The Dead Sea
Today we finally went to the Dead Sea. I was forewarned by several people that the high concentration of salt, a 30% concentration, could deliver quite a sting especially to open cuts. When I entered, the cuticles around my fingers immediately caught fire. However, relaxation soon took over. I swam about 50 feet from the shore and floated on my back, hands folded behind my head. I concentrated on the sound of my breathing, and my mind transcended to a state of complete tranquility. Time became irrelevant. When I re-opened my eyes, reality quickly caught up with me when I realized my Shorashim buddies were no longer around me; everyone had swam back to shore. In my haste to catch up with the group, I splashed some water into my left eye - very very painful. I had to keep that eye shut until I could get to shore and rinse it off in the outdoor shower. As I was sitting back down on the bus, I realized that my muscles had followed my mind's lead - I felt completely relaxed. For all those who go to Israel - go to the Dead Sea; I can confidently say that it was my favorite place in the country, and that's saying a lot.
~Russ Levine

