Welcoming the Rain

November 24, 2017

by: Janet Aslin

Friday, 24 November 2017 | 365 Fascinating Facts about Israel contains this nugget of information: “It is a remarkable fact that Jerusalem and London share the same average rainfall of 22 inches (55 cm) per year! The difference is that in Jerusalem it all falls within about 50 days in heavy downpours, whereas in London it is spread over some 300 days.”

Tuesday morning much of Israel awakened to sound of rain drops and the refreshing smell of a newly-washed world. Typically, the northern and western areas of the land receive heavier rainfall with the southern area of the Negev receiving very little moisture. This pattern held true with most of the rain falling in the north and on coastal cities.

Rainfall began Monday evening and by the next morning, the Golan Heights had received 20 millimeters (0.8 inches), the Lower Galilee 15–30 millimeters (0.6 – 1.2 inches), and Tel Aviv 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). Although Jerusalem’s early morning rainfall measured a scant 2 millimeters (.08 inches), the rain continued steadily throughout Tuesday and resulted in a total accumulation of 6.6 millimeters (0.25 inch) by the end of the day.

Light showers continued for a second day, bringing the welcomed moisture to communities as far south as Beersheva.

“In the Talmud [rabbinic commentary], abundant rain is compared to blessings streaming down on us from Above, strengthening and nourishing us spiritually just as rain sustains us physically” (Aish.com). Rain is truly considered a blessing in Israel and welcomed as a sign of God’s favor.

This week’s gentle outpouring of rain has been a good beginning but Israel desperately needs to receive above-normal amounts of rainfall during the next few months to replenish the water in her underground aquifers and raise the level of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) above both red lines.

Posted on November 24, 2017

Source: (Bridges for Peace, 24 November, 2017)

Photo Credit: Pixabay