Masada and the Dead Sea

Masada was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their struggle against the Romans. The Zealots held out for three years against the legions of Flavius Silva and chose to die as free men at their own hands rather than submit to Roman slavery. Masada was built by King Herod in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea.

We took a cable car to the top of Masada. We arrived around 9:30 AM so it was not too hot yet.

This was truly an ancient place. I enjoyed learning all about it.

Looking down from Masada. The Dead Sea is in the distance.

Julie our fearless leader, she is a wealth of knowledge. I have enjoyed all the history she has taught us.

Walking back to the cable car. A well worth journey.

Greetings from the lowest point on earth at 1305 feet below sea level.

It was 40 degrees Celsius, you do the math. I know that it was hot and over 100 degrees.

Floating in the sea was easy, getting up was a little tricky.

Rabbi Zach Shapiro having a good time. 

We spent much of the day on our bus. It was a 1 1/2 hour commute each way. Our feet don't hurt today. We leave the beautiful Inbal Hotel tomorrow for our next destination.