Day 8 - Tuesday, May 15th
It is 5:30 am: bags are
packed, backpacks are filled with clothes for the upcoming day, and climbing
Masada was on the horizon. 6 o’clock rolled around, it was time to join Aharon
on the bus for the drive down to Masada. Soon the bus became silent, as everyone
quickly took advantage of this two hour bus ride to nap. Then Masada was in
sight. We awoke to the vision of mountains and desert, ready to climb a part of
history. All 52 of us headed off the bus, lathered on sunscreen, filled up
water bottles, and we were on our way. It is a great accomplishment to say that
after numerous water breaks, hundreds of stairs and switchbacks, we made it up
as a whole Taglit group. Together we enjoyed the view of Masada, the history,
the stories, and the once in a lifetime experience. Not only did we reach the
top of Masada, but we learned history. We learned what happened to the Jewish
people while they were on top of Masada, what they ate and how they received
food, about the water baths and synagogues, and lastly how our Jewish people
lived. While on top of Masada members of our group participated in getting a
new Hebrew name; each one screaming their name off the top of the mountain
awaiting the response of their echo. Lastly, each member of our trip was given
a letter written by their parents. This allowed people to look up, look out, be
alone, and realize where they were in the world. After leaving Masada we headed
to the Dead Sea. Everyone quickly changed out of their sweaty hiking clothes
and covered themselves in black mud. For many of us this was the first time we
sat back, floated, and looked out to the wonderful view around us. Covered in
mud and salty water, the 52 of us continued to create memories. We continued to
experience the history and viewpoints of the world we have heard so much about.
Then it was time to head to the Bedowin tents. First, we were greeted by people
of the Bedowin tents, and then it was time to ride camels. Each one of us split
into groups of two, picked a camel, and began the journey. Each one of us looking
out into the desert at the sunrise while naming various camels: Sebastian,
Sabrina, etc. This was an experience that allowed all 52 of us to enjoy something that
cannot be found anywhere else. Lastly, after one of the longest and most rewarding
days of the trip, it was time to explore the Bedowin tents. At the Bedowin
tents we participated in a group drum circle, shopping at the market, and a
desert spirituality program. A group of us who chose to participate in the
desert spirituality walked quietly out into the desert night, arriving in an
area that was dark and only light up by the night sky. Here we sat alone,
looking up at the night stars, realizing the journey the past 8 days has taken
us on. Right there in that very place was where history for thousands of years
happened, and for us it was a chance to us to talk to “GOD.” Everyone screamed
out questions, anything they wanted to ask, anything that was on their mind.
And finally after climbing Masada, taking a swim in the Dead Sea, riding
camels, experiencing the Bedowin tents, and looking up at the night stars day 8
had come to a close.
Becca Fishman
No comments:
Post a Comment