From Jordan to Israel

Any attempt to describe Petra is doomed to failure. It is a spectacular monument to an ancient civilization’s reverence for their dead. It is a testament to ingenuity and architectural sophistication. It is a beautiful place that is still being excavated by a variety of archeological teams from all over the world.

Petra is the kind of place that may be called, without exaggeration, awesome. That it is considered one of the seven wonders of the world, along with Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal, is reasonable and right. Even if I were to send you photos (which I will do), they can’t capture the scale, the stark beauty, and then mystery of the place. In so many ways, the spiritual dimensions of the place continue to emanate from every carved tomb, every cave, every corner. I’ve been there three times, and Petra still knocks me out.

I think all of our trip participants were wowed by their time in the ancient city. Even the most seasoned adventurers on this trip were moved by what they saw. This always makes me so happy: to help bring people to a new world.

On this Shabbat, we are far away from home. In fact as I write this blog, we are far from everything! It’s pitch black outside and we are in the wilderness en route to Wadi Rum. It’s not exactly a shabbesdik place we’re going. I don’t imagine we’ll be lighting Shabbat candles. But we will be having a taste of life in the desert. It’s our last night in Jordan. I'm hoping it will be memorable.