Positive about the Negev(tive)

Might be water.... but then again, maybe not!

Monday

In the Negev—hot, rocky, sandy but with a certain charm. You just have to look hard and long enough. It would be a stretch to call some of the land we have seen, attractive. However, there was something strikingly different and attractive about the Mahktesh Crater in Mitzpe Ramon. They refer to it as the little Grand Canyon in these parts. We would not go that far but there are some similarities with Canyonlands in Utah. In any case, we enjoyed quite a day in the Negev, the southern part of the country.

You want me down there? I thought you loved me.

Does it matter which way?

They laughed when we said it's not a battery issue

Our post Yom Kippur vows were put to the test this morning when the car ‘broke-down’ in the desert. We were not amused when our editor began singing: ‘I’ve been though the desert on a horse with no name…’ The tough part was convincing the rental car company that it was not a battery problem. The greater test occurred when, after nearly three hours of waiting, there was no sign over the horizon of a gallant rescuer. A very long story short, we have another car, we managed to get in the hike today but arrived very late for work. Do we look worried? Check out the picture with the team of mechanics.

Remind me about shade


We spent three hours hiking down to the crater or canyon floor and back. It was more rock hiking than anything else. If it was 100 degrees at times, we wouldn’t be surprised. The usual route is to hike down and get a ride back. However, we find the climbs most satisfying so we turned around before the end and struggled up about 1200 feet but enjoyed it very much. In the journey back to Arad, we were tired. The desert is harsh, rugged, tough and unforgiving but there is something uplifting as well. However, small doses are just fine, too. Once again, we found ourselves alone in this great expanse of sand and stone.

Hurry! They warned of flash floods

During our time in the desert, jet fighters flew above frequently. It gave one a special warm feeling to know that those were our ‘boys or girls’ above. Life is a gift comprising many facets. Logic, sense and intellect are vital but warm emotion is necessary, too. Keep the peace, fellows but hit ‘em hard when they need it.
Only a little more now

Last month, we wrote about Rabbi Zippel of Salt Lake City—his comments about chesed and other issues. He mentioned that chesed was not so much charity but rather, deeds of kindness that one does for a fellow human. Today, we were recipients of such chesed when a stranger helped us in every way he could with our car. Thank you, Alik, bless you. As for the rental company, we hope its customer service takes a turn for the better.
Ibex charge, better than a bear

Tomorrow, we intend to buy a lulav and etrog as we prepare to go up to Jerusalem.

Walk in the park.Right!

Chag Sameach,

Jenni and Jeffrey