3rd story

While walking in the Jewish quarter one morning, we came upon a little shop just inside the Zion gate parking lot.  We thought we were on a movie set and had met Tuvia from Fiddler on the Roof.  This delightful man and his son had the most charming attitudes.  Seriously, when they spoke it sounded just like the cadence in a song with the deep richness of pitch that drops low and then goes high.  Watch Fiddler on the Roof and you'll know what I mean.

As we chatted about everything from where we're from to what we've been doing so far on vacation, the shopkeeper introduced himself as Rom Kohen.  With his crinkling eyes that seem to always be smiling, he nudged me and said, "you know what that means don't you."  Why yes, I do.  "Kohen" means priest.  He was from the Levitical line (Aaron's family) of priests.

He then asked if we would like him to bless us with the priestly blessing.  OF COURSE!  We're never going to turn down anyone who prays for us!

So this animated and inspiring man put his hand on my head and proceeded to recite the blessing in Hebrew.  I was so enthralled that I didn't even catch the word he used for YHVH.  Even when he prayed once again for Bret, I still didn't think to listen for what he said.  It was probably "Adonai" or "Ha Shem" since they refuse to say our Father's name.

"Oh Father, You're definitely moving in this place.  Hopefully it won't be long until Your people give up their idol worship and once again come back to obeying You as Your word declares.  Remove their blinders and silence the ones who are leading them off course!"

Just when we thought our trip could not get any better, YHVH decides to bless us one more time.  We were absolutely speechless...............

Num 6:22-27  YHVH said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:  

“YHVH bless you and keep you; YHVH make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;  YHVH turn His face toward you and give you peace.”’

So they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”