Volume 2

Jesus Teaching 145
mentioned signs.
As Jesus on the following day was again teaching in the
synagogue, in the center of which stood a magnificent
chest containing the rolls of the Law, the Jews entered
barefoot. Ablutions were prohibited on that day, therefore
after the instruction of the preceding eve, they had
washed and bathed. Above the clothes of the day before,
they wore in the synagogue a long, black mantle with a
hood and train. It was open at the sides and fastened with
cords. On the right arm hung two rough, black maniples,
and on the left arm one. They prayed and chanted in a
mournful tone, enveloped themselves for awhile in sacks,
open in front, and prostrated face downward in the galleries
around the synagogue. The women practiced similar
penances in their homes.
The fires had been covered the day before. Not till evening
did I see any meal taken, and then it was at an uncovered
table in the inn where Jesus ate with His disciples
alone. The others took theirs in the large hall of the court.
The meal consisted entirely of cold viands brought from
the Governor's house. Jesus spoke words of instruction on
the subject of eating. Many people, among them the lame
and crippled, came in turn to the table upon which were
some shallow dishes filled with ashes. The old Jew who
had been converted gave many of the best of his magnificent
fruits to the poor.
On the next day also, the Sabbath, Jesus again taught in
the synagogue and after the instruction walked with His
disciples and about ten Jews to the mountain north of the
city. The country in that direction was wild and savage.
The little party tarried awhile under the trees in front of a
house and partook of some food and drink offered them
by its inmates.
Jesus gave His companions all kinds of rules for their
direction for, as He said, He would soon leave them to
return but once again. Among other things, He exhorted