By Dave Sweeney

image

It is hard for me to believe we are already on 8th day of this amazing experience/adventure. We were out the door by 7am to head to Masada, an ancient fortress in the southern district of Israel. En route, we were informed of many interesting tidbits by our new and brainy guide, Marty. When we arrived to the site, we were told that due to the extreme heat we would not be able to hike up to the the over 2000 year old garrison. Although the group was disappointed to not be able purchase and wear, in good faith, the “I Climbed to Masada” t-shirts after finishing the ascent, we still had an amazing tour throughout the complex.

While wrapping up the tour in the synagogue, we stumbled on to a room of it, where we found a sofer copying the torah by hand, which was amazing to watch in-person. After asking where we were from, he asked if we would like him to tell us a midrash, which we jumped at the opportinuty top learn and listen from this rabbi. Following the teaching, he looked directly at me and asked me my name, then reached for a small piece of paper and eloquently wrote it in Hebrew. He then asked me for my wife’s name (Jane) and since that is not a Hebrew name, he asked me her Hebrew name (Esther). Next he wrote Esther and beneath our names he made a small and beautiful heart and handed it to me. He then blew the shofar and wished us a Shanuah Tovah.

This was one the most pure, genuine and kind acts I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. As we wrote the tram down from the fort, I realized I was holding the most amazing keepsake, no amount of money could ever buy.

The rest of the day continued to a great whirlwind of once-in-a-lifetime opoortunities. We drove to the Dead Sea, the lowest point in the world and floated in the sea. We then headed to the Judean Desert where we drove ATVs through the desert and were able to climb into a 2200 year old water reservoir and learn about this ancient process.

image

Lastly, we finshed with meditation, dinner and bonfire in a desrt campsite which was hosted by our new friend, David.

To say this trip is amazing is a huge understatement. I can only offer my my genuine thanks and gratitude to the Rubins, Mindee, Albert, Benny and Marty for allowing me to be a participant.