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The Dead Sea
At around 14,000 feet under sea level, the Dead Sea is not only the lowest summit in Israel but the lowest point on the surface of the earth. It is also one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, estimated to be nine times saltier than the Mediterranean Sea.
The Dead Sea's therapeutic properties date back to Biblical times, where it was already regarded as a health resort. The Dead Sea's high concentration of minerals has also been documented by the Roman Empire whose emperor, Herod the Great, is believed to have bathes in its waters. To this day the Dead Sea maintains its unique value as a natural spa, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Whether on a Holy Land tour or an Israel tour, whether suffering from any ailments or just want to enjoy this unique site, a visit to the Dead Sea is an experience not to be missed. The area's low elevation, lack of humidity and year round sunny skies, make the Dead Sea the perfect destination when on Bible Land tour to Israel.
Being the only sea of its kind in the world, tourists from all over the world flock to the Dead Sea to revel in its one of a kind bathing experience. Indeed, it has become a common practice among those who frequent the Dead Sea to bring books and newspapers into the water with them. Since the salt concentration is so high, any object thrown into the water inevitably floats. Swimming or diving is therefore impossible, and bathers are left only to put up their feet as if in a rocking chair and steady themselves on the water's surface. Reading a newspaper, sipping a cocktail or chatting with friends has become a trendy, if common, pastime.
The Dead Sea - A Biblical Focal Point
Beyond the mention of the Dead Sea as a healing spring, the Bible makes ample reference to the area surrounding the Dead Sea. Some such instances include the Book of Genesis' mention of the ancient towns Sodom and Gomorrah—the two cities destroyed by God as punishment for their residents' sinful behavior—which rest on the shores of the Dead Sea.
The nearby city of Ein Gedi is said to be the place King David hid from King Saul. The Bible goes on to describe the town of Ein Gedi as both a wine growing city and a fishermen city. Indeed, unlike the arid conditions of the Dead Sea which allow little to no life, the area in and around Ein Gedi Springs is one of the lushes in Israel. To be sure, in the Song of Songs, the flora and fauna of Ein Gedi are metaphorically likened to the speaker's lover—plentiful and beautiful.
But the most important reference made to the Dead Sea in the Bible comes in the form of prophesy. It is written in the Book of Ezekiel that the "Dead Sea will be brought to life" and that fish will grow in its waters and animals will graze on its shores.
Though the New Testament does not make specific reference to the Dead Sea as a place of worship, various Orthodox denominations believe the remoteness of the Dead Sea maintains some celestial qualities. As a result these pilgrims have built monasteries and houses of worship on the shores of the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea Scrolls - The Caves of Qumran
The name "Dead Sea Scrolls" refers to some 900 documents dating back to Bibilical times, which were found in the Qumran Caves located on the northern end of the Dead Sea.
Archeological excavations performed in the 1950s uncovered eleven caves in the Qumran Valley, belived to have been a residentail area during Biblical times. The artifacts found in these caves are of mixed contents, ranigng from religious manuscripts to more mundane religious texts. Most importantly however, several of the manuscripts are persumed to be pieces of the original Hebrew Bible. The significance of these texts to our understanding of religious practices and day to day acivities in the days of the Second Temple has been invaluable.
Once these precious artifacts were found they were taken out of the caves and away from the Dead Sea area. Currently the Dead Sea Scrolls are on permanet display in the legendary Shrine of the Book in the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.
Nature Reserves around the Dead Sea - Ein Gedi National Park
Transitioning from the seaside pleasure of the Dead Sea, you will find that Ein Gedi is of significantly higher altitude and has an altogether different climate. Founded in 1972 on the periphery of the Judea Desert, Ein Gedi National Park is a nature lover's delight and a hiker's paradise. The sweet water running into the reserve makes it a haven for animals coming from the Judea Desert for water and nourishment. The area's vegetation and abundance of trees also make it a nesting place for a wide range of birdlife.
Between its two natural springs and its many streams, Ein Gedi generates enough water to sustain agriculture in the entire Jerusalem area. Ein Gedi's spring water is also bottled and distributed throughout Israel.
With its two springs (Shulamit and Eein Gedi springs) and a number of streams, its wildlife and greenery, its hiking tracks and its many green planes perfect for picnics, Ein Gedi National Reserve is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of local and international tourists most months of the year.
When traveling to Israel in the winter, it is advisable to check weather conditions before arriving at the Ein Gedi as flooding may occur.
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