Massada

After staying at a hostel in Ein Gedi, we woke up at the nice early hour of 4:45 to begin our ascent to the top of Massada. As we hiked up the side of the mountain, with everybody pretty tired and sweating, we watched as the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds. After the hike, which was about 30 to 40 minutes, we reached the top. It looked familiar because I had been there before, but I never remember the hike being as hard as it was. Guess I need to get in better shape. Either that or the slope got steeper while I was gone.

Once atop Massada, we spent SIX hours learning about the 967 Zealots who spent their days living in the small houses and buildings that we saw. On each building, there were lines drawn where the real structures had been discovered and where parts of the foundation had been restored. We saw a palace with some amazing mosaics on the floor and saw the ben knesset that even faced Jerusalem, as well as the mikvek that was of kosher specifications. Even though the Jews on Massada were surrounded by 25,000 Roman soldiers, they still managed to maintain a somewhat normal and Jewish lifestyle.

We had a debate about whether or not the Jews on Massada should have committed mass suicide. I argued that it was the right thing to do, mostly because the captured Jews might have to be slaves for the Romans and aid them in the conquest of other Jews. It was kind of intense, but I thought the discussion was interesting and I understand both sides of the discussion. Finally, we went down Massada. Most people decided to take the cable car down, but I decided to run. It took ten minutes tops, but really did a number on my legs again.