It was important to us on a number of levels that we actually climb Masada. Lori had never received a Hebrew name before...just a Yiddish one from her grandmother. The actual feat of climbing was more difficult than we had been expecting. The advice was that you should be able to get up there in 45 minutes. It took me, especially, with one lung cooperating (terrible bronchitis/upper respiratory crud), well over an hour, The poor group was waiting for us. We were just exhausted and full of joy that our hearts did not actually stop on the last leg up the mountain. So, here in this picture you see us very proud to have just climbed Masada, but also no small amount of exasperation and embarrasment about how long it took for us to get up there. The romantic ideal of course was to climb Masada as a demonstration of devotion to the idea that Masada must never fall again. It seemed an important act to make before stepping into the ancient synagogue and have Lori accept a new Hebrew name to carry with the Yiddish name...one to honor her Grandfather Chaime of blessed memory and also her grandmother her gave Lori her Yiddish name. So now, with a drum roll.,....here you have Chaya Hesheh bat Avram v Ruchal. Later in the week she read from the Torah with Rabbi Barry and was called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah. Is that not the coolest thing? It made our trip hugely meaningful for us and our group, the poor group that was having to wait for me to haul my sick self up that mountain fortress was so patient and encouraging. A fine group we were. This is a day we weill never forget. In fact, we have spoken of it every day since we have been home. Truly life changing adventures and learnings. We felt so blessed. And still do.