Pictures from Israel
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Avir swimming in the Dead Sea
This old ramp leading into the Dead Sea can be seen at Ein Bokek beach, adjacent to some very impressive five- to seven-star resorts. However, what was more interesting for Avir was the anticipation of a very memorable ‘swim’, but first he would have to check out the water temperature before taking the plunge. One doesn’t actually ‘swim’ in the Sea, but rather ‘floats’ and diving is out of the question because putting one’s head under the water can be a serious health risk. That’s why floating on one’s back is preferable and just sitting is also popular because the water is so dense from the salt content that it’s possible to actually ‘sit’. Avir, (pictured to the right of the photo) found the water temperature to be warm and rather pleasant.
The old saying about ‘rubbing salt into one’s wounds’ takes on a serious note here with Avir being very careful not to put his face under the water, as the concentrated saline levels can sting the eyes very badly, which is why swimmers are advised to keep a bottle of fresh water (for flushing the eyes) and a towel close by on the beach. Overall, this was one of Avir’s most favourite time in Israel!
Pictures from Israel
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Avir ©161207 (1374) -Avir at the Dead Sea Lookout
Avir has stopped for a while at this popular lookout, adjacent to the Dead Sea, to ‘do a photo shoot’ of this very ancient place. Avir also made good use of his binoculars, checking out the scenery along this stretch of water bordering Israel and Jordan to the East, which can just be seen in the distance behind Avir. The Dead Sea is 50 kilometres long and 15 kilometres wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its tributary is the Jordan River. The Dead Sea is 429 metres below sea level, is 304 metres deep and holds the record of being the lowest point on Earth, making it also the deepest saline lake in the world with 34.2% salinity, which is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean.
This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which plants and animals cannot flourish, which is why its name is most appropriate. However, it may have to be renamed if the reports of life re-emerging in the waters prove accurate. In the Hebrew language, the Dead Sea is called Yam ha-Melah meaning sea of salt.
The Bible also mentions the Dead Sea in Genesis 14:3: “All the latter kings joined forces in the Siddim Valley, where the Dead Sea is”. History shows us that King Herod the Great made it one of the world’s first health resorts and even today the Dead Sea attracts many visitors from around the world, who apply the healing qualities of the mineral rich mud to their skin and relax in this geologically unique wonder.
Pictures from Israel
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Avir-161123 -Avir in his favourite shop in Beersheva
What more can we say!
Messianic Education Australia MEA Avir in Israel, Weekly Picture from Israel 161123 Avir in his favourite shop in Beersheva, What more can we say
Pictures from Israel
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Avir ©161130 (905) Avir checks out Herod’s Gate in the Old City
Avir is out and about in the Old City again, visiting places he hadn’t seen before, especially some of the quieter back streets with a few shops and vendors scattered along the way. Avir has stopped on Lion’s Gate Street for a few moments and realises that he has discovered Herod’s Gate which is located in the north-eastern section of the city. Common belief has it that the gate was named after Herod the Great who rebuild the Jewish Temple around 26 B.C.E. although other sources think it was named after his son, Herod Antipas.
Herod’s Gate is also know as Sheep’s Gate because it led to the sheep market in ancient times. The Sheep Gate is mentioned by Nehemiah, a Babylonian Jew who came to Jerusalem with his followers to rebuild the desolate city:
In Nehemiah 3:1 it reads: “Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel”.
Throughout the history of Jerusalem, Herod’s Gate has been a place of a non-stop bloodshed. Most invaders, including the Babylonians, Romans and Crusaders, came to Jerusalem from the North and inevitably had to use the Sheep’s Gate and adjacent walls to get into the City. On a more pleasant note, Herod’s Gate is also known as the Flowers Gate because of the floral designs engraved on the wall above the gate.
Pictures from Israel
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Avir passing the ruins of Mamsheet on his camel ride.
Avir (second camel from the back) is enjoying the camel ride through part of the Mamshit (pronounced Mamsheet) National Park and the weather is perfect…not too hot, clear skies, no pollution and no dust. In the distance on the horizon is the city of Dimona. It’s name is derived from the Biblical town mentioned in Joshua 15:21-22: “… the cities at the outer part of the tribe of Judah toward the border with Edom in the south … Dimonah …” This city is 35 kilometres west of the Dead Sea and 36 kilometres south of Beersheva. Dimona is the third largest city in the Negev with a population of about 33,900. Within ten years the population is expected to triple.
Just ahead of the riders are the ruins of the ancient trading post of Mamshit which is currently used as a police lookout. Mamshit was built in the first century B.C. as a stop off resting place for caravans and traders travelling through from Petra to the Mediterranean coast. It was a great adventure for Avir and his friends that day, who were also from Australia. This was their first camel ride, very exciting and enjoyable.
Pictures from Israel
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Avir on his camel in the Negev
One of the highlights for Avir’s stay at the camel range was his camel ride. Here he looks delighted at the prospect of take this little ‘ship of the desert’ out for a spin. These particular camels are all females and have been specially trained to provide a smooth ride for their travellers. The best camels for this are the females who are well fed, pampered, clean, sedate and do not spit! Of course, other camels can be trained for various reasons, such as carrying large heavy packs, for racing or even as breeders. Avir was very interested in learning about camels and the integral part they play in the arid conditions here in the Negev. Generally, camels are released to the wild herd once it reaches thirty five years of age. This camel ranch is remote, quiet and peaceful, with the exception of the occasional camel being agitated by other camels, especially during feeding time.
To the right-hand side of this photograph, you can see the narrow camel track heading up over the hill. The camels will follow this trail for the one-hour ride. On their travels, Avir and his friends stopped along this ancient incense road to look at the ruins of the city of Mamshit (pronounced Mamsheet), which was built in the first century B.C. to become an important ‘station’ stop during the Nabatean Period. The guide described how the camel trains would stop there to rest, trade, or store goods, spices, carts and even animals, which they would return for, once they had finished their trading at the various shipping ports along the Mediterranean. The guide also explained more of its history during the Roman occupation in the second century and what it was like during the Byzantine Period in the fourth to the seventh Century. Avir highly recommends this camel ranch and the desert ride if you’re heading for a stay in Israel!
