This past Thursday we spent the day visiting the Belvoir fortress from the Crusades and the little town of Tzfat that played a key role in Kabbalah for the Jewish people. During the 11th century Pope Urban II was fighting over authority with The emperor of the Eastern Orthodox. In 1095 Pope Urban II gave his famous speech in Clermont, France. The objective of his speech was to get Europeans to move to Israel (the naval of the world) because he claimed that there was major over population and that those who migrated to Israel could receive salvation, which is remission of ones sins.
The first Crusade took place in 1096. It was a complete disaster for the Jewish people and only went downhill from there. Those traveling to Israel under Pope Urban's command came across rich Jewish merchants at the Rhein River. They were extremely confused because just like the witness theory stated, Christians felt that they were better than the Jewish people therefor they did not understand why they had become so successful. The Tatnu massacres occurred, and thousands of Jewish people were put together and burned alive in different communities. They had the option of being baptised or being killed and because of Kiddush Hashem many chose death over converting. 1096 marked a turning point for the Jewish people of Ashkenaz because they faced major antisemitism.
We saw the Belvoir Fortress that was built by the Hospital of Knights, used from 1099-1187 and was under control of the Crusaders and conquered by Salach Adin in 1187. It was built from mainly basalt because it was harder to destroy then limestone, and it was pretty accessible. The fortress was built where it was because from the structure the Crusaders could oversee the Jordan Valley, Golan Heights, and the Syrian Rift. The fortress was not "easily attack-able", and in addition the Crusaders used guerrilla warfare so that it was harder to successfully attack.
We then went to Tzfat and visited two different synagogues, the Synagogue of Joseph Karo and The Synagogue of Rabbi Isaac Luria. Joseph Karo was very involved with Jewish law, and Moshe Cordovera was a philosopher, and with two of them, HaAri Hakadosh believed that they could bring the messiah down from the heavens. Both Synagogues were very similar in the fact that they were both old fashioned and the Synagogue of Joseph Karo had a geniza.
Overall we had an amazing Tiyul, and even got to witness Baruch get in a fight with a very un- levelheaded man with a hose and an attitude. What most stood out to you at the Belvior Fortress, and do you agree or disagree with HaAri Hakadosh's theory of the him and the two Rabbis potential to bring the messiah down from the Heavens?
The first Crusade took place in 1096. It was a complete disaster for the Jewish people and only went downhill from there. Those traveling to Israel under Pope Urban's command came across rich Jewish merchants at the Rhein River. They were extremely confused because just like the witness theory stated, Christians felt that they were better than the Jewish people therefor they did not understand why they had become so successful. The Tatnu massacres occurred, and thousands of Jewish people were put together and burned alive in different communities. They had the option of being baptised or being killed and because of Kiddush Hashem many chose death over converting. 1096 marked a turning point for the Jewish people of Ashkenaz because they faced major antisemitism.
We saw the Belvoir Fortress that was built by the Hospital of Knights, used from 1099-1187 and was under control of the Crusaders and conquered by Salach Adin in 1187. It was built from mainly basalt because it was harder to destroy then limestone, and it was pretty accessible. The fortress was built where it was because from the structure the Crusaders could oversee the Jordan Valley, Golan Heights, and the Syrian Rift. The fortress was not "easily attack-able", and in addition the Crusaders used guerrilla warfare so that it was harder to successfully attack.
We then went to Tzfat and visited two different synagogues, the Synagogue of Joseph Karo and The Synagogue of Rabbi Isaac Luria. Joseph Karo was very involved with Jewish law, and Moshe Cordovera was a philosopher, and with two of them, HaAri Hakadosh believed that they could bring the messiah down from the heavens. Both Synagogues were very similar in the fact that they were both old fashioned and the Synagogue of Joseph Karo had a geniza.
Overall we had an amazing Tiyul, and even got to witness Baruch get in a fight with a very un- levelheaded man with a hose and an attitude. What most stood out to you at the Belvior Fortress, and do you agree or disagree with HaAri Hakadosh's theory of the him and the two Rabbis potential to bring the messiah down from the Heavens?
What stood out to me the most about the Belvoir Fortress was the intricate ways in was set u to make it almost impossible to infiltrate. While our class was pretending to charge the fortress, the was a point in while we had to go around a bend. Ariella pointed out how after we went around the bend, we as the assailants were facing the wrong way. It was frowned upon to be left handed back then, so everyone used their left hand to hold their shield. But, now our shield was facing away from the fortress, making it easy for the inhabitants of the fortress to hit us with arrows. This amazed me because it is so easy to miss, but so important to their warfare.
ReplyDeletePhysically, I do not believe that the three Rabbis would have been able to reach the Messiah, but I do believe in the metaphor behind it. Putting Halacha and philosophy together brings us closer to God. With just the right balance we can become the best we can in Judaism and even outside our religion.
The strength of the Belvoir fortress compared to other fortresses at the time was what really stood out. Even if forces had managed to actually breach the outer wall, the design of the pathways and entryways reveals the intelligence and strategy of the Crusaders. Very simple design elements made it nearly impossible to take the fortress successfully.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, no one will ever be able to physically bring the Messiah, so Ha'ari Hakadosh's method seems far fetched, but it was a noble effort. The idea in Tzfat of trying to become spiritual enough to bring the Messiah down from heaven really speaks to me as a Reform Jewish songleader because I try to make spiritual moments for my community and I think heightened spiritual moments do bring us closer to God.
What most stood out to me at Belvoir was the depth of military thought that was put into the building of the fort. While I agree with Jacob that Ha'ari HaKadosh's idea seems far fetched, I do see the value in their efforts. After such a horrible time, the leaders of the jewish community really wanted to make their world a better place. Additionally, this is a story meant to illustrate a point, not a factual account. I think that it is beautiful that Ha'ari HaKadosh was so eager to bring this world into a new and better light. Although we need not claim we are bringing down moschiach, I think we should all strive to make this world a better place.
ReplyDeleteWhile we were at the Belvoir Fortress, the thing that stood out to me the most was how it was set up in such a simple way and yet it was still extremely difficult to conquer. It was created in a way that looked easy to attack but had many defense strategies. When it was finally conquered, Salach Adin let the surviving crusaders flee because of his respect he had for the knights that built it in such a smart way. I do not believe that Ha'ari HaKadosh could've brought the Messiah down from the Heavens but I do believe that he wanted to unite the Jews and try to make the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteBelvoir was a really pretty and interesting spot to visit. It really surprised me the amount of military strategy went into designing and bulding the fort, as simple looking as it is. The view was also gorgeous, as explained in the name. I disagree with Ha'ari HaKadosh belief that he could pull down the messiah from the havens, although I respect the theory. I agree with Danielle in that we as people should focus on bettering the world instead of waiting for the messiah to do it for us.
ReplyDeleteI thought the Belvoir fortress was really cool. What stood out to me most was the incredible thought and logic that the crusaders had when it came to the layout of the fortress. The knowledge to have the paths narrowed so that attacking armies were weakened and slowed, and then to have them turn sharply so their shields weren’t very effective closer to the entrance. I think that Ha’ari Hakadosh’s theory was a fair attempt but I don’t agree that the three people would have been able to bring the Messiah. I think that it takes more than three people, and that the Messiah is more likely to come in its own way, and that all we can do is live the best life we can.
ReplyDelete-Rachael Coleman
What stood out to me most about the fortress was the immense thought put into every defense technique. for example, making sure that the shield ends up on the opposite side of a soldiers body and leaves the soldier vulnerable is genius.
ReplyDeleteI agree with many other people in the opinion that Hakadosh's theory is far fetched, however I recognize that the theory was metaphorical. Hakadosh was simply trying to express that if we combine mitzvot and kabalah, we will be closer to the heavens and therefore more holy and "worthy" of the messiah.
I thought that the scientific understanding that went into building the Belvoir was its most distinctive feature. Choosing basalt as the main stone to use for fortifications and then limestone as filler was a great move in terms of defense--and the architecture inside the fortress was executed extremely well, considering that much of it still stands today, even after being sacked by Saleh Adin. I especially liked the uniform design of the keystones, and how accurately they were cut to create a sound arch.
ReplyDeleteI like the story of Ha'Ari Hakadosh and its message very much. We're taught never to take something literally when it can be interpreted, and what Ha'Ari proposed through the analogy of lifting the two rebs up, combining law and philosophy, creates a bridge between the two worlds. Perhaps if Reb Karo had not died before Ha'Ari lifted him up, there wouldn't be such a rift later on between the Chasidim and the Misnagdim.
What stood out most to me during the Belvoir trip was the unassailability of the fortress. I could very much imagine people being able to hold out under siege for a very long time, due to the secret routes and well. I did not get any time to explore the ruins, but if I did I'm sure I would have found more interesting things there. I disagree with the idea of bringing Messiah to us. The Messiah will come when he comes, and nothing will hasten him. While I do admire Hari's determination, the idea that he could summon Messiah makes it seem that he was more important than he was.
ReplyDeleteIn the midst of Belvoir, I was marveled by the craftsmanship of the architecture and the strategic layout of the fortress. What allured me into a trance of pure attentive amazement would be the walls of the fortress and their potential to easily be maneuvered and climbed upon!
ReplyDeleteI love the theology of the Rabbi's idea to bring משיח down but if honesty is what I must say, then I confess; I find it to be absolutely ridiculous.
What most interested me was how logically the the fortress was built. I think its pure genius how the architect of the fortress incorporated the weaknesses of the people to be able to attack the soldiers before they had time to switch there shields from their left arm to the right. I disagree with the two rabbis because I think that no one will ever be able to actually bring down the messiah from the heavens.
ReplyDeleteWhat i found most interesting about the fortress was their use of the path way that turned the soldiers around. It was there were the soldiers had their shields facing the wrong way while getting hailed on by arrows. it was a very smart idea to exploit the path this way. I also thought it was very genius the idea of having two gates making the army have to go through more before they got in. I love the idea of what the rabbi had to say and i believe that they actually believed they could bring down the messiah, but i don't think they could. As we move closer and closer to the modern age it seems more likely that G-d is interesting us to be our own messiah, that we should bring the jewish people together rather then waiting around we should act.
ReplyDeleteWhat stood out to me most on this tiyul was the architecture. When you first entered the fortress you walked on a windy path. This path made a u-turn so that the invaders' shields were on the opposite side that the fortress was on. This exposed them to arrows and other weapons. I disagree with the rabbis' theory. I don't think that they could bring down the messiah just because they wanted him then. I believe that the messiah is supposed to come when everyone is ready not just a small community of people.
ReplyDeleteThe way the structure was built stood out the most to me. The way it was made to take so much hostility was quite impressive to me. As for the theory, I believe that to be a metaphor. As in if people were to mix the teachings of the two rabbis and follow the most of them then maybe life would be better and easier for the Jews.
ReplyDeleteI think the fortress was genius! I am still surprised on how well it lasted and at the fact it got conquered because of all the fortifications. I think I agree with Ariella's interpretation, that the ideas of the 3 rabbis could bring down Massiach. The part that stood out to me was walking around Tzvat during free time, I felt that is was very unique with the candle shop, a talit shop I went into, the yemen food ( I sadly did not get a taste), and all the shops and stands. I think this was a time were I felt culture because there was so much wherever I looked.
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