Today we went on an archaeology dig and fully embraced our Indiana Jones l participated in a real dig, excavating 2,000 year old trash piles. I found bits of animal bone, pottery and charred remains of cooking fires. Exciting stuff, and everyone (male and female) fell in love with the young guide.
We were joined at lunch by six young soldiers, each younger than I am. They’re all predictably beautiful, toned by their service to their country. We broached political discussions carefully, but they were willing to talk about their experience. While I appreciate the democratic effect of universal conscription, I’m not sure it helps toward building a lasting peace. Each soldier we met was convinced that the enemy want to destroy us; which makes sense given their experience, but is not representative of the broader truth.
We shopped both at a mall, and also at a real market in the city. Roughly half the group each enjoyed one experience and found the other intolerable. I loved the crowd at the market, surrounded by language and culture we didn’t get while driving on the bus, isolated from the community. And clicheed pictures abound.
Then we had a Shabbat service, which was inclusive of everyone’s level of Jewish knowledge. Oneg Shabbat was on the roof, celebrating the view and fresh air until the wee hours. Thank the Lord we don’t have to wake up tomorrow at 6.
Leave a Reply