Jerusalem and Masada

Taking the Gondola to the top of Masada.

Last night we did not make it to the caves.  I was not feeling very good and my brother was tired.  I guess I needed the rest more than anything.

Today is the second day Hanukkah and we drove to Masada, which is south of Jerusalem.  Once you get outside of Jerusalem, it is very clear that you are in the desert.  Masada’s history spans 103 BC to 74 ad.  The two most famous periods were the Herodian Period, named after King Herod and the Siege resulting in the mass suicide of Jews.

Some of the Masada ruins.

Herod, not really a nice king, wanted a winter palace.  So he built it at the edge of the Dead Sea where there was no water.  It took about 10 years to build and he used it until his death, 4 BC. 

In 73 or 74 AD, the Jews had the last rebel stronghold against the Romans at Masada.  The Romans were about to capture the site and the Jews.  The Jews were afraid of becoming slaves and having the women and children being used in terrible ways.  It was decided that they would commit suicide rather than suffer at the hands of the Romans.  As it turns out, two women and five children hid and did survive by hiding.  It is a site of great importance and gave the Jewish military a focus that they will never give up.

Alter where Jesus was crucified.

One of the places that has made a big impact on me is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  I went back again today which makes my third visit.  This church is said to be the place Jesus was crucified, resurrected and buried.  The church is run by five religions which means it is hard to get anything done.  There is a chapel that is supposed to be where Jesus was crucified.  Another slab of rock is suppose to be where the women prepared Jesus for burial and then the place they say is the ultimate place of his body.  Even though there are hundreds of people going through the church all the time, it is still moving.  However, my favorite scene is the one of the priest going along and putting out the candles people have lit.

Priest putting out candles.