We headed up to Jerusalem today, up to the Holy City...but first, we made some stops along the way. It was a day of laughter and delight as we realized, in our own unique way, we had had a "spa" day. Yes, that's what I meant, a spa day. First we experienced our own version of micro-abrasion thanks to a very strong west wind and hard blowing sand; they say it's great for the face...but I don't know. Gritty would be the way I would describe it. Then we had a mud bath and revitalized our skin in the Dead Sea. Did you know that the Dead Sea is comprised of 32% salt while other bodies of salt water contain only 3% ? The high level of salt concentration and other minerals makes this sea incredibly bouyant and apparently good for you skin (or so says a plethera of skin products). Floating in the Dead Sea is a little like being on a float in the wate without actually having to have the float! Truly a once in a life time experience.
We toured Massada in the blowing wind and sand. King Herod the Great built a safe haven for himself between 31 and 37 B.C.E. on this high plateau overlooking the Dead Sea that we know as Massada. This safe refuge included a casemate wall around the plateau, storehouses, large cisterns ingeniously filled with rainwater, barracks, palaces and even a steam bath. (What can I say, spa, seems to be the theme of the day!) However, Massada 
is more widely known as the place where a group of Jewish rebels known as "Zealots" sought safety after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The Roman Tenth Legion marched against those at Massada and were able to breach the stronghold. Not willing to fall into the hands of their enemies, this group of Zealots choose insted to commit mass suicide. Two women and five children survived to tell the story.
As the day ended, we drove into Jerusalem. and on a hill high above the city, observed the spectacular view of his ancient and holy city that Jesus loved so much. I leave you with these verses from Psalm 122.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you,
Peace be within your walls,
And security within your towers.”
For the sake of my relatives and friends
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
Shalom,
Suzy
You have always been pulled to the water. Can't believe you actually went into the Dead Sea. I remember how oily my fingers felt after just touching the water.
ReplyDeleteYes, I pull up the blog site around 3:00 every day.
Eat a falafel for me, just don't bring one back home.
Suzy, your blog is like taking a third trip to the Holy Lands. The pictures are so beautiful. I was glad to see Mischi included in one of the photos...so nice to see him. Give him a hug for me. We look forward to hearing more about your pilgrimage on your return home! Lots of love .... Betty
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