Posted January 30 2008 by Ezra Butler
Aimless in Jerusalem
Snow is Jerusalem.
The Holy City shuts down. I am not talking about a blizzard, 3 feet of white joy, I am talking about slush.
One sees smiles on people’s faces when they see the snow falling down, whilst warm in a bar or gym, and the outside holds the possibility of becoming a winter wonderland.
No one shovels the snow; that would just be ludicrous. I have received multiple requests from various parties to “frolic in”, “play with” and “walk in” the snow.
Personally, I said that I would be different, I would go to work. Going to the bank 2 blocks away was enough of a trek. And just to find out that it was closed, due to the inclement weather. The slush in the street runneth over, and into my inadequately protected socks.
It was like Friday mornings, in some locations, where Jerusalemites would sit in a cafe at noon, drinking coffee (or hot cocoa), and reading the paper with their significant other.
Snow here takes a front seat to the important conversations of the day, whether political, religious, or personal. The snow becomes both a savior and a satan of sorts.
Jerusalem always goes to extremes. None of this is new. I have been here on multiple snow days and it is always the same. Jerusalem, usually a home to the Big 3 faiths, becomes aimless. The prophets would decry the mostly empty streets, and lament the cold, wet city. The inhabitants, though, rejoice in their sometimes heated homes or cafes. Only the vision of random children joyful in the sad excuse for a snowfall would bring a smile to Isaiah’s face.
Israelis are always quick to blame. The government usually. (Lately, with good reason.) For the education strikes, the war in Lebanon, the monetization of shemitta.
But this was a day that no blame was placed on the government for not preventing the snow, the rabbinate for not praying for more fluffy snow, or the homosexuals for being gay.
It was the 4th day, and Jerusalem rested.
Add This Blog to Your Technorati Favorites
Jewish Blog, Jewish, Jewish Leadership, Jewish News, Jewish Values, Jewish Events
