Masada, the Dead Sea, a new Kibbutz in an Old City
We woke up earlier this morning than many of us usually go to bed, and got to Masada in time to stretch before the forty-five minute, twelve-hundred-foot climb We reached the top in time to see the breathtaking sunrise together and learn about the history of Masada. Alongside the martyrdom of the zealots of Masada, we discussed Yochanan ben Zakai’s approach to the Romans, how his willingness to negotiate helped preserve our traditions and lay the foundations for Jewish life in the Diaspora. Then as now, life often presented people with difficult decisions. Seeing where and how they were made in the past was a powerful experience.
After Masada we traveled to the Dead Sea and spent a few hours relaxing, enjoying the things that can only be experienced at this natural wonder. We had lunch in a mall in Jerusalem and made our way to Kibbutz Harel where we’re spending our last night and a half in Israel. We lit the Chanukiah, wrote plays, songs and poems about modern Israeli history, and called it a day.