Journal:

Early morning walk to the edge of Makhtesh Ramon to hear Jared give an introductory tour at the rim.

A makhtesh is not a crater! A crater is formed by either a volcano or a meteor strike. The makhtesh at Mitzpe Ramon was originally a thick layer of limestone deposited over a thick layer of sandstone. It was formed by water seeping through the limestone undermining the less stable sandstone underneath, which flowed out and collapsed the limestone tableau. Over time the sandstone and limestone continued to erode unevenly to form the various hills and canyons we see today. Gorgeous striations of color in the remaining hills and valleys!

Egalitarian traditional Shabbat services were held in hotel conference room. David and I and a couple of fellow congregants sat together. It was fun to have our own little Temple Aliyah row of seats.

Parashat Lekh L'kha - I read 6th Aliyah (full kriyah) - 37 verses - 1.5 columns and did not shame the Jews of Needham. I asked the Gabbai to keep her finger on the words I was reading, so if I needed to peak at the trop mark, I could. She was fantastic and I needed to look over at her tikkun a handful of times.

I learned in Jared's morning tour that Mitzpei Ramon was a favorite destination for Ilan Ramon, the Israeli astronaut who died in 2003 when the Columbia Space Shuttle broke up upon reentry. I remember how I felt when this happened. It was Shabbat and I was honored to read Torah that day, but it was emotionally challenging knowing that we had not only lost the 7 astronauts aboard Columbia, but also the small Torah that Ilan Ramon had carried with him into space. Reading Torah in Mitzpe Ramon was particularly meaningful ... not just for the honor of reading it during the Israel Ride, but because it doubly touched my heart by connecting me with this poignant memory.

Helped a fellow bike rider change the bandage on his knee that he injured just a few blocks before arriving to Mitzpei Ramon the day before.

Havdalah was held as a group at one of the lookouts of the makhtesh.

Went to Golda's ice cream store in Mitzpe Ramon for ice cream after dinner. Yes! Golda's seems to be everywhere!

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