[M] I believe that it was just a day or so after the visitors had taken leave that I was shocked awake by my Yosef’s rushing about collecting our possessions, foodstuffs and his tools. Arising from pallet, I beseeched him to share his concern.
Yosef confided that, in a dream, he was told that we were to take flight with the greatest haste. Herod was searching for us in fear of our baby. Can you imagine Gabe, that this powerful Idumeam, ruler of Judaea, could tremble at the mere thought of little Yeshua?
There was no anticipation in the dream of what the brutal Herod would do to us as well as the rest of our kin. I could only cry out, “Why the need for violence? Can not the Judaeans but leave us alone?”
As most fully trusting in the Holy One, we would swiftly exile ourselves. Gabe, the circumstance seemed to be so much more than a dream. It was like Mitzvah. We prayed Yacha, to be delivered from stress and worry.
My husband secured a second animal, skins for water and all else necessary. Clothing and wool and my precious silver box and the three new chests given us by the visitors were all a part of the goods assembled.
Oh the thought of leaving our home and our special hill! I inquired how long we might be away. Yosef answered Olam, a long but unknown period.
My dear husband explained to Joachim and Anne and Jacob and Rachel of the dream and our need to escape. At first, they thought that Yosef had taken leave of his senses. However, he was most firm and insistent and without emotion. I was, in truth, so proud of his attitude toward the safety of the child who was not his. Could there ever have been another such splendid man?
Rivka also was made aware. For to keep safe, I gave her the three fine silk robes gifted to us by the visitors. Also, as their weightiness was restriction to our travel, those rolls of beautifully designed silks were left to Rivka for use as she would choose. I knew not then, but only years later, to learn that she was with child.
I asked Yosef of the manner, if possible, to let dear cousin Elizabeth know of our plight. In anticipation of my need, he had already spoken to a trusted friend. On occasion of his next visit to Temple, that person pledged to visit her in Ain Karim. Gabe, this is how we have survived; Ahavat Yisroel, the love and trust of another Jew. Later, did I learn that Zechariah and Elizabeth had been made fully aware of our situation.
I must now add something that is not in keeping with this account, but so curious. Even in their village, a day’s walk from Bayt Lahm, Elizabeth and Zechariah were never to learn of that which brutal Herod had done. That was some forty years ago.
Presently, you know how much more quickly one is made aware of news and rumors. The young people travel so much more and are most curious of happenings.
Now where was I in speaking of the sojourn? Oh yes, as we departed our village, Yosef planned a westerly route towards the Great Blue Sea and then south towards Gaza. This was to avoid the soldiers of Herod in Yerushalayim and Bayt Lahm, the village I was destined to never visit again.
After a half day, as we stopped for prayers and rest, my husband said that we would seek and find shelter and comfort far south in Jewish communities in the lands called Egypt. Yosef said that the four of us would travel in safety. I questioned him by saying, “four?” He gave me strength in reminding that Adonai would be with us always.
We traveled for more than two Shabbath. At times, we visited with herders who were kind enough to direct us to water sources. We were able also to secure provisions in some very small villages; not really villages, just encampments. Our first destination was into Egypt at the city called Pelusium.
A man named Shamul, a rabbi, befriended us immediately. It was as if he and his family were expecting us. Blessed be our Holy Lord! We had a pleasant dwelling, food in abundance, some familiar, some strange to our taste, as well as all the water we required. Goats provided fresh milk, too. Yosef began working his trades to pay for our costs. We had stayed for well over three Shabbath when Shamul suggested that as Pelusium is on a well traveled route, a safer location could be had further to the west and south. How comforting was that first encounter.
One of the young sons eagerly escorted us part of the way. It was merely a two day journey, slowed by the heat, but comforted in the sense of security away from the Invaders.
Yosef chose a village called Samamoud. The Jews there were most helpful. Some spoke our language. Until we trained ourselves in their tongue, we used Hebrew. Yosef with his knowledge of Greek wordage also served well.
Here we were in a strange but wondrous land to which, in ancient times, our ancestors had fled seeking refuge from famine. After many years, the descendants had become abused and so many reduced to labor as slaves. The Most Holy One directed Moshe to lead these people out of bondage to a land of plenty. He has since that time made a most clear distinction between his people, Yisroel, and all other dwellers of this earth.
[G] Would you care to rest for a short time?
[M] Yes, Gabe thank you. Let us enjoy some refreshments.
[M] Now back to my lengthy story.
Yosef found a nice house of stone and thatch and wood, airy, clean and very comfortable. But I thought how long, how long must we stay in this foreign land? There was too, a large area for the animals and a garden. I really could not find misgivings. It was so good to be with Yosef and Yeshua.
I rather swiftly learned the dialect of the Jews and could even speak rather well with the others.
The gifts given us by the visitors from Persia were most helpful for the purchase of necessities for use and for new animals, some goats, sheep, and of course, chickens. Gabe, would you believe that the first large beasts we saw were camels, not unlike those of the princes, but also not attired in the finery I had previously mentioned to you.
There was food and friendship and fresh water. We were, perhaps, lonely at times for Nazareth and kin, but at peace in our safe surroundings.
Oh please, there is still another recollection that must be spoken of now.
It was much later that we learned from Shamul of Pelusium of the treacherous deed committed by Herod at Bayt Lahm. It was not like today, when news travels with such haste. That tiny village simply was not important and the killings not that unusual.
This was no reason, other than insane fear of a challenge by a child to all of the Herodian family power, that he exercised such an evil act. Herod was Idumean by culture and heritage and therefore, I believe, quick to anger yet so slow to reason. He somehow never searched north or south or east or west of Bayt Lahm. But he was satisfied to simply murder all of the boy babies two years of age and younger. There must have been 15 or more. Oh those poor parents and kin to suffer at the cruel hand of another Jew. Where in this case was Ahavat Yisroel? Not in the mind of that person.
Yosef had often said of those claiming loyalty and concern for their own people, yet killing them at any provocation, that “love and hate are often horns of the same goat.” How true. Is it not sad enough that the Invaders are always present, that violence has become a way of life?
Woe be to Herod and his offspring for brutalities committed. In our daily prayers we have wished for comfort and peace to those fathers and mothers of the murdered babies.
When he was a young man, I had told dear Yeshua of the slayings. I remember that on his journeys around Judaea, he visited and prayed with those in Bayt Lahm who had suffered so dearly.
Gabe, I am thankful that you are so gracious to respect the manner in which we are speaking. How comforting it is, like unto a talk with an old, dear friend.
[G] I am delighted that you and I share the same feelings. Miryam, please tell me of new things or experiences in Egypt.
[M] Well, Yosef had work in Samamoud and also in a village called Sakha. There seems always to be work for anyone willing. His stone mason and wood skills paid us comfortably, sufficient enough that we were delighted to be able to share with others less fortunate.
I will tell you, Gabe, that my husband was so much like my father and his father. Family was to be attended to and then whatever was surplus was to be shared. What fine examples were these men. Also mother, and dear Rachel and Elizabeth and Rivka are woven from the same yarn, always sharing, always serving. Blessed be Eloah.
On several occasions baby Yeshua and I traveled with Yosef. There were other locations as I remember named, Tel Basta and Al Mahamma. Ancient indeed were these. One trip there was a special adventure; so exciting!
We visited the magnificent river of the Egyptians. It is called the Nilus. I had, of course, seen the Jordan as well as many streams, but never, never anything as bold and beautiful. People were tending to crops and animals as far as one could see. I had not been mindful of direction, but an acquaintance of Yosef’s showed me that the waters flowed to the north. Gabe, until that very day I had always believed that all streams flowed in a direction southern. I was told that somewhere far distant from this place there were great mountains that caused this River Nilus to spill into the Great Blue Sea.
And now Gabe, pay most special attention. I, Miryam, a most humble Galilean, took her first boat ride!
Up until this time I was aware of these vessels and had been taught of the Phoenicians and their sailing ships as well. But to be a passenger, I wished that I had worn one of those silk robes left with Rivka. Such fun was it to be among these people as they traversed, and with such ease this beautiful river. That time we stayed through Shabbath. As is our tradition while at synagogue, I was with the other women, strangers to me, yet all most accommodating.
Soon thereafter word came again from the Jews in Pelusium of the death of Jacob, dear father to Yosef. Our new neighbors of Samamoud, along with the rabbi named Uriel, sat Shivah.
Yosef was highly distressed; first our escape and now, the loss of his father and concern for mother Rachel’s wellness. However, towards the end of Shivah, I marveled at the resolution of my beloved. He prayed so fervently, his strength a comfort to us. He trusted so completely that Adonai would care for all of the needs of Rachel.
As time progressed, there were always new things to see, the ruins and the tall stone memorials to olden kings. We felt blessed to be able to learn so much. We also met a group of people of ancient history. I remember that they called themselves Copts. I do not fully understand their history or customs, but unlike so many others who dwell in that Egypt, they had taken to the worship of one god. And he was our very own, Adonai. It was confusing to me that they are not Jews in the strict observances, but did know so much of our traditions and beliefs. Such is the mysterious way of the Most Holy One.
We learned of others who worshipped a goddess. I believe she was of the name Isis. And the art work and jewelry and crafts, so much to see. There too was something to which I was especially attracted. This was in the shape of a cross. It was called Ankh. As explained, this design, their ancients held, was an emblem of life. Now, back in our lands the Invaders from Rome use the cross to execute criminals. I really believe this cross will be better served in future times to symbolize goodness, hope, and love, not the ways of the Invaders.
In Samamoud, beloved Josus was born. The year was 750 AUC. He was the first child of dear Yosef. Gabe, it was a marvel to me that Yeshua, but only two years of age, took so kindly to Josus. He guarded the newly born, even to make sure that the small, but curious yard animals were cautioned to keep away. Such fun was it to watch. This was to be the manner in which Yeshua, the holy one, would someday also protect and guide all those who sought his counsel.
It was soon that our friend Shamul heard of the death of that Herod. He traveled to our home in order that we would be directly advised. Yosef first cried, and then prayed. He did not say that we now were free to return home, but rather, taking me to a quiet place, asked of that which I would prefer to do. Such a man, asking his wife! Of course I knew that we must return home in haste, and Yosef, too, was of like mind.
My husband traded what goods we had acquired and secured two fresh donkeys, so that, along with old Caesar, we were to have a comfortable ride.
We knew that it was appropriate to give the kind Rabbi Uriel a gift of remembrance. He was delighted to receive one of the fine chests given to us by the visitors of Persia. A pledge was made to us that it would forever have a place of honor within synagogue.
Our final stop was, as our first, at the home of Shamul and his family in Pelusium. At my suggestion they were to receive the second treasured chest. The third was to forever remain in our possession.
Gabe, as we departed the lands of Egypt, there came to mind a most curious thought. Is it not interesting that we were leaving during the same month, Nissan, when so many long years before, Moshe had led our peoples, the tribes of Yisroel, through the Sea of Reeds to freedom?
Yosef had acquired three such finely crafted menorahs, one for my parents, another for his mother and the third for me.
I must tell you later of a visit by another kin to this land of our short exile.
Our sojourn homeward was without strife. On occasion we joined with merchants and others. That was especially of comfort as we made camp. The night beasts were always of some concern, maybe because I was older, almost seventeen years of age, and most watchful over the babies.
As we neared to Nazareth, Yosef stopped. He asked that we pray now, although the hour was earlier than was our practice. This, to give proper thanksgiving to the Most Holy One for his protection while in Egypt, and for a safe journey back through the wilderness. He said that it was even of so much more importance to do at this time, as we would soon be overwhelmed in reunion with our kin and neighbors, reflecting upon the incredible events in exile.
Quietly, I too prayed that I had been so honored to be mother of Yeshua, the Moshiach, and thankful for his choice of my beloved Yosef as guardian.
How joyful this was just to see Anne, Rachel, and Joachim. How greatly relieved we were to see things in such fine order. Even before the sun had set there were fresh foods, water and, can you imagine, small animals fully fed in our stable area. It was as though we had been away for just two days, not two years. I learned later that mother and Rivka had made certain everything had been kept orderly. Gabe, as I say often it is Ahavat Yisroel here in our village or in now far-away Egypt.
Yosef found the scroll of our ancient tongue, the one his parents had given us. We had left it behind as too fragile to carry on our exile. He prayed with me from it, repeating over and over again. How most joy-filled were we.
Gabe, old thoughts do come back so quickly. Recall, as we discussed, the betrothal. I had mentioned that the rabbi and the men prayed together. Well, when Yosef and I were on our hill together for the first time, he said that a husband and wife should pray together at all times possible. The tradition of separation between men and women, especially the married and family, is one that is in need of adjustment. And so this is what we have done; a new tradition.
Later, it was from the scroll of his parents that he taught Yeshua and the other children the old language, as well as ours, and even to do picture words. Yosef faithfully taught of the tribes Yisroel, the history and faith. So many stories were of Abram and Sarai, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon as well as of the many blessings of Adonai, our Lord.
It is troublesome when the young are not rewarded with early teachings of such things as faith, respect for others, and a compelling desire to seek knowledge in all subjects. Those skills are benefit to all willing to learn.
At synagogue, my dear husband was Shammash , he who is responsible for all preparations for prayer, making sure things were in order for rabbi and the assembled. He too was elder and an interpreter, explaining the Hebrew texts in our own language. So well educated, both by his father and by his own attentiveness, Yosef spoke the laws of Moshe, would read of the Torah, and so many, many prayers would he recite and teach. Gabe, in quiet time together I would joke that he might find even a more rewarding career as rabbi teaching in the Temple yard at Yerushalayim. No cuts from the knives in cutting wood or bruises from the stoning chisel. Yosef would laugh and suggest perhaps that it was to be considered.
When you and I first talked, I had mentioned the family of Rivka. We were now first to meet their son, called Caleb, named after his grandfather. As it was with Rivka and me over the years, Caleb was in our company as much as he was at home, becoming close friend to dear Yeshua.
There was a newly appointed ruler, Herod Antipatros, son of the infant killer. I understood that he mostly lived at Caesarea or at the Lake of Gennesaret. I learned little of him over the next few years, but later he committed such evil deeds.
Within the next Shabbath, Yosef was off to Sepphoris to find work. And well he did, always dedicated to the good favor of his family. My beloved always saw to it that we had meat and smoked fish as well as oil for the lamps and good leather for our sandals. Would it be too bold of me to say that early on, Yeshua took to himself the righteous examples of the dependability of Yosef?
Another concern is to the payment of taxes. Those Roman Invaders do protect us from the barbarians. Troublemakers, be they Jews or Goiim, face the wrath of the soldiers as well as from those traitors among our own tribes who rule us on behalf of Caesar. So, in addition to Drachmas paid, we Jews have been well advised to keep silent for fear of beatings, the whip or most cruel of deaths.
Oh, Gabe, did you notice how often it seems that one story leads to but another?
Over the next few years, there were welcome additions to our family. I shall speak of them as our conversation continues. Just for you to bring to mind, after our exile in Egypt, we were blessed with Jacob, who still serves me in my old age. Then there is Simon who trades goods in the East. He has traveled far into the lands of those three visitors from Persia, the same who, so many years ago, had given honor to my son the baby, Yeshua. The last boy was dear Judas…
[G] Miryam, what is it? You seem saddened.
[M] Excuse me for now, as I must rest a bit and pray. Please stroll about for a brief time. Return soon.
[M] Thank you, Gabe, for coming back to me, I wished so for us to continue.
When speaking of the children, precious Judas was mentioned. This prompted recollection of his tragic accident. Of him we shall speak in detail later, as it will then be more comfortable, I promise. Be content now, Gabe, in the knowledge that trust in the Most Holy One sustains me always.
Then came the two daughters. Lydda, how well is her birth remembered. Never had the early rains been so plentiful. Fields promised a most bountiful harvest and the wells so were filled you had no need of a rope for the pail. I laugh now when recalling that time and her name. In the ancient days, Lydda meant a standing pool. How significant.
And then when baby Anne came to us, dear Yosef said, “No more. I am too old to build another dwelling.”
How all of the children filled our lives with love, joy and such fun. So blessed am I, so blessed.
I had mentioned this morning that you would meet my friends. Well, Rivka and Aaron have arranged that we should take a meal with them. I must say that it has been a long, long time since an occasion such as this, being in the accompaniment of a young man.
Gabe, as you pray tonight think of my dear Yeshua. He will give comfort as he does to me. Let us now be on our way.