Israel
When you have no choice, mobilize the spirit of courage.
—Jewish proverb
In A.D. 66, Jewish zealots (Sicarii) captured Masada, the virtually impenetrable fortress palace of Herod the Great, built on the summit of a mesa 30 miles southeast of Jerusalem. On that windy butte overlooking the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert, they established the last stronghold of Jewish rule in Palestine. After the fall of Jerusalem and destruction of the Second Temple four years later, the 960 Sicarii refused to surrender to the fifteen thousand Roman soldiers who besieged Masada. Drawing strength from their faith, they held off the invaders for two years before finally choosing death over life under Roman domination and enslavement.
Whether you want to strengthen your faith or to explore the ruins, Masada awaits. Book a day trip (from any of the local hotels). It’s at least a two-hour drive from Jerusalem and half an hour from Arad.
See the sprawling Judean desert from the crag of Masada at sunrise, as most pilgrims do. Take the Roman ramp, the serpentine Snake Path, or cable car to the summit and watch the sun rise spectacularly over the desert. Whisper a prayer for the courage and strength to remain true to your faith.
The remains of a synagogue built by the Sicarii still stand at Masada as do the palace Herod built, a couple of mikvahs (ritual baths), a church built by fifth-century monks, and other ruins.