Shabbat lunch--Haas Promenade--May 13, 2006

Shabbat lunch--Haas Promenade

After services, we drove up to the Haas Promenade in the Talpyiot section of Jerusalem. This viewing point actually has one of the best views of the entire city to be found anywhere. One can look down the valley and get an incredible view of new and old Jerusalem,--of modern suburbs strung out on the surrounding hils, of the ancient walled Old City sitting majestically in the middle of modernity, of the Mount of Olives churches and cemetery where the Messiah will first be seen, and the Dome of the Rock mosque (reputed to be the last place Mohammed stepped prior to ascending to Heaven and also the site where Abraham nearly sacrificed his only son Isaac), of Hadassah hospital and the Hebrew University on Mount Scopus, of Arab villages and their distinctive minaret towers, and David's Citadel (now the museum of the City of Jerusalem). The Promenade is actually a park, and there are lovely walkways and benches throughout the area; many Israelis bring their families for Shabbat strolls or picnics. We fell into the latter camp, having brought our lunch from the previous day's visit to the shuk. We spread out a blanket borrowed from our hotel room, and proceeded to enjoy our delicious repast. The challah I'd picked out was absolutely the sweetest I'd ever tasted; the goat cheese. olives, leftover Caffyit salad, and fresh tomato can only be described as a gourmand's delight. We spent 3 hours there--eating and talking and eventually napping--and not a better time could have been had!