Day 13: Sandstorms and Weddings

We set out for Josh and Diana’s wedding, but a blistering sand storm has blown in from the Negev. I struggle forward through the blinding wind-driven sand, a wet bandana stretched tightly across my face, my right hand pressed against the guiding stone wall to ensure we don’t wander off the path. Here in the Holy Land the dessert is a constant threat, a lethal reality, ready to crush the weak and unprepared.

Well…perhaps I exaggerate a bit, but it definitely is hazy out, no question of that. This afternoon an odd mist has settled over Jerusalem, almost like a low cloud, except that it is not cool or moist. It is indeed not a rain cloud, but a dust cloud so fine you don’t perceive it as dust at all – and it is, I am told the remnants of a distant sand storm. It cuts down the view from the Mount Zion Hotel, but it also renders the city a softness that the hard sunlight does not allow. Plus it keeps the temperatures down to a comfortable  level. The wedding takes place on the various back lawns at the Mount Zion Hotel, which turns out to be a lovely venue with (misty) views across to the Old City.  The wedding is totally delightful and similar to the Jewish weddings I have attended in the U.S with a few differences (1) the bride sits on a special chair to greet her female guests while (2) the men gather to fortify themselves with distilled liquids and usher the groom to his bride where he (3) covers her with a veil and asks her to marry him.  The couple are escorted to the Huppah  where the rabbi recites the marital blessings and then (4) launches into a long monologue, which, being in Hebrew, none of us can disagree with.  After the ring is presented and the Ketuvah is signed by the bride, the groom and various witnesses, (5) seven blessings are recited by various uncles and friends. Finally the glass is stomped on and we can all head for the food.  The hassles of the last few weeks have apparently been resolved, everyone is in place, Diana looks radiant, Josh looks presentable and from this guest’s perspective the wedding is a totally delightful event.