well & continuing to be a source of great ancient archeological knowledge to the group. Her immense experience with relics is unsurpassed. All keep well.