It's Raining, It's Pouring

It’s been only three months since we arrived in Jerusalem, but it really feels like we’ve been here for a long time.  Perhaps we are beginning to feel a bit more at home in this strange land.  One of the things I miss from home is the lakes and rivers that are abundant in BC.  It is easy to take for granted the accessibility to fresh water for both pleasure and practical use.  One can travel to the Dead Sea and float in a large body of salty (33% salt) water or drive to the Mediterranean beach for a swim (also salty) or head north to Galilee our south to the Red Sea, however most of the rest of Israel is bone-dry and dependant on underground springs and rainfall to replenish the land with its vital fresh water sources.  I've mentioned before, that part of our time here has been spent on field trips with Steve’s Physical Settings of the Bible Class where we learn about the geography of the land and how that has affected lives of the people here throughout history. 



Wadi Zin

When walking in the hot sun along a trickling creek-bed at the base of huge limestone cliffs one soon gains an appreciation for every bit of available water.The dry parched desert sands and rugged wilderness of the Negev screams out for water.It’s a wonder anything grows at all.



Jericho Wadi

We have visited numerous archaeological sites and natural watersheds and wadis (riverbeds).  Some of the wadis are bone-dry most of the year, begging for water to saturate them so they can flow once more.  Water is a rare and precious commodity in this desert land. 

Spa at Herod's palace

During our studies we have seen and learned about the great lengths that the people went to in order to claim ownership to lands that had access to water as well as trade routes.  Herod built palaces in mountains and designed incredible systems to catch, hold and direct rain water so that it would be abundant during the long dry seasons. 

Aquaduct at Caesarea

Farmers would develop complex irrigations systems on terraced hillsides that would water their olive trees and gardens using underwater springs as their source. 

Shavelah (terraced hillside olive grove) well

Wells played a significant role in the placement of cities, the most successful being those that had an abundant supply and were able to protect their sources. 

Wading pool at Tel Dan

So, a few weeks ago, I met a very friendly Roni Rachel (say it with rolling “rrrr”) at the train station and she said “you must prrrray for rrrain for Isrrrrael. I know that you are a visitor and you like that the weather is nice, but we need rain. We all fight for the water and when there is not enough it is trouble. Please pray for rain!” I assured her that I have become very sympathetic to the shortage of water issue and that I will join her to pray for rain.  We have been having showers (more like torrential downpoars) often every since.  I know Roni Rachel, for one, will know prayers are being answered.  I also finally bought some good boots to keep my feet dry.  The streets and sidewalks quickly turn into rivers when the downpour comes, so armed with boots and an umbrella I will endure the wet days of Israel’s winter and look forward to the beauty of the deserts in the Spring when the land comes back to life in a full array of colour.  And so far I don't miss the snow.