Masada Sunrise, Jerusalem, Kabbalat Shabbat

It was already hot and humid at 4:30 in the morning when we started our ascent to Masada. We took the easier of the two routes to the top (the Roman ramp), and climbed it in about 20 minutes. After sweating and schlepping ourselves to the other side of the mountain, we settled down right above the south-facing cliffs. There was a vast openness beneath us, barely visible in the twilight. Lior, our tour guide, instructed us on how to have a conversation with the mountains. We yelled out phrases like “Boker Tov!” and “Diller 5!” and we were mesmerized by the clarity of the ensuing echo. However, as the sun had not risen yet, we moved over to our official lookout. The sky was getting very bright, but there was no sun in the sky. Suddenly, a red sliver appeared behind the mountains and we all grew very silent. The red dot grew slowly, and after what seemed like 10 minutes it was a round, bright red bulb. The sky around it was a mixture of pink, orange, and light blue. We were all silent, but there was an obvious connection between us at that moment. We were Diller. We were one, together. It felt dramatic, but calming at the same time.  We were fortunate enough to witness one of the most beautiful natural processes in one of the most beautiful places on earth, with the greatest friends anyone could ask for.

                As the day closes and we prepare for Shabbat in Jerusalem, I would like to wish a Shabbat shalom to all of the families back home. Aba and Ima, have a great weekend and enjoy your vacation!

- Nitay Caspi