This time of year here in Israel everything is lush and verdant, the rains are coming to an end, and in a couple of months everything will be parched. Of those I encounter whom I admire and envy the most are the Arab shepherds and goatherds who graze their flocks anywhere they find viable pasture, including the verges of main roads. They are always cheerful, gentle and attentive, and move with a slow grace akin to Taiji to pacify their charges.