Our theme today is the wilderness and what it signified to the ancient Israelites. We began our day at Masada, Herod the Great’s magnificent fortress palace in the desert, and the last stand of the Zealots, a Jewish revolutionary group at the time of Jesus. From Masada we drove north to the beautiful subtropical oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul. We also discussed the temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness. We visited Qumran, likely the home of the Essenes, a First Century Jewish sect which may have influenced early Christianity, and the site of the most exciting archaeological discovery ever made in Israel – the Dead Sea Scrolls. We finished our afternoon by enjoying a float in the therapeutic mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea. At the end of the day we made the final ascent to Jerusalem – the City of the Great King.
Sybil and Mark in good humour as usual
Isabel, Maggie, Mark, Carolyn and Collin
Toni and Stew
Cathy, Brenda, Steve and Brian on Masada
From Masada we drove north to the beautiful subtropical oasis of Ein Gedi, where David hid from Saul.
Qumran – where Dead Sea Scrolls we’re discovered
Dead Sea Scroll
Floating in the Dead Sea
Jerusalem!
Just a quick note from the UK. I am seeing all your marvellous adventures via the Blog. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experiences with the wider world. I am loving seeing the photos and following your spiritual journey.
I wish you all well (although we do not know one another), but I want to pass on all my love to Julianne and trust she is having a truly amazing time.
Thank you all for sharing your trip with those that just stare in wonder at the fabulous Blog.
Safe and happy travels …
What and incredible journey! I love reading about your travels and the pictures too! Have a safe and meaningful adventure in the holy land!
Having a wonderful time following you along on your journey. You all look like you are having lots of fun as well as getting a lot of first hand knowledge.see you soon.
Blessings, Susan.