The Meaning of Snowing in Israel
R. Shmuel Veffer
Snow is a rarity in Israel, and if it comes, it’s usually only the children in Jerusalem and Judean Hills and Tsfat (Safed) who get ready to make snowmen. But when it comes, it’s not just time to frolic, it’s also time to reflect on the meaning of snowing in Israel.
The Land of Israel is dependant on rain for God’s blessing. The sages consider rain a gift of God’s “Chesed” – lovingkindness. Water is the life-giving and life-sustaining force and it is given in a form that is immediately useful.
This is a Divine message that we are doing something wrong as a nation that needs correcting.
Egypt had the Nile River which allowed them the ability to raise crops all year round with no need for rain. This caused them to think that their harvests were a result of their own efforts, or worse, a gift from the “Nile God.”
We Depend on the Rain
God wanted the Jewish people to always understand that blessings always come from God. That’s why He gave us a country without a Nile River and made us dependent on rainfall. This forces us to pray to the Almighty three times a day for the blessing of rain. When it comes, we look at it as a “free gift” that allows us to live on the land as a nation to fulfill His Will.
When our prayers for rain are answered with snow, it should give us pause to think about why God is answering us with “Justice” and not “Kindness.”
So a snowstorm is a good time to reflect on who is really sustaining us and has the power to bring peace to Israel and the world.
Yavne’el in the Snow
You may be wondering why Jerusalem and Tsfat get snow, and Tel Aviv and we in Yavne’el do not. As a small country altitude affects temperatures much more than geographical location (north or south). Tel Aviv and Yavne’el are at sea level, and that means our temperatures rarely get down to freezing.
The last time Yavne’el received snow was in 1992! Above is an old picture our neighbor sent us. Coincidentally it has a picture of our house (which also hosts our Galilee Green offices). It’s just to the left of center with the big slanted roof. Tiberias is on the hilltop in the distance on the left.
Stay Warm!
4 Comments
Larry Seale · February 19, 2021 at 4:34 pm
I love your comments on my Saviors Home on earth. I have a great desire to see Israel and love in my heart for any word about it. You are such a Blessing to an old man in Demopolis,Alabama. Thank you.
Susan Smith · February 19, 2021 at 4:56 pm
Very interesting about the snow! Is that idea Israel-specific or a lesson for all mankind? My thoughts related to the snow event in Texas related to a state with an independent power grid…Because of going it alone, they were unable to tap power reserves in neighboring states. The message God used (at least for me) was one of working for the benefit of all. We can be the “Lone Star” or we can function united. God used snow to prove His point. Thank you.
Kathryn Young · January 4, 2024 at 4:35 pm
As a Texan, your perspective is an interesting one. I haven’t heard anyone express a commentary on our big crazy snowstorm and power outages in that way. Food for thought, to be sure. I don’t discount that acts of God’s judgment and justice are continually happening regardless of our awareness or acknowledgment that it’s what is taking place. But most Americans are definitely disconnected emotionally and mentally, and most of all spiritually, from the relationship between rain and blessing. I now have more mindfulness of it after participating in Sukkot this past fall for the first time. Unlike Judaism, Christianity doesn’t center around daily, consistent prayer practices multiple times a day. We aren’t taught to “pray for rain” – even in Texas summers! – as a participant with God to receive provision and relief. And despite our experience in 2021, I think in general even most Texans don’t hold the view that snow is a judgment, although I would now like to know how a rural Texan connected to our farming and agricultural industries feels about it. Thank you, Susan, for making this story a little more personal. I plan to meditate on these words with some friends here in the Lone Star State 😉 (imagine a smirk and a wink). Blessings to you.
Charley Shurtz · January 8, 2024 at 4:27 pm
i too am living in Texas and continue to be very glad Texas is still going it alone, taking care of thier power grid mistakes and not becoming one with the central controlling government