A Day at the [Dead] Sea

After Morning Prayer and Mass, we travelled to Qumran in the Judean Wilderness, about a mile from the shore of the Dead Sea. Likely, Qumran was home to a Jewish-sect called the Essenes. Essenes lived in community like monks. They also created the Dead Sea scrolls, which contain some of the earliest writings of the Old Testament. Found in the mid-20th century nearly 900 scrolls were discovered hidden in the caves above Qumran untouched for nearly 2,000 years. Among the scrolls are previously unknown prayers, commentaries and even “The Great Isaiah Scroll” the largest and best-preserved.

After Qumran we drove a short distance to swim at a beach along the shore of the Dead Sea. More precisely – we floated. The Dead Sea is the Earth’s lowest elevation on land and is over nine times as salty as the ocean. Meaning - once you step into the water and lay on you back, your body is supported and effortlessly floats on the surface. We were thankful for great weather and the break and enjoyedthe water. Thank you for you continued prayers. And know that we pray for you. God Bless!