Day 7: Masada, En Gedi & Jerusalem

We said goodbye to Eilat and the Red Sea today, and headed back north to Jerusalem. On our way we made a few stops.  First up was Masada. Masada, a mountain-top fortress near the Dead Sea, was built originally around the 1st-2nd century BC, then expanded and strengthened by Herod. It’s not specifically mentioned in the Bible, though many believe when a “stronghold” to which David flees is mentioned, they are referring to Masada. Masada is most famous in history for being the site of the last stand of the Zealot Jewish Patriots in 73 AD. One of the most memorable parts of this trip is hearing this story told at this site. When the Romans finally broke through the Jewish defenses, they found over 900 people dead inside, with only a few women and children surviving. The leaders had decided that they would rather die honorably than live in slavery, and so they killed their wives and children, then each other. Such a sad story, and what a hard decision to make. It was a hot day today, and very hot up on the cliff top, but luckily there was a nice breeze going around, and we were able to take a cable car from the base to the top, so no hiking at this spot! The views from the top were beautiful, and the fortress with it’s palaces have foundations that remain to tell the story of what a majestic place this was.

Our next stop was in En Gedi, an oasis in the Judean Wilderness that was close to Masada and the Dead Sea. It was in one of the caves at En Gedi that David hid from Saul. Because of the springs, En Gedi has beautiful waterfalls and vegetation coming out of the rocks. Aftering climbing up to the first waterfall, a few decided to head back down to the Visitor’s Center to get out of the head and rest up. After the next leg of the rocky hike, to the second waterfall, a few of us decided to stay at the waterfall and wade in the water a little (and a little more than wade for some), while to rest finished the hiking loop. It was a beautiful place.

After our two stops in the desert, we headed straight up to Jerusalem. Our first view of Temple Mount through the city was breathtaking, and we stopped up at a viewpoint to take in the city before headed to our hotel to relax for the rest of the evening. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day as we explore Jerusalem!

Categories: Holy Land.