Day 02 - Masada, Bedouin Hospitality, Tel Arad

On our second day of touring and learning, we were reminded of tragedy, hospitality, and service.

We visited Masada National Park in the Judean Desert near the Dead Sea, where we saw one of King Herod's palaces. This architectural and engineering marvel is built on a mountain in the desert, and it was an amazing experience to explore it. However, we were also reminded of the tragedy that took place here, as many lives were lost when the Romans built an assault ramp to unseat a group of Jewish freedom fighters.

We often don't consider the cost of our freedom, nor the responsibility that comes with it. But this visit to Masada helped us to do so.

After Masada, we visited a Bedouin village, where we experienced the warmth and hospitality of the Bedouin people. Even in the hot desert, hospitality makes a difference. We were reminded that our faith in God informs our care and concern for others.

Finally, we visited Tel Arad, a planned fortified Canaanite city and fortresses from the time of the Kings of Judah. In this city, we found many temples, including a small replica of the Temple in Jerusalem. There was an altar for sacrifices, an inner chamber, and the Holy of Holies.

This visit reminded us that our faith goes where we go, and that God is always with us. We are called to serve Him wherever we are. It also reminded us that we can sometimes fall into the trap of following other gods or gods of our own making.

As a group, we continue to bond in this hot, arid place. We are reminded of the importance of community and intentionally pursuing God together. We are also reminded that this journey is difficult, engaging, stretching, and joyful.

We hope that your day was a day of peace, hope, and love as you did life well with your tribe. Shalom!