Masada – History (His Story) and Narrative
Masada is an amazing site in many aspects, like those of nature, history, archaeology but the main and most significant one would be the myth around it. This fascinating story (even though doubted by some modern scholars) told by Josephus Flavius & the ancient stones found on top of the mountain is unique.
Masada became the model of the new Zionist movement and of the new society. In the melting pot created in the newly developed Jewish society the best solution for the individual joining enthusiastically is to become a part of a greater self – of the Zionist movement.
The last night of Masada became the authentic message of the new Israeli. Marking the war of few against many, right against wrong, of fighting to the last drop of blood & of loyalty to the LAND & to the NATION.
Masada became a link between the heroic past (Hanukah & the Maccabean - Hasmonean dynasty, Bar Kokhba Uprising) and the Zionist present.
Youth movements adopted Masada as a symbolic platform for the creation of the new Israeli identity –called the Zabar.
Long journeys ended after a rough & tough climb to the top of Masada, where a ceremony that highlighted the fact that "Masada will never fall again" took place. The climb to Masada & the ceremony became the workshop where the new Israeli was forged.
This movement & the attraction to the mountain became stronger and stronger and they could be described as modern-secular pilgrimage.
Today many groups have meaningful visits to the mountain: Bar mitzvah's, special ceremonies of army units choose this place to oath their allegiance, Jews from far communities declare out loud their "new Jewish name", and so on.
In a nutshell Masada is a platform that helps Jews (re)connect both to Israel & to Judaism, it is clear though that the story of the last night of Masada grew to its current proportions thanks to the Zionist-Israeli necessity for a symbolic platform that will help forge the new Israeli.
Having that said, there is no proof what so ever that the description of the last night is mythical & untrue. In fact, in the recent years more & more of Josephus descriptions are being recognized by archeologist & historians as more reliable than thought before.
Masada became the model of the new Zionist movement and of the new society. In the melting pot created in the newly developed Jewish society the best solution for the individual joining enthusiastically is to become a part of a greater self – of the Zionist movement.
The last night of Masada became the authentic message of the new Israeli. Marking the war of few against many, right against wrong, of fighting to the last drop of blood & of loyalty to the LAND & to the NATION.
Masada became a link between the heroic past (Hanukah & the Maccabean - Hasmonean dynasty, Bar Kokhba Uprising) and the Zionist present.
Youth movements adopted Masada as a symbolic platform for the creation of the new Israeli identity –called the Zabar.
Long journeys ended after a rough & tough climb to the top of Masada, where a ceremony that highlighted the fact that "Masada will never fall again" took place. The climb to Masada & the ceremony became the workshop where the new Israeli was forged.
This movement & the attraction to the mountain became stronger and stronger and they could be described as modern-secular pilgrimage.
Today many groups have meaningful visits to the mountain: Bar mitzvah's, special ceremonies of army units choose this place to oath their allegiance, Jews from far communities declare out loud their "new Jewish name", and so on.
In a nutshell Masada is a platform that helps Jews (re)connect both to Israel & to Judaism, it is clear though that the story of the last night of Masada grew to its current proportions thanks to the Zionist-Israeli necessity for a symbolic platform that will help forge the new Israeli.
Having that said, there is no proof what so ever that the description of the last night is mythical & untrue. In fact, in the recent years more & more of Josephus descriptions are being recognized by archeologist & historians as more reliable than thought before.
Dr. Ofir Jacobson
Researcher of ancient cultures, religions and myths; Lecturer & tourist guide
http://www.ofirjacobson.com/
[email protected]
Researcher of ancient cultures, religions and myths; Lecturer & tourist guide
http://www.ofirjacobson.com/
[email protected]
