Israel Pilgrimage DAY 6: Things To Do in Israel


It's finally day 6 of our Israel pilgrimage. Two more days and we'll be off. :( I don't want to go just yet. Huhuhu! Anyway, I'll just make the most of it while I'm still here. Day 6 started with a delectable Mediterranean breakfast.

I personally love the Mediterranean diet because I've noticed positive changes in how it digests the food I've taken. Do check out my post: Israel Travel Itinerary for more travel tips and inspirations.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

Breakfast is a good way to start the day. Now off to our first site.

Ein Gedi ("The Spring of the Kid")

Ein Gedi is an oasis located near the Dead Sea known for its beautiful springs, caves and abundant animal life. This was David's refuge when he fled from King Saul (1 Samuel 23:29).

It was in one of the caves here that David cut off a corner of Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24). Some of the psalms are believed to have been inspired in this area.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

Notice the caves on the side of the cliff pictured above.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

Because this is the first site we've visited we're one of the first groups who've arrived and enjoyed the area to ourselves. This area is usually packed but thanks God our tour guide arranged our schedule so well.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

That's a really beautiful rock formation seen from the oasis.

The Qumran Caves

The 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a cave here by a Bedouin shepherd chasing a stray goat in 1947. Consolidated from scrolls found in some 11 caves, every Old Testament book is represented except Esther. Enjoy the photo tour of the place below.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

Cisterns, Jewish ritual baths, and cemeteries have been found, along with a dining or assembly room and debris from an upper story alleged by some to have been a 'scriptorium' as well as pottery kilns and a tower.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel
Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel
Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

After our tour at the area to see the scrolls, the caves, the ruins and the sharing about its interesting history we're then ushered to the cafeteria for lunch. Aaaahh! The cafeteria has amazing views of the caves of Qumran and the Dead Sea.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

Of course, shopping can't be missed. Most of the items sold are Dead Sea products. The store is just located in the same building as the cafeteria. And below are my finds.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

The Dead Sea

Biblically known as the Sea of Arabah (Deuteronomy 3:17) or the Salt Sea (Genesis 14:3; Joshua 3:16), it's mineral is so high that nothing lives in it. With a salt concentration, many times higher than that of the world's oceans, the density of the water in the Dea Sea is so high that anyone can float in it.

With its unique concentration of minerals, Dead Sea waters and mud have long been known to have health and cosmetic benefits.

Israel Pilgrimage: Things To Do in Israel

To find out more about my Dead Sea experience check out My Experience Floating at the Dead Sea.

UP NEXT: Israel Pilgrimage DAY 7: Things To Do in Israel.