MEA Weekly Picture from Israel

Pictures from Israel

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 Avir at Ein Gedi looking at the three waterfalls

Avir, dressed in black and standing top right of the picture, is taking a photo of three spectacular falls, in the Ein Gedi Oasis and Nature Reserve. Ein Gedi is located west of the Dead Sea, near Masada and near the Qumran Caves. The name Ein Gedi is composed of two Hebrew words, Ein meaning ‘spring’ and Gedi meaning ‘goat-kid’. Thus Ein Gedi means “Kid spring”.

Many overseas tourists, as well as locals, visit this historically unique part of Israel because it is only a one-hour south from Jerusalem. Ein Gedi is one of the most popular nature sites in Israel, whether you are a family group or an experienced hiker. The day we visited these falls, called Wadi David, the water was plentiful, overflowing and moving quite fast.  The first of the three falls we see is in the bottom-left of the photo, then, as we move our eyes upward we see the second and the third falls. Each of the falls is a little different and we see groups of visitors sitting relaxing, having a picnic or swimming in the down-rush of water as it cascades over the falls.

Avir found the water very invigorating because it was both cold and fast.  The smaller waterfall has a little lush ‘oasis’ area and a shallow pool which one can lie down in. Some people enjoyed sitting under the overhanging trees edging the flowing waterfalls. We gazed in awe at these springs—a source of beauty juxtaposed beside the harsh desert surroundings.

MEA Weekly Picture from Israel

Pictures from Israel

Click to Enlarge

 Avir In the ruins of the Masada Synagogue

Avir is sitting on one of the benches along the wall of the ancient synagogue which served the Jewish rebels living in Masada before the Roman army finally captured this small mountain in AD73. It was a bitter-sweet victory for the Romans as the Jewish defenders decided to mass suicide rather than surrender and die, or worse, to be taken as slaves.

The synagogue comprised four tiers of plastered benches along the walls, as well as columns to support its ceiling. The hall measured 12.5 x 10.5 metres, and was incorporated into the north-western section of Masada. This particular synagogue which predates the destruction of the second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., is considered to be a good example of synagogues at this time.

The site was identified in 1842, but intensive excavations began in 1955 by Professor Yadin along with volunteers from many countries. Some of the amazing archaeological finds included an ancient ‘ostracon’ which is an inscribed potsherd. This example bears the Hebrew inscription me’aser kohen meaning ‘tithe for the priest’. Ostraca were common writing materials used mainly for writing receipts, temporary records or lists of names which had Hebrew lettering on them. Other articles found included fragments of two scrolls, parts of Deuteronomy and Ezekiel 37 (including the vision of the “dry bones”). These were found hidden in pits dug under the floor of a small room built inside the synagogue. Other small finds of artifacts, include pottery and stone vessels, coins and shekels. There were also weapons (mainly arrowheads), remnants of textiles and foodstuffs preserved in the dry climate of this area.

A heavy black ragged line has been painted on the back wall of the synagogue behind where Avir is sitting. This line divides the top section of the wall which is the restored part and below is the original wall found at the time of the excavation.