Mount Scopus
The mount where Shimon Hatzadik met Alexander the Great. We pass a deep cave where the stone house wares of the Kohanim who were residing in Jerusalem were crafted. This cave was accidentally uncovered during the work on the tunnel which lies under Mount Scopus. Today on Mt. Scopuswe findHadassah Hospital and Hebrew University which are functioning again after the area was liberated in the Six Day War of 1967.
Judean Desert
Driving out of Yerushalayim we abruptly enter the majestic Judean desert, place of refuge for David as he fled Saul and Absalom, his favorite son. This is where David wrote some of the most stirring tehilim.
Driving down through the desert, quickly descending towards sea level and below, we pass Bedouin encampments and biblical scenery. Immediately we see the renewed Jewish villages and towns on the liberated lands of 1967 – those villages that are making the desert bloom - just as the prophets assured us would happen. This is where the Bible comes alive once again!
Plains of Jericho and the Mountains of Moav
We come out of the desert hills (some of which we can climb if desired) and view the plains of Jericho and the mountains of Moav beyond the Jordan River. This is where Moshe saw the Land (of Israel) but could not enter (as we can today). Passing old Jordanian military camps and rich green Jewish date plantations we begin driving along the famous Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth and the saltiest water in the world. You can not sink – give it a try (but don't get the water in your mouth!).
Qumran and Ein Gedi
We pass by (and can visit) Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery and the site of the remains of the Jewish Essene community of over two thousand years ago.
Soon we reach the beautiful oasis of Ein Gedi. Waterfalls, wild life and pools in the middle of the desert!! No wonder David rested here when fleeing King Saul and hid in a cave (where Saul entered). Take out your Bible to read the rest of the story or listen to the recounted story. David walked here!!
Masada
Volumes have been written about this very dramatic and beautiful site so in short.......
Masada looms up from the desert floor not far from the Dead Sea coast line. We are talking magnificent! Reaching the top (1600 feet) via either the snake path or cable car, we will develop two themes. One will be the luxurious remains of Herod's fortresses and palaces. Elaborate buildings, chambers, workshops, storage rooms, bathhouses, mosaics and frescos - these are but a few of the amazing remains to be seen.
Second, we will see the few, but oh so dramatic last vestiges of the courageous zealot fighters and their families who held out against the Roman Legions for three years before the Roman ramp was completed. The ramp which brought the Roman forces atop Masada is still there, but so is the spirit of the brave Jews. A synagogue, ritual baths and religious artifacts are all here and we see the remnants of their faith and bravery. This the most amazing story of all.
No wonder Masada became the symbol of defiance against her enemies in the modern period.
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