[G] If now we may continue, tell me please of the bar Mitzvah of Yeshua.
[M] As he was in his twelfth year, the Holy Year 3771, we took Yeshua to Temple at Yerushalayim. The sojourn was some 27 Parsa’ot and so it took less than four full days. I often recall during each visit to Temple of that somewhat longer trip years ago. It was more tedious, as well as somewhat further beyond, to Bayt Lahm. Oh here I go again, forgetting. We spoke of that most fruitful trip just yesterday. Well, it was good that others from our village and surroundings joined us, as we did choose to travel through Samaria. You know how dangerous that territory of thieves can be at times.
We entered the great city through the Valley Gate. Gabe, did I mention to you that in the scriptures of old, Yerushalayim is called the City of God? How appropriate. At Temple there were so many other boys. How finely attired were they. I am certain that not just a few of the mothers had enlisted aid in weaving such garments.
Cousin Elizabeth and Zechariah joined us. Their trip was shorter, just from Ain Karim. John was so anxious to see cousin Yeshua. Did I mention that Caleb, Aaron and Rivka were with us?
Well, John took charge. He is six months older, you know. The boys, now men, so enjoyed one another.
Gabe, there is something else to which I must speak. First this, and then back to the story.
Before we departed Nazareth, Yeshua asked that we three meet alone. He then shared with us a new prayer that he had composed. He addressed it not only in humble praise, but so much more personally, as in speaking most directly to his father, Adonai, giving honor and tribute. You know that we Jews, in our tradition, have always considered the Most Holy Creator as God, personal to only Yisroel. Yet those words spoken by Yeshua invite all peoples, even the Goiim, to give honor. It was of such meaning that we asked him to share it with each in our family. Yeshua cautioned us that, of course, it was not appropriate at this time to tell the prayer to neighbors and friends. I learned later that he had taught that special prayer to cousin, John. And now, when the friends of Yeshua come to visit me or as they gather to eat together speaking of his good works, they all share that marvelous prayer. Gabe, in times to come it will be spoken by multitudes so numerous that I am unable to measure. All will use the same words, praising the Most Holy One, his name, his kingdom, his will for all of his children, his glorious being.
Now let us continue.
I must mention that both Yosef and Yeshua had a keen interest in the quality of new stone masonry on the Temple and the adjacent grounds. To this day, I believe it would have been most pleasing to them to have participated in these new workings. As you might remember, Herod ordered the rebuilding of Temple long ago, when I was but one year of age. There is a great deal of work still necessary. It is most certain that it shall not be completed in my life time.
I am sure that you have been guest at many bar Mitzvah and may have had your own as well, but for dear Yosef and me, what pride we shared. I shall never forget. The Temple priests and Yeshua read. I felt the new air of responsibility now resting on my son. And the blowing of Shophar! That sound is still in my bones. And to have it at bar Mitzvah – I think that is not often done.
[G] Then afterwards, did you linger awhile? Oh Miryam! Are you with me?
[M] Oh, sorry, I was just dreaming; such a time, such a fine time. Yes, after Shabbath we bid farewell to kinfolk and began our homeward journey. But you would never believe what happened then.
Well, at the first sunset, as all were gathering for prayer, there was no Yeshua. We had thought him to be in the company of Caleb and family. That was not fact. Everyone called out “Yeshua, Yeshua,” but there was no Yeshua to respond. I, as well as dear Yosef, was so troubled. Such a fear and concern.
Yosef bid me to stay at camp. I am quite certain that he ran most of the way back to Yerushalayim, searching, searching. Finally, as related to me, our Yeshua was discovered at Temple yard. There was my son, our man, sitting at the feet of the rabbis, elders, and the other learned ones, listening and, can you imagine, asking questions? Such a nerve and so inquisitive. Praise be to the Most Holy One.
As I inquired many days later, my husband was as upset as he had ever been. Not even when Caesar, our donkey refused to move, or if a tool were misplaced, or if the children would fight among themselves for a long duration would these be of such concern. Fearful of any possible danger to my son, in the mind of Yosef this was so much more serious. I believe that it was certainly the only time that he raised his voice to any of the young ones.
Well Gabe, I will tell you as Yeshua revealed to me. My beloved Yosef advised him in strong tone that, as a man, there is to be expected always deep concern for any worries experienced by his mother. And that this behavior should not again occur. I think that Yeshua, perhaps when first found, defended his self purpose and need for learning of the wisdoms of our faith, but he did indeed assume full responsibility, and rightly so.
A few of the travelers had stayed at camp to comfort and render protection for me. When I saw Yosef and Yeshua at great distance, they were racing as young deer. I cried and laughed and cried again. I might have been like unto the joy of a herder finding two lost goats. But there I go again, making laughter.
So much more grateful was I to our Most Holy One for the safe return of my husband and child. As Yeshua grew, not one time was there even the slightest repeat of such worry. Always he showed the deepest respect and concern. My son was forever such a quick learner.
After all this talk, I thirst and you as well. Let us take pleasure in some cool water and perhaps a few figs.