Nights in that region this time of year are typically in the mid to lower 30s. This year the temps for Christmas week are predicted to be in the low 30s. Sheep out eating grass being watched by Shepards? I think not. Even here in SC the grass is all dead this time of year. There ain’t no “new grass” in that region this time of year.
Well, in fairness to those who WANT to believe, the sheep COULD be out in 30 degree weather. What with all the wool they sport..:)
Same over there...The winter rains refresh the ground and replenish the plants that have 'gone to seed' and are no longer good for grazing...And they certainly wouldn't graze the sheep on the new shoots coming up in late winter which would deplete the grass for the summer and fall grazing...
It’s not that cold. The climate sites lists an average December temperature range of 59 degrees high and 47 degrees low around Jerusalem. Rain starts in November and ends in March.
Israels climate and growing season isn’t comparable to the eastern US. They have a rainy and (really really) dry season. Grass grows when there’s rain, herd animals give birth with the new pasture, it’s as simple as that.