This week marks the holiday of Chanukah, and the victory of the Maccabees over the Greek desecrators of the Temple.  The ancient Jews, fighting for their homeland, were fierce warriors, who were not finally defeated until the Romans did so in 70AD with the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.  Here are some pictures that I took on our trip to Israel in 2007.

Evidence of another group of brave Jews, who committed suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.

This is the view from Masada, toward the Dead Sea.  Dry, but absolutely beautiful.

The lower pool at Ein Gedi, oasis amid the parched wilderness.

The ancient city of Caesarea, on the Mediterranean Sea.  The city of Herod the Great.

Happy Chanukah to all.