Jerusalem Log #3 - Tuesday p.m. 05.02.17 Jerusalem, Israel ("Picnic and Praise")

"Picnic and Praise"
Jerusalem Log #3

Steve Martin

Jerusalem Log - Tuesday p.m. 05.02.17
"Picnic and Praise"
Jerusalem, Israel
#3

Greetings to you.

After commemorating Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers (Yom Hazikaron) the Israelis celebrated their 69th birthday of the modern Israel state on this May 2, 2017 (Yom Ha'atzmaut). Actually they began the annual celebration the evening before at sundown, with loud music in many parks, followed by louder fireworks and more music until late into the morning hours. Here in Jerusalem several of us went to the Haas Promenade area overlooking the city from the south to be part of the fun.

After a few bands and a dancing Zumba group did their thing on stage, the fireworks started exploding at 10:30 pm, right over our heads. Literally, we were 30 yards from the area where the fireworks were set off. I had never been so close as I was to them last night. With the city lights filling the business area and residential hills below us, it was quite the sight. And one could actually see two other sites within the city – uptown and out west – setting off fireworks. Amazing view!

I liked the band that ended the night at the Promenade. It was a popular one, as the crowd knew the songs, and the lead singer had special escort on and off the stage. People thoroughly enjoyed their songs, and I liked them too, even though I didn’t know a word they were singing in Hebrew. They sang emotional music, and pleased the people by bringing on stage a young guy, about 15, to come and sing along. He was good. The crowd mouthed the words too.

This morning we caught the city bus #7 to Sacher Park near the Knesset. I remember this park as the starting point of the Jerusalem March held during Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) in which I participated in several years. Great memories. Taking along a portable grill and the works for hamburger and chicken lunch, we joined many families and groups gathered in the spacious, green area. The IDF Air Force made several scheduled pass overs of many different planes as part of the country’s nationwide celebration.

 Young Israeli group gathered at Sacher Park for the festivities

Oscar and his owner enjoy the day

We left the park in time to attend the Day To Praise gathering at the Ramat Rachel Conference Center in southeast Jerusalem. The CJCUC (The Center For Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation) began this event in 2014 during Sukkot. Now Orthodox Jews and Christians are coming together to have these Hallel (praise) services, enjoying music, messages and reciting a series of Psalms on Independence Day also, here in Jerusalem and around the world.

David Nekrutman, CJCUC

From the CJCUC website:

In January of 2008, a historical moment took place between the Synagogue and Church, when Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and David Nekrutman established the first Orthodox Jewish institution, the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding & Cooperation (CJCUC), to religiously dialogue and actively cooperate with Christians. In less than a decade, CJCUC has moved to the forefront of theological advancements in Jewish-Christian relations. CJCUC has changed the paradigm by interfacing with tens of thousands of Christians through bible studies, faith based events that bring Jews and Christians together, and providing humanitarian aid.

Several Christian groups had representatives taking part in this “shouldering together”, including Sharon Sanders from Christian Friends of Israel and Bridges for Peace personnel.

A bit weary and with red foreheads after the long day, we returned to the apartment for rest before we begin again on Wednesday.

Ahava (love) and Shalom (peace) from Jerusalem!

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People

Other Independence Day photos by Steve Martin (more on my Facebook page.)

Israel Air Force flyover