Theme: Defining Moments - Courage and Bravery
locations: Masada; Dead Sea; Jerusalem
overnight: Prima Kings, Jerusalem [ get map ]
Melissa Kaufman and Nathan Rupp:
Another extraordinary day in Israel! Today we went to the Dead Sea, saw the top of Masada, and drove to Jerusalem where we are staying for the remainder of our time. The excursion to Masada was eye-opening and some fun too. It was one of the hottest days of the year, the temperature being over 40c (that’s over 100 F). One thing we have learned on this trip is that situations can change according to conditions. So, instead of over-exerting ourselves with the rigorous early morning hike in scorching heat, we decided to take the cable car up at a later time. This was the best solution regarding the conditions facing us. Although we were looking forward to hiking up the snake path, we had a different experience equally as valuable (all the cool stuff is up top anyway).
There, we explored the ruins of King Herod’s fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. We heard the story of the mass suicide of the “last Jews” and how they chose death in freedom rather than death in slavery. We explored the elements of this story that still relate to us today. Some insights concerned the question: is suicide – although technically a sin – a sign of courage and freedom, or of quitting and weakness?
Next we went to the Dead Sea, which is slowly evaporating. We discussed how this is a catastrophe for Israel and the world, and about why this matters. Did you know: the Dead Sea is 30% salt, while a regular ocean is only 3% salt. Did you know: tectonic plates shift everyday, creating small earthquakes daily that are so small nobody can feel them. Aside from learning about the geologic aspect of the Sea, we enjoyed the calming aspect of it as well. While effortlessly floating on our backs and looking up into the beautiful sky, we felt the awesomeness of being here. This was an amazing experience for all of us. For many of the Fellows, this was the first time experiencing the Sea, and it was fantastic. The Hod Hotel was a great place for us to relax in the sea and reflect on the stories of Masada.
After a salty swim, we left for Jerusalem. On the way into the city, we saw the overlap of ancient and modern civilization. We were struck with one of those warm, fuzzy feelings as we arrived; it’s hard to describe – maybe it was just a sense of our Jewishness. it truly was exciting to enter the capital of our global community.
Swine Report: The swine scare is mostly over, and we have gone back to an almost regular schedule. We are proud to announce that Ariel is back with us, and is feeling great. When the group first saw Ariel again, he was tackled by hugs and “welcome backs” (we really missed him). Eric and Brendan will be coming back soon. (We really miss them too). We also heard that 10 students on Birthright trips were quarantined this week as well – although we are sure that our quarantine room (with Brendan) is much more fun.
And so another day has gone; tomorrow will hopefully be just as exciting. |
The Service Learning and Leadership Institute, a division of the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College, is committed to educating and empowering Jewish high school students to become socially responsible leaders. Institute students translate Jewish values of education, spirituality, and service into a meaningful way of life and a powerful Jewish identity. |