Day 8: Wednesday 19th July 2017

After an incredible night at the Bedouin Tents, our group was woken up at the unearthly hour of 4am. At the time we did not appreciate whoever 's idea it was (we are teenagers after all). There was certainly a sense of bleary-eyed excitement at the campsite as the group traveled on to Masada where we would hike up and, if we felt so inclined back down the mountain. Whilst our ruach (spirit) was underwhelming at the base of the mountain, it gradually heightened with our own altitude.

At the summit we stood and watched in awe as the sun rose between the mountains facing Masada, and our lack of sleep suddenly seemed unimportant and was forgotten.

From the summit there was the option to take a cable car back down or to hike.  I chose the hike.  It was a long and winding track and was slightly terrifying as a couple of us slipped around a bit. Happily any injury was avoided and when we arrived at the base of the mountain, red - faced and breathless, we were all disproportionately proud of ourselves. To cap it all we were also treated to a delicious breakfast and industrial quantities of iced coffee.

After our early morning trip we traveled to Ein Gedi where we saw some of the most stunning waterfalls in the natural world. However, we did not just admire their beauty, we also enjoyed messing around and splashing one another in the cool and refreshing water, a welcome change from the 39°C heat. No peace for us though.  Equipped as we were with marine-corps levels of fitness enjoyed by so many of NW London’s teenage Jewry, we were also presented with the opportunity to push ourselves in the hike to one of the highest parts of the waterfall. It was worth it.

Amazed by how early it still was we all piled into the coach to make our way down to the Dead Sea. Nearly all of us ventured into the very hot water, and then promptly ran out again. It stings, but we all enjoyed the experience.

After all of this, a satisfying lunch of hot dogs followed by a 3 hour coach journey to Eliat. Where we relaxed and enjoyed an evening filled with thought - provoking discussions.

By Isabelle Oakland