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2000s: Isaac Markowitz, moves to Israel to repair his broken heart.
In the Courtyard of the Kabbalist
What you need to know before your trail
Isaac Markowitz, moves to Israel to repair his broken heart and becomes, much to his own surprise, the assistant to a famous old rabbi who daily dispenses wisdom (and soup) to the troubled souls who wash up in his courtyard. It is there that he meets the flame-haired Tamar, a newly religious young American hipster on a mission to live a spiritual life with a spiritual man. Into both of their lives comes Mustafa, a devout Muslim, deformed at birth, a janitor who works on the Temple Mount, holy to both Muslims and Jews. When Mustafa finds an ancient shard of pottery that may date back to the first temple, he brings it to Isaac in friendship. That gesture sets in motion a series of events that land Isaac in the company of Israel’s worst criminal riff raff, put Mustafa in mortal danger, and Tamar trying to save them both.
Travel Guide
Jerusalem
Temple Mount – Hilltop site also called the Noble Sanctuary containing Islamic, Christian & Jewish structures.
Sinai – “He chuckled. “Be focused. Direct all your thoughts to one point. Let the prayers take effect. Let them change you into a new person, Tamar. Just like Moses, after forty days of talking to God on Sinai, became a new being.” The tabby crept past and squeezed between his legs.”
The Waiting Wall/Western Wall – “The Waiting Wall,” he said with a flourish. “It’s been waiting the past two thousand years to be rebuilt. Or maybe,” he said with a certain slyness, “because it’s been waiting centuries for you and you and you”—his finger swung from person to person—“to leave your fancy homes in Scarsdale and Paris to come pray at her side!” He”
BookTrail Boarding Pass: In the Courtyard of the Kabbalist
Destination: Jerusalem Author/guide: Ruchama King Feuerman Departure Time: 2000s
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