Hot Fun in the Desert Sun

Great fun today as we headed South to through the desert down to Masada, the Dead Sea, and the Ahava factory.  Honestly, a truly excellent way to connect with the Land of Israel on Shabbat!

The first thought that came to my mind this morning as we drove out of Jerusalem was just how quickly the scenery changes from businesses, homes, Walls, and people... to absolutely NOTHINGNESS.  Within a span of 30 seconds the landscape changes completely and its as if we have been transported to another world.  Enormous sand dunes, mountains rising sharply from the earth, randomly spotted Bedouin shanties and sheep replace commonplace homes and throngs of people.

We descend from 3,500 feet ABOVE sea level, to 1,200 feet BELOW sea level in a matter of 20 minutes... and our ears remind us of this throughout the descent.

On our right...hills and valleys.  On our left, we eventually come to a small section of the Dead Sea.  And then, rising high above the hills we spot the mountain called "Masada".  After ascending by cable-car, the story of Herod's palatial fortress is told to us, as well as its later use as the last hold-out of a group of 1,000 Jews who sought to maintain their faith and their freedom from Roman oppressors.  We are amazed by the sophistication of construction and planning that created this place.

From atop Masada, 6 of us opt to walk down the clearly-defined yet treacherous "snake path", while the rest of the group descends by cable-car.  We manage the walk (which, by cable car takes about 45 seconds) in nearly an hour.  No sweat... and we all made it to the gift shop, welcomed by cheers from the well-rested members of our group.

On to the Ahava cosmetics factory/outlet.  Due to it being Shabbat, the factory itself was closed.  However, never missing an opportunity, the store was open and fully staffed.  We did have the place to ourselves, thanks to great timing by our guide to have us there right during the popular tourist lunch time.  After watching a brief live introduction/demonstration of each of the product lines we hit the shelves.  For a small group, I believe we did quite a bit of damage and certainly helped the local economy!!!

From Ahava, we drove across the street to the shore of the Dead Sea.  Half the group opted to go into the water, while the rest served as official photographers or enjoyed a light nosh at the snack bar and conversation with our guide and driver.

45 minutes of floating in the water was enough to enjoy the experience.  Definitely a "must do" on any Israel tour.  Again, it was amazing to have 80+ degree temps in December.  A great opportunity to enjoy the Dead Sea.

From the Dead Sea to the Stinky Camel... Only a few brave souls climbed aboard the waiting camel (one at a time) for a 2 minute "ride" around the dirt parking lot of a chazarai store along the roadside back up to Jerusalem.  A great time was had by most, and off we drove back to our hotel.


After a very brief rest we gathered for our evening stroll to Ben Yehuda Street for dinner and our last bit of Jerusalem shopping.  We detoured to try to find a unique "fire juggling" show in celebration of Chanukah.  We found where it was going to be, but it was delayed.  However, across the street we stumble upon what appeared to be some kind of a peaceful demonstration right next to the Prime Minister's residence.  Upon closer examination, we discovered it was part of a daily ongoing vigil for Gilad Shalit, the Israel soldier who -- as we were reminded by a large placard -- was captured 1,632 days ago.  A very large crowd was assembled in solidarity.  There were speeches and live performances, and the lighting of a large Chanukiyah... all with thoughts directed toward Gilad, with prayers for his safe and expedient return.

When we arrived at Ben Yehuda street, life was just returning to the area.  In fact, we were the first customers at a wonderful restaurant called Cafe Rimon where we enjoyed burgers and steaks, a little beer and wine, and a lot of good laughs.  Celebrating our last night in Jerusalem was bittersweet, but truly a great time.

We will miss our City of Gold... but we know we will return another day.

Tomorrow we head out of Jerusalem on our way North to Kibbutz Lavi and the surrounding area of the Galilee.  But before we leave this magnificent city of old and new, we have much to do.  We will visit Hadassah Hospital and the Chagal windows (and make a donation of knitted items from Stitches of Love), visit an Ethiopian Absorption Center (and make a donatio nof knitted items from Stitches of Love), take a tour of the Knesset (Israel's parliament), participate in an active excavation site, and then drive 2+ hours to Kibbutz Lavi.

So...it's time to go pack.  Much to do before heading to bed.

Rabbi Jeffrey Astrachan