Church ??? … ! YES

We live in a generation where religious gatherings are either neglected or put down. The thought of this is very sad. My life has been enriched through attendance, not just in worship services, but also in Sunday School (Bible Study, Small Groups, Life groups, cell groups, home groups … the names are endless … because people are trying to make it attractive, but if we would only understand what it is … we would be thankful and attend!)

Before I go too far, I need to say, it really doesn’t matter what brand of religion you prefer. Some are Christians, some Jewish, some Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, or some other faith. Some are liberal, some fundamentalist, conservative, neo-orthodox, Chasidic, or some other label. What I am saying is that we should not just look on from afar, or attend sporadically … we should go often so we can be part of the community.

Religion at its best makes people better. Each faith has a book. The Jewish Bible is over 3,500 years old, and still read daily by millions of people. (What New York Times bestseller can claim that!) The Christian Bible, which adds the New Testament (and maybe the Apocrypha) to the Jewish Bible has consistently topped the best seller list, and is published in almost every language of the world!

Why would that many people read a book?? There must be something worthwhile in it! The Bible is even quoted - often - by people who claim not to believe it! I am thankful for the words of wisdom contained in the Bible.

I am thankful for the teachings of my church. As I said, there are many different faiths. You should be thankful for the teachings of your religious group … if not, you should find a group where the teachings will enhance your life. In the United States (and many other countries) we enjoy freedom of religion. That means we can choose. Don’t get stuck somewhere you are unhappy and unfulfilled.

The worship service of churches includes prayer (should always be foremost), music, and teaching. This is often in a large group. People enter … and exit … and often do not meet anyone. That is sad. One of the reasons we meet together is to encourage one another. If we don’t talk to each-other, we fail at that!

I personally support Sunday School (or small groups), because the ‘home church’ is less formal. There is a teacher (or two or three), who guides the study, but optimally, anyone can speak and share an opinion … and not get put down. The small group is for learning. Discussing is part of learning. It is also for fellowship. I am thankful for the fellowship … and friends I have in Sunday School. Some are lifelong, and I would have been robbed of the friendship if I had not attended. My Sunday School friends are my most active supporters in times of need .... and I hope I am active in supporting them. I am thankful for Sunday School. Are you?

The Bible says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

A Trip to Tel Aviv

Yesterday we made a trip from Haifa to Tel Aviv. Transportation along the coast, the “Via Maris” or the “Plain of Sharon,” as it is variously called in different places, is quite easy. We took the bus down the mountain in Haifa to the connected Bus and Train stations near Carmel Beach. Then we went south along the sea.

Rav Card Reader on a Bus

We purchased a Rav Card, which connects all transportation. We paid a few sheckles each way for the train and a few for daily unlimited rides in Tel Aviv. The coast and the cities are places which are connected by mass transit. That is a good thing, because after driving our rental car in the congestion of Tel Aviv the first few days in Israel, I am glad to let someone else do the driving. After attempting to park in Haifa, I am glad to get off the bus, and not have to look for a place and walk up the hill back to our lodging.

Entry to the Train Station

The drive down the coastal plain was beautiful. The ground is mostly level, but with some rock hills or desert sand dunes in places. There are a few rivers, swamps and lots of land which was drained a hundred years ago and is now used for agriculture. There are fields of cut grain, citrus groves, banana plantations and other farms along the plain. Before the nineteenth century, this land contained enough swampy areas that transportation could be controlled by fortresses.

Comfortable interior of the Train Car

The train cars can be one level or two. Of course as a visitor to Israel, and because we like to look out the window, we go to the upper level (the morning train was only one level). The trains were crowded, and on the morning train I had to stand the full ride, of about an hour. Chelsea and I read some of Al-Khazari.

Flowers at Tel Aviv University

We arrived in northern Tel Aviv and took the bus to Tel Aviv University. This is a large, multidisciplinary state college. Several museums on the campus afford visitors great experiences. We have visited the Eretz Israel and Palmach Museums in the past.

Museum of the Jewish People

Yesterday we visited the Museum of the Jewish People. We enjoyed three different types of exhibits. The entry exhibit is on Jewish Humor. In the early 20th Century about 75% of the comedians in the United States were Jewish. Cultural humor comes from Eastern European communities where Jewish populations were congregated and often relate to the trials of our people.

Museum of Jewish Humor

One source of Jewish humor is the Bible. There are many funny expressions in the Bible, and even books like Esther which are meant to provide relief in life through jest. The festival of Purim, built on the book of Esther, is totally about carnivals and fun.

Fishing for Matzo Balls in Soup

A second, more serious room in the museum was dedicated to places of worship. Detailed scale models, including interior rooms, were on display, showcasing major synagogues in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Synagogue in Vienna, Austria

The Synagogue room also showed videos of Jewish worship.

Capernaum Synagogue

The final room was on photography. It showed early photographs of Israel, and also photography from battle zones in Europe and Central America.