The Vulture that Disturbed Abraham's Vision

The Vulture (or Golden Eagle) that Disturbed Abraham's Vision

About 10 days ago, I decided to take a look at stamps dedicated to Masada. I don't remember what triggered this search, I think it may have to do with a few people who made a very precise list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a theme of the postcards they wish to receive. The results on the online catalogue were quite interesting, as I did not know that the Dutch Antilles had issued a 3 stamp series in honour of an international stamp exhibit in Israel in 1998. The three sites they chose are Masada, the Dead Sea and the Zion Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem. Both the Gate (actually all the walls and gates of Jerusalem) and Masada are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites!

So, as Masada is in Israel, and thousands of tourists visit it year-round, plus – many soldiers of the IDF get “sworn in” at this ancient fortress, Israel issued (according to the catalogue) 6 postage stamps and one ATM label showing Masada over the years. However, I knew there had to be more!

And, Walla, behold, there are 2 more! In 1967, Israel issued 3 stamps for Israel's Independence Day, showing military aircraft flying over scenes in Israel. I don't recognize the 2 lower denominations, but the 80 Agorot (there were 100 Agorot in the Israeli Lira before they changed to the Sheqel in 1980) stamp is most definitely showing 2 fighter jets flying over Masada!

The second stamp is really the topic of this blog. In 2002, Israel issued a series of 3 stamps titled Birds of the Jordan Valley. The first was a Golden Eagle, which, apparently, had its name changed from (AYT SLA'IM עיט סלעים) – a bird of prey that drops turtles on rocks to break their shell and eat them, to Golden Eagle. I guess it sounded more “politically correct”. This beautiful (in my humble opinion) bird is flying gloriously over Masada!

The Ayit (for short) is a vulture, but is not mentioned by its Hebrew name in the birds that we are forbidden to eat from (in Leviticus Chapter 11 or Deuteronomy Chapter 14). However, I am sure that among the hundreds of Bible translations that we have, someone gave it the “honour” to be on that list of forbidden birds.

In the Torah Portion we read yesterday, we have a description of a vision that Abraham had; and “when the vultures came unto the carcasses, Abraham drove them away”. I never understood what the symbolism is of the this interruption, but it's pretty obvious that if you are having a conversation with G-d – you don't want anyone or anything to bother you! Also, it's almost like there was a battle between the enemy and Hashem. So many times in our history, especially of being chosen, do we find Satan trying to cause us to sin. The Talmud says that Satan is (also): “the serpent, angel of death and the evil inclination”.

To quote Country Yossi: “YETZER HARA you're a real mean guy...”. 

Comments

  1. Jeff25 October 2026 at 17:57

    This is pretty cool. I remember watching the "Masada" miniseries in 1981 and wanting to go see it after being quite moved by the events that transpired there. As always, I learned something by clicking in 😊

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  2. GsusisLrd26 October 2026 at 05:40

    Beautiful allegory. I have always likened the vulture moment for Abraham as Faithful, and waiting on the Lord. There is no mention of how long Abraham waited for the Lord to cause the deep sleep and walk b/n the "cleaved" sacrifice. Oh, lol, "Walla" is 'voila' (french brother) Blessings

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