Hope Rekindled
Yesterday afternoon, it sprinkled at our apartment. This is a huge deal since it hasn’t rained since late February or early March. Israel has two seasons: hot-dry, cold-wet. For the past 5 years for certain, and maybe as far back as 10 years, Israel has been suffering under a drought. The Sea of Galilee is at record low levels; to the point where they will no longer be able to draw from it for irrigation, household uses, etc. This is a huge problem in a region where wars are/were fought over water supplies.
During the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah (New Years, starts next Tuesday), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, Oct. 9), and Sukkot (Feast of Booths/Tabernacles, Oct. 14-20th), it is traditional to pray for the early fall rains to start 3 days after Sukkot. Sukkot ends roughly a 3 week period of celebrations, penitence, and more celebrations. In the old, old days, everyone walked home after Sukkot. You would want the rains to start 3 days after Sukkot, because at that time, you’d be home and not have to walk in the mud or on wet, slick bedrock.
Last night, it must have rained really hard. Our porch, and the rugs on it were soaked. We are excited! One, we haven’t seen rain in months. Two, maybe this means more rain this season which will bless all the inhabitants of this land, including it’s temporary residents. Three, it might mean the continuation of cooler weather which is quite nice when one is out in the field.
Yea for rain!
This is our patio after I shifted the rugs to drip dry. The red carpet created a miniature River Nile that had been changed to blood, which you can see towards the bottom left of the picture.
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