Day 7: Dissent in Community

Caves of Qumran

Where the Dead Sea Scrolls Were Discovered

Today started off with an early departure from Jerusalem with a brief stop at the Mosaic Museum of the Good Samaritan.  There are no lesser words than amazing to describe the original mosaic floors and artwork that are on display at this museum.  The incredible detail and precision on these mosaics were absolutely incredible (unfortunately no photos could be taken).


Next on the agenda was Nebi Musa.  This was my first time visiting this site, and needless to say, I was incredibly surprised to learn that local folklore believes that this is the burial place of Moses.  The history of this Muslim religious site was fascinating, and helped frame the theme of the day..."dissent in the community". 


From Nebi Musa we continued to the Caves of Qumran and studied the lifestyles of the Essenes and how they adapted to their new desert lifestyle while maintaining their religious identity.  Having this opportunity to visit the site first hand, especially after Friday night's presentation from Hanan Eshel (the professor who literally "wrote the book" on these caves) was without question a once in a lifetime opportunity.


We wrapped up our day of touring with a visit to the Menachem Begin Memorial Museum in Jerusalem followed by a presentation/text study back at Bar Ilan University by Adam Ferziger.  


It was a full day following our "relaxed" Shabbat; but now on to Monday!