There is not any photographic documentation of today’s events. The places in which we traveled today did not allow photography. However, many of the images that I saw today have become etched in my mind. We started the day at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum here in Jerusalem. I tried to prepare myself mentally for the experience but emotionally there are no rational ways in which one can prepare themselves for the atrocities of humanity. The face of a young girl attempting to wake her younger brother (not sleeping) in the ghetto will be with me for many years. Somehow, it is easier to accept the evil when you try not to consider the inclusion of children to the equation. Sadly, I began questioning whether it would have been more humane to simply execute than to have survived for only a time in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. Oh, what a slippery slope… “My bell had been rung.”
Fortunately, we had a short taxi ride to the Israel Museum to allow a time to decompress from the morning experience. The Israel Museum was simply amazing and perhaps, I will attempt to slip over there again before I go to take in the other 2/3 of the museum unexplored. Inadvertently, I received a private guided tour by the infamous, Dr. Lawson G. Stone, not sure which was more rewarding the detailed explanations of the Temple II artifacts or the time with a beloved professor. I am pretty sure I now know more about the weaponry of that period that will ever be helpful or useful ever again. However, I was totally mesmerized by the totality of the experience. I cannot wait to bore you all with my impressive, non-relevant information.
As I wind up my evening, I begin preparations for the 1st of 3 examinations for this course. While I am often fairly anxious about exams in general, I feel more at ease as the information being shared has been extremely amazing and am impressed with my ability to retain some of the important details of the coursework here at JUC. With that being said, I must let you all go in order to better prepare myself and not fail due to over confidence. Blessings to you all from the Holy Land and I covet your prayers and support.
2 comments:
Sounds like a great day! When I traveled with the Jewish Labor Committee out of NYC, after touring Holocaust sites they would take is to a wonderful meal and then perhaps a concert to help us deal with what we'd seen and done earlier in the day. I believe that I have the photograph you spoke of in one of my PowerPoints that I use in class, it does have impact.
Study well and sleep long, blessings to you. Dad
Two very clear comments come to mind:
1.) I told you so. Lawson Stone is amazing.
2.) As if you needed anymore encouragement with sharp, pointy objects.
I am overjoyed and envious at the same time. Shalom.
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