Page 36 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition
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ecological significance to this historical     Cities of Ancient Wisdom: Korazim, Zippori,       "Mona Lisa of the Galilee" - an exquisite
treasure.                                      and Beit She'arim                                 portrait of a woman with captivating eyes
                                                                                                 that adorns the floor of a Roman villa.
Mount Arbel                                    Korazim
Rising above the Sea of Galilee, Mount         Built entirely of local black basalt stone,       The site demonstrates peaceful coexistence
Arbel's sheer 380-meter cliffs provide one of  Korazim offers a striking glimpse into Jewish     between Jewish and Roman influences, with
Israel's most breathtaking panoramic views.    community life during the time of Jesus. The      a Roman theater, elaborate water system,
On clear days, visitors can see from the       town is mentioned in the New Testament            and Crusader fortress alongside Jewish ritual
Golan Heights to Mount Hermon and across       when Jesus rebuked it alongside Capernaum         baths and residential areas. Some traditions
much of the Galilee. The cliff face contains   (Kfar Nahum) and Bethsaida for not heeding        associate Zippori with Mary's parents,
ancient cave dwellings and fortifications,     his teachings despite witnessing miracles         placing Jesus's maternal family origins near
testament to communities seeking refuge        (Matthew 11:21-23, Luke 10:13-15).                this cosmopolitan center. Given Zippori's
in turbulent times throughout history. From                                                      proximity to Nazareth (just 4 miles away)
this breathtaking vantage point, visitors can  The centerpiece of this archaeological            and its status as a major construction site
see what many call the "Evangelical Triangle"  park is its magnificent synagogue from the        during Jesus's youth, many scholars believe
- the area around the Sea of Galilee where     4th-5th centuries CE. The intricate basalt        Jesus himself likely visited and perhaps
Jesus conducted much of his ministry. Below    carvings include a replica of the Ark of          even worked here as a craftsman. The
stretches the landscapes of Capernaum,         the Covenant and a "Moses Seat" where             multicultural encounters in this bustling city,
Bethsaida, and the Mount of Beatitudes,        community leaders would have sat - a              contrasting sharply with the small village
allowing visitors to visualize the setting of  physical manifestation of Jesus's reference in    of Nazareth where he grew up, may have
Jesus's teachings, miracles, and the calling   Matthew 23:2 when He spoke of the scribes         enriched the parables and conversations
of his disciples that transformed the world.   and Pharisees who "sit in Moses' seat." The       recorded in the Gospels.
                                               site's layout of residential quarters, ritual
Hikers can choose from several routes: the     baths (mikvaot), and public spaces helps          Beit She'arim
demanding but rewarding climb up the cliff     visitors envision daily life in ancient Galilee.  The remarkable underground necropolis
face (assisted by metal handholds in steeper                                                     of Beit She'arim provides an unparalleled
sections), the more moderate path winding      Zippori (Sepphoris)                               window into Jewish life following the
around the mountain, or simply enjoying        Called the "Ornament of the Galilee" in           destruction of the Second Temple. When
the view from the parking area overlook.       ancient times, Zippori flourished as a            Rabbi Judah HaNasi - compiler of the
Photographers particularly value Arbel at      center of Jewish learning following the           Mishnah and head of the Sanhedrin - chose
sunrise, when golden light bathes the Sea of   Great Revolt. The city is renowned for its
Galilee and surrounding landscapes.            spectacular mosaics, including the famous

                                                                                                 Zippori. Photo: Doron Nissim

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