Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Capernaum, Snow, and a Boat Ride
This morning we made a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast in the Hostel kitchen. Before we left, I headed across the street to the local sporting goods shop to see if I could pick up a compass. The place was roughly the size of Herb Bauer's bathroom, but they did have several compasses. The proprietor was somewhat taken aback when I asked her what the local declination was - I guess that's not a standard tourist question. (Declination is the difference between true north and magnetic north - about 15 degrees in Oakhurst.) I looked up Israel's declination later and found it's 4 degrees East, which is not significant enough to create errors unless you're doing precision navigation.
When we got to the car we discovered our battery was dead; apparently the dome light had been left on overnight. It must have been rather comic to see three guys who take pride in always being meticulously prepared stranded on the other side of the world without jumper cables. But as I told Joseph, "The only difference between an inconvenience and an adventure is how you look at it."
The first stop on the schedule today was Capernaum, on the northern shore of Galilee. This city was the location of the healing of the paralytic (Mark 2) and is mentioned numerous times throughout the course of Jesus' ministry. Today there is not much left except the remains of a synagogue and some excavations where Peter's house is believed to have been.
After Capernaum we stopped briefly in Bethsaida, another town on the Northern shore farther away from the water. Bethsaida was built on an artificial mound, both for defense and to command a better view of the Sea.
We had intended to drive up into the Golan heights area during the afternoon, but we were stopped by falling snow near a little town called Ortal. I don't know what all I expected to find in Israel, but I certainly didn't expect snow. After throwing a few snowballs we turned around and headed back down to Galilee.
Israel is like the world's stage - the place where 2,000 years ago God came and acted out His redemption drama. As you drive the roads and taste the food and watch the people, it slowly dawns on you that everything here is archetypical: every city is Jerusalem, every man is Jewish, every mountain is Moriah, every river is the Jordan, every lake is Galilee. Israel is the world.
I've deliberately (and somewhat automatically) framed most of my pictures so as to leave out Israel's dirty laundry, so I feel I should provide some qualification and say that while the country is indeed quite beautiful in many respects, there is abundant trash, plenty of Hebrew graffiti, and power lines everywhere. This situation of grandeur amidst garbage is consistent with the idea of Israel as the world's stage, for anyone who has ever been on a stage knows that as a rule they are simultaneously idyllic and cluttered. The wainscoting, potted plants and effects lighting coexist with crumpled water bottles, blinking electronics, and tangled cables duct taped to the floor. It's not easy being a microcosm of the universe.
When we got back to Tiberias, Joseph and I headed down to the docks to see if we could get a short boat ride on the Sea. After a bit of bargaining, one of the local fisherman agreed to take us out for 20 minutes. After 2,000 years, there are still men here pulling fish out of these waters and making a living at it.
Local fisherman - the type Jesus invited to follow Him
Tiberias
Yours truly: cold, wet, and having a great time
When we got to the car we discovered our battery was dead; apparently the dome light had been left on overnight. It must have been rather comic to see three guys who take pride in always being meticulously prepared stranded on the other side of the world without jumper cables. But as I told Joseph, "The only difference between an inconvenience and an adventure is how you look at it."
The first stop on the schedule today was Capernaum, on the northern shore of Galilee. This city was the location of the healing of the paralytic (Mark 2) and is mentioned numerous times throughout the course of Jesus' ministry. Today there is not much left except the remains of a synagogue and some excavations where Peter's house is believed to have been.
After Capernaum we stopped briefly in Bethsaida, another town on the Northern shore farther away from the water. Bethsaida was built on an artificial mound, both for defense and to command a better view of the Sea.We had intended to drive up into the Golan heights area during the afternoon, but we were stopped by falling snow near a little town called Ortal. I don't know what all I expected to find in Israel, but I certainly didn't expect snow. After throwing a few snowballs we turned around and headed back down to Galilee.
Israel is like the world's stage - the place where 2,000 years ago God came and acted out His redemption drama. As you drive the roads and taste the food and watch the people, it slowly dawns on you that everything here is archetypical: every city is Jerusalem, every man is Jewish, every mountain is Moriah, every river is the Jordan, every lake is Galilee. Israel is the world.
I've deliberately (and somewhat automatically) framed most of my pictures so as to leave out Israel's dirty laundry, so I feel I should provide some qualification and say that while the country is indeed quite beautiful in many respects, there is abundant trash, plenty of Hebrew graffiti, and power lines everywhere. This situation of grandeur amidst garbage is consistent with the idea of Israel as the world's stage, for anyone who has ever been on a stage knows that as a rule they are simultaneously idyllic and cluttered. The wainscoting, potted plants and effects lighting coexist with crumpled water bottles, blinking electronics, and tangled cables duct taped to the floor. It's not easy being a microcosm of the universe.When we got back to Tiberias, Joseph and I headed down to the docks to see if we could get a short boat ride on the Sea. After a bit of bargaining, one of the local fisherman agreed to take us out for 20 minutes. After 2,000 years, there are still men here pulling fish out of these waters and making a living at it.
Local fisherman - the type Jesus invited to follow Him
Tiberias
Yours truly: cold, wet, and having a great timeThus concludes another day. Shalom and God Bless.
Nazareth Village, Rain, and Pizza
Tuesday morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast at the hotel we were staying at in Nazareth. Because of the relatively high price of prepared food, we quickly learned to apply the camel principle and take full advantage of the provided breakfasts.
After breakfast we drove over to Nazareth Village, a small living history project (similar to Plymouth Plantation in New England) intended to show what life would have been like in Nazareth during the time of Christ.
As a tradesman myself, I have always been interested in learning more about Christ's occupation. According to our tour guide, the Greek word dicton means "builder," and since there was little to no specialization in those days, a dicton would have worked with both wood and stone.
Outside it was raining in earnest, so we had to hurry across the wet dirt paths to the shelter of the Olive Press and Synagogue. Apparently the ancient villagers used to observe the routes the donkeys took up and down the hillsides, and then enlarge these thin trails into paths and streets, taking advantage of the donkey's instinctive knack for finding the quickest and easiest way from point A to point B. To this day, there are streets in Nazareth that began as donkey trails.
Harvested olives would first be crushed in an olive mill. Once they were reduced to paste, the olives would be put in baskets and pressed several times. The first press was done using the weight of the baskets alone and produced the purest oil, which was set aside for temple use. After the first press the olives would be pressed a second and third time using stone weights like these pictured above.
Every building, jar, and rug in Nazareth Village is handmade, using the same tools and materials they used 2,000 years ago. When you visit, make sure and allow time to enjoy the gift shop.
From Nazareth Village we drove to Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee. We checked into the Tiberias Hostel and got some tips from the proprietor about what to do in the area. In the course of the conversation he mentioned there were a bunch of crocodiles near the Northeast shore somewhere, but this time of year they would all be hibernating:
The Hostel owner also told us about a certain bench on the Eastern shore that was reported to have some kind of mystical power:
Armed with maps and forewarned about hibernating crocodiles and magic benches, we left the Hostel to drive around the Sea, planning a stop at the Yigal Alon Museum to see the Galilee Boat.
The Galilee Boat (web photo)
The Galilee Boat, amazingly preserved remains of a fishing vessel that has been carbon dated to the time of Christ, is one of the most fascinating things to see in Galilee. The 27-foot boat was discovered by local fishermen in 1986 during a drought year when the Sea was low, and after a painstaking excavation and conservation process has been put on public display.
Archaeologists identified 12 different species of wood in the Galilee Boat. The exterior cladding is mainly Cedar, and the interior ribbing is predominantly Tabor Oak. The other woods are Christ Thorn, Carob, Aleppo Pine, Hawthorn, Sycamore, Laurel, Willow, Judas Tree, Plane Tree, and Atlantic Terebinth. Some of the wood had been salvaged from other vessels.
After completing the loop around the Sea we went into Tiberias to get some dinner and do some shopping. During our time in Galilee, dinner usually meant mushroom pizza. It was affordable, predictable, and actually tasted pretty good to boot.
We're planning two more full days in Galilee before it's time to head South, and we're hoping the weather improves a little. We'll see.
Shalom and Good Night!
After breakfast we drove over to Nazareth Village, a small living history project (similar to Plymouth Plantation in New England) intended to show what life would have been like in Nazareth during the time of Christ.
As a tradesman myself, I have always been interested in learning more about Christ's occupation. According to our tour guide, the Greek word dicton means "builder," and since there was little to no specialization in those days, a dicton would have worked with both wood and stone.
Outside it was raining in earnest, so we had to hurry across the wet dirt paths to the shelter of the Olive Press and Synagogue. Apparently the ancient villagers used to observe the routes the donkeys took up and down the hillsides, and then enlarge these thin trails into paths and streets, taking advantage of the donkey's instinctive knack for finding the quickest and easiest way from point A to point B. To this day, there are streets in Nazareth that began as donkey trails.
Harvested olives would first be crushed in an olive mill. Once they were reduced to paste, the olives would be put in baskets and pressed several times. The first press was done using the weight of the baskets alone and produced the purest oil, which was set aside for temple use. After the first press the olives would be pressed a second and third time using stone weights like these pictured above.
Every building, jar, and rug in Nazareth Village is handmade, using the same tools and materials they used 2,000 years ago. When you visit, make sure and allow time to enjoy the gift shop.From Nazareth Village we drove to Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee. We checked into the Tiberias Hostel and got some tips from the proprietor about what to do in the area. In the course of the conversation he mentioned there were a bunch of crocodiles near the Northeast shore somewhere, but this time of year they would all be hibernating:
They fed them their last meal several months ago - maybe 10-12 chickens... they won't wake up until March... April... I don't know.
The Hostel owner also told us about a certain bench on the Eastern shore that was reported to have some kind of mystical power:
You sit on it, and you feel some energy... some warmth... I don't know.... if you believe it, good for you. Me - I don't believe it, I just tell you about it.
Armed with maps and forewarned about hibernating crocodiles and magic benches, we left the Hostel to drive around the Sea, planning a stop at the Yigal Alon Museum to see the Galilee Boat.
The Galilee Boat (web photo)Archaeologists identified 12 different species of wood in the Galilee Boat. The exterior cladding is mainly Cedar, and the interior ribbing is predominantly Tabor Oak. The other woods are Christ Thorn, Carob, Aleppo Pine, Hawthorn, Sycamore, Laurel, Willow, Judas Tree, Plane Tree, and Atlantic Terebinth. Some of the wood had been salvaged from other vessels.
After completing the loop around the Sea we went into Tiberias to get some dinner and do some shopping. During our time in Galilee, dinner usually meant mushroom pizza. It was affordable, predictable, and actually tasted pretty good to boot.
We're planning two more full days in Galilee before it's time to head South, and we're hoping the weather improves a little. We'll see. Shalom and Good Night!
Back Home
After eating one last shawarma, having my meticulously packed luggage completely disemboweled going through Israeli customs, and flying for a combined total of almost 18 hours, I'm now back in my beloved California. Before getting completely buried in the next barrage of activity, I will be blogging through the rest of the trip, which includes hiking around Galilee, praying at the Garden Tomb, visiting Qumran and En Gedi, swimming in the Dead Sea, climbing Masada, and touring Petra and Egypt.
Also, sometime during the next several weeks we'll be hosting an "Israel Night" here at the house, complete with pictures, show-and-tell, and olives. I'll keep you posted regarding date and time.
Because He lives!
Also, sometime during the next several weeks we'll be hosting an "Israel Night" here at the house, complete with pictures, show-and-tell, and olives. I'll keep you posted regarding date and time.
Because He lives!
Friday, February 08, 2008
Journey's End
My mind is rushing like these rivers
And I can't slow these moments down
We pass through our days like strangers
And I need to see your face just now
We pass through our days like strangers
And I need to see your face just now
-Sandra McCracken, Gravity | Love, "Chattanooga"
Shalom Jerusalem!
It's almost time to catch the airport shuttle from Jerusalem back to TLV for the long flight west. So many things about the trip stand out for different reasons, but God's hand of guidance, blessing, and protection has been evident the whole time. We're leaving with full hearts, tired legs, and empty wallets. God is good.
Shalom Jerusalem!
Scales, Melodies, and Number Theory
So far I've missed one week. Not bad for being on the other side of the world. I think my last post on keys was still somewhat confusing, so I'm hoping things will start to become a little clearer now.
Didn't you love doing those color-by-number things when you were a kid? I did. I wasn't terribly creative growing up, and I was very happy to let someone else take the responsibility for figuring out what color to put where. Under this arrangement, I didn't have to waste time agonizing over endless shades and hues, and I could concentrate fully on what I really wanted to do: coloring.
Breaking music down into numbers provides the same type of freedom. You don't have to concentrate as much on the mechanics, which means you can focus on actually making music.
The advantage of using numbers over letters is that it allows you to think independently of keys. (We already saw that songs retain the same sound and structure regardless of what key they are played in.) Although it is a bit more work up front, learning the number method really pays off in increased flexibility and confidence later on.
My first instrument was not the piano, it was the harmonica. (You could justifiably say I entered the world of music theory through the back door.) The harmonica player has an almost unfair advantage in understanding the number method. When a harmonica player wants to switch keys, he simply picks up a different harmonica and plays the same pattern of notes. What the number method does is take this principle and make it practicable on any instrument.
There is nothing original about the number method - it is the same idea behind singing Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do to teach the relationships within the major scale. When using the number method, Do, the tonic or "root", is always 1, and the numbers count up the major scale from there. This is not Sudoku.
chart 2
This simple chart is the foundation of the whole method. Using this chart, you can quickly locate the numeric equivalent for any note in any key, and the letter equivalent for any number in any key, until you have a firm enough grasp on the system to figure it out in your head. In time, this will become automatic.
If all this business about numbers still doesn't make sense to you, don't worry. It will soon. For now, work through the exercises below and feel free to ask for clarification on any point in the comments.
Didn't you love doing those color-by-number things when you were a kid? I did. I wasn't terribly creative growing up, and I was very happy to let someone else take the responsibility for figuring out what color to put where. Under this arrangement, I didn't have to waste time agonizing over endless shades and hues, and I could concentrate fully on what I really wanted to do: coloring.
Breaking music down into numbers provides the same type of freedom. You don't have to concentrate as much on the mechanics, which means you can focus on actually making music.The advantage of using numbers over letters is that it allows you to think independently of keys. (We already saw that songs retain the same sound and structure regardless of what key they are played in.) Although it is a bit more work up front, learning the number method really pays off in increased flexibility and confidence later on.
My first instrument was not the piano, it was the harmonica. (You could justifiably say I entered the world of music theory through the back door.) The harmonica player has an almost unfair advantage in understanding the number method. When a harmonica player wants to switch keys, he simply picks up a different harmonica and plays the same pattern of notes. What the number method does is take this principle and make it practicable on any instrument.
There is nothing original about the number method - it is the same idea behind singing Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do to teach the relationships within the major scale. When using the number method, Do, the tonic or "root", is always 1, and the numbers count up the major scale from there. This is not Sudoku.
| Do | Re | Mi | Fa | So | La | Ti | Do |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| A | B | C# | D | E | F# | G# | A |
| Bb | C | D | Eb | F | G | A | Bb |
| B | C# | D# | E | F# | G# | A# | B |
| C | D | E | F | G | A | B | C |
| Db | Eb | F | Gb | Ab | Bb | C | Db |
| D | E | F# | G | A | B | C# | D |
| Eb | F | G | Ab | Bb | C | D | Eb |
| E | F# | G# | A | B | C# | D# | E |
| F | G | A | Bb | C | D | E | F |
| Gb | Ab | Bb | B | Db | Eb | F | Gb |
| G | A | B | C | D | E | F# | G |
| Ab | Bb | C | Db | Eb | F | G | Ab |
This simple chart is the foundation of the whole method. Using this chart, you can quickly locate the numeric equivalent for any note in any key, and the letter equivalent for any number in any key, until you have a firm enough grasp on the system to figure it out in your head. In time, this will become automatic.
If all this business about numbers still doesn't make sense to you, don't worry. It will soon. For now, work through the exercises below and feel free to ask for clarification on any point in the comments.
Putting it into Practice
- What is #5 in the key of D? #7 in the key of E? #2 in the key of Ab?
- What number describes F in the key of C? E in the key of G? F in the key of Db?
- Play a song you know well, but instead of singing the words to the melody, sing the numbers to the melody. (If you hate math and find it awkward to sing numbers, use the Do-Re-Mi scale.) Repeat with other songs. The goal is to understand the independence of melodic structures from their particular given key.
- When you're listening to songs you have not seen the music for, try and decipher what the melody is doing in terms of numbers. (You don't need to bother about what key the song is in.) This is often surprisingly easy, especially with simpler songs. When you're playing worship, you will need to know exactly where the melody is at all times, so you can insert the appropriate transitions, harmonies, and improvisational embellishments.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Shalom From Eilat
Hello everyone. I'm writing this late Sunday night on a coin-operated internet terminal in the lobby of our hotel here in Eilat. I just paid 10 shekels for 30 minutes, so this will be brief.
Today we crossed the border into Jordan and toured Petra, (amazing!) and we leave early tomorrow morning for an overnight trip to Egypt to see Cairo and the Pyramids. After that we'll have a few more days in Israel before we head for home.
I don't expect to have much internet access during the remainder of the trip, but I do hope to complete the daily journaling once I return home, working from my pictures, notes, and impeccable memory. For the time being we continue to covet your prayers. Good night and God Bless!
Today we crossed the border into Jordan and toured Petra, (amazing!) and we leave early tomorrow morning for an overnight trip to Egypt to see Cairo and the Pyramids. After that we'll have a few more days in Israel before we head for home.
I don't expect to have much internet access during the remainder of the trip, but I do hope to complete the daily journaling once I return home, working from my pictures, notes, and impeccable memory. For the time being we continue to covet your prayers. Good night and God Bless!
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