Day 5

Friday was a very full day for us. We started with a drive from Jerusalem southward by the Dead Sea to tour Massada. We enjoyed a very thorough tour of the area, an in depth explanation of the history and a view that was beyond gorgeous. After a quick shopping trip for Ahava Dead Sea products we took a very bumpy (as if there is any other kind) jeep ride through the desert to see the area of S'dom - which is also know as Sodom. In this area of the desert we find mountains made from salt and other minerals. We learned about the mining of the minerals in the area, what they are used for and the significant natural resources that both Israel and Jordan share in this area of the Middle East.

After the jeeps and lunch many went for a float in the Dead Sea. We headed back to Jerusalem to welcome in Shabbat.

As we approached Jerusalem, the feeling of Shabbat's arrival was palpable. The was a quickness and a lightness as people finished up their last minute tasks before Shabbat began. We welcomed Shabbat at the Western Wall and left our precious notes in the wall.

We ate a delicious Shabbat meal in a private home and shared an opportunity to learn with Rabbi Matt Berkowitz from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Full and exhausted we returned to our hotel for our well needed Shabbat rest.