PEACH COBBLER | Deconstructed

No matter how trifling the matter on hand, do it with a feeling that it demands the best that is in you, and when done look it over with a critical eye, not sparing a strict judgment… ~Sir William Osler

This recipe comes with the ability to work with other fruit. Try your favorites!

TOPPING

1 CUP ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

2 TABLESPOONS ORGANIC SUGAR

1 1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER

1/4 TEASPOON COARSE SALT

1/2 TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON (Optional)

1/4 CUP BUTTER

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F. For topping, in a medium bowl stir together flour, the 2 tablespoons sugar, the baking powder, salt, and if desired, cinnamon. I opt-out of the cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; set aside. Refrigerate.

FILLING

2/3 CUP ORGANIC SUGAR

3/4 TEASPOON NUTMEG

1/4 TEASPOON SALT

2 TEASPOONS CORNSTARCH

6 CUPS FRESH ORGANIC PEACHES*

2 1/2 TABLESPOONS MELTED BUTTER

1 EGG

1/4 CUP EVAPORATED MILK

2 TABLESPOONS FRESH LEMON JUICE

For filling, in a large saucepan combine sugar, nutmeg, salt and cornstarch. Blend in egg mixed with evaporated milk and melted butter.  Add peaches that have been sliced into 8th’s and coated with fresh lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until juices become thick and bubbly.

Transfer hot filling to a 13 x 9 lightly buttered baking dish. Using a spoon, immediately drop topping into even mounds over top of filling.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Let cool in dish on a wire rack about 1 hour. If desired, serve with ice cream.

This recipe represents collected elements from over 20 different recipes…

“My cobbler work is done. Enjoy!”

The Books of Summer

Summer will always be a time of undisciplined endeavors, at least in theory.  Reality dictates the need for careful planning to create the space we need to feel unencumbered. Summer, of all seasons has its foundation warmly rooted in frivolity… activities and interest that serve to boost our spirit, a time to do whatever we want.

The summer started with my interest leaning toward the spiritual… hmmm.  I managed to have a couple easy, still clever reads, but mostly I was reading books exploring our spiritual aspects.  I’ve had a wonderful time on this journey, really.

My study wall is full of wise, and trusted friends.  501 Must-Read Books just may be cleverest.  This reference guide will inspire you to explore the previously untrodden aisles in your bookstore.  I consider myself well read but I’ve maybe read 30 percent of the books reviewed.  501 Must-Read Books is my first book (a foundational book for all seasons) on the list… you will enjoy looking at all the books we should have read.

The first day of fall 9.22,  The Books of Summer welcome the cooler times ahead.

• Stillness Speaks Eckhart Tolle
• The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle I somehow got the principle Eckhart was imparting – Give this a try!
• A New Earth Eckhart Tolle
• Healing the Hardware of the Soul Daniel G. Amen, M.D. The brain gives up secrets – Important read.
• Magnificent Mind At Any Age Daniel G. Amen, M.D. No more football – Rethink mental health
• The Age Of Miracles Marianne Williamson I have this audio for the car.  I got this principle too, Love.
• A Course In Miracles Foundation For Inner Peace
  
• Whiteout Ken Follett I think a movie is coming. (meh)
• John Adams David McCullough Beautifully written.
• Audition Barbara Walters Hmmm…

Moving forward.  A good summer to remember!

HEALTHY AGING and the ENVIRONMENT

The kinds of diseases we now see have drastically changed to inflammatory – and thus largely preventable – conditions.”

   ~Ted Schettler, MD,MPH

Belief that environmental factors – including everything from exposure to pollutants and toxins,  to diet,  exercise and social connections – are looking to be more important than genetics in determining risk of certain diseases.

“Disease patterns over the last century have expectedly evolved as people live longer.” ~Ted Schettler

Alzheimer’s Disease    Genes may increase risk,  but the actual processes leading to these conditions can be highly influenced by environmental factors.  A study done of the ApoE4 gene in Nigeria shows a picture of  a group of people born with the gene who would be thought to have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.  The group lives on a low-calorie, plant-based diet – the findings – there was no significant association between Alzheimer’s and the ApoE4 gene.  A Swedish study concludes by showing ApoE4 alone to modestly increase risk, but when combined with our western diet, tobacco smoking and alcohol, the risk of Alzheimer’s increased.

The studies show how difficult it is to separate genetic and environmental influences.  We can look,  listen,  and continue to learn through studies being done.  The tools we have to employ are the ones within our control – Make informed dietary choices,  limit pollutant and toxin exposure and stay physically and mentally active.

Parkinson’s Disease    A 1990 study revealed those suffering from early onset Parkinson’s - before age 50 – were dealing with a hereditary condition.  Research began to suspect pesticides as catalysts for Parkinson’s.  Links between rural living and drinking well water – between agricultural work and the disease.

There are many cases that lie on the spectrum between the two groups, and are likely caused by a mix of both genetic and environmental factors.  “Inflammation and excessive oxidative stress play critical roles in the developement and progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s” -Dr. Schettler reports.  In the case of Parkinson’s, this oxidative stress cause abnormalities in the production of dopamine causing the onset of symptoms.  Reasearch associates risks with exposure to PCBs, heavy metals – manganese, iron and lead,  carbon monoxide,  and air pollution.  Parkinson’s risk may be linked with a dairy-rich diet and obesity.

Environmental factors are strong determinants to health.  Steps we can take to reduce risk…

• DIETARY MODIFICATIONS   Reduce risks of Diabetes, Obesity,  Hypertension, and Metabolic Syndrome.  Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, and pay special attention to the fatty acid composition of you foods:  Boosting omega-3s, and limiting omega-6s.
• LIMIT POLLUTANT AND TOXIN EXPOSURES    Insecticides and weed-killers used around the house and in the garden may be toxic.  Air pollution is a cause of oxidative stress.  Garden and eat Organically.
• STAY MENTALLY ACTIVE AND PHYSICALLY FIT    Exercise is key to staying healthy, and is an opportunity to stay engaged with the world around you.  Challenge your brain – keep up with change!

 ENVIRONMENT,  noun.   Refers to biological, physical and social elements.  An environment is the whole of surrounding things.   The physical and biological factors along with their chemical interactions that affect an organism. 

 

CLEAN… remove * restore * rejuvenate

Dr. Alejandro Junger MD created The Clean Program during his cardiology fellowship in New York.  The foundation behind the Clean Program is,  given the optimal conditions, our body will naturally heal itself. Provide the right tools to reactivate your detoxification system, nutritionally support the detox process, and enhance elimination.

As a scientist who seeks proof of theories, but also, a keen observer with an open-mind who needs no scientific proof of the obvious, I became aware of Another Inconvenient Truth: the toxicity of our planet.  Toxins in our air, water, and food have become obstacles to the proper functioning of our body processes and system. Dr. Junger

I do love good foods and an evening without a good wine was just uncivilized.  I noticed my morning energy was low and I was feeling old. No, not yet, no time for slacking.  Time to readjust my approach, to food, to alcohol, to our environment in general.

The holidays, that time between Thanksgiving and New Years, has always been an undisciplined food time for me, and this year it was my good fortune that the scale broke - I took this as a gift!  My holiday weight gain for 2009 remains a mystery.  Historically, I gain fifteen pounds during this glorious season.  Not a worry, as I love to exercise, and I’m becoming better and better at discerning the mechanics of healthy foods.  My educated guess (from the school of tight jeans) was that I started close, on either side, of one hundred forty pounds and after completing 21 days of the detox program, my lowest was one hundred twenty-three pounds.  A good thing, but weight loss wasn’t the only goal.  Feeling and looking healthy was now a mission!

Dr. Wayne D. Hey, Urologist and my son-in-law, doesn’t miss much.  He did the math, ( wine over time) and suggested that the wine, we so happily consumed, effects on the liver, not to mention the brain, are negative. We all know this.  Unfortunately, symptoms of liver disease are vague.  For some, genetics comes into play.  Hispanics, Native Americans and African-Americans are especially susceptible to liver disease.  A routine blood test can measure liver enzymes.  I added this blood test to my yearly wellness exam, and for me, no more wine!  I find not craving wine to be a direct result of detoxing my body… I look and feel healthy.

The liver is the body’s gatekeeper.  Processing everything you eat, breathe, or absorb through your skin.  Now we bring into play everything! The liver has more than 500 responsibilities, maintaining blood glucose levels, ridding the body of toxins, and breaking down fats.  Watch your diet.  Reduce toxin exposure.  Supplement responsibly.

The Clean Programs results, for me, exceeded my expectations, that being said, I was nearly giddy to be done with the regime, and next year I’ll have more techniques to pass the time. (Thinking about fastest “shake” time awards.)

This is a dietary program based on removing all the foods from our diet that are known to cause food allergies, food sensitivities, and cause disruptions in the digestive process.  When we generate allergic responses to foods, our body is consuming energy that could be used to detox and repair functions, or simply contribute to our sense of alertness and physical strength.

Those for whom this is a radical change in habits will respond in many different ways.  While in the long term most people experience profound benefits, the first few days may be the hardest.  Breaking a habit is difficult at all levels. The Clean Program ~ www.cleanprogram.com

Note:  Remember to detox your medicines. Six common medications that can harm the liver.

1. Acetaminophen, Tylenol (with alcohol especially)
2. Statins, Lipitor or Zocor
3. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or ibuprofen
4. Antidepressants, SSRIs
5. Anti-fungal antibiotics, Sporanox and Lamisil
6. Anti-hypertensives, Ace Inhibitors and Diuretics

Here’s to a healthier happier life…

“Never eat more than you can lift.”  ~Miss Piggy

Jean’s Minestrone Soup… Before Detox Programs!

The Goop - Gwyneth Paltrow’s blog (fun to read) talks about the detox program designed by D. Alejandro Junger.  I do this program myself, and love it… but, the month-long program requires your commitment to ignore all temptations… and $425.00.  I have the family recipe that promise to attract the blush of health - landing firmly, right on your lips.

MINESTRONE SOUP

Jean’s (My Mom)

1 CUP OLIVE OIL (start with 1/2 cup and add more oil as needed)

2 TABLESPOONS MINCED GARLIC

1 OR 2 DICED CARROTS

2 DICED CELERY STALKS

1 DICED ONION

1 SMALL BUNCH OF BROCCOLI  (thinly sliced w/stalk peeled)

1/2 BUNCH CHOPPED SWISS CHARD (or Romaine)

1/2 BUNCH CAULIFLOWER (rough chopped)

2 CUPS ITALIAN GREEN BEANS

1/2 HEAD OF CABBAGE (Chopped)

2 BAY LEAVES

1 TEASPOON OREGANO (dried)

1/2 TEASPOON ROSEMARY (dried)

1/4 CUP FRESH SWEET BASIL (chopped)

3 QUARTS CHICKEN STOCK

2 CUPS TOMATO (chopped or puree)

2 SMALL POTATOES (diced)

2 CUPS PINTO BEAN

In a 5 – quart pot or Dutch oven saute garlic, carrot, celery, and onion together.  Continue down the list of vegetables, adding one at a time until tender.  Include seasoning.

Pour in 3 Quarts of Homemade Chicken Stock (clarified or not), tomato, pinto beans and potatoes.

Simmer 10 – 15 minutes – season with salt and pepper to taste – snip fresh parsley on top to finish.

May your eyes sparkle, you skin glow and remind the family no dessert until finished!

No Flu Zone…

MKFACE… The Cleansers

Cleanse to Purify, Exfoliate to Reveal Fresh Skin Surface, Moisturize and Protect for a Healthy Glow…

Gentle Gel Cleanser

Description:

The anti–inflammatory, anti–sting, and anti–irritant properties in this cleanser make this an excellent choice for sensitive
skin that has been chemically, mechanically, or environmentally stressed. Soothing and calming, this cleanser is suitable
for all skin types.

Functions and Benefits:

• Anti–inflammatory, anti–irritant, and anti–stinging properties help promote the healing process.
• Soothing and calming, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types.
• Amino acids increase the natural defenses of the skin.

Key Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti–inflammatory and anti–microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives aloe vera its help with healing. This antioxidant is calming and soothing and helps bind moisture.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – From the flowering plant found in the Swiss Alps, this ingredient has proven to be an anti–inflammatory and an anti–irritant. Used topically, this herbal compound is used to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburns, bruises, acne, eczema and chapped lips. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and bacterial infections.

Canadian Willow-Herb (Epilobium Augustifolium) Extract – This ingredient contains a bioactive molecule, Oenothein–B, patented for its wide-ranging anti–inflammatory, non–steroidal activity. It’s free radical scavenging abilities soothe inflamed or irritated skin while allowing healing to take place. The potent bioactivity makes it a therapeutic product recommended for irritated, red skin.

Collagen (Vegetable) – This penetrating and hydrating ingredient binds moisture while smoothing and softening. It also helps to regenerate collagen.

Algae Extract and Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) Extract– This complex, rich in amino acids, polypeptides and cell membrane carbohydrates, has anti–stinging, anti–inflammatory, and anti-irritating properties.

AlphaCleanser

Description:

With the balancing elements of calming and soothing ingredients, this cleanser is effective in providing cleansing, purification, exfoliation, and balancing properties to the skin. This unique blend makes it an excellent choice for removing makeup and debris from the skin, as well as deep cleaning the pores of sebum and build up. Because of the decongesting and exfoliating benefits, normal to oily skin types can use it once to twice daily, while drier skin types can
benefit from using it once to three times per week.

Key Ingredients:

Glycolic Acid – Glycolic Acid is derived from natural sugars. A form of alpha–hydroxy acid, it helps to exfoliate dull skin cells, rejuvenates, balances the skin and encourages collagen production, thus smoothing wrinkles and restoring health to sun damaged skin.

Aurantium (Orange) Extract, Citrus Limonum (Lemon) Extract and Citrus Nobilis
(mandarin orange) Extract and Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Fragaria Vesga (Strawberry)
Extract and Saccharium Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract – This complex of fruit acids helps with cellular renewal, closing the cuticle of the skin, providing a smoothing quality to the skin.
Lactic Acid – Lactic Acid is derived from vegetables or milk proteins. It exfoliates, refines and clears skin and promotes the growth of new cells and collagen.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) – This is from the karite fruit on the African mangifolia. This anti–aging, anti–inflammatory ingredient promotes healing, protects, moisturizes, and soothes.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Aloe Vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti–inflammatory and anti–microbial. The combination and balance of the plant’s ingredients are what purportedly gives aloe vera its help with healing. This antioxidant is calming and soothing and helps bind moisture.

Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract – This acute anti–inflammatory, anti–sting, anti–oxidant and anti–allergenic helps with natural healing process. It also inhibits neurosensory discomfort and has antioxidant properties.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – From the flowering plant found in the Swiss Alps, this ingredient has proven to be an anti–inflammatory and an anti–irritant. Used topically, this herbal compound is used to help soothe and heal wounds, sunburns, bruises, acne, eczema and chapped lips. It also helps reduce swelling, redness, and bacterial infections.

Rosmartinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil– This ingredient is used most commonly for oily, sluggish skin that needs the benefits of cleansing and rejuvenating. It’s known to tone, stimulate and decongest while relieving puffiness and swelling.

EARTH 2013… WATER WISE

EARTH

2013

The Environmental Working Group analyzed 20 million drinking water tests.  The results identified over 300 pollutants in tap water.  Half are not subject to any regulation and with hundreds of new chemicals being created each year it’s difficult if not impossible to measure the impact on us and, our planet.

This Earth Day take a look at your water – visit the EPA’s Safewater site (epa.gov/safewater/ccr/).  The CCR will list what test have been done to local water and what contaminants have been found.  If you have a private well, call your local health department and inquire about which test they recommend.  Private wells should be tested annually.

Check your plumbing – even with newer plumbing, the pipes connecting your home to the municipal water supply may contain lead.  Lead is neurotoxic, and was banned in plumbing pipes in 1986.  Test your drinking water with a kit you can find at your local hardware store.  Boiling water does not reduce lead levels and will increase the concentration of metals.

Our bodies are about 60 percent water, and 70 percent of the planet is covered by water… Protect this essential element.  Never flush substances that could contaminate water, like medications, pesticides, cleaning agents, and auto products.  Do your part, and educate yourself on the environment you need to sustain your life.

2013 Earth Day – celebrate by picking a water filter! From a basic carbon filtration pitcher  (PUR CR-6000C 2-Stage Water Pitcher)  which reduces copper, lead, mercury, microbes and some pharmaceuticals – to a variety of home water filtration systems that provides broader protection – especially when dealing with contamination. For recommendation to find the system that suits your needs and budget – go to EWG’s water filter buying guide (ewg.org/tap-water/getawaterfilter). Earth Day 2013, celebrate the planet.

WATER FILTERS:

PELICAN PC 600 Whole House Water Filter – $700.00; pelicanwatertechnologies.com

WATTS PREMIER WP-5 Reverse Osmosis System – $229.00; wattspremier.com

AUQUASANA AQ – 4000 Complete Countertop Filtration System – $125.00; auquasana.com

INSTAPURE F8(C) Ultra Tap Water Filter System – $40.00; instapure.com

Earth 2013 Celebrate Water!

• Before drinking or cooking with contaminated water, let it run for a few minutes.
  
• Faucets that have not been turned on for over 6 hours, let run for a few minutes.
• Run and use cold water;  hot water disperses contaminates more readily.
• Contact city government – they may reduce your water charge and, or, may supply a water filter system.

“The world is a fine place and worth fighting for.”

Ernest Hemingway

Looking at Islam

 

The history of Islam–its origins, its rise, its present predicament–is essential to understanding the significance of the events of 11 September.  It is precisely here that I made a mistake:  I misunderstood the depth of the phenomenon.  As at 11 September 2001, I accepted what most accepted:  this act was perpetrated by a small group of fanatics wholly unrepresentative of Islam who could and should be crushed.

What is clear now is the scale of the challenge, which in two senses is different to what we originally contemplated.  The first is that in the mindset that is modern Islam, there is one spectrum, not several.  At the furthest end of the spectrum are the extremists who advocate terrorism to further their goal of an Islamic state… It is true they are few in number,  but their sympathisers reach far further along the spectrum than we think.  While many do not agree with terrorism, they “understand” why it is happening.

Still further along the spectrum are those who condemn the terrorist, but in a curious and dangerous way buy into bits of their world view.

Then you have, of course, a large number, probably the majority, who condemn the terrorist and their world view.

But–and here is the second point–even this group have not yet confidently found their way to articulating a thoroughly reformed and modernising view of Islam.

The combination of all of this means that this battle is not, I’m afraid, one between a small, unrepresentative group of extremist and the rest of us.  Or at least, it is not only that.  It is  also a fundamental struggle for the mind, heart and soul of Islam.

In that struggle we are necessary participants, both because we came under attack and because those who must lead Islam to change need our support.  In the final analysis, of course, it is a struggle that must be won from within.  Such struggles don’t last an electoral cycle; they last a generation.

Tony Blair — A JOURNEY

My conclusion, strangely, is not that the power of politics is needed to liberate the people; but that the power of the people is needed to liberate the politics.

 

Religions have shaped people, communities and nations for all of history.  Today we are challenged to understand the impact beliefs have on our world views.  Recently, I was challenged to  understand the expressed opinions of two media interviews concerning Muslims.  Opinions are an American way of communication–but left unchecked they can harm people and interfere with what is true.

My question:  What is Islam?  Not a simple answer.  I’m Christian and I imagine to non-Christians, that’s not a simple answer either. Lets give this a go…

Muhammad, a seventh century prophet launched what would become the world’s second largest religion.  Muslims are called to submit to God and embrace the teachings of the Koran, the scriptures of Islam.  The Five Pillars are: declaring one’s belief in God and Muhammad as his messenger, daily prayers, charitable giving, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, and, for those who can, a pilgrimage to Mecca, birthplace of Muhammad and of Islam.  Mecca is the holiest site in Islam.  The minimum number of days required to complete the rites of the hajj (journey) to Mecca is 5 days.  Muslims who complete this pilgrimage may add “hajji” to their names.  Muslims turn toward Mecca 5 times a day in prayer.

Today there are 1.6 billion Muslims, 47 percent of Muslims live in South or Southeast Asia.  Their numbers are growing as is  the insertion of Islam into our western culture – our western democracy.

Religion is about values and ideas that shape our twenty-first century.  Americans stand together, struggling to understand the challenges presented by the ever-expanding mosaic of personal expression, that we, America, has come to be known for around the world.  I believe this is our strength, and their hope.

 The Muslim community is a subtle world we don’t fully– and don’t always– attempt to understand.  Only through a shared appreciation of the people’s culture, needs, and hopes for the future can we hope ourselves to supplant the extremist narrative.  We cannot capture hearts and minds.  We must engage them; we must listen to them, one heart and one mind at a time.

~Admiral Mike Mullen

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

SPICED NUTS AND SEEDS

Nuts and Seeds

Evolution takes time, and the outcome can be difficult to define as we haven’t yet familiarized ourselves with the cascade of differences parading before us.  I have evolved.  The signs are subtle and seem to have been there all along just waiting patiently for my attention, and acceptance.

Coming to my senses, for me, means restoring the body to the natural performance level I had taken for granted.  Taste and smell along with feeling energized greatly impacts quality of life.  In addition, loss of these can lead to the use of unhealthy food choices.  Salt and sugar in excess – caffeine to combat fatigue… so many ways to self-sabotage!

Taste and smell acuity lessen with age, occurring in those over 70. (I have a way to go.)  However, neurologists observed taste and smell dysfunctions can be adverse effects from commonly prescribed medications, ranging from antibiotics and antihistamines to blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs.  Pharmaceutical drugs to control seizures and treat Parkinson’s disease, as well as chemotherapy agents, can also cause losses.  Taste and smell are often restored when the culprit is identified and eliminated.

Coming to your senses requires mindful eating and living.  For more information on sensory-loss visit https://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tasteandsmelldisorders.html

 

 

Makes 4 Cups

Preheat oven to 325 Degrees

3 CUPS RAW NUTS, SUCH AS WALNUTS AND ALMONDS

1/4 CUP FLAXSEED

1/4 CUP RAW HULLED SUNFLOWER SEEDS

1/4 CUP QUINOA

2 LARGE EGG WHITES

COARSE SALT

1/4 TEASPOON CAYENNE PEPPER (I prefer more heat – 1/2 tsp for me)

1/4 TEASPOON GROUND CUMIN

1/4 TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON

2 TABLESPOONS HONEY

Mix nuts, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and quinoa in a bowl.  In another bowl, whisk together egg whites and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt with the cayenne, cumin, cinnamon, and honey.  Pour over nut mixture, and toss to combine.

Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake until dry and darkened, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.  Season with more salt, if desired.  Remove mixture from parchment while cooling so it does not stick.  Nuts can be stored for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature.

By the numbers – per 1/4 cup serving; 169 calories; 1.2g saturated fat; 11.3 g unsaturated fat; O mg cholesterol; 8.4 g carbohydrates; 5.5 g protein; 113 mg sodium; 2.6 g fiber

“Spice it up to punch up flavor and stimulate your taste recepeptors without adding unhealthy elements to your diet.”

 Enjoy your snack!

Judaism… Began With A Journey

Pray for the peace for Jerusalem…

Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within

Thy palaces.

Psalm of King David

The Jewish religion began with Abraham–a Mesopotamian shepherd.  Centuries after Abraham, the people of Israel received God’s law, the Torah, given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

The Torah is Judaism’s sacred text– Over time the Jewish people would come to consider Jerusalem to be their most sacred location.  Jerusalem, where Solomon built a temple for God’s dwelling place on earth remains today as the holiest city for all the 15 million Jews worldwide.

Jerusalem harbors the most important sites of the world’s three great monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam:  for Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, at the end of the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, erected on the site where Saint Helena discovered the remains of Christ’s Cross;  for Jews, the Wailing Wall, the remains of the west wall of the Temple Mount, Solomon’s original Temple; for Moslems, the Dome of the Rock, the Mount Moriah of antiquity where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven on his white steed El Burak.

The persecution of the Jewish people throughout history is a tragic story of darkness.  Eli Wiesel’s, Night, describes the experience of the concentration camps with insights to the many layers of reactions a human being is capable of when faced with annihilation.

The rebirth of Israel was for the Jews a 2,000 year-old dream.  The dream was realized at four o’clock in the afternoon of May14, 1948, in a museum in Tel Aviv,  David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the rebirth of a Jewish state in the Ancient homeland of the Jewish people.

The early hours of Israels existence found five Arab armies drawn up along its borders vowing destruction. They invaded just after midnight May 14 and thus began a conflict that would go on for decades.

 The world today, struggles to create a viable global community–when a people are over run we have organizations coming together to understand all sides involved.  Arab and Jew are displaying more tolerance and understanding of each other…  and the world sighs.

O Jerusalem, the choice of Allah of all his lands!  In it are the chosen of his servants.  From it the earth was stretched forth and from it shall it be rolled up like a scroll.

The dew which descends upon Jerusalem is a remedy from every sickness because it is from the gardens of Paradise.

The Hadith, the sayings

of the Prophet Mohammed