A LOVE LETTER, OF SORTS

Yesterday I received a comment on my blog, SOMETIMES IT’S BETTER TO JUST READ A BOOK, about the end of days, from a dear, dear friend.

Chavah and I met online years ago after she read one of my ‘shalom from Jerusalem’ emails during the intifada. Somehow those emails traveled around the world and I ended up with many, many new and wonderful Christian friends. Men and women who, over the years, have become part of my family. People who have cried for me and worried about me and prayed for me and mine. And I am, and will always be, grateful for their love and their prayers.

So, why am I writing all this? Yesterday, Chavah wrote a comment. And I heard her fear. And I heard her love. And I started to answer her, thinking I would write a sentence or two. You know, like, thanks for writing, don’t worry, we’ll be fine, love Marallyn.

But, as I wrote, I realized that I did have a lot to say and many deep feelings about the issue. And, instead of simply sending her a reply, I decided to blog it. Here is my letter to my wonderful, dear sister, Chavah.

I read and re-read your comment, and I know that we’ve talked about this many times. But my friend, the bottom line is this: if the story were reversed and I told you that the end of days was coming and your only chance for survival was to become a Jew... could you turn your back on Christ in order to save yourself?

Because, as frightened as I may get along the way, I can't accept your Christ. Not to save myself or for any other reason. Whatever is going to happen, the Jews are and always have been G-d’s chosen ones. And, whatever His plan is will have to unfold naturally.

And, one more thing...terrible things have been done to Jews simply because they were Jews.

In all of history I do not remember people being tortured or killed or forced to convert to Judaism.

I don't remember Gentile or Muslim people afraid of a pogrom simply because they were not Jews.

I do not remember Jews passing laws to evict non Jews from their country and sent to wander and look for another place that would take them in.

My friend, all I hear is how loving Islam is...and how your religion teaches turning the other cheek and love.

We don't preach,we don't look for converts. Ask anyone who has tried to convert to Judaism and they’ll tell you what a difficult road they had to travel.

Yet, no one can stand us.

I kinda picture Heaven like the Old City of Jerusalem. There’s a Jewish Quarter, a Christian Quarter, a Muslim Quarter, and instead of the Armenians maybe we’ll have Buddist/Taoist Quarter. Works for me!

I do believe that G-d counts every tear and that our breaths are numbered from the first one to the last.
So, let’s hold hands and walk into the sun together.

Have a great day…stay safe…and thanks for dropping in.