We started out this sunny day traveling south to Masada. Along the way we past Jericho, one of the oldest cities. The terrain south of Jerusalem is very different than in the north. The plant life changes from oil and palm trees to barren sand. We arrived at Masada ready to begin our climb to the summit. The Snake Path is rocky in most places with intermittent steps - with varying levels of height.
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| Tovah Mendelsberg & her finance, Daniel |
The grade is about 20% in most places. It was hot and sunny and although we had water, hats, sunscreen and a good attitude, the climb was difficult. What helped get to the top was the cheering on of those who had already reached the summit. It took about an hour to reach the top. The heat was intense and took its toll on Gary - he made it to the top, but was wiped out. The rest of the day he drank liters of water to get his color back.
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| Slow, but steady Dina made it to the top! |
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| Gary was a hurting unit! |
After a bit of time at the top of Masada, we took the cable car down to the Visitor's Center.
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| Looking much better! |
The story of Masada is heart wrenching. Several hundred Jews were holed up on the top of Masada. They knew that the Roman soldiers were approaching. Instead of being killed by the Romans, the Jews cobbled together a plan to die at their own hands. The women and children were the first to die and the men then went to the synagogue. They broke pottery shards and drew lots. Then men were chosen to ensure that the others had died. Again lots were drawn and one man was chosen to outlive all of the others. When it was certain that all were dead, the lone man killed himself only after burning half of the food storehouse that remained. The Romans entered Masada and called for the people to come out. Two grandmothers who had hidden their grandchildren came out. It is thought that the Romans killed the women and took the children to be their slaves.
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