5/17/13 Eilat, IL
3:45 AM definitely came early but
it was a small price to pay for the magnificent journey we took to Masada.
Blurry-eyed we boarded the bus and began the winding climb to the base of the
mountain. We arrived as the gates were opening and quickly assumed our place as
the first group to make their ascent.
We climbed via the “Roman
Ramp.” It’s deceptively steep and deceptively quick bringing us to the summit
in less than 25 minutes. We scurried over to our favorite lookout point just as
dawn was breaking.
Like every breath, like
every soul, like every moment, every sunrise is unique. Sometimes the beauty is
so subtle that we might feel disappointed. When we hope for something bold and
stunning our appreciation for simplicity can fall by the way side. It wasn’t an
issue today. This morning’s sunrise was pure joy. A healthy cloud cover
absorbed the light of the rising sun in all of its various hues. For 20 minutes
we appreciated the unfolding of a new day only then to have the sun come
officially over the mountain. After 10 minutes of direct sunlight, the sun once
again hid behind the clouds. For those who have been on top of Masada you know
that this is a true blessing. The whole time we spent on the mountain top it
was cool, breezy, and cloudy. Consequently we were better able to focus on the
complicated story of Masada. Like so many other places in Israel, Masada evokes
the past, present, and future. As a historical site it recalls the official end
to Jewish sovereignty during the Roman period (76 CE). During the present it is
a geological testament to the commitment of the Jewish people to, as it’s said,
“never let Masada fall again.” While on Masada we visited the ancient
sanctuary, toured the palaces and learned the story. Last but not least we
visited the Olympic size swimming pool built on top of the moutain. Sadly it
was empty and the lifeguard was last seen back in ’76 (CE). But we swam later.
We descended from Masada
via the famous “Snake Path.” While making our way down we had a really special
experience. We encountered two men slowly making the same journey. The one in
front was guiding his blind friend.
Neither of our tour guides can recall ever witnessing a visually impaired
person ascending or descending Masada. As our group respectfully passed them
all our kids had a chance to chat with this unique character. Only in Israel as
they say.
The Dead Sea, though
rapidly evaporating, was all that we had hoped for and more. While some of us
didn’t appreciate the stinging sensation that sometimes attacks our various
cuts and orifices (we’re getting very well acquainted here!), we all enjoyed
exploring the Sea and the pool on the premises. The Dead Sea experience is
basically the same for everyone—salt, mud, and floating. Also lots of elderly
people seeking rejuvenation and a healthy amount of fashion no-nos. It’s truly
a cultural experience. When reviewing pictures be sure to check out the milieu.
The Dead Sea was followed by lunch, driving, and napping. A quick pit stop for
delicious ice cream and we reached our Shabbat destination: Eilat.
We freshened up and went
to the hotel restaurant for dinner. From there we found a spot overlooking the
Red Sea for Kabbalat Shabbat. We used “water” as our guiding image, thinking
back over all the various bodies of water that we’ve visited on our trip.
Water= life, cleansing, refreshing, birth, transformation, healing, and so many
other things. During Kabbalat Shabbat we took a few moments for silent prayer.
Those who wanted to share their silent prayer were welcome to. We heard prayers
for health, long friendships, strong memories, compassion, caring, and other
prayerful things. Julia R. and Jenna G. shared beautiful Divrei Torah and then
Max F., Brendan and Jordan G. led us in V’shamru by sharing a special dance
that Max F. created. It was a truly joyful moment. We ended with Kiddush. As we
say each Friday at Davis, Kiddush is a chance to think about what brings joy
and sweetness into our lives. When given an opportunity to share more than half
chose to do so, speaking of friendship, family, and many other blessings that, it
turns out, they do in fact recognize and appreciate. We lifted the cup and
concluded our Shabbat.
If last Friday at the
Kotel marked the beginning of the “first-first Shabbat in Israel” this Friday
marks the beginning of the “first-last Shabbat in Israel.” We all agreed that
we would one day return to Israel for Shabbat, but understood that much will
happen to us in our lives between now and then. In the meantime we also agreed
that we had “Eilat” to look forward to this Shabbat and that we’d save tomorrow
for tomorrow and do our best to appreciate today instead.
