Today was a relaxing and very interesting day, especially after the past couple of busy ones. Beginning at 9:00 (what a luxury!), we left for the Negev Desert and Dead Sea area. The first stop was at Qumran, the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947. Qumran was home from 150 BC to 68 AD to the ascetic and reclusive community known as the Essenes who believed in the imminent arrival of the Jewish Messiah.
Following this enlightening visit, we were on to Masada (literally translated means stronghold), the isolated mountain-top fortress located about 1300 feet above the banks of the Dead Sea. The original fortress dates to the 1st or 2nd century BC and was then enlarged and reinforced by Herod the Great. Herod added two palace complexes at Masada and, upon his death, the fortress passed into the hands of the Romans. In AD 66, during the First Revolt by Zealot Jews, the mountain fortress was captured by these zealots. Following the Roman defeat of the Jews in Jerusalem Masada remained the last Jewish stronghold, held by less than 1000 defenders. Under Roman siege for over two years, the walls were breached in AD 73 by the Romans who built a huge earthen ramp from the plain up the mountainside. The Jews inside decided to commit mass suicide instead of surrender to the Roman invaders. “Masada shall not fall again” is a swearing-in oath of the modern Israeli army.
Have you ever gotten into a 6 foot pool of water and bobbed about without being able to touch the bottom? Well, that’s what a trip into the Dead Sea is like! It is almost impossible to drown as the mineral-laden water is around 26% solid. Located 1,348 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point on earth.
Several of our group visited the Garden Tomb this morning before leaving for the Dead Sea area. Excavations carried out in 1883 unearthed some ancient tombs dating to the 9th-7th century BC. The tranquil and beautiful gardens are popular with many Christian groups who visit to experience a space that many feel belonged to Joseph of Arimathea, the wealthy man who donated his private burial site for Jesus’ burial.
A word about our hotel, The Grand Court Jerusalem. The food buffet is amazing! More choices than one could ever imagine. I’ll try to take a photo of the breakfast buffet in the morning.
Tomorrow holds a visit to St. Anne’s Church, the Pool of Bethesda and the archeological dig at Bet Shean.
Stayed tuned!
Pax vobiscum
