[G] Miryam, you asked that I remind you to share a most special family journey.
[M] Oh yes, that was of such excitement! Baby Anne was just over four years of age and it was in the spring, when days were not so hot. My beloved had been in plan a return to Caesarea. As was our custom, at every opportunity he and I would climb up to our hill alone. Each time then, and even now, how I recall the promises of adventure he made to me there when I was just a young wife. You know how often I say that dear Yosef, to me, has always been Echad – Number One.
This time, Yosef said that I too must prepare for a sojourn. Of course, I immediately responded that this was of such brief notice and there was always so much to do at home. With a laugh, he assured that arrangements had been made to feed the small animals and care for the garden, and that it was time for him to fulfill promises made to visit new, exciting places. As I remember, just two days later the whole family and three donkeys, old Caesar of course leading, were off to the West.
I believe that Yeshua and perhaps Josus had knowledge of the plans. Camp was truly wonderful. The warm robes were of such comfort. Even the night beasts kept away, as fires were well attended.
My heart skipped with joy as we approached Caesarea. I had not seen so much activity, busy perhaps like Yerushalayim at Pesach, but so different. The people from their appearance were of many, many different lands. There were the Jews, of course, and Romans, and the Goiim.
Gabe, it was in this place that I became even more aware of our uniqueness. The Talmud taught us faithful Jews that there always must be strict attention paid to the manner of our attire. As for the women, whenever we were to be outside of our own dwelling there was to be the concealing of features by full robe and scarf and always the veil, tassels, and bands to the chin. It is so different in these cities of various cultures. Even as I am most certain that the Jews of the future will adapt to new surroundings, proper modesty should never succumb.
And the sea, that Great Blue Sea! To sail away on those waters would be far different than my last boat ride on the river called Nilus. Never have I, nor the children, experienced such delight.
Vessels of all shape and size were at dock, some unloading, even as others were packing away new goods. Gabe, some of those crafts, I imagine, could hold more than 50 people and trade goods as well. I might wager that our whole village, as well as the animals, could be placed in three of such boats.
A most adventurous person is my beloved Yosef to take us to this place. What a joy to be blessed as his wife. Praise be to the Most Holy One.
We promptly met Shaul, the friend to my husband, as well as his family. It was he from whom Yosef had secured work over the years. Such kind people, offering a fine meal in their lovely home.
Yosef had arranged for temporary lodging not far from the beaches and the marketplaces. There were separate pallets for each child and blankets, tables, stools and lamps.
Over the next several days Shaul and his wife and some of their children took us about the area. Such fine homes to see and we must have visited almost every shop. There were also three synagogues. I know not why that number, but it was pleasing to be able to pray in each. Yosef showed us buildings on which he had toiled. We learned too, that he had worked on the government basilica.
I had never seen such a variety of structures, not in Yerushalayim or Pelusium or anywhere. There was a place with seating enough for everyone. I believe that it was called Arena, although I do not know the meaning. There were perhaps 300 people seated to watch the Roman soldiers practice their marching and warring skills. Certainly no enemy force could withstand those hostile actions. I believe that even the Babylonians of ancient times would have run away in fear.
Gabe, there was a temple of the Romans dedicated to some of their many gods. Yosef had said that he had chosen not to ever work on this type of structure. You know that ours is the only culture that honors a single god. Oh, as I mentioned before, there were some Copts in Egypt that engaged in a practice similar. This is not true of the Romans, those from distant Egypt and even, I believe, all of the Goiim. I have heard stories all of my life, and often while we were in exile I learned about their gods and idols. How baffling. Indeed, how is it even possible to keep the names and titles and their authorities clear in mind? Too much to understand are these beliefs, and so, so confusing.
Well, the visit ended and the way back was easy and the memories, wonderful. I must now take leave for prayers, dear Gabe. We shall continue in a little while.