The song “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay has become one of my favorites since being here in Jerusalem. I love it. In the song it says, “I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing…” and that part describes this lovely Sunday perfectly.
The Squires are a service couple here and they are incredibly musically talented. Brother Squires plays the organ in the auditorium, which is probably the finest organ here in the Holy Land. It has 3000 pipes and when Bro. Squires plays it, it is awesome. They are also in charge of the Jerusalem Center choir, that pretty much everyone sings in. But since all of the students sing in the choir on Shabbats, there is no audience for the performers. So quite often I sacrifice by sleeping in an extra hour so that I can listen to the choir. :) How good.
The Squires bless not only the people of the Jerusalem Center with their musical gifts, but they bless all of Jerusalem. Every Sunday they go and ring the bells at the YMCA tower and they usually bring students with them.
This is the YMCA bell tower.
This is the view of Jerusalem from the bell tower.
And these are the bells! All of Jerusalem, or at least half of it, hears these bells.
This is me ringing the bells! Woo hoo!
Ali and I played “Ode to Joy.” The Squires had simple music for the students to play and it was pretty fun stuff. A little intimidating though, considering 100,000+ people are listening to you.
“I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing.
Roman calvary choirs are singing.
Be my mirror, my sword, and shield,
My missionaries in a foreign field.
For some reason I can’t explain,
I know Saint Peter will call my name.
Never an honest word,
But that was when I ruled the world.”
-Coldplay
