In the Desert
Boker tov from the Negev! After a night filled with endless amounts of food, bonfire entertainment provided by our guide, Shay, and everyone sharing the sleeping quarters of a goat hair tent, we woke up to the harmonious barking of Hillel at 4:30 AM! Shorashim 132 stumbled onto the bus and departed for our sunrise hike up Masada. The windy and steep trek up the Roman ramp of Masada was slow at first but with each step, you could feel the excitement brewing as we crept towards the beautiful summit. The view from the peaks of Masada were spectacular and watching the pitch black sky give way to the colors of dawn was absolutely breathtaking. Our singing voices broke the stillness with the Shema and down we went on the Snake Path. Aloha Masada and Shalom Dead Sea!
Personally speaking, the combination of the colors turquoise and pale lime in water form was the most beautiful ecological sight of the trip. At first, everyone was timid to jump into the unique body of water, until one of our Israelis, Chen, jumped in and showed everyone how it’s done. 5 minutes later, everyone manned up and floated around and/or took mud baths despite the chilly conditions. Sadly, we had to leave the gorgeous beach and once in a lifetime experience for a quick cosmetic shopping stop at the Ahava (meaning “love“ in Hebrew) factory. Note to girlfriends and mothers: expect special gifts from the Dead Sea.
Aloha Negev! You are absolutely gorgeous and we appreciate the hospitality. Now back to the holy city of Jerusalem. After a quick stop at the Jersusalem Convention Center to learn about future opportunities to come back to Israel, we returned to the shuk in Jerusalem to grab a quick bite to eat and do more shopping. Highlight of the day by far was Shorashim Bus 132 executing the “Iron Numbers” countdown to perfection for the first time in 9 days with 1 left to go. Great team effort everyone! I’m so proud of you!
We just checked into the Leonardo Inn, which is the last stop of our trip. Several people from our group congregated at the pool/Jacuzzi area to unwind before tonight’s festivities. As I sat in the Jacuzzi next to a handful of my fellow Birthrighters, the thought of having one final day together slowly crept into my mind. Rather than everyone taking a nap after a long day, we all choose to spend time with each other. I just wanted to let you all know that I genuinely love you all and I hope to keep in touch after this special trip comes to an end. Reunion anyone? While Israel is indeed a beautiful place and it holds personal importance for each of us, you all (Americans, Israelis, and staff) have made this experience one to cherish and I will hold onto these memories forever. Let’s add tonight and tomorrow to the best times of our lives. L’chayim and Thank You Shorashim!
Chad
PS: Shalom lach to our birthday girls, Casey and Marsha, who were troopers going down the mountain early in the morning. Mazel tov!
