Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
As a person who was brought up in the Christian faith but not necessarily devout, I didn’t know what I would feel while visiting many of the biblical sites around Israel. I was familiar with many of the places that we would visit but because I have never read the Bible in depth, I had no strong connection with any of the sites.
Proposed site of the Annunciation
Our first day trip from Tel Aviv took us to the biblical north to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. From the stories I have heard from the Bible, the modern day experience was much different than what I pictured. For example, upon entering Nazareth (where Jesus grew up) we immediately saw a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Although you expect places to change over time and modernize, you somehow expect to see the Nazareth of biblical times. I pictured a small city with dirt roads and several humble abodes. However, Nazareth is just like any other city in the world with a shopping mall, cramped parking, and fast food restaurants.
Ancient synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus may have preached
Thankfully though, some of stops during our day trip were in more remote locations and provided a stronger glimpse as to how the land may have looked during biblical times. Upon entering Capernaum, historic ancient columns that had been excavated revealed a synagogue where Jesus likely preached during his life. This ancient preservation was a strong reminder that life existed and thrived here well over two thousand years ago.
Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor
Going to the top of Mount Tabor and visiting the Church of the Transfiguration gave us an unexpected surprise. Unbeknownst to us, we happened to visit on the holiday/anniversary (August 5th) of the transfiguration. This holiday is only celebrated in the local communities around Mount Tabor. Many people were sitting along the path that leads to the Church of the Transfiguration, cooking food and spending time with family. We soon learned that many Christians in Israel and West Bank celebrate Christian holidays that we have never heard of. Each town with a church commemorating an important event in the Bible will often have a holiday tied to it. These holidays are typically only celebrated in the local communities. Overall, I enjoyed our day trip into the biblical north. However, I would have appreciated the day more had I been a greater historian of the Bible.
A view of the Sea of Galilee
Here are some other pictures of our trip to the biblical north:
One of the two proposed baptismal sites on the Jordan River- this site was located close to the Sea of Galilee. The other site is closer to Jericho in the south.
A view from Mount Beatitudes – proposed site of the Sermon on the Mount
Church on Mount Beatitudes
Site commemorating the site near the shores of Galilee where Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep post-resurrection
Proposed site of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes
A view of lower Galilee from Mount Tabor
