Dead Sea, Pool Party, & A Special Bat Mitzvah | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

Dead Sea, Pool Party, & A Special Bat Mitzvah

Mariel Adams

Hello everyone!

We started our Tuesday morning bright and early in Masada. Some of our group chose to welcome the sun and watch it rise over the ancient Babylonian and Roman ruins near the high mountain from our amazing hostel roof. Our plan was to climb the steep snake path to the top as a group, but unfortunately the relentess heat wave with mind numbing temperatures over 100 degrees farenheight prevented us from ascending to the top. 

Many were disappointed, but alternatively, we got to sleep in until 8 am! We were able to drive to the lookout point and museum on Mt. Masada where we bought natural lotions and products made from the Dead Sea minerals, and jewlery made from found roman coins and glass. Masada is a historical place for the world but it is also an important moment in time for the Jewish People. In early A.D., Babylonian 

Jews were heading to the natural fortess of the valley and mountain of Masada to escape the seige of Roman forces. A stronghold of a few families were able to hold off the Romans from the top of the mountain, but soon they were overthrown. In order to prevent themselves from becoming enslaved, the Jewish men decided they would rather seek a free life beyond the physical realm and they quickly and tragically killed their families, then one by one each other with the last committing suicide. The romans were shocked upon entering the fortress on Masada, amazed by the choice the Jewish people had made: freedom over a life spent enslaved.

After visiting this historical landmark, the temperature was rising and we were eager to make our way to the world famous Dead Sea, which is 400 meters below sea level. This landmark is one of a kind, and unfortunately it is slowly disappearing. Every year, the sea shrinks and the beaches grow. In an effort to preserve the sea, Jordan and Israel are working together to solve the problem by transferring water from the Red  Sea and continuing to research ways to maintain the delicate mineral balance. Filled with natural minerals and extremely high salt content, this is a once in a lifetime experience in which we get to go into the water and FLOAT! The water was strangely warm and felt oily to the touch. The sun warmed our faces and the salt exfoliated our skin. Some of us opted to put natural mud on our body to get the full Dead Sea spa experience! After floating and enjoying ourselves in this strange phenomenon, we left for the pool to cool off and relax!

Lunchtime was an adventure in itself. We traveled all the way back to Jerusalem, and arrived to a wonderful market full of life and culture. "The Shuk" is home to fresh fruit, legumes, spices, and many "shopportunities" for all. A large group of us followed our fellow Israeli travellers and enjoyed a buffet style meal at a local restaurant called Azura. The table was filled with Hummus, chickpeas, rice, noodles, and delicious dishes whose names I can't pronounce.

In the evening, we were blessed with a long break in which we went swimming AGAIN (Did I mention it was a heat wave?) From pool parties to naptime, we then found ourselves being treated to a private intimate concert with famous musician Roy Levy who played a range of songs, old and new. He talked about the progression of music in Israel, and how it has taken influence from its diverse population including sounds from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, North America, and also Jamaica. He spoke of stories, and how we as humans all have our story and our mission is to live in it from moment to moment, and to be present in these moments. This resonated with my personal experience in trying to absorb each moment of our birthright trip to the fullest. 

Lastly, a few of us had elected to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at sunrise after we climbed to the top of Masada, but because we were unable to do this, we no longer thought we could do the ceremony and the disappointment was tangible. However, with the support of our group leaders and wonderful peers, I decided to continue with my original plan and proceeded to have a solo Bat Mitzvah looking over the entire city of Jerusalem. 

This actually happened on Wednesday afternoon. I researched my Hebrew name Meira-Leah and discovered the interpreted meaning to be "Giving Light to the Weary." I found this so surprisingly fitting, because I am known to frequently have a smile on my face, make others laugh, and in my work-life as a therapist, I instill hope and a positive outlook in my clients. With everyone listening, I interpreted a portion of the Torah, and spoke about my Jewish Identity, how this trip has contributed to me feeling more connected to and proud of my history and culture as a Jewish person, and accepting the range of Judiasm which we all individually connect to as part of the "Tribe". I am very blessed and appreciative to have been on this trip, at this time, with these wonderful people.

Our last day is tomorrow, and while I am sad to depart and say goodbye, I know I will hold onto these moments forever, and they will add to my personal life story in a way that I never expected it to.

Lyla Tov, 

Mariel Adams ("Meira-Leah")