Even the lawyers were speechless

12 Elul

It was obvious there would be little work done today. The judges from the local Sanhedrin arrived bright and early to hear the petitions and see the disputed land. The people of Chorazim lined up on one hill and our folk on the other. We did not want to miss anything! These occasions are rare and will be the main topic of conversation for weeks.

The men walked round the area first with our elders and Yov talking as they went, then they did the same with the elders and farmers of Chorazim. Only then did they sit down on the benches that had been set out for them. They took testimony and consulted scrolls. And they talked and argued together in the way only lawyers can. They talked so fast.

Suddenly, there was a commotion as the children arrived with the hand cart laden with food and a long line of older girls carrying pitchers of lemonade and little ones with cups and ladles. My heart sank. Aunt Tirzah was right!

The procession passed us by and the children took the food straight to the elders of Chorazim! You should have seen Shmuel's face! He was purple! But he was with the Sanhedrin and I was hemmed in by the crowd...

Then I realised... they were not selling, they were serving! Then the children of Chorazim began to a serve us ... but not before I saw a very embarrassed looking Elder Binyamin being served a bread and fish with lemonade lunch by Galit and two of his little sisters. All at once I became aware of Shmuli and my sister's children serving the judges. I was so proud of all of them. And I doubt if anyone from either place was not humbled by it all. Even the lawyers were speechless!

The verdict? As I understand it, we can graze our flocks on the land until they decide to cultivate it again. I'm no lawyer, but I trust these men to know what they are doing.

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Where have all the children gone?

10 Elul

After all the excitement of the last few days it has actually been very quiet today. The children disappeared this afternoon, I don't know where they went but I don't think I saw any children over the age of three for hours. I hope they are not up to any mischief!

Miri came round just before supper and asked if Rivkah could spend the day at her house tomorrow they have something important to do. I could see no reason why not but when I asked what for Rivkah told me she was not telling. Miri wasn't telling either but she assured me her Grandma would be there all day. I would be very busy as we were expecting guests and I had to have everything just so. Chava and I would be able to prepare in peace.

Shmuli looks very pleased with himself tonight. I wonder if it has anything to do with Miri's request? No, I very much doubt it, his little gang don't have much to do with girls, now do they?

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Shmuli is confused

7 Elul

It is a quiet Shabbat. Well, it was quiet until a moment ago. I can hear Yoshi and Shmuli shouting at each other in the yard. Shmuel motioned me to stay where I am. He's gone outside. I'll get back to you in a bit, they've woken the twins.

I heard Shmuel send Yoshi home and invite Shmuli back to the shed. He was not there long. When he came back, he said,
"I gave him a choice. The usual punishment or a discussion with the Rabbi. He chose the Rabbi."
I wonder why?!

Shmuli was gone for ages. I don't know what Rabbi Moshe thought about this intrusion on Shabbat but he obviously took it seriously. He had intended to spend the day at Uncle Shaul's as far as I know. Their habit is to study Torah I guess Ya'acov would be there too . Shmuel said he did not intend our son to go immediately, but he dashed off straight away. Perhaps he thought Dad would change his mind.

I asked him how it went when he was getting ready for bed. He just said that grown-ups are really strange and he wished he didn't have to be one one day. They make life so complicated! That's true. But I would love to know what made him feel like that.

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Rivkah learns a secret

6 Elul

Shmuel and Milchah have been extremely busy. Every spare space is filled with basketwork cribs awaiting linings. The rest of us have been weaving and embroidering. Somehow, Aunt Tirzah and Vered have become part of the team. They take embroidery home for the other girls to do in the evening. I must say, the finished cribs look lovely. It was a relief when Reuven came to collect some of the items today. He and Shmuel sat in the courtyard with a drink of wine. It was good to have space to move again. Shmuel helped him load up the cart and then came into the weaving shed scratching his head.
"Who'd have thought there'd be so much money in baby goods? Our little girls have hit upon a gold mine... Once they sell, there will be even more!"
He counted out the wages for the other women and put the rest in his jar.
"We will be ready for Shabbat won't we, honey?"
"Of course!" I tried not to sound hurt. Had I ever got that wrong?

At that moment, the door flung open and Yov came in carrying Rivkah. She was sobbing her heart out.
"Whatever's happened?" I took her from him.
"A mob from Chorazim, a very nasty mob, didn't want us grazing the sheep on the far side of the dell, she thinks it's all her fault."
"We have every right... why on earth does she think that?"
"She thinks she hit someone with the sling. She didn't; but I can't convince her."
I hugged her close and she buried her head in my scarf.
"Can you keep a secret?" said Yov stroking her hair."Come on, I've got something to show you. You'll be the only girl in KfarGanot who has seen my surprise for Vered!"
She looked at him and blinked with wide wet eyes. With a big sniff she nodded and Yov took her from my arms and whisked her off to his house. I must admit, I was I was a tad jealous No woman has been allowed to see anything for weeks in case we spoil the surprise!
When she came back she was smiling and told me she would not tell a soul but we would need to make lots of curtains for them. But how would we do that without Vered finding out?

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Saved by etiquette Baruch HaShem!

5 Elul

We had an interesting conversation over supper last night. It seems that Yeshua has gone up North for a while. I guess his life is getting really hectic these days. Crowds follow him everywhere. But Ya'acov did get to talk to Cephas's family and they put him in touch with Jairus and he had spoken with Yehud'it.
"She and Miri are amazing." He took a deep breath."They told me they were sworn to secrecy"
"I can believe it..."I began
"You too?"
I just looked at him.
"It seems my older brother rather makes a habit of this. I don't suppose...?"
I shook my head.
"So it's a matter of faith."
As I had realised some weeks ago, it is exactly that. Yeshua wants us to believe in him, for ourselves.
"All these days l have spent with Yov he hasn't said much either except that before he met my bother, he was a leper... and now he is not,'Baruch HaShem' . He is a devout man, and has no doubt that HaShem healed him. I am just getting to grips with how Yeshua fits into all this. l grew up with him. We sparred like all brothers do. But he told me many times over the years that I would be the one to take forward the family business. He had to do the will of his father. After all this time I think I am beginning to understand."
Rivkah had fallen asleep in Shmuel's lap so he carried her off to bed. He beckoned to Shmuli,
"Aw, Dad!"
"Come on, you're with the sheep tomorrow.  You'll be here early tomorrow, won't you, Yov?"
"You bet."
Shmuli shuffled off reluctantly.
"What do you make of him?"
Ya'acov was looking directly at me. That put me on the spot. Yeshua had asked me that and I had promised not to tell anyone what I had told him.
"Come on, that's not fair," Yov had said little up to this point. "Her husband is not here"
I heaved a sigh. Saved by etiquette. Baruch HaShem.

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A really good day.

4 Elul

The boys have all gone down to KfarNahum with Ya'acov today. He has hired the cart for the journey home. My little man, Shmuli drove a hard bargain and he is paying a good price -or at least Yov is as he has hired him to help with the house. Rivkah and Shmuel are out with the sheep and I have been cooking. Ya'acov and Yov are coming to supper. Miri came looking for her best friend this afternoon only to find she was miles away. She looked so forlorn. She soon cheered up when I let her mind the twins for a while. When Chava's little sister called round to see the babies they spent a happy hour or so playing "mummies and babies" I say playing, but they were a great help to me entertaining my youngsters.

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Business is booming in KfarGanot

2 Elul

It has been extremely busy today. Hadassah and Chava packed up all the woven goods as the courier was due. To our great surprise Reuven came himself. He had a message for Shmuel. It seems he has a bulk order for the basketwork cribs. They are to be shipped to a merchant in Ephesus. I think Shmuel may have to employ someone alongside Milchah. They have agreed to make some basic ones and a limited number of the" deluxe" version. I don't know the details but Shmuel is very impressed with the price, he said he would be a fool to refuse. I guess the girls will need help to make blankets to line them as well.

Shmuli and his friends... or should I say, business partners, have been working so hard on the harness they were forced to seek medical assistance from Devorah for sore fingers. They were delighted when Shmuel offered to hire the cart to go to market to get supplies for his business. I think they may have an idea how they can make money from it now.

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Boys working hard

Can anyone explain how good honest olive oil and beeswax turn little boys black whenever they come in contact with them? Shmuli's little gang are preparing Danni's old donkey harness to use with the new cart. I think it is proving harder more than they thought, but for once we know where they all are! I think us mums will be spending some time at the washing place later this week! They were lucky to find the straps in Danni's barn. They had turned our place upside down looking for something to attach Princess but Danni told them they needed to do it properly.
I am not sure how they intend to use this cart, but they can't wait to see it working. I'm not sure what Princess will make of it though. They chased her round the paddock for half an hour before they realised they had no straps. Shmuel found it highly amusing. He said he'll have to bring them along next time he needs to get the donkey moving in a hurry!

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Shabbat Shalom at last!

30 Av

At supper last night. Shmuli could contain himself no longer! He tried to keep the suspense going, but he couldn't resist the promptings of his little sister. It seems Eli has given them a donkey cart for their business, he was "investing in the future of KfarGanot." Shmuli says he doesn't know what it means but it sounds important.

After synagogue Ya'acov came over to talk to Shmuel. I sat in the shade on my hammock with the twins while men sat under the vine with a drink of wine. They talked for hours. Danni came over for a bit and the children went to play with Yoshi and Miri so I had a restful afternoon all in all. Such a change from all the donkey antics yesterday. Shmuli was right. A donkey cart will keep our Princess out of trouble for sure.

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Oh dear! The donkey has made such a mess!

29 Av

I have tried to have a quiet day today. I asked the children to have their target practice in the far field, away from the house. Zippi and Nat need quiet. They are past the stage when they go straight to sleep after a feed. When they are a bit older, Rivkah will be able to look after them. In any case, she is busy at the moment. I think this sling business is the first time she has encountered a skill she finds difficult to master. Shmuel said at breakfast that it will teach her the value of hard work.

Did I get any quiet? Of course not, this is KfarGanot after all. Somebody left the paddock gate open and the donkey found her way into the house. Chava and I tried everything to budge here but she had decided she liked it there. We pushed and pulled... tempted her with carrots... we even tried frightening her by banging on furniture and Shmuel's drum. She was not moving.

We had run out of ideas, when the twins woke up. When they started crying, the donkey started braying. Then unexpectedly, she bolted for the door just as Rivkah and Shmuli were coming in. They dived for cover knocking into the woodpile and scattering logs everywhere.

To cap it all The donkey just trotted back to the paddock as if nothing had happened! Shmuli's plan to keep her out of mischief could not have come at a better time. I wonder what he has in mind?

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Ya'acov is trying to understand...

28 Av

Ya'acov is still here in KfarGanot today. He spent time out in the fields with Shmuel and Danni fixing fences. He told them that the people in Yerushalayim had sent him to speak to our Rabbi Moshe as they respected his opinion and he had some experience of recent events. He was sure they did not know about the letter regarding the birth of his brother, but when he had read it, it changed everything.

Rivkah and Shmuli helped Yov and Uncle Shaul with the sheep. They must have taken it in turns, I am sure I saw the little gang... or should I say Club Or members?... making their way to Eli's house late this afternoon. It's funny, they really seem fond of the old man these days. Not so long ago they would have gone in fear and trembling.

At supper, Shmuli told us that Eli was going to make an investment in their business. He was very excited, but would not tell us any more. Not even Rivkah could get him to spill the beans. Al he would say was that it would keep Princess, the donkey, out of mischief.

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A letter from Grandma Miriam

27 Av

Miriam had written me a short letter. I found it this morning wrapped in one of the bonnets:
“From Grandma Miriam, to my adopted family in KfarGanot.
I hope you are all well and that the two new members of your family are behaving themselves, not keeping you awake at night. As Ya’acov was travelling your way to visit our my dear friend Rabbi Moshe, I asked him to deliver these gifts for me. I hope you did not mind me sending Shmuli the knife. It was made by a man I know and seemed just the thing a young farmer like him would need for his work. I am sure he will be sensible with it. He has a wise head on those young shoulders and I am sure his egg and food business brings in a good income. Miriam of Migdal says he “has what it takes” to go far, and she should know. I remember how my dear Yosef used to teach our boys to be responsible with their tools, how to use them safely and how to look after them. I am sure Shmuel is already teaching your young man these skills. I hope to visit KfarNahum in the near future and will come to see you then. May HaShem bless you all”

Shmuel said he had to go to the Rabbi’s house to talk to Ya’acov again this morning. Rabbi Moshe had shown him the letter from his old mentor, Shim’on last night just before Danni and he came home. He just read it and wept. Shmuel hopes he is Ok, but they felt it was best to leave the rest of their business until this morning. What we had not realised was that Ya’acov did not know about the letter and Miriam had not told him about how Yeshua was born. She had kept it all to herself all these years the only people she had ever told were the few who had been here in our own front room that night after they had fled Natzaret.

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Presents from Grandma Miriam

26 Av

Danni and Hadassah have a special guest tonight. Rabbi Yeshua's brother Ya'acov arrived late this morning. Rabbi Moshe called Shmuel and Danni from the fields and the elders spent the whole afternoon with him. I don't know everything they spoke about, but Shmuel said that he had lots of questions about people who had met his brother. Apparently, he knew nothing about Cana, but fortunately for Shmuel who had promised to tell no-one, Uncle Shaul knew all about it and had made no such promise.
At one point, Shmuel fetched the boys to find out about what happened with the loaves and the fishes. He also talked to Miri, which made Rivkah a little jealous. Of course, since my days of purificationare not over yet, Shmuel told him what had happened to me and the twins. Shmuli told me later that when they arrived, Eli was dancing and they heard him say,
"These must be the best knees on Old man ever had!"
At supper, Shmuel gave me a package Grandma Miriam had sent for the children. There were embroidered Judean style bonnets for the twins a beautiful spindle for Rivkah that Shim'on had made and for Shmuli, a small knife with a horn handle, and a leather sheath. Ya'acov had told Shmuel that he had guarded it with his life as his mother would not have understood if he had lost it.

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The new Elders' induction

25 Av

As l told you the other day, Shmuel and Danni have been invited to sit with the elders. It is an honour for the whole family as our men are acknowledged to be good husbands and fathers who rule their homes well. It is just as well we have Yov to manage the flock these days since Shmuel and Danni will be spending time dealing with village and synagogue business as well as hearing disputes. They will have to attend these meetings almost every day.

I have never spent much time watching the village judges at work, but I intend to go along to watch Shmuel in action. He is a good listener and very fair handed. So I am sure he will be an asset to the "court." This week, the men are meeting at the Rabbi's house for instruction-or did Shmuel say induction? I'm not sure what the difference is. Anyway, they start today and we are all so very excited!

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Is Shmuli the target?

24 Av

After breakfast, Shmuli and Rivkah went out into the paddock to do some "sling practice". I heard a lot of shouting.
''Oi! watch it! You're going to hit the chickens!''
''OUCH!"
And a lot more besides! Then it went very quiet. A little later, Galit and Yoshi came by and asked me if I had any over ripe melons and one of Shmuli's old hats. It was a strange request, but I was able to oblige.

Chava and I were grinding flour when I heard a terrible scream and gales of laughter. Rivkah came running up to me she was talking so fast ~ something about Shmuli's head exploding!
Fortunately she was closely followed by the three boys. Galit and Yoshi were beside themselves but poor Shmuli looked very pale.

It seems Shmuli's two friends had drawn a face on a melon and put the old hat on top. They encouraged Rivkah to use it as a target. She had hit it first time. It had exploded melon pulp all over them. I suppose the pressure inside was quite high as it was very over ripe and they had set it in the full sun. So my daughter can hit things with her sling. I wonder if it's a one-off or just because they had named it Shmuli? I guess, only time will tell!

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Rivkah will be the bestest

23 Av

It's amazing! Shabbat is here already. Shabbat Shalom! We have so much to be thankful for this week.

My mother alwaysencouraged usto count our blessings on Shabbat. As I take stock of HaShem's goodness to us I cannot believe how much our lives have changed. Our family, which had seemed small in comparison with most others has grown, and yet we do not feel the financial strain as I had feared we might because our businesses are flourishing. In fact we are all in business now in ways we never thought possible just last year. Not only that, Shmuel has money to spare for presents! I cannot remember that being the case... ever! - Only on weddings and special occasions, perhaps, but never out of the blue like this week. - We just did not have the money for such luxuries. And now Shmuel and Danni will be joining the elders, we are truly blessed!

I think Rivkah found the sling a little harder than she had imagined yesterday. She sidled up to me at supper and asked me why boys can do some things better than girls. She told me that she can throw, but that Shmuli keeps telling her to "aim", but she was not sure how.
I told her she was very good at aiming. She can certainly point Nat in the right direction when it counts ~ I doubt Shmuli could do that. She just needed to practice. Her Daddy believes she can do it and he knows about these things. She kissed me and said,
"If my Daddy believes I can do it I'll be the bestest, just you see!"

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Presents for the children

22 Av

Rivkah is delighted with the new arrangement. She loves working with the animals and is now going to be a "shepherdess just like the women in the olden days!" as she put it. She will spend a couple of days a week out with the men to start with and Shmuli will be teaching her to use the sling that Shmuel had specially made by Avner our leather worker friend in KfarNahum. He has a embossed her name on it and put a flower design on it. Shmuli told me he thought out was a bit cissy, but he dared not tell Rivkah in case she told his dad!

So what did Shmuel buy Shmuli? Well, it seems he is always worried about the lads carrying money so he commissioned Avner to make a loculus. That is a Roman money bag. But this one is special. It's just the right size for a young boy and can be hidden under his clothes. It hangs on a leather strap around his neck. It is embossed with the words "Shmuli Ben Shmuel of KfarGanot" I have not often seen Shmuli speechless, but after the initial, "Wow! Dad! Fantastic!" he was literally just that, speechless for nearly an hour!

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Shmuel and Danni to sit with the elders!

21 Av

It was not until late last night I learned the full extent of what happened when the elders came  to dinner. Shmuel sent Shmuli to join us shortly after they had finished eating. He wasn't saying much and anyway it was time he and Rivkah were in bed.

In the morning Shmuel attended to the animals and left early for market. He seemed happier than he had for a while, but he was in a hurry, he said he wanted to meet someone before the market got too crowded.
I must admit, I was extremely curious about what the men had been talking about but I dared not let it show. When Shmuel eventually sat me down and told me, I was ready!

"I went to visit an old friend of my father's," he began, "I needed some independent advice. Last night, the elders said to Danni and me that our families have become vital to the survival of KfarGanot. Many people depend on us for a living. He also said that our wives and children are a credit to us, running businesses and supporting us as the Tanach commands. It seems that since Elder Binyamin and his friends left us they feel they should be looking for more men to sit with them. There are only four of them left now, as you know." He took a deep breath and continued, They have asked Danni and me to join them."
I was so proud of him in that moment. I could see why he had sought advice from an older man, and why it could not be Rabbi Moshe.
"What have you decided?"
"We have decided we must accept. It is a great honour, and a big responsibility."

He paused, then grinned at me, "I have a surprise for you!"
He opened his pouch and handed me a little package. It was beautifully wrapped... lace... ribbons ... I don't think he has ever given me anything quite like it.
"The woman at the market said all the rich men decorate gifts for their wives in this fashion. You're supposed to unwrap it,"
I felt silly and giggled. It obviously contained something, but it looked so beautiful, I wanted to admire it, but I did what he wanted. Inside was a small alabaster jar... such lovely colors... pink... yellow... I could smell something wonderful...

It was perfume! Just like a lady would wear!

"I've been saving up. You're worth more to me than I can say. I'm sorry I've been a bit off lately. I'll sort it out with Shmuli and Rivkah tomorrow."
He gave me one of his cheeky grins and said, "We should be off to bed."
And so we should!

I think I'll leave it up to Shmuli to tell you what Shmuel said to him, but I can say it will involve him in teaching Rivkah to use a sling and shot. She is really excited, but I'm not so sure about  him.

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It's only a little splinter

19 Av

This morning was relatively quiet, save for a visit from Eli who wanted to see the boys. I told him that if there was was a problem maybe they should speak to one of the fathers. Just as he was about to leave, Shmuel came in. He had a splinter in his hand and he needed help. I took him into the light , cleaned the wound and removed a small piece of wood. I applied some rather strong smelling ointment making him yelp.
"Are you trying to kill me?!!!"
"Come on... it's only a little splinter!"
"The small ones are the worst!"
It was only then he noticed Eli who had followed us into the yard. The old man was smiling. They both burst out laughing and went to sit by the wall. As he left they shook hands, that is, Shmuel offered his good one and Eli gave it a friendly squeeze. Shmuel came over to me shaking his head.
"I don't know what that's all about, but I think I just invited the elders to dinner tonight. You'd better get cooking, I don't know if their wives are coming or not, but I'm sure you'll manage!"

Well, really! Doesn't he realise how difficult that makes it? I think the women's group will be cooking rather than weaving this afternoon

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