May 27th, 2013

It was a great, refreshing night at the Sea of Galilee that made me ready for the next day of exploration and learning about the region and its biblical history. This time we went to Golan, the region known in antiquity as Bashan. Now I can understand why the Scriptures talk about the fat cows of Bashan. There is plenty of food for them here. Once again we stopped to catch a view of the Sea of Galilea this time from its eastern side. What can I say about this piece of the Holy Land? I think I have fallen in love with Galilee. It seems to be like a hidden oasis among surrounding hills but big enough not to make me feel claustrophobic. It is an interesting experience. Before I didn’t realize that the Sea of Galilee is located 200 meters under sea level. It is kind of a weird thought when we drive up or down and pass the sign telling us that we are at the sea level while the surface of the water is a long way down. However the Sea gives an impression of freedom and distance from the rest of the world. I am glad that we will spend a couple more days here to immerse ourselves in this area.

My little home by the sea of Galilee. I wish I could stay here forever.

Fertile fields of Golan that was called Bashan in Biblical time

Are you one of the fat cows of Bashan the Bible talks about?

Isn't the Sea of Galilee magnificent?

Love it!!!!

As we drove away from the lookout we arrived at  Gamla where the Jews for many months withheld the siege of Romans Army in 66 AD. When Romans were about to break through the wall of the fortress located on the sharp hill the residents threw themselves into the valley in order to avoid being captured. Apparently a few thousand of them did that. The lookout from across the valley gives a great view of the place where so many human lives where ended abruptly. It happened some thirty years after Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. I wander if at least some of them as they saw the end coming
remembered the Prophet from Galilee who lived and preached not far from this  site. As I was looking at the hill I also thought how this military aspect  influences the life of today’s citizens of Israel who are obliged to serve three ears in army (boys) and 1.5 years (girls). This land cannot escape a war situation.

The hill of old fortress of Gamla

After the somber reflection on the capture of Gamla fortress we moved to Katzrin where we could see some houses from the time of Jesus. They weren’t very big, probably a bit too small for me but the stone material made them very solid. They weren’t very private in our understanding but I can only imagine all the social interactions happening there.

If Jesus was of my height he must have hit his head many times entering such houses

Was the dining room in the Holy Family's home like this?

Do I look like Mary cooking a meal for Jesus and Joseph?

It is called using all your senses to study the Sacred Scriptures.

The little Jews are learning about the old times too