THROUGH THE LAND OF ISRAEL III

An 1800-year- old Roman column used as lamp-post for a bar in Jerusalem! Located inside the Old City near Jaffa Gate, the column honours the legate of 'Septimius Severus Caesar' and was erected on 200 AD.

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VISITING JERUSALEM (3rd MAY, 2010).

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Details later...

From the Streets of Jerusalem Center.

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Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Jerusalem.

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Entrance to the 'Givat Ram' Campus of Hebrew University, Jerusalem.

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A View from 'Derekh (Street) Rupin', Jerusalem.

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Ministry of Interior, Jerusalem.

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Bible Land Museum (1992), Jerusalem. Fantastic display of artifacts associated with the different civilizations mentioned in the Bible. No photos allowed inside, so only the exterior.

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Israel Museum (1965), Jerusalem. Has a collection of 500,000 objects and rated as one of the best for art and archaeology. A Must-See in Jerusalem.The National Museum of Israel underwent a 100 million dollar renovation for 3 years and was reopened in July, 2010. The white building (2P) houses the world famous Dead Sea Scrolls.

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Crown Plaza Hotel (built in 1973)-the second tallest building (94 meters) in Jerusalem. The 21-floored hotel was the tallest building in Jerusalem until 'Holy Land Park' was built in 2009 (32 floors, 121 meters). Unlike many capitals of the world, Jerusalem is not a skyscraper city. In one way this has helped to preserve the skyline of this unique and historic city to look less artificial.

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The Ministry of Finance Office, Jerusalem.

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The Central 'Bank of Israel', Jerusalem.

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'The Wohl Rose Park' or 'Gan Wohl L'Vradim' of Jerusalem (1981). 20 acres, 15,000 rose bushes, 400 rose varieties from different countries. Named as one of the 11 most beautiful rose gardens in the world, in 2003.

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'Yaka Square' at the intersection of 'Kaplan' and 'Rothschild' Streets, Jerusalem. A few meters along the 'Rothschild Street' is Israel's Parliament (Knesset) building.

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"KNESSET"-the Israeli Parliament. Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, posthumously donated 6 million Israeli liras for the construction of a permanent Knesset building in 1966.

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The Supreme Court Area of Israel, Jerusalem.

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WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

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Relic of the Holy Crib or Manger made of Sycamore wood kept at the Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Rome.

The Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem-one of the eight gates to the Old City, this historic gate was built by Turks in 1538.

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The Tower of David or Citadel of Jerusalem. Archaeological remains from 8th Century BC.

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Phasael Tower of Citadel, Jerusalem. Built by King Herod after his brother Phasael, it is the only existing one among the three (other two are Hippicus and Mariamne) built by him. The base of the tower is from 1st Cent. BC.

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Entering the Church of Holy Sepulcher from Christian Quarter of Jerusalem.

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Inside the Church of Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem.

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Damascus Gate of Jerusalem (1537 AD)-One of the eight gates to the Old City. Underneath this Turkish built gate lies a 2nd century Roman gate from the time of Hadrian Ceasar.

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The Mosque of Ascension (1620 AD), Jerusalem. Built over earlier churches from 4th, 7th and 12th centuries. One of the traditional sites for Jesus' ascension. Main feature is the 'Footprints of Jesus'!

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Waiting for the tourists on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.

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A cemetery on the top of Mount Olives, Jerusalem.

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Temple Mount-the Heart of Jerusalem.

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Dome of the Rock

Al Aqsa Mosque

Golden Gate

JERUSALEM-the TEMPLE MOUNT

VISITING KORAZIM (CHORAZIN), GINNOSSAR (JESUS BOAT), TIBERIAS AND ARBEL (23-24 APRIL, 2010).

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Details later...

RAMAT GAN-The diamond city of Israel. One of worlds largets diamond exchange centers, Ramat Gan also has the tallest building in Israel Known as Moshe Aviv Tower (or 'City Gate'). Photos taken from Egged 841.

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Moshe Aviv Tower (built in 2001, the building is 814 ft tall and has 70 floors)

Ramat Gan (established in 1921, this satellite town of Tel Aviv houses one of the world's largest Diamond Exchange Centers; Bar Ilan University and the Sheba Medical Center.

RA'ANANA-20 km from Tel Aviv, it is one of the big cities in central Israel. The city has a large English and Spanish speaking Jewish population. Famous for its hightech industrial parks and high quality of life, the city had even been rated as the 'Safest City in Middle East' in 2005! Photos from egged 841, on the way to Korazim.

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TEL MEGGIDO-the site of Armageddon where according to Christian traditions (Revelations 16:16), Christ will return and defeat Antichrist and Satan the Devil.

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NAZARETH-the hometown of Jesus where he spent 30 of his 33 earthly years.

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Mount Tabor (1886 ft or 575 M) and vicinity-one of the most fertile regions of Israel today. This Biblical mountain is associated with Deborah, Barak, Gideon and Samuel. However, Mount Tabor is more famous for its affiliation with Jesus' transfiguration. You can see the Catholic Basilica of Transfiguration at the summit. There is also an Eastern Orthodox monastery at the mountain top.

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Tabor is mentioned 12 times in the Old Testament (NKJV Bible), viz. Joshua 19:12, 22, 34; Judges 4:6, 12, 14; 8:18; I Samuel 10:3; I Chronicles 6:77; Psalms 89:12; Jeremiah 46:18 and Hosea 5:1, but has never been mentioned in the New Testament by name. For the transfiguration of Jesus see Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36 and 2 Peter 1:16-18.

"As I live, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts, Surely as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea, so shall he come" (Jeremiah 46:18).

"The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name" (Psalms 89:12).

"1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him" (Mathew 17:1-3).

On the way to Tiberias.

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From the Tiberias Hostel where we stayed.

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Entering Tiberias, one of the four holiest cities of Judaism and one of the largest in Northern Israel.

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Walking Road 8277 to Chorazin from Korazim Junction.

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1P: Korazim (a Moshav from 1983, 1 KM before ancient Chorazin) and 2P: Vered Hagalil (an American-style ranch)

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Domus Galilaeae (House of Galilee). Inaugurated in 2000 by Pope John Paul II, this international center is built on the top of 'Mount of Beatitudes', overlooking the'Sea of Galilee'. Mainly used for Christian conventions and seminars.

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The beautiful 'Sea of Galilee' from the way to Chorazin.

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Moshav Amnun. Founded in 1983, it was meant for the people evacuated from Sinai when Israel gave the area to Egypt. Amnun is the Hebrew word for Tilapia fish, abundant in the nearby 'Sea of Galilee'. The settlement has a population a little over 300.

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CHORAZIN-One of the three cities cursed by Jesus (Mathew 11:21). Today a National Park with many remains from 4th century onwards.

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Chorazin (Korazin or Korazim) was one among the three cities known as the 'Evangelical Triangle' (others are Bethsaida and Capernaum) where Jesus spent much of his ministry. The city mentioned twice in the Bible (Mathew 11:21 and Luke 10:13), is more remembered as one of the cities Jesus cursed.

"Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you" (Mathew 11:20-21). Due to the condemnation of Jesus, some early Medieval writers believed that the Antichrist would be born in Chorazin-records wikipedia.

Located 5 KM north to the 'Sea of Galille' and 900ft above the sea level, Chorazin is now part of a 25 acre Israeli National Park. The site was first excavated by C. Wilson in 1869, followed by several more until 1980s. This under-explored site, mostly due to its isolated location, has some fascinating archaeological remains to offer built in black basalt rocks. An imposing 3rd to 4th century synagogue, a 1600 years old stone seat with an Aramaic inscription that reads "Chair of Moses," ancient olive presses, Jewish ritual baths and remains of several stone sculptures with geometric and floral motifs are a few of them. More details are appended with photographs below.

Most of the remains you see today are from 4th century onwards. A quest for the synagogue at the time of Jesus has been extensively sought, but not discovered so far. In 1926, a first century synagogue was reported 200 M west of the present ruins, but never found by later excavators. However, there is a high probability that the first century synagogue is located very near these ruins. We do know that Chorazin was established in the first century from ancient records, but are yet to find its traces. Chorazin is also mentioned in Jewish Talmud.

For us the most difficult part was to walk the 2 KM stretch from the Korazim junction to the park and return, under the scorching sun of Israel. But, it was an experience to cherish.

Approaching the Chorazin National Park from Korazim Junction through Route 8277.

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Chorazin National Park: Overall Views. Spread in 25 acres, this less-explored national park has many fascinating archaeological remains from 4th century AD onwards.

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The ancient synagogue of Chorazin. Apparently built in late 3rd or early 4th century AD, the synagogue was destroyed in an earthquake of late 4th century. It was rebuilt in 5th century and lasted until 8th century. The synagogue is more famous for its association with Jesus, though till date no structure discovered from Chorazin has been undisputedly dated from 1st century.

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Chorazin, the land of black basalt rocks. These hard rocks of volcanic origin were used to make most of its monuments, and can be still seen scattered everywhere. Look for the 'Sea of Galilee' in the last photograph.

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Main entrance and the staircase to the Chorazin Synagogue (4th Century AD). There were three doors to enter the synagogue, the reconstructed structure has only a side door and a larger central door. The doors face south, i.e. towards Jerusalem. The reconstructed gable displayed on the floor (4P and 5P) was part of the decorated top of the original door.

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The pillars of Chorazin Synagogue (late 3rd or early 4th cent. AD). There were 12 pillars of which only 5 remains intact today. The pillars were arranged in the shape of 'U', dividing the main hall of the synagogue to a central nave and three narrow aisles. Two tiers of benches for worshippers lined the walls. The synagogue is 23 meters long and 17 meters wide.

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Main entrance to the Chorazin Synagogue (4th Cent. AD). Replicas of 'Seat of Moses' and a 'Carved Pillar' can be seen on either side of the entrance.

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The Seat (Cathedra) of Moses (4th Cent. AD). Found in the 1920’s, this basalt chair is one of the most important discoveries from Chorazin. An exemplary illustration of the “Seat of Moses” mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 23:2.

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"1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not" (Matthew 23:1-3).

The 'Seat of Moses' has been interpreted differently. Some believe the term means the authority of Pharisees and Scribes and need not be taken literally. For others it is indeed a seat, a special chair from which the Rabbi or another speaker would address the congregation and discuss the Torah and Haftarah readings (from the Book of Prophets) of the day. At the time of Jesus too, Torah was read in every Shabbat in the synagogue (Acts 15:21) and some one from the congregation would address the public.

"And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him" (Luke 4:20).The place where he sat down was called "Moses' Seat". The seat was then probably meant for the dignitaries among the congregation and not for the Rabbi alone. Of course, the 'Moses' Seat' discovered from Chorazin was used in the 4th century and not at the time of Jesus.

The Aramaic inscription in front of the stone reads: "Remembered be for good Judah ben Ishmael who made this stoa and its staircase. As his reward may he have a share with the righteous". You can read the first line Zachor l'tov (Remembered for good) easily. Remember the original seat is in the Israel Museum and a replica is placed at the Chorazin national park.

A decorated stone pillaster by the entrance of the Chorazin Synagogue (4th Cent. AD). It probably was part of the niche for the Torah Ark. What you see here is only a replica, the original carved pillar is in Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

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A decorated conch from the Chorazin Synagogue (4th Cent. AD). Believed to be part of a window in the upper part of the synagogue or a structure that flanked the 'Ark of the Law'. Considering the hard texture of the black basalt rocks, it is very difficult to carve or engrave. You can imagine the skills of the craftsmen to do such intricate works.

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Medusa, the Greek mythological figure inside a Jewish Synagogue! Discovered from the 4th Century synagogue of Chorazin. Shows the Hellenestic influence on Judaism at the early centuries.

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Human (understandably defaced later), animal (lion), and floral (grapes) motifs carved into the basalt rocks, Chorazin Synagogue (4th Cent. AD).

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Black basalt rocks carved with geometrical and floral motifs (4th Cent. AD), Chorazin Synagogue.

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The Jewish Ritual Bath (Mikveh) of Chorazin (3rd to 4th Century AD?). Look for the water filled cavity covered by a set of long stones.

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The arched structure near the ritual bath, Chorazin. 2P-3P: The 5 windows in front of the basalt arch opened to the Sea of Galilee.

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Houses in the central quarter of Chorazin. Foundation of these buildings is dated from late 4th century AD! In 1P, you can look for a narrow lane running between houses that are adjacent to each other. The synagogue of Chorazin is left to these residences.

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The three double arches of Chorazin. The arches supported the ceilings of a medieval home in Chorazin. You can also look for the vaulted entrance to the building.

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An Olive Oil Press from Chorazin. One among the three discovered from Chorazin. Dated to the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD and believed to be associated with the Roman era Chorazin.

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Yigal Allon Museum in Kibbutz Ginnosar with the 2000-year-old 'Sea of Galilee Boat' or 'Jesus Boat'. The boat was discovered accidentally by two fishermen brothers in the Sea of Galilee near the Kibbutz Ginnosar. The boat emerged from the waters in 24 January, 1986 when the sea receded during a severe drought.

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Kibbutz Ginnosar was established in 1937. Ginnosar was the home of famous Israeli politician and military general, Yigal Allon (1918-1980). He was buried in the cemetery of Kibbutz Ginnosar after his sudden demise in 1980. Today, the Kibbutz is more famous for its precious find-'the Jesus Boat'.

1P: Entering the Kibbutz Ginnosar

2P, 3P and 4P: Look for the Arbel Cliffs at background. Views from Kibbutz Ginnosar.

The Yigal Allon Museum Complex

A mosaic model of 'Jesus Boat' displayed in front of the museum

A snap taken from the short film about 'Jesus Boat', included in the entrance fee.

To whom did the 'Jesus Boat' belong? Discovered from the 'Sea of Galilee' and dated from the time of Jesus, it was definitely a breaking news for christianity. Whether Jesus and His disciples have seen or used the boat is a different issue, but what is more important is that this unique find gives us a more clear idea of the sort of boat used during the time of Jesus.

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'Jesus Boat' displayed in Kibbutz Ginnosar. Considered as the oldest boat discovered from a fresh water lake (carbon dated 40 BC plus or minus 80 years). After it's accidental discovery on the shores of the 'Sea of Galilee'in 24th January, 1986, it took 12 days and nights of delicate and painful procedures to recover the boat from mud. It was then followed by submerging in a chemical bath for 7 years before the boat was finally displayed to the public in the Yiagal Allon Museum of Kibbutz Ginnosar.

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The boat is 25 ft long, 7.5 ft wide and 4 ft high with 15-20 people easily accommodated.

11 types of wood (mainly oak and cedar) were used to make the 'Jesus Boat' as displayed in the chart. Was there a shortage of wood when the boat was constructed or was it made of scrap wood?-we don't know.

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Cooking pot, lamp and nails found in the Jesus Boat, Kibbutz Ginnosar. All of them dated between 50 BC and 50 AD. Imagine nails 2000 years old!

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How the 2000 years old 'Jesus Boat' was recovered from the shores of 'Sea of Galilee' in 1986? These plaques displayed in the 'Yigal Allon Museum', Ginnosar briefs the events.

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Christian Pilgrimage Sites on the shores of the 'Sea of Galilee'

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1. Church of Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6); 2. Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes (Matthew 14: 13-21); 3. Church of the Primacy of Peter (John 21:9)

1. Location for the ancient Synagogue of Capernaum ((Mark 1:21-2;Luke 7:3;John 6:35-59) and the 'House of Peter'; 2. The Greek Orthodox Church of Capernaum (John 21).

Modern Tiberias from Ginnosar

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Golan Heights (see background) from 'Sea of Galiee'.

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A tourist boat on the 'Sea of Galilee'.

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St: Peter's Catholic Church (parts of walls inside the church from 1100 AD), Tiberias. The earlier Crusader Church was built to commemorate the "First Miraculous Draught of Fish" along with the Calling of Peter and Andrew as Apostles by Jesus (Matthew 4: 18-22 and Luke 5: 1-11). The nave of the church represented the hull of an overturned boat. At the 16th century when Muslims controlled Tiberias, the church was often used as a stable for animals! It was only in 1847 Franciscans could repair the Church.

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6P: The mosaic in the apse depicts St: Peter in a boat. The words, 'portae inferi non praevalebunt adversum eam' (Latin) is taken from Matthew 16:18, which is translated in KJV as 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it'.

8P: Monument to the Virgin of Czestochowa- built in 1945 by Polish soldiers of the Third Army (who fought here in World War II) in memory of their stay in the Casa Nova of Tiberias. Casa Nova was a hostel built in 1903 for pilgrims visiting Holy Land and still functions.

Inside the Church

Tiberias Promenade at Night (Along the Sea of Galilee). 1P: The 'Sea of Galilee' Level Indicator shows the level to be 212.66 meters below sea level (The date was 23rd April, 2010).

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A Jewish Mansion (1836) in Tiberias

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Remains of the Gate of a Crusader Fortress (12th Cent. AD)-Tiberias.

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“Etz Hayim” (Tree of Life) Synagogue, Tiberias. Built by Rabbi Hayim Aboul’afia in 1740. The synagogue was built on the ruins of an earlier ancient synagogue, or according to some on the site of the Sanhedrin. The Jewish Sanhedrin of Jerusalem moved to Tiberias in 270 AD after the destruction of the Temple.

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Al-Amari Mosque, Tiberias. Built by the Bedouin Sheikh Dahar El Omar in late 1730. Today in an abandoned state.

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Independence War (1948) Memorial-Tiberias.

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VISITING ARBEL NATURE RESERVE-one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Israel. 'Beth-Arbel' in the Holy Bible (Hoshea 10:14) is most probably refering to the region of Arbel.

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The official brochure of the National Park introduces Arbel as "A sheer cliff rising majestically above the Sea of Galilee with a magnificent view of the Golan Heights and Mount Hermon; an ancient community that left remnants of its fine synagogue;trails to a cave-fortress nestled in the rock – these are the Arbel: a nature reserve and national park, a jewel of nature and landscape and an ancient heritage site unparalleled in Israel".

The 'Arbel National Park' is spread in 2,127 acres and it encompasses 460 acres of the national reserve. Mount Arbel (181 meters above sea level or 390 meters above the Sea of Galilee) and Mount Nitay (98 meters above sea level) are the major cliffs in the reserve. Abundant with some unique flora and fauna, Arbel is also famous for its history. Active from the Maccabean period (2nd century BC), Arbel has been associated with King Herod and Josephus. Jesus has preached and performed many miracles in the Valley of Ginnosar at the foot of the Arbel. The towns of Magdala and Capernaum associated with Jesus' public ministry are also located near the valley of Arbel. I believe that there is a high probability of Jesus climbing these cliffs with his disciples for solitude or prayer.

Arbel is often mentioned in both the Mishnah and Talmud. Some famous Jewish sages like Nitai HaArbeli (2nd Cent. BC), Rabbi Zeira (3rd to 4th Cent AD) and Rabbi Hezekiah (3rd Cent AD) are said to be buried here though their graves are not identifiable today. Interestingly, there is even a certain Jewish tradition that the burial sites of Reuben, Levi and Dina (children of Jacob) and Seth (son of Adam) are in Arbel!

There are several hiking trails marked inside the park, from 30 minutes short walk to more demanding steep routes that can easily take 4-5 hours.We took some of the lengthiest trails. It was a bit tiresome feeling to walk under the scorching heat. However, the breathtaking views offered by Arbel's summit together with knowing its glorious past was a rewarding experience.

Entering Arbel Nature Reserve

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Horns of Hattim -Moshav Arbel-Kfar Hittim -Kfar Zeitim -Tomb of Nabi Shueib: Views from Arbel Cliffs.

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Horns of Hattim-site for the famous battle of 1187 that ended Crusader rule in Holy Land
Moshav Arbel-established in 1949 on the site of Arab village Hattin
Kfar Hittim-est. in 1936, it is the the first moshav shitufi and the first Tower and stockade settlement in Israel
Kfar Zeitim- or the'Valley of Olives' is a Moshav established in 1950 by Yemenite Jews.
Tomb of Nabi Shueib-holiest site of Druze community, the burial site of Jethro-the father-in-law of Moses.

Mount Tabor from Arbel (Traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus-Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-18)

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The valley beneath 'Horns of Hattim'.

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A water reservoir (?) on Arbel Hills.

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An Inflorescence from Arbel

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Coney or Syrian Hyrax. Mentioned in Leveticus 11:5; Deuteronomy 14:7; Psalm 104:18 and Proverb 30:26; Coney is Shaphan in Hebrew. Although coney resembles rabbit or hare, their habits and morphology are different. They live in holes or clefts of the rock in steep cliffs.

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Hikers on the Arbel. (Enlarge the snaps.)

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1P: Look for the hill 'Horns of Hittin' at the background.

Caves and the Fortress of Arbel. The three-storied castle (12th cent AD onwards) connects caverns and caves in the cliff into one fortress. The caves were actively used by Jewish rebels against King Herod's forces (1st Century BC).

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The caves were used by Jewish rebels of ancient Arbel as a stronghold against: 1) Syrian General Baccides (2nd Cent. BC) by the Maccabees; 2) King Herod's army (1st Cent. BC); 3) Romans (1st Cent. AD) at the time of first Jewish War. During the great Jewish rebellion against the Roman army in 68 AD, Arbel was fortified by none other than the famous Jewish Historian, Flavius Josephus! The towering steep cliffs, the gaping void below it and lack of access roads made the caves a strategic location for the defense of Arbel. Most of the remains of fortifications from this time were uncovered on adjacent Mount Nitai.

1P: The Caves of Arbel (located in the Nithail hills)

The three-storied Arbel Fortress

The fortress at Arbel was used during the Crusader and Mamluk periods. But most of the remains visible today are from the castle built here by Ali Beck (18th century) during the Ottoman period. Known as Qala’at Ibn Ma’an in Arabic, the fortress controlled Arbel Valley and the roads leading through it. Coins and Jewish ritual immersion baths from the Hellenistic period (2nd Cent BC) were among the finds in the caves inside the fortress.

Inside the Arbel Fortress

Views from the Arbel Fortress

Magdala from Arbel Cliffs. Magdala is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2; John 20:1, 18). Recently (2009), Magdala was in limelight after a first century synagogue and perfume bottles from the same era were discovered.

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According to Talmud, there are two Magdala: 1) Magdala Gadar (near Gadar east to the Sea of Galilee) and 2) Magdala Nunayya or "Magdala of the Fishes" (near Tiberias west to the Sea of Galilee). Magdala Nunayya is identified as the Magdala of Mary the Magdalene. After the destruction of Jerusalem Temple by Romans in first century AD, Magdala became the seat of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions.

Records of a church at the site from 4th century are known. The name of ancient Magdala and therefore the location of the site was preserved along with the Arab village Al-Majdal that existed here until 1948. From the ancient synagogue (50 BC to 100 AD) of Magdala, archaeologists have unearthed a seven-branched menorah (candelabrum), the likes of which have never been seen. It is the first menorah to be discovered that dates to the Second Temple period. If the synagogue was active during first century, there is a very high chance that Jesus would have visited the site.

The fertile 'Ginnosar Valley' from Arbel Cliffs. The settlement in the background is the modern Israeli town of Migdal. The valley separates Upper and Lower Galilee.This is the 'Land of Gennaseret' through which Jesus and his disciples often travelled.

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The Israeli Settlement of Migdal (1910). Named after the nearby ruins of old Magdala, hometown of Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2).

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Gas station at Migdal junction.

Beautiful views of Highway 90 and Kibbutz Ginnosar from Arbel Cliffs. The kibbutz was established in 1937 and the name Ginnosar is derived from biblical Gennesaret (Joshua 11:2, 19:35, Mathew 14:34, Mark 6:53 and Luke 5:1). Even Kinneret, the Hebrew name today for the 'Sea of Galilee' is derived from Gennesaret.

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Today, Ginnosar is more famous for the first century boat discovered on its shore in 1986. The boat known as 'Jesus Boat' or 'Sea of Galilee Boat' is carbon dated to 100 BC to 70 AD! Ginnosar is also the hometown of famous Israeli politician Yigal Allon (1918 to 1980).

Mount Migdal from Arbel Cliffs.

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Far-views from Arbel Cliffs: special focus on 1) Safed-one of Judaism's four holy cities, along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias; 2) Nahal Amud-a popular Nature Reserve in northern parts of Israel and 3) Huqoq-the traditional site where biblical Prophet Habbakkuk is burried.

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1: Mount Mitzpe Hayamim (734 M); 2: Kadarim-a Kibbutz from 1980; 3: Amud Stream or Nahal Amud; 4: Livnim-a Jewish Communal Settlement (1989); 5: Huqoq-a Kibbutz (1945) built near the Arab village of Yaquq; 6: Safed-the Jewish Holy City; 7: Mount Kena'an (917 M).

Biblical city of Hukkok is mentioned in the book of Joshua (19:34). Hukkok's association with Prophet Habbakkuk who worked and lived in Judea is highly disputed. The issue has been addressed in a 2007 article came on the newspaper 'Yediot Ahronot' see link:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3379385,00.html

Huqoq and Livnim-zoomed in

Amud Stream or Nahal Amud. Today a nature reserve, the Amud Stream is surrounded by abundant fruit trees; some of the largest plane trees in Israel; ancient flour mills, wild life and pre-historic caves.One among the caves is the 'Cave of the Skull' discovered in 1925, where the 'Galilee Skull' -belonging to a Neanderthal man dated 100,000 BC was discovered!

Safed from Arbel using a zoom lens. Safed or Tzfat as known in Hebrew is the highest located city in Israel (900 M). One among the four holy cities of Judaism, Safed is today the epicenter of Jewish mysticism-the kabbalah. In Kabbalistic tradition, Jerusalem is earth; Tiberias is water; Hebron is fire and Tzfat is air! Today, visiting this spiritual and artistic city with its clean and fresh mountain air, picturesque alleyways and charming stone houses is a heavenly experience. Sad to say, I couldn't manage to visit this historic city during my stay in Israel, though I strongly wanted to be there once.

Mountains and settlements in Galillee from Arbel Cliffs.

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1. Mount Kammon (602 M); 2. Mount Hazon (584 M); 3. Mount Ha'ari (584 M); 4. Mount Livnim

Ravid is an Israeli Kibbutz established in 1981; whereas Maghar is a large (~5000 acres) Arab town with a Druze majority (57%)

Settlements of Galilee from Arbel Cliffs.

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1. Mount Azmon (547 M); 2. Mount Ahim (521 M); 3. Mount Avtalyon (424 M); 4. Eilabun-A Christian Israeli Arab Settlement; 5. Hararit-A Jewish Communal Settlement (1980); 6. Massad-A Jewish Communal Settlement (1983); 7. Deir Hanna-An Israeli Arab Settlement. Believed to be the site of the Jewish village of Kfar Yohanna, the seat of the Priestly Courses of Yakhin ( the 21st of the 24 Priestly Courses) ; 8. Lotem-A Kibbutz from 1978.

Tiberias from Arbel Cliffs. Established in 20 BC, Tiberias is a famous Jewish and Christian pilgrimage site.

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The Western Shore of 'Sea of Galilee'-

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'Cove of the Sower'-view from Arbel Cliffs. The cove of sower is the place from where Jesus spoke to a large crowd as recorded in Mark 4:1-20; Matthew 14:1-15 and Luke 8:4-10.

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"And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine. Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: (Mark 4:1-3)".

The special acoustics of the area has been researched by B. Cobbey Crisler and according to him around 5000-7000 can assemble here and can still be audible by a person speaking from the cove (published Biblical Archaeologist, 1976 issue; 39 (4): 128-141). I suggest you to go through 'BiblePlaces.com' for great pictures of the site and to hear an audio file recorded.

http://www.bibleplaces.com/coveofsower.htm

1. Mount of Beatitudes; 2. Tabgha; 3. Cove of the Sower; 4. Capernaum; 5. Bethsaida

Traditional 'Sermon on the Mount' or 'Mount of Beatitudes'-views from Arbel Cliffs.

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Khirbet Wadi Hamam and the Arab Village of Hamam from Arbel Cliffs.

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2P: Look for people at the base of Arbel Cliffs.