Dearest Rachel –
As we drive off from our lunch stop (and that’s a quick story for another time), Yael discusses the reforestation of Israel; it would seem that it was denuded of trees in the late nineteenth century for hardwood to build a rail line between Istanbul and Mecca/Medina for hajj travelers. Over 90% of the trees were cut down for this purpose, leaving the area pretty much barren.
When the state of Israel was established, a priority was made of reforestation. Many Jews throughout the world paid to have trees planted here in Israel as a commemoration. Even my cousin Julie has a tree planted in her name by her Girl Scout troop.
We continue our drive, and pass by the site from where the Philistines defeated the Israelites and captured the ark of the covenant (for all the good it did them). It’s just starting to be excavated, so there’s not much to stop for yet. Maybe the next time I come along on one of these trips – assuming that ever happens.
What we are here for, is the overlook of the battlefield where David met Goliath.
Like with the mythological battles of the Iliad, it was set to be a proxy battle: one champion versus the other, winner take all. This was the showdown between David and Goliath, which Denim reads to us.
Now, if you look at the text, David was much surer of himself than you might expect. Because, after all, he’d fought lions and bears, even at close range with a club. And with a sling, the effect is somewhat like bringing a gun to a spear fight. So he had reason to have some faith in himself.
But still, his anger at Goliath had to do with his defying the army of Israel, the army of the Lord Almighty. From David’s perspective, Goliath needed to be taught a lesson. And in thinking he could do that, David also had faith in God.
For all that we overstay our appointed time (as usual) we’re piling into the bus by about three in the afternoon, ready to head back to the hotel, if you can believe it. It’s weird to be winding down so soon, after so many days at such a pace as we’ve been going.
So you’ll forgive me if this letter seems a bit shorter than most, but I assumed we’d be doing more today than this. Maybe there’ll be something going on this evening after dinner I can tell you about, but that would probably belong on another separate letter.
With that being said, keep an eye on us, honey, and wish us luck. We’re going to need it.
Letters to Rachel 