Have you ever seen those travel brochures for Israel with people floating in the Dead Sea holding a newspaper or riding a camel? Well that was me yesterday. But there was much more there - way more.
The adventures in learning and discovery started with a trip to Eretz Bereshit aka Genesis Land which is situated in the heart of the Judean desert, on the way to the Dead Sea, in the land where the Patriarchs lived. Upon arrival we were greeted by "Abraham" whose hospitality included sweet treats and dried fruit, camel rides, and dancing and relaxation in one of his ancestral tents. While the views and vistas were breath taking, the most touching part of the experience was standing witness to a naming ceremony. For more that 25 women on the trip of over 200, they had never received Hebrew names. Some were from former soviet block countries where it wasn't allowed or others just weren't given one. Today was the day that they got to choose their name, be blessed by a rabbi and be able to live in the light of their Hebrew name. It was touching and heart warming to watch. Two of the women in our group participated and now have their forever names.
The women of temple Aliyah!
So yah I rode a camel. I really didn't want to. But I thought well, when in Rome and so I got on, did deep yoga and Lamaze style breathing, shut my eyes as tightly as possible, held on to the bar with my sweaty hands, and prayed god not to let the camel kill me - the same sort of thing I do when I go on a roller coaster - and I stopped going on those about 10 years ago! . I knew she - the camel - wasn't very happy when she stared at me funny and made chewbaccaesque sounds. Only god will know what that poor beast was thinking. At least now I can check that off my list! Thank you Ms. Camel.
Genesis Land was only part 1 of our multi faceted jam packed day. Part 2 was a trip to Masada. Masada is an ancient fortress in southern Israel’s Judean Desert. It's on a massive plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. A cable car and a long, winding path climb up to the fortifications, built around 30 B.C. Among the ruins are King Herod's Palace, which sprawls over 3 rock terraces, and a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors. Fortunate for us we rode the cable car and had the benefit of a knowledgeable tour guide. Thank you David Sussman.
Part 3 of the day was a dip in the Dead Sea. Now this took some prepping, including the purchase of water shoes - great advice as the sea (which is really a lake) floor is a salty stalagmite mine field, an extra towel, packing swim gear and not shaving ones legs for 2 days for fear of having a cut or scrape that would burn - kinda like putting salt on a wound. So yah, I did that too. I was one of those goofy tourists with a magazine in hand (thank you Madricha Karen) relaxing on the water for a photo op. Next you know it I'll be following Kim Kardashian on social media or something. I don't normally post pictures of myslwd in a swim suit EVER. . But I figure when I look at this post in 20 years I'll be reminded of how youthful I was!
So the awkward thing about floating in the Dead Sea is the bounancy. Kind like reminds me of that time I had a life vest on while snorkeling and tried to dive - it doesn't work. Just keeps you up!
Now that we finished the Dead Sea which isn't a Sea just a super salty lake and yes that's Jordan behind us, we headed to a Mechina or leadership academy in Ein Prat for Part 4 of the day.
The purpose of the mechina is teaching recent high school graduates - 18 year olds - all of whom looked like they were 12 and could be our children - how to take responsibility for developing personal and social skills, done through intensive study while questioning identity, Zionism and Judaism, and living with a diverse group sociologist economically and Jewishly. In addition, the Mechina works to build self-confidence, physical and mental strength - many of the kids are martial artists with the idea that all parts of ones body need to be fit. These all help build the ability to initiate and foster leadership skills and prepare these kids for military service often as officers.
So after driving back through disputes neighborhoods, we made it back to Jerusalem. But it being Thursday night, which is a weekend night in Israel we decided to go for a walk. The streets were packed - Ben Yehuda had shops open, the shuk at Machane Yehuda was popping with an amazing bar scene with people of all ages partying, and the Mamila mall had the most delicious gelato (clean eating hit a pause button).
At this point, I was close to 20k steps for the day and it was time to turn in. Except after so much stimulation and having had great adventures, sleep didn't come so easily. Thankfully I took a nap on the bus!
