My mom has some specific requests for my trip to Israel. Namely, she wants some water from the River Jordan or Sea of Gaililea for her own personal use and for Trav's baptism. I'm lukewarm about this idea, at least until I get there and see what it's like. I feel a bit uncertain about taking anything from a holy place (although I don't think there are the same repercussions in the Big G territory as there are if you run off with a rock from Haleakala or something), and I want to feel out the sitch to make sure it's ok before committing to anything. My mom and I keep having conversations about it, though. I can tell it's important to her.
I have a Plan B. I've figured if nothing else I'll just fill up a water bottle with some tap water, add a little dirt from my garden, and call it Water From a Holy Land. But then I had this phone conversation with my mom last night.
Mom: "I would like some water from the River Jordan, please. And don't you just fill up a water bottle in Seattle and call it holy water! I told Molly that you might do that, and she agreed that you might."
Me: "Well, that was my back-up plan actually, although I had thought about using Israeli tap water so it was a little more authentic."
Mom: "I knew that's how you think!!! Don't even bother if it's not the real thing. I want the real thing."
Me: "Fine, but you'll never even know. And, by the way, you can order Water From a Holy Land off the internet."
Mom: "No! How do I know that's real? And make sure you put it in a plastic bottle so it doesn't break."
Me: "Yes, it would be very wa-wa-wah if the bottle breaks and special water ends up all over my clothes. Fine. Even if I'm the only one, I'll wade around out there with my empty travel-size Herbal Essences shampoo bottles to get you some Water From a Holy Land."
Mom: "Good... Are you going to visit Jesus's tomb?"
Me: "Where the hell is that???"
She didn't even know! (I don't think anyone knows, actually. There is only speculation.)
At this rate, I think I'm on the fast-track to hell.
Hi Megan,
ReplyDeleteI am at Alan's house, and I just read your blog. Actually, (not that I am a religious expert), I think that holy water is holy not because of where it came from, but because it has been blessed by a priest or religious authority. However, there are some specific sources that have significance for different religious groups; e.g.: zamzam well for Muslims, River Jordan for Christians.
Don't worry: you will be able to pick up bottles labeled "Holy Water" at many stores in the bazaar in the Old City of Jerusalem, even if you don't make it to the River Jordan or Galilee. However, if you want water from these sources (unblessed), you can easily bring a small bottle and get some. Galilee is easy to access (I swam in it at sunrise); I am not sure about the River Jordan. Actually the Jordan is a major factor in Palestinian/Israeli peace that many people don't realize. Here is a good site that explains the past and current situation: http://www.american.edu/ted/ice/westbank.htm. In some places in the Middle East, water and water rights are just as important as oil.
Have a wonderful trip.
Laurie
Hahaha! I know I'm not using the term holy water properly, but it's just what I've been calling it for ease of story telling. I guess I could declare myself a religious authority and bless the tap water with garden dirt. (shrug) In this case,I don't think the blessed part is a concern, just the source of the water. You are right, though. I will be religiously correct and refer to it as Water From a Holy Land from now on. :)I'm changing my post stat!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link and well wishes. I'll check it out.