Day 2, here we go!

We started the morning early with a hike through a desert canyon at Eid Avdat. This gave us an idea of part of what Gods people would have wandered through in the wilderness of zin for 40 years! We hiked up, and up, and up! The view at the top was incredible.

Then we took our bus to Masada for hike #2 of the day. We learned that at Masada, 1,000 Jews killed themselves rather than become enslaved by the Romans. It was a sobering hike. At the top, our guide Charlie surprised us with an unexpected treat though! We were able to see a Jewish scribe transcribing the Torah! He sits and does this faithfully Monday through Friday from 9-5. It was an incredible sight to witness.

Finally we traveled below sea level to the lowest point on earth to arrive at the Dead Sea! We made it just as the sun was setting behind the towering canyons, in time for a night swim in the salty sea under the moon!

Now off to bed! We can’t wait for Day 3!