The Jerusalem kehilla’s trip to Galilee

During a voyage, full of conversation, song, dance and games with the children, the bus stopped twice during the trip. The first stop was overlooking Wadi Kelt, where Father Piotr explained the history of the Monastery of Saint George Koziba and also described the life of the monks. The second stop was at the Jordan River, at the place of the baptism of Christ. Benny prepared a very beautiful morning prayer, during which each one had the occasion to renew his or her baptism. Father David poured some water from the Jordan River over the head of each one, a sign of new life for which we gave thanks. It was a powerful experience for one and all in this time when we are approaching Pentecost, when we will be baptized in the Spirit.

Arriving at the Sea of Galilee, the voyagers found a magnificent and calm place on the shore, to eat their picnic lunch: at the Primacy of Peter, a Holy Place guarded by the Franciscans. Then Father Piotr celebrated a highly unusual mass: right in the middle of the Sea of Galilee on board a boat similar to those on which Jesus and his disciples travelled centuries ago. A strong wind tossed the boat back and forth, drowned out the voices of the readers and even threatened to blow the hosts away. However, this only enabled the participants to understand better the reading from the Book of Jonah about the storm. With an deepened understanding of the force of nature and our own fragility, the faces shone with faith. Benny, who animated the music, sang louder than the wind and some of the more courageous even danced at the end of the mass.

The travelers then installed themselves at Casa Noa in Tiberias, directed by the members of Koinonia John the Baptists community, who gave the travelers a marvelous welcome. The time before dinner was free: many took advantage of the time in order to walk along the sea front, to swim, happy to be together in this beauty of mountains and water. Others were able to attend the Maronite mass in the Greek Catholic church for first communion of the Lebanese children. Everyone assembled again for dinner and unplanned, we could celebrate the 31st anniversary of religious life of Little Sister Halina. We were happy to have the occasion to celebrate this together: Mazal tov!

Three groups were then formed. One group watched the Israeli comedy “Big Story”. The second went out to the see the daily sound and light show on the Sea of Galilee. A third group, mainly children, gathered around Father Rafic to play a biblical game. Father Rafic, a patient and compassionate teacher, helped with the more difficult questions. All were delighted to share a time together, sharing our lives, our meals, the scenery and the laughter.

The next day, the voyagers set off for an open air mass on the Mount of Beatitudes. The beauty and the elevation of the site made all feel already the promised joy that comes as we put into practice the difficult words of Jesus at the heart of our uncertain lives. Father Rafic celebrated the mass and explained that only by the grace of God can we find happiness already here and now, even at the heart of difficulties and suffering. We must accept these difficulties without trying to escape or overcome them by force. This was a time of simple and profound prayer in a place important to us all.

The group continued its way to the Druze village of Beit Jann. We stopped in the midst of a splendid panorama which uncovered the hills and the valleys from the Carmel to Nazareth, Mount Tabor, the mountains of Lebanon and Syria. Here, a guide awaited us in order to explain this rather mysterious religion to us, nourished as it is by the Old Testament and by Islam. With a particular kind of humor, he told us the legends drawn from the Bible, like the one about Elijah who transforms melons into rocks because the farmer refused to give him any. Likewise, he explained that Jethro (known as Shuayb), Moses’ father in law, was the founder of their religion. He also responded to numerous questions concerning the attitude of the Druze to the authorities of the countries in which they live, their history and life style.

The visit continued in the garden of Doctor Dabour. The garden contains traditional medicinal plants, surrounded by numerous legends. Ziyad, the director of this small family business, which produces soaps and beauty products, gave many explanations. The members of the kehilla could not get enough of sniffing the plants, guessing their names and comparing their odors. It was a wonderful time of relaxation for everyone.

By this time, the travellers were already hungry so they took their places at table for a Druze lunch: a well seasoned soup, traditional “maklouba” – a dish turned upside down as the diner watches. Then, we had to get on the road to return to Jerusalem in order to return home.

All were delighted at this moment of shared experience, moments of relaxation and prayer, in places where the beauty of the place was extraordinary. Thank you Cecile, the main organizer of the trip and thank you to all who assisted her. There is no doubt that trips like these reinforce the community and contribute to forming us in the image of Christ. We are impatiently awaiting the next trip.