Learning to Love

Bethlehem, Palestine

​This is my fourth day in Jerusalem, and I have no doubt in my mind that the first leg of this trip was very purposefully planned. In saying that, it doesn't mean it is easy, it has actually been quite challenging for me, as I am learning to love people of very different beliefs. Thank God for His help in this!

The hostel where we stay is in a very religious Jewish neighborhood, so many of the local relationships I am making are with Jewish believers. Amber and I went on a "Meet the Orthodox Jew" tour the other day where we got to visit the home of a local Jewish woman, see her neighborhood, learn about her religion and lifestyle and visit many places that are a part of the faith. Like the Yesheva, which is where Jews go to study, and many men become Rabbis through countless hours studying there (it is amazing how important reading and knowledge is to the Jewish faith, almost the most important thing actually, the two Jewish homes I have been to look like libraries!)
We visited the neighborhood courthouse (which is not a normal courthouse but a place where questions about the Torah are answered,) the local library, as well as the local kosher bakery and the place where they buy their clothes (there is certain attire that is not necessarily written in the law, but the belief in dressing professionally and seriously is very real.)

It is very fascinating, and wonderful to make a Jewish friend, her name is Getty and I really love her personality, her joyful humor, openness, honesty and love for her family. There are many things about her faith that I respect and honor very much, however, I can not help but think how tiring her religion seems, but that is just my perspective.

The law and the "Moral Code of Noah," is the study and practice of the Jewish faith. The purpose of the Moral Code is to bring an order of conduct that is meant to keep those following it in peace and harmony together. According to Getty, Judaism is not interested in conversion, because it is very hard to become a Jew, but they are focused on "Outreach," which is where those who are non- Jewish believers are taught the Moral Code of Noah with the hope and goal that all of humanity can live in harmony with one another by respecting a common law of behavior.

While I believe they serve God in a different way, it is very fascinating to understand a "religious" life without the freedom of Jesus (But yet again, my different belief).

Last night at sundown was the start of Shabbat and it continues until sundown tonight. It is the resting day for Jews, where all the streets shut down and families just stay home and do not do anything that is self-manipulated, they take very seriously the 7th day of rest as the whole city of Jerusalem closes for it. During this time Jewish families have meals together (food is already cooked and prepared, because they are not allowed to turn on an oven during this time). Amber and I got invited to a Shabbat meal at a Rabbis house which was very, very interesting, a once in a lifetime experience. They light the Jewish candles, eat manna (lots of bread) and there is a large 6 course meal (we were uncomfortably full) and worship in Hebrew while sharing testimonies. The meal lasted until midnight.

The Rabbi spoke and preached during this meal, and would translate into English, one of the main themes of the night is how blessed they are by God to finally be in the land of Israel. And how it is their prayer to pray for all Jews to come "Home" to Israel. The Rabbi encouraged ways of welcoming Jews and making it easier for them to live here.

I couldn't help but have in the back of my mind, "What about Palestine?" But I was respectful and listened.

But since I do have a spirit that longs for reconciliation, on the walk home late last night, I had many questions regarding the land of Israel which led to a discussion with several Jewish believers and Jewish-minded Christians who very clearly stated "There is no such thing as Palestine and there never will be." And with all the Jews coming to the land, God will "Handle" what happens to the people in the West Bank and Gaza, it is not up for them to figure out or to worry about.

I can't tell you how deeply this challenges me. I can't help but see the faces of my Arab friends living in Bethlehem when I hear someone say, "There is no such thing as Palestine."

But I feel like God is giving me self-control and the ability to listen to people in their own beliefs. I do believe it was His intention for us to hear the Zionistic point-of-view before heading into Palestine. It has been very helpful and good for my heart to meet Jewish families, and even though I feel drastic differences in our beliefs, I can see the humanness in them as I learn about their hopes and dreams for their future, struggles in life, fears and the strong love they have for their families. It helps me to find a commonality with them despite our differences, which has been good.

It has only been a couple of days and I feel like I have had a month's worth of learning so far.

Anyways, I am very much looking forward to going to Bethlehem tomorrow! One of our roommates in the hostel is also going to be coming with us to the farm, she is from Finland. I have met so many people from all around the world, it is amazing!! I feel God's delight in the diverse community here at Abraham Hostel. Cooking together, eating meals together and getting to know one another very quickly feels a little bit like Heaven on Earth!

I am thankful for these challenges and the humility it brings me as one very much in need of a love greater than my own.

Let the learning and loving continue.

Jerusalem, Israel