Here we are again in Arad for a few days - one of the strongholds of Judea's monarchy -

 

and one of the ancient sites excavated by my Professor Yochanan Aharoni 

(I also worked at his excavation of Be air Sheva not far away)

 

Lots of complaints in the car - until we got to the wonderful Lookout over the Dead Sea at the end of town

 

(Arad has a healthful climate like Arizona - but it's DESERT - rock and sand)

 

Why didnt they just listen when I said "  follow the sign pointing to Masada by the Back Route "?

 

The portion this week starts out

 

"If you will just (eiyKev tish me oon) Listen"

 

What is the word EiyKev doing in the middle?

 

I believe one translation is  " listen to the SIGNs  Attentively "

 

(Rashi and the Bal Haturim have differing explanations - but the WORD caught their attention too!)

 

What can you learn from this word in this place?

 

What happens at the end of town 

 

when you see the Dead Sea and the Hills of Moav (Jordan) before you

and nighty Masada is there off to the left?

 

You know, you can complain all your life,

 

or you can use All Your Prowess to Pick a few good stocks and get out quickly

 

OR 

 

You can listen to Moses in the portion-

 

You can Follow the Signs to the beautiful Land and Life of Milk and Honey

 

( end of sixth Aliya?  )

 

 

Shabat Shalom

 

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz