"On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain." -- Exodus 19:16-17
This is just the view from one side of my village. But when it looks all dramatic in the sky I like to imagine that the next ridge is Mount Sinai and that God is answering Moses in the thunder and that I am there to witness the moments of fear and trembling!
You see?! Moses did receive the tablets of the Ten Commandments! .
Today is not only SkyWatch Friday but also the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
The Feast of Weeks is also called the Time of the Giving of the Torah, the Festival of the First Fruits, and the Harvest Festival. Shavuot commemorates the people's pilgrimage to Jerusalem to bring first crops to the Temple. Tomorrow the Ten Commandments will be read in synagogues and also the Book of Ruth, telling the story of Ruth the Moabitess who followed Naomi and became Jewish.
On Shavuot it is the tradition to eat dairy foods, wear white, and study Torah throughout the night. Happy holiday!
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P.S. To see how I discovered the tablets of the Covenant in a Swiss lake, please click here.
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what awe inspiring sky captures dina. just beautiful. enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteThe sunshine photos are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture was a beauty - as if arranged (even for a non-religious person like myself)
ReplyDeleteOh that first one!
ReplyDeleteWOW .. now that's a cinematic sky!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, and a perfect choice for the holiday.
ReplyDeleteChag Shavuot sameach.
Wow Dina that first pic is heavenly, absolutely fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Guy
Regina In Pictures
That first one is awesome
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Dina! And Chag Shavuot Sameah!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning drama.
ReplyDeleteThe first shot is all I need! Simply wonderful sun rays!
ReplyDeleteGoodness gracious! That sky alone would make anyone believe. Have a terrific holiday, Dina! Shalom to you.
ReplyDeleteSimply divine!
ReplyDeleteJoyce
Dina - Your first photo looks as though Heaven itself is shining a spotlight on your town!Have a good Holiday.
ReplyDeleteSurely with the sky in your first picture there must be hope of peace in your region.
ReplyDeleteHi Beautiful Dina
ReplyDeletehave a wonderful shavuot.I love the way your religion is so steeped in ritual-you can't forget.
and your photos -what an amazing dialogue with the sky.
That is an awe-inspiring photo! Just magnificent. Have a blessed Shavuot!
ReplyDeleteI think that Catholics like me would do well to learn more about Jewish holidays since they're also so close to our faith. I am learning a lot through your blog, Dina, and I thank you for that.
Wow Dina, that first photo does make you think that there's a God living up there!
ReplyDelete:-)
Gorgeous gorgeous photo - and nice cultural info, as always.
Awesome photos. I have to come back when I have more time.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful picture to illustrate this passage of the Exodus. Ray of light passing through the clouds always gives this impression that someone is hidden behind.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed this Skywatch Friday post. And went to the other post for info. That was a stony loaf of bread! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWow! The 1st photo is simply gorgeous! Great capture indeed!
ReplyDeleteHave I told ya lately I LOVE OYUR site! It is such a wealth of info! & wonderful pics!
ReplyDeleteI am thinkng of sending it to my Jewish friend who knows so little of the faith. Or maybe she is just pulling my leg?
Keep them coming friend!
Dina,
ReplyDeleteYour posts are incredible! The shot of the sun coming through the clouds is wonderful but the information about the Jewish holidays is fascinating. I love the story of Ruth and Naomi! You are so blessed to live in the land where all the bible stories originate from.
Happy Shavuot!
Caprice
I followed your story to Switzerland. Sometimes a mini miracle can turn a stone into a smile
ReplyDeleteI've always been told that's showing the gates of Heaven opening. Not sure if they would agree with my thoughts on what Heaven is like, but it's certainly dramatic to see!
ReplyDeleteThat photo of the sun rays coming through the clouds, is gorgeous !!!
ReplyDeleteI can imagine that the sun beams through those clouds are much the same as Moses experienced on Mt. Siani. I also enjoyed your post on finding the split rock.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture does appeal to one's imagination.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dina, for your very kind comment on my blog. Kindest regards from Amsterdam.