We began our descent from Jerusalem, around 2500 feet above sea level, to Jericho, the lowest place on Earth at 1300 feet below sea level. And as we descended the 3800 feet, we went back in time about 4000 years to stop shortly outside of Jerusalem to enjoy the hospitality of Abraham. At Genesis Land, Abraham’s servant Eliezer welcomed us and told us how Abraham had arrived at this place. Then he invited us to journey on camels, no less, to Abraham’s tent! First, though, we had to don appropriate apparel for the times.
Eliezer gave us a lesson on how to mount a camel—hold on tight and lean back.
The camels where joined together, and as we began our slow descent to visit Abraham, a gazelle ran across the desolate hillside.
When we arrived, Abraham came out to greet us and offered us cool water to wash our hands.
Today we were his only guests. He invited us into his tent, and we gathered around the tables set for us. Abraham, a most considerate host, had had Eliezer prepare a table for those in our group who had difficulties sitting on cushions.
We began with appetizers of humus, olives, onions with some kind of spice, and other vegetables. The main course consisted of chicken cooked in date honey and seasoned with cardamom, cumin, and hyssop, a flavorful rice, and pita bread. Dates and dried apricots followed, served with a special mint tea. We all ate until we were full (Abraham insisted!) and declared Sarah a fantastic cook. Many of us wanted to buy some date honey to take back home.
It was time to leave and we bid Abraham and Eliezer goodbye, and continued our journey down to Jericho.
