Masada and the Dead Sea

 

As I write today's blog I am sitting on the stone steps of a bank on Ben Yehuda Street. The air is chilly, full of the wafting scents of delicious treats, and the melodic lullaby of a local busker. I've chosen this spot as it gives me the best vantage point to watch our students as they explore this vibrant part of Jerusalem and enjoy the company of their friends. I also marvel at their seemingly endless reserves of energy.

 

Our day began early. We awoke at 4:00 a.m. in our tent at the Bedouin community that welcomed us last night. After some sweet tea and biscuits, we boarded our bus and drove to Masada. We summited via the Roman ramp path in plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise. Beneath a magical pink sky, we gathered together for a touching student-led tefillah. Then we broke into our tour groups to explore Masada. We walked among ancient ruins, communed with stories of the past, and combined our voices in a joyous yell of "Brandeis" that reverberated off the desert peaks. We left Masada by the snake path, which is every bit as serpentine as its name suggest. The delicious breakfast we enjoyed after was all the tastier after the exercise and adventure of our morning.

 

Then it was back on our bus to drive to the Dead Sea and soak in its mineral-rich mud and water. There were many squeals of surprise and delight as both novice and expert bathers entered the water. We floated. We frolicked. We caked ourselves in mud. We didn't really want to leave when the time came to depart to our next destination.

 

That next destination was a lunch spot and then a scenic drive to Jerusalem. We checked into our hotel here and have begun to open ourselves to the city. We've had a delicious dinner and are now shopping and strolling. This takes us to where I began, as I have finished this note, students have joined me on the steps with ice creams and other tasty treats. I think it's time for me to get up and go grab myself a little bit of sweetness. Though after a day like today, it feels like I've already enjoyed a great deal of sweetness.