Location: Masada
Subject: The last stand of the Jewish defenders of the Land after the destruction of the Second Temple
Written by: David Magence
Masada, one of the most frequently visited sites in Israel, was built by King Herod more than 2000 years ago as a fortified palace.0
Approximately seventy years after Herod’s death, Masada was used as a fortress by Jews who rebelled against the Roman rule of Israel. Almost three years after the destruction of the Second Temple, the Romans attacked Masada. The Jewish defenders of Masada chose death over surrender to the Romans.0
At Masada, one can see the contrast between the luxury of Herod and the simple life style of the Jewish rebels.0
Among the impressive remains are Herod’s palace, bath house, mikvaot and one of the oldest synagogues excavated in Israel, dating to the end of the Second Temple Period.0
One of the interesting topics which can be discussed during a visit to Masada is the halachic permissibility of the suicides of the Jewish defenders.0
