By: Megan Marcus
After a full night of sleep (finally) at Kibbutz Kalia, the group was served a plentiful breakfast and quickly boarded the bus. Our original plans were to venture to the Dead Sea, go on a water hike, and then to visit Mount Masada. However, due to weather complications, our plans were reversed, and we were to visit Mount Masada prior to floating in the Dead Sea. we took a quick bus ride from Kibbutz Kalia to Mount Masada.
We completed our morning routine which includes several songs including the Rabbi's rendition of Modeh Ani, Ayelets Boker Tov song, and the Shema. While we were singing there were several awe inspiring sights out the bus windows. On the left side of the bus, we were able to see the northern portion of the Dead Sea. The water was a shade of turquoise blue and translucent. Additionally, we could see large salt deposits forming on the shores of the small body of water.
On the right side, we were able to see massive desert plateaus with several caves carved into their sides. Daniel, our tour guide, was able to explain to us that in one of these caves, the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Years ago, a young Bedouin had thrown a stone into a cave and instead of hearing the sound of the rock reverberate against the walls of the cave, he heard the unanticipated sound of glass shattering. He then ventured into the cave and discovered several scrolls.
Soon we arrived at mount Masada. In order to expedite the process we decided to take a cable car up to the top of the mountain. When we arrived we all sat on a collection of rocks and were told by Daniel the fascinating story of our Jewish ancestors, who bravely hid atop mount Masada from the Romans, in order to protect and openly practice their religion.
When we arrived at the Dead Sea, it was freezing. Therefore, in fear of contracting pneumonia, I observed, as others floated through the salty sea. However, others were able to kindly provide me with information on their experiences:
"My legs burned". - Whitney Mandel
"The water was very cold, but I had the best time" - Michelle Karp
"Salty." - Janae Newmark
"It was an unreal experience, it's hard to imagine floating in a sea, so actually being able to experience it was crazy, and the views were indescribable." - Denise Cukierman
After our Dead Sea experience, the bus took us to David Ben-Grunion's memorial, which is located at a relatively high altitude. Therefore, it was freezing, and some of us, including myself, were still dressed for the Dead Sea and Mount Masada. It would be an understatement to say I froze. However I persevered and when I arrived at the Memorial, after a short walk, I was able to fully appreciate not only its physical beauty, but the beauty behind all David Ben-Gurions actions that have contributed to providing the Jews with our rightful homeland. The memorial was accompanied by a view of several desert mountains that blew everyone in the group away.
We all hopped on the bus and before we knew it we had arrived at the Bedouin Tents we were staying at for the night. I must admit, I was quite skeptical about this night. I don't particularly enjoy the natural dynamics of camping. However while there my mind was changed. When we arrived, we got off the bus and headed to our tent. Its structure reminded me of a large tent you'd see at a wedding or big event, but with the sides covered. There were two stacks of mattresses located on both sides of the tent, and a pile of sleeping bags. Everyone grabbed one (or more) of each and claimed their space for the night.
As soon as we arrived, we were whisked off to dinner and let me tell you, that shawarma was to die for. We were served shawarma with rice and vegetables, pita, potatoes, hummus, olives and tahini. It was a very tasty meal. I ate until I couldn't anymore. After dinner, we had the privilege of listening to a true Bedouin inform us of his lifestyle. He told us stories of his childhood. We learned that from a very early age Bedouins are taught to raise animals. They raise goats and camels because they don't regularly need to consume water, as cows and horses do. Due to the fact that Bedouins reside in the desert, they need to conserve as much water as they possibly can. His style of life was interesting, but it was most definitely not for me.
I love listening to all of the guest speakers Mayanot has provided us the opportunity of hearing, because they're all incredibly passionate about what they've come to speak to us about. After hearing the Bedouin, Daniel took us on a mini hike up a mountain to go star gazing. Many people, including myself, wondered why it was necessary to hike up a mountain when we had the stars right in front of us. However after our mini hike, up a mini mountain, away from other people and the lights, I understood exactly why he had us hike when we were absolutely exhausted and freezing. I had never seen so many stars in my life. My body temperature and exhaustion soon became a distant concern. Without the lights of the kibbutz, just in the middle of the desert, the stars were not only numerous, but the brightest I've ever seen.
When we were asked to find our own spots atop the mountain and sit in complete silence, I was able to find unimaginable beauty and peace within myself and the world. Looking up at the stars, I saw the same stars our great ancestors saw thousands of years ago. The same stars Abraham was promised numerous children by god underneath.
Personally, I additionally took into consideration a Jewish concept we were taught by Rabbi on this trip known as divine providence. Under this theory, everything happens to us for a reason. There isn't one thing that occurs in our daily lives by coincidence. According to this providence, I was supposed to be right where I was tonight. In my homeland, the state of Israel, with all of the amazing people I've met over the past 10 days.
After a full night of sleep (finally) at Kibbutz Kalia, the group was served a plentiful breakfast and quickly boarded the bus. Our original plans were to venture to the Dead Sea, go on a water hike, and then to visit Mount Masada. However, due to weather complications, our plans were reversed, and we were to visit Mount Masada prior to floating in the Dead Sea. we took a quick bus ride from Kibbutz Kalia to Mount Masada.
We completed our morning routine which includes several songs including the Rabbi's rendition of Modeh Ani, Ayelets Boker Tov song, and the Shema. While we were singing there were several awe inspiring sights out the bus windows. On the left side of the bus, we were able to see the northern portion of the Dead Sea. The water was a shade of turquoise blue and translucent. Additionally, we could see large salt deposits forming on the shores of the small body of water.
On the right side, we were able to see massive desert plateaus with several caves carved into their sides. Daniel, our tour guide, was able to explain to us that in one of these caves, the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. Years ago, a young Bedouin had thrown a stone into a cave and instead of hearing the sound of the rock reverberate against the walls of the cave, he heard the unanticipated sound of glass shattering. He then ventured into the cave and discovered several scrolls.
Soon we arrived at mount Masada. In order to expedite the process we decided to take a cable car up to the top of the mountain. When we arrived we all sat on a collection of rocks and were told by Daniel the fascinating story of our Jewish ancestors, who bravely hid atop mount Masada from the Romans, in order to protect and openly practice their religion.
When we arrived at the Dead Sea, it was freezing. Therefore, in fear of contracting pneumonia, I observed, as others floated through the salty sea. However, others were able to kindly provide me with information on their experiences:
"My legs burned". - Whitney Mandel
"The water was very cold, but I had the best time" - Michelle Karp
"Salty." - Janae Newmark
"It was an unreal experience, it's hard to imagine floating in a sea, so actually being able to experience it was crazy, and the views were indescribable." - Denise Cukierman
After our Dead Sea experience, the bus took us to David Ben-Grunion's memorial, which is located at a relatively high altitude. Therefore, it was freezing, and some of us, including myself, were still dressed for the Dead Sea and Mount Masada. It would be an understatement to say I froze. However I persevered and when I arrived at the Memorial, after a short walk, I was able to fully appreciate not only its physical beauty, but the beauty behind all David Ben-Gurions actions that have contributed to providing the Jews with our rightful homeland. The memorial was accompanied by a view of several desert mountains that blew everyone in the group away.
We all hopped on the bus and before we knew it we had arrived at the Bedouin Tents we were staying at for the night. I must admit, I was quite skeptical about this night. I don't particularly enjoy the natural dynamics of camping. However while there my mind was changed. When we arrived, we got off the bus and headed to our tent. Its structure reminded me of a large tent you'd see at a wedding or big event, but with the sides covered. There were two stacks of mattresses located on both sides of the tent, and a pile of sleeping bags. Everyone grabbed one (or more) of each and claimed their space for the night.
As soon as we arrived, we were whisked off to dinner and let me tell you, that shawarma was to die for. We were served shawarma with rice and vegetables, pita, potatoes, hummus, olives and tahini. It was a very tasty meal. I ate until I couldn't anymore. After dinner, we had the privilege of listening to a true Bedouin inform us of his lifestyle. He told us stories of his childhood. We learned that from a very early age Bedouins are taught to raise animals. They raise goats and camels because they don't regularly need to consume water, as cows and horses do. Due to the fact that Bedouins reside in the desert, they need to conserve as much water as they possibly can. His style of life was interesting, but it was most definitely not for me.
I love listening to all of the guest speakers Mayanot has provided us the opportunity of hearing, because they're all incredibly passionate about what they've come to speak to us about. After hearing the Bedouin, Daniel took us on a mini hike up a mountain to go star gazing. Many people, including myself, wondered why it was necessary to hike up a mountain when we had the stars right in front of us. However after our mini hike, up a mini mountain, away from other people and the lights, I understood exactly why he had us hike when we were absolutely exhausted and freezing. I had never seen so many stars in my life. My body temperature and exhaustion soon became a distant concern. Without the lights of the kibbutz, just in the middle of the desert, the stars were not only numerous, but the brightest I've ever seen.
When we were asked to find our own spots atop the mountain and sit in complete silence, I was able to find unimaginable beauty and peace within myself and the world. Looking up at the stars, I saw the same stars our great ancestors saw thousands of years ago. The same stars Abraham was promised numerous children by god underneath.
Personally, I additionally took into consideration a Jewish concept we were taught by Rabbi on this trip known as divine providence. Under this theory, everything happens to us for a reason. There isn't one thing that occurs in our daily lives by coincidence. According to this providence, I was supposed to be right where I was tonight. In my homeland, the state of Israel, with all of the amazing people I've met over the past 10 days.
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