Ma’aléh Levoná is a religious community. Everyone who lives here is a religious Jew. Naturally, non-religious Jews fleeing war or disaster will be put up and given refuge — you do not turn your back on your fellow Jew. But the residents are all religious Jews.
This has consequences.
Male Jews pray three times daily, in the morning, the afternoon, and the evening (women are not bound by timed prayer as are men). So, there are prayer times posted for the village synagogue, and while men may or may not be able to come to prayers during the week because of reasons of employment (they either pray at home or find a shul in the town they work), they are expected to show up for the Sabbath. And we do. Except for the security person, nobody drives a car on the Sabbath, or rides a bike, or violates its rules. We follow the laws of the Torah because we believe in them.
We’ve been given the opportunity for a new start here, and we’re grateful for it. It is my own hope that Ma’aléh Levoná and communities like it in Israel are the wave of the future here, that this country will slowly evolve to become a truly better place, a light unto the nations.
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Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
Good for you, Ruvy. :-)
Will you be changing your screen name?
2 - troll
It looks beautiful there Ruvy
may coexistence in the 'west bank' prove possible in the long run
troll
3 - Christopher Rose
Nice place, glad you're safe and well, wish you were further West.
4 - jack e. jett
ruvy
if you are in israel, please tell your folks to leave this poor children and old people alone. let them get the services they need.
we all now know your are big, tough, rednecks. we know you can kick ass. does it give your country a hard on to kill the elderly and the children.
sick, twisted piece of shit of a country.
jack jett
5 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Troll,
The photo was taken from the top of the synagogue and is primarily of the eastern part of the village. We live in the western part. For the moment the country is at war and tempers, my own included, are not fitted to peace. But trust me, I've not forgotten my concepts.
It is written as prophecy that the Children of Kedar will sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem. So, it is as a matter of faith that I try to work out a method of reconciliation between the Children of Israel and the Children of Kedar (the second son of Ishmael).
6 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Mike,
Thanks for the kind thoughts. For all the facts of living out here, I still view myself as a Jerusalemite. Whenver I have to do any serious business, it is to Jerusalem I go.
So, I'm keeping the same moniker.
7 - Elvira Black
Ruvy, so very glad you're safe and sound. Your new community sounds idyllic. All my best to you and yours.