Masada

We went to Masada this morning. King Herod was responsible for building the palace but it was abandoned and later inhabited by the Essenes- a zealot group of Jews. They were being chased by the Roman army when they discovered the abandoned palace n 66 AD. The Essenes held fast n the fortress for 2 yrs at which time the Roman army built a ramp up the eastern side of the palace and penetrated the palace. The Essenes refused to become slaves for the Romans so instead of being captured they all committed suicide- men women and children.

We also went to eat some fantastic traditional middle eastern food afterwards. They dressed some of us up and placed us n a tent!

More pics

Qumran and the Dead Sea

Next we went to Qumran where we saw the cave that the Dead Sea scrolls were found. We traveled along the road next to the Dead Sea and planned a the swim for tonight.

Jericho

Next we went to 2,000 year old, Jericho where we read about the temptations of Christ. Historians believe that this is where Jesus fasted for 40 days and was then tempted by Satan. (Ironically there is a restaurant built into the mountain!) some of us then took camel rides. Afterwards we passed by a sycamore tree- the oldest tree n Jericho. It is believed that Zachius (a wee little man) climbed a tree like this to see Jesus as He entered into the city.

Jordan River, Beit Shean

This morning we went to the Jordan River not far from where Jesus was baptized. We all waded into the river. Numerous people were being baptized. I bought a bottle to bring some water home so that it could be used for the dedication of my grandchildren.
Next we went to Beit Shean which is the where the head of Saul (1st King of the Jews) was placed at the gate after the Cannonites killed him. Buck demonstrated the toilets...we thought of Ed!!

Fun stuff

Eating lunch at a Kabbish and the boat ride