We cut short our visit to Beit Shean to insure that we could squeeze in a day to visit the Masada National Park, one of Israel's World Heritage sites, and to float in the Dead Sea! Many friends had encouraged us not to miss these experiences, and we are so glad we made the time. Kathleen especially finds desert landscapes compelling, and her own reflections are below. Wayne was impressed with the natural beauty, but also by the way that Masada holds two important human needs at one time. The first need is to understand our past. With the amazing ruins of Herod's palace in partial restoration, and illustrated by models, Masada represents one of the world's greatest ancient sites.
The story of the Jewish revolt against Rome around 70 CE and the decision to die by suicide as free people, rather than surrender and be slaves to Rome, is about more than history, however. It is also about the national "myth" of Israel. A national myth is the second important human need. Notice that the word "myth" is used here not to refer to events that are made-up. The events at Masada really happened, of course. "Myth" refers to the interpretation of these events to inform contemporary Israelis, especially youth, of their national heritage, and what it might call require from them. This is especially important for a country with compulsory military service and the ever present possibility that soldiers might sacrifice their lives in service to their country.
We noticed youth groups scattered around the site being taught passionate lessons from Masada. These were Wayne's thoughts as he contemplated the amazing landscape and ruins high atop the plateau overlooking the Dead Sea.
Desert Spirit/Dead Sea-(Kathleen)
Less than twenty miles outside of Jerusalem you can find yourself in the Judaean wilderness--the place where it is believed Jesus fasted for forty days and passed the temptation tests. No wonder Jesus took to these hills often to get away from the crowds, to think and to pray, because there is so little there. There is something about a landscape with nothing in it that brings one's life into sharp focus; for here there can be no distractions. There is only you, the rolling hills with rocks and sand, and your Spirit. As we rode both to and from Masada, the desert wilderness was a powerful, silent companion.
The other silent Presence was the Dead Sea. Our tour included a dip in the so-called Dead Sea because it is so full of salt that no marine life can live in it. I did not expect it to be as beautiful as it was--it looked as alive and fresh as the Sea of Galilee. Everyone told me about what it is like to "swim" in the Dead Sea, but as Joni Mitchell once wrote: "people will tell you where they've been; they'll tell you where to go, but till you get there yourself you never really know." With so much salt holding you up, it's impossible NOT to float. As I floated with no effort on my part, I had the feeling of being held up by invisible hands, and being gently but firmly buoyed by a Presence that would not let me down or drown.
Afterwards, we watched the sun set over the Dead Sea. In the background, lay the hills of Jordan; and behind us, the Judean wilderness. More so than any of the cities we've been in, Masada, the Dead Sea and the hills outside Jerusalem were the places where my spirit felt most at home.
Location:טיילת שלמה להט,Tel Aviv,Israel
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