Staying In The Shade

One of the mistakes we made in planning the house was putting the merpeset, balcony/terrace, on the south side of the house. The original idea was for it to be on the east, in the very front of the house. At some point, very early in construction, it was moved requiring a switch in where the second large window would go and where there would be a door out.

There are pros and cons to both, of course. It's the location of our "succah" every year during the Succot holiday. I have the very best clothes lines "in the world." In the summer, I can dry sheets faster outside than in a clothes dryer. But I need the merpeset to be a "playroom," relaxing place for adults, etc. It's too windy in the winter and too sunny in the summer. Finally, just a couple of years ago, I got my son to buy us this black netting. He has the job of putting it up every year, late spring, and then it gets taken down before the succah is put up.

It had made such a difference. There's no rain here in the summer, so the netting isn't damaged, just dusty. Now, I really must get myself some lounge chairs...

When we first came to Shiloh, the only shade at the Tel was under an ancient fig tree. There was an old wooden picnic table there, and for years people would say: "Meet me at the fig tree."

A couple of years ago, when the Tel was being developed for tourists, the fig tree was declared "diseased" and cut down. The picnic table disappeared and this, whatever you want to call it, was put up near the place most archaeologists believe the Mishkan, The Tabernacle, had stood and Eli the The Priest had stationed himself to wait for news after the Holy Ark was taken to battle.


The view is amazing and the spiritual vibrations inspiring. So, that's where we went on Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the first of the Jewish Month of Sivan. If you want to join us on Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, July 4, 9:45am, please do. For details contact mmdcta at yahoo.com.

You don't have to wait for a special time. Tel Shiloh is open for visitors, prayers and special events at all times. For more information, call the Tourist Office of Tel Shiloh, 02-994-4019.

There is now, also, a Coffee Shop--Gallery. Snacks, art work, photographs and other souvenirs are for sale. Meals for groups can be arranged.