Modern Wineries in the Ancient Hills of Israel

Learning About Israel - A Project of Green Publishing House

BY ADMIN · JUNE 12, 2013

“Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria. Those who plant them will once again enjoy their fruit”. (Jeremiah 31:5)

Clearly one of the oldest and most famous industries in the land, winemaking was always an important identifying feature of Israel. Numerous ancient wine presses, some dating back 3000 years, carved in the stony regions throughout the country  serve as incontrovertible testimony to its centrality in the ancient wine making process.

However, with the arrival of Muslim rule, which lasted for about 1100 years, Israeli wines virtually disappeared. Since Muslims are prohibited from drinking wine, virtually all Israeli wine production ceased and the vineyards were uprooted to make way for olive trees and the production of olive oil.

With the return of Jews to Israel in larger numbers through the 1800s, and the birth of the Zionist movement in the late 1800s, wine again became one of them most important industries here.

The Carmel Winery company was started in 1882 by the Baron Edmond de Rothschild , and gave jobs to many of the Zionist pioneers. It grew with Israel itself, and for about 100 years it held a virtual monopoly on wine production in the country. Most of the country’s grapes were sold collectively to Carmel. One of the first wineries to compete and break that monopoly is also one of the more celebrated of the country’s wineries — The Golan Heights Winery. It released its first vintage in 1984, and thus was launched a revolution in Israeli wine production. Now there are a variety of boutique wineries  throughout the country many of them situated in the ancient hills of Judea and Samaria.

One of the reasons for this is the unique feature of the Judea and Samaria region – the climate. Although Israel is known for its hot climate and little wind, the Judea and Samaria region, with its winding hills and exposed valleys, is cooler and more suited for the delicate production of wine. Here the grapes are picked in the early morning hours when the air is still clear and cold. The wine from this area has been improving with time and just recently the Tura vineyard in the settlement of Rachelim won both the gold and the silver medals in the annual Eshkol HaZahav – the Golden Grapes – competition.

For those who would like to learn more about Israel’s  modern wines and how to appreciate their subtle differences,  experiment with  Irving Langer’s new book The Kosher Grapevine. Langer embarked on an exploration of the intracacies of fine wine – and now he’s ready to share his knowledge with you.  Langer guides you on a fascinating, often whimsical journey, teaching you all you need to know: the differences between red, white, and sparkling wines; the ten steps of wine tasting and how to navigate a restaurant wine menu. He provides a solid list of resources including wineries, critics, and helpful websites.  Bursting with facts, folklore, and humor, The Kosher Grapevine will transform you from a ho-hum Kiddush sipper to a savvy wine aficionado.

Full website of LEARNING ABOUT ISRAEL

The Return of Crusader Theology

Thursday, June 13, 2013 |  Tsvi Sadan  

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Last month, the World Council of Churches (WCC) convened in Lebanon and issued the following statement:

“Palestine continues to be the central issue in the region … The persistence, after sixty five years, of continuing dispossession of Palestinian people—Christian and Muslim alike—from their land by Israeli occupation, continuing settlement of land inside the 1967 borders … is central to the turmoil in the region …. Jerusalem today is an occupied city with a government which has adopted discriminatory policies against Christians and Muslims alike …”

The WCC also took aim at Christians who dare to support Israel, the reviled “Christian Zionists”:

"Christians who promote ‘Christian Zionism’ distort the interpretation of the Word of God and the historic connection of Palestinians—Christians and Muslims—to the Holy Land, enable the manipulation of public opinion by Zionist lobbies, and damage intra-Christian relations.”

The WCC is not a marginal organization that can be dismissed off hand. It represents some 500 million Christians living in 110 countries and territories around the world. It include Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed and Independent churches, all of which have signed on to a political-religious document that contains blatant lies that bring to mind historical anti-Jewish Christian biases.

For instance, the WCC asserts that Israel, continually, for 65 years, has been dispossessing Muslims and Christians of their land. The truth is that the last time Palestinians crossed the Jordan River eastward and never returned was during the Six Day War in 1967. Wars, as can be witnessed today in Syria and elsewhere, produce refugees. Israel’s only fault in this regard is that it won the war. And even during that conflict, when the entire Arab population of Hebron fled, they were asked by Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan to return to their homes.

In contrast, due to intolerable conditions, there is massive Christian emigration from Palestinian-controlled Bethlehem and from Lebanon. Christians suffer discrimination not in Israel, but rather in Turkey, Egypt, Syria and any other Muslim country.

The WCC also wants people to believe that “Jerusalem today is an occupied city.” The WCC is not specifying “east” or “west” Jerusalem, meaning that for these Christians Jerusalem as a whole should be under the control of anyone but Israel, or, more precisely, the Jews. The fact that only “east” Jerusalem is disputed as “occupied” territory is irrelevant to the pious-minded Christians who signed this document.

The WCC anti-Israel political stand stems from its theological position that asserts, only tacitly for fear of being labeled anti-Semites, that (Christian) “Zionism distort[s] the interpretation of the Word of God.”

Zionism is a late 19th century national movement for the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the resumption of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. The Bible is so steeped with such a vision that it is pointless to bother with quotations. The WCC must assert therefore, like the Crusaders before, that today, the chosen “people of Israel” are not the Jews, but rather all true Christians, which is why Jerusalem should not be under Jewish sovereignty. For them, even Muslim control of Jerusalem would be better.

Any honest and unbiased reader of the Bible knows otherwise, and should reject this anti-Jewish theology. Anybody, the WCC included, who singles Israel out as the sole villain that threatens world peace, who points fingers at Israel, the least troublesome element in the Middle East, is, by definition, anti-Semitic. Masquerading such sentiment as Christian love only adds insult to injury.

My Father Is With My Father

Father's Day, when memories abound...

Dad at 19 (Louis James Martin)

Minnesota

Louis & Lila Martin

On this Father's Day, when I am camping with my two sons and two oldest grandsons (start of a new tradition!), I will be thinking of those many vacations we had with Mom and Dad. Almost 99.9% of them were camping, as that was the most economical thing we could do, with eight kids in the family. And we loved it! 

Departing from our home in Cedar Falls, Iowa each August, when Dad got two weeks off from Viking Pump Company (the iron foundry plant shut down during that annual time), we motored down the highway in the baby blue, 1960 Ford station wagon, pulling the matching painted, homemade camper Dad had built.

We explored the Colorado Rocky Mountain highs (sing it John Denver!); experienced a mother black bear steal our food at our campsite, near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, right under our pull out camper bed; and even got sun-baked in the Badlands of South Dakota.

If it wasn't a Far West trip, it was an adventurous time in the many state parks located in my land of birth, Minnesota. The "Land of 10,000 Lakes", or "God's country" as we knew it. Elba, Minnesota, home of numerous cousins on Dad's side, had a nice state park just down the winding, hilly, country road. Fun times eating s'mores over the campfire every night!

At age 65, in 1995, Dad and Mom moved from Iowa to North Carolina, just two years after his retirement from Viking when he was 63. He had spent more than 30 years at the foundry, and Charlotte looked like a great place to settle down now for the golden years, in a new home. Three of us kids were here already. I knew he also wanted to serve alongside, as a volunteer, with the ministry I was working with. 

We had some more times together then. Most memorable for me was working as a crew, gutting a horse barn to make it into a church meeting location. Once rebuilt, the Lord Jesus and His Holy Spirit sure did enjoy showing up in "The Barn", during our Friday all night praise and prayer meetings known as "The Watch".

But just four short years after his move to Charlotte, in 1999 the Lord rewarded my Dad with the best home. Though that was tough for Mom and the kids, the good Father knows best. He always does.

Dad's death came as a result of lymphoma cancer, at the young age of 68. (He had found out that he had it when he was 64.) His almost seven decade birthday was to have been just two days later in July. He had "hung on" so he could see his first granddaughter, Sarah Johnson, get married in Kentucky that June. The Lord had granted him that last desire of his heart. Dad had a father's and a grandfather's heart.

Sometimes you just have to trust in the Lord's timing, even if you don't know why. I am sure you have experienced those times too in your life.

These past 14 years seem like a long time in passing. Sometimes it seems like it was only yesterday. Eternity has no measured time. That too is a disguised blessing of the Lord, which we we won't fully understand until we get more into it. Dad knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, so time for him is always joyful now.

Some of you have lost your father recently. My daughter-in-law Chelsie has, and also my brother-in-law Bob. Others in years gone by. I pray the Lord will touch their heart and yours this Father's Day, with His heart of love and compassion, even as He has mine. 

On July 7, 2008, nine years after my Dad's passing onto glory, I wrote the following poem in honor of him, Louis James Martin. I thought I'd share it again, with you this time, these five years later. 

My father is with my Father. God the Father is the Most Loving Father we can ever know.

My Father Is With My Father

Nine years ago this July month,

My Father took my father home to Him.

After sixty-seven years on earth,

He has him in His place, of far more worth.

A quiet man, who didn’t say much at all,

But who spoke with his hard work, and commitments too.

These made him the real godly man I trust he was,

Which few probably knew, though I think it ‘twas.

Two jobs a day, most of those years of life,

Providing for eight kids, and our Mom, his wife.

Two pairs of hands, a heart of determination and will,

Made him the one I often think of still.

Not one to complain – just do what it takes;

Fixing peoples homes and many churches, for God’s sake.

Foundry life was hot, dirty and most often forlorn,

But he still had the garden, providing all with beans and corn.

Putting in electric outlets, insulation and lights,

Made the evening hours long and not that bright.

But when finished, and another job was done,

Gave me a sense of pride, in being my father’s son.

So kids, love your dad on earth, and especially the One above.

Learn what you can now, as he shows you His love.

And fathers, keep your children taught, with all the good you know,

For they need to see the Way, but not just for show.

My Father has my father, now in his heavenly reward.

He’s probably fixing someone’s mansion, so far upward.

Maybe he’s tending a garden, or camping with some friends,

Or getting the rest he so deserved; but with helping hands still lends.

For you Dad, with love,

  

Steve and all your family

July 7, 2008

Dad's First Communion - Minnesota

Dad in high school 

with blue ribbon sheep on Minnesota farm

Louis James Martin & Lila Mae Subra wedding

June 28, 1952

St. Joachim's Catholic Church

Plainview, MN

- with Bill & Elaine Martin (Dad's brother)

1965? - Dad, Mom, Janet (in arms), Sue

Steve, Tom, Mary, Colleen

Dad & kids - a typical Martin family camping fire.

(Mom took the photo.)

Louis & Lila Martin family - 1973

1979 - a whole bunch of us. 

(By 2013 we have really multiplied on the earth.)

Sarah, who got married in 1999, 

is the one in the front row on Sue's lap.

Dad wiring "The Barn" in Charlotte, NC - 1995

Presenting my Dad with a plaque for his church service.

Father's Day, June 15, 1997. Last Sunday in "The Barn."

Teary eyed. Being honored for who he was,

and what he had done to bless many.

A creek bed somewhere...near a camp ground I am sure.

The last Christmas season before he passed on.

The last photo of Dad with all of us together. June 1999.

Fit for a King: Find Testifies to David's Royalty

Ancient Royal Seals from 

time of King David, Jerusalem

Fit for a King: Find Testifies to David's Royalty

By Erin Zimmerman
CBN News


JERUSALEM, Israel -- When Eilat Mazar realized she'd discover an ancient structure near Jerusalem, she turned to the Bible to help explain what she'd found. She learned that this new discovery supports the biblical accounts of King David and his son Solomon.

Second Samuel 5:11 says the Phoenician king Kiram "sent messengers to David and cedar trees, and carpenters and masons, and they built David a house."

"So it's a palace/fortress well built for good reasons, which is probably the palace that Hiram built for king David," Mazar speculated.

"We know its date, which is around 1000. That is around the time of King David. The Phoenician style of construction is quite emphasized. The Phoenicians are great builders as we learn from our excavations in Phoenician sites," she said.

Inside, the team found more evidence of royalty, from ancient seals used by court officials, to a variety of carved ivory utensils -- too expensive for a regular home, but perfect for a palace.

Mazar explained the "major part of the structure is still hidden and needs to be excavated." She believes "what we have in hand is less than a quarter."

A New Discovery

Across the street from the City of David, Mazar is directing another dig. She told CBN News just outside the Temple Mount she found more royal ruins. This time from David's son Solomon.

Dig across street from City of David, Jerusalem

In 2010, excavations revealed a giant wall more than 220 feet long and almost 20 feet high. Mazar said this is the city wall described in 1 Kings 3, which says that Solomon built "the wall all around Jerusalem." It connected David's old city with Solomon's new temple.

"And we can really say that the biblical description of King Solomon building the wall of Jerusalem around suits so well what we see (in the ruins).This is the only place that a fortification line is needed. It's surrounding that area; it connects to the Temple Mount. It's everything that fits the biblical story," Mazar argued.

Critics were quick to dispute Mazar's conclusion, but she had carbon dating on her side. Pottery shards found at the ground floor dated to the 10th century B.C. when Solomon was king.

"Sometime in the late 10th century, early 9th century, the king of Jerusalem built a most highly skilled fortification that indicated it's a strong regime, centralized, with great abilities. But then, we have this biblical story that tells about King Solomon doing the same thing. So, he did, and then like, 50 years later, some other king did the same thing?"

She suggests this is enough evidence for crtics to stop "fighting against the Bible." Mazar claims, "The reality is that a sophisticated fortification was built by King Solomon." And what has been discovered is "only part of it," a very big part.

Inside the wall were more clues pointing to King Solomon. 1 Kings 4:7 says that he had "12 governors who provided food for the king and his household." And inside the gate Mazar's team found evidence of their work: jar handles with seals inscribed "to the king" and large clay jars for storing grain.

Mazar believes they came from the royal bakery.

"On one of the vessels, there is an inscription, an incision in ancient Hebrew saying "lazar ha'o" to the minister that was in charge of the "o." That's probably the ophim, in Hebrew, which is bakery," she said.

But Mazar's hunt for the house or David isn't over yet. Next on her agenda is another royal palace. This time she'll be looking for the house of King Solomon."

"Whatever I'll be able to add and contribute to the excavation of Jerusalem, this is my huge privilege. There is only one Jerusalem in the world. But it's not like I'll start or end anything. We are only at the beginning of it and it's going to be generations to come," Mazar predicted.

CBN News with video

 

Israel's Existence Disproves Christian Replacement Theology

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 |  Ryan Jones  
Israel Today magazine

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In an article published in a local Israeli newspaper around the time of Israel's 65th Independence Day, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Har-Noy puzzled over the fact that there are still so many Bible-believing Jews who refuse to celebrate the Jewish state's modern rebirth.

"Perhaps these dear Jews missed the words of Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik in his wonderful speech 'Kol Dodi Dofek' (The Voice of My Beloved Knocks)," mused Har-Noy.

Soloveitchik, a Boston-based rabbinical leader and one of the most renowned of modern Jewish philosophers, delivered a powerful public address in 1956 on the occasion of Israel's eighth Independence Day. In it, Soloveitchik argued that "all the claims of Christian theologians that God deprived the Jewish people of its rights in the land of Israel, and that all the biblical promises regarding Zion and Jerusalem refer, in an allegorical sense, to Christianity and the Christian Church, have been publicly refuted by the establishment of the State of Israel and have been exposed as falsehoods, lacking all validity."

Har-Noy noted that for centuries the Christian Church used the fact that the Jewish people had been deprived of their nation and could find no rest in their exile as evidence that God had made Christians the new "Chosen People."

"Then came the Holocaust and the torturous destruction of a third of our people. For the Christians this was incontrovertible evidence that the previous Chosen People would never rise again," the rabbi continued. "And then the State of Israel was established!"

For this reason, Har-Noy asserted, the rebirth of Israel was as much a deep spiritual event as it was the establishment of a safe harbor for Jews. "Independence Day is first and foremost a celebration of the rise of the Jewish people from the dust, as the verse says: 'Rise from the dust, dress in your garments of splendor, my people,'" the rabbi said, referencing the Lekhah Dodi (Come My Beloved), a liturgical song that is part of the Jewish service welcoming the weekly Sabbath.

With all that it means, how can there be Jews who will recite prayers and scriptures, but not mark the modern holy day that is Israel's prophesied rebirth? "Certainly there is much left to do and much to improve, and that is our mission," concluded the rabbi. "We must take what the previous generations have imparted to us and improve this wonderful gift called the State of Israel."

Israelis, Christians join to help Palestinian children

Tuesday, June 11, 2013 |  Israel Today StaffShare on twitter

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Share on emailMore Sharing ServicesIsrael, and in particular Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, is joining forces with Christians in Australia to provide life-giving medical care to Palestinian Arab children.

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Israel, and in particular Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, is joining forces with Christians in Australia to provide life-giving medical care to Palestinian Arab children.

Project Rozana is a collaboration between Hadassah Australia, Anglican Overseas Aid and Hadassah Hospital, which has two locations in Jerusalem. The project has the full support and assistance of the Palestinian Authority health minister.

The project was inspired by the recent case of 5-year-old Rozana Ghannam, a Palestinian girl from Ramallah. About a year ago, Rozana fell out the window of her 9th-floor apartment.

"I didn’t expect that Rozana was still alive. I was shouting and weeping, asking anybody to help," wrote Rozana's mother, Maysa Ghannam, in a statement read aloud at the launch of Project Rozana in Melbourne, Australia.

Naturally, first responders wanted to take little Rozana to nearby Ramallah Hospital. But her mother refused, insisting that the broken little girl be rushed to Hadassah Hospital, widely regarded as one of the finest medical facilities in the region.

Doctors at Hadassah were indeed able to save little Rozana's life. "Rozana is now a miracle of life, a Palestinian girl who returned to life at the hands of doctors - Jews and Arabs," wrote her mother.

Those behind project Rozana, including the Israeli Foreign Ministry, hope via Jewish and Christian outreach arms in Australia to raise at least $500,000 a year. The entirety of the funds will be used to cover the treatment of Palestinian Arab children at Hadassah Hospital, as well as to provide training to Palestinian doctors and specialists.