Money for Nothing and Our Chicks Are Free

THE SON TIMES
The Gateway Gospel of Destiny

Money for Nothing and Our Chicks Are Free

by Jack D. Sypal
Dateline: Jerusalem, March 4, 2018, 02:13:22-The Jam-Man, as Jesse Benjo’s disciples refer to him, was really jammin’ today. He upset order in the Courtyard of the Gentiles at the Temple Complex when he confronted vendors around 10:00 AM.

Benjo drove cattle and sheep from the premises with a scourge-like implement he fashioned from rushes used to produce baskets. As the livestock tried to get out the gate, the stampeding animals overturned and scattered the currency exchange tables of the many money changers. Approximately 3,000 pigeons also flew the coop in the midst of the bedlam.

To validate his disruption of the market, Benjo claimed the moral high ground citing ancient writings. The devout must avoid the defiled and idolatrous Roman currency which includes both the imperial image and inscription. To keep from corrupting the Temple confines, such coins must be exchanged for acceptable, sanctified Temple coins.

At first the money changers ran a straight currency exchange, just adding a small percentage to compensate them for risk. Then, because of several alleged counterfeiting schemes, the percentage rose.

Unstable and sometimes volatile markets with rapid fluctuations in monetary values developed causing the exchange to become more reactive. Eventually, money changers were bidding for tables and placements within the Gentile Courtyard, and big money got involved.

Additional allegations of kickbacks and Temple profiteering have recently circulated. Forensic accounting investigators are examining Temple funds as well as the tax returns of Annas and Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law. Suggestions of nepotism and questions over Caiaphas’ qualifications and competency to be high priest this year have been raised as well.

Benjo’s abrupt action today has also brought the debate over the current practice of selling sacrificial animals appropriate for the Passover celebration at the Temple complex to a head.

For years, devout people who live too far from the Temple to bring their animals from home have sold animals before coming to Jerusalem. Upon arriving here, they then buy both supplies to celebrate this holy time in style and also animals for sacrifice.

In recent years the rural area surrounding Jerusalem has seen an increasing number of larger estates belonging to both Romans and wealthy Herodians. The result is the number of small family farms available to supply animals has significantly decreased. At the same time, the number of people coming for the Passover festivities has increased.

These two factors have made it more difficult to find quality stock for sacrifice at a reasonable price. In addition, feed and pasturage prices are set at a premium during the festival season as well.

Lastly, Benjo referenced sanitary regulations necessitating the removal of the animals from the courtyard. The simple logistics problem of effluvial removal is a major consideration.

Vendor, Bo Vineyard, said, “With the number of bullocks, sheep, goats, and pigeons needed for an extravaganza like this, the amount of bull s--- that is around is greater than one can possibly imagine. If you don’t want the place becoming a world class s---hole, well, a barnyard, someone has to be scooping, sweeping, and scrubbing the courtyard several times a day. That means jobs, but it costs money, a lot of money.”

This big business, chaotic carnival atmosphere that has become the new normal at Passover is what came to a stop today when Benjo whipped up a storm of controversy surrounding current Temple practices.

During the heated exchange of comments, S. K. Wabby, a pigeon vendor, questioned Benjo’s approach, “It has taken more than forty-five years to develop what we’ve got. If you destroy it, then what?”

Benjo laughed and said, “Given a free hand, even with Temple and Roman interference, I’ll bet that I could come up with a better system in three days.”

Benjo teamed bold actions with bold words. The Son Times will continue to cover this story in coming days.